To do on Santorini: the hike from Fira to Oía
March 10, 2025
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The Greek island of Santorini may not be the first destination you think of for a beach vacation. The island is volcanic, so the beaches are covered in lava sand and are dark-colored. But if you ask us? Then that absolutely shouldn't stop you from visiting Santorini for sun, sea and beach. In fact, the island is gorgeous, with surprisingly beautiful and diverse beaches. Wondering exactly where to go? These are the most beautiful beaches on Santorini and the nicest resorts to stay at.
1. Kamari: the most popular beach on Santorini for families with children
Kamari is one of the most famous and oldest resorts on Santorini, and for good reason. The elongated beach with dark lava sand invites you to relax, while along the lively promenade you will find plenty of taverns, cocktail bars and ice cream parlors. During the day it is all about sun, sea and relaxation, and in the evening the promenade comes alive with strolling vacationers and typical Greek terraces.
Kamari beach is fun to visit for a day, but it is also a nice place to stay on the island. Especially families with children feel at home here very quickly. The beach is well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, the sea slopes gradually and you have everything within easy reach. For small children the quieter Monolithos might be more suitable (more on that later!), but Kamari offers just that little bit of extra liveliness and fun!
Hotel Tip Kamari: you'll find a diverse range of accommodations, from competitively priced apartments to stylish boutique hotels. Highly recommended is the cozy and affordable The Boathouse Hotel. It is located right on the beach, near restaurants and stores. The pool here is also lovely. Bonus: the airport is less than a 10-minute drive away, so you'll be there in no time.
2. Eros Beach: a hidden gem on Santorini
Eros Beach is definitely the topper when we talk about the most beautiful beaches of Santorini. This beach is not among the most popular beaches, but for that very reason it is a unique find on the island. Eros Beach is a secluded beach that you can only get to via an unpaved road. The beach is a typical volcanic beach surrounded by cliffs. The contrast between the black sand and the white-brown rock make Eros Beach a special place.
There is one beach bar on Eros Beach: Theros Wave Bar. This beach bar is incredibly cozy! You can rent sun beds and umbrellas here. You can also sit on the veranda where you can relax with a delicious cocktail, tasty snacks, nice lounge background music and an amazing view over the sea.
3. Red Beach: the iconic beach of Santorini
Red Beach is without a doubt one of the most iconic beaches of Santorini and absolutely worth a visit. The beach is surrounded by imposing red volcanic rocks. You will have to make a climb to reach the beach, but once you arrive you will be rewarded with stunning views.
Unlike Eros Beach, Red Beach does rank among Santorini's busiest beaches. Don't expect to spend hours sunbathing here, as the beach is naturally sheltered from wind. As a result, temperatures can be high. Only one beach club can be found with a few sunbeds and some sitting areas on the hill. Here you can eat and drink, and use the restroom for a fee. If you want to stay on Red Beach all day, consider making your own bring enough drinks, food and an umbrella.
Would you like to stay near Red Beach? Then it is best to do so in the nearby village of Akrotiri. Here you will find, for example, the beautiful hotel Symmetry Suites. It is a picture to behold and a peaceful base from which to explore the island. For example, rent a rental car through Sunnycars and explore Red Beach, the archaeological site of Akrotiri and Kokkinopetra beach at your own pace.
4. The mysterious beach White Beach
White Beach is perhaps the most mysterious beach on Santorini, making it certainly one of the most beautiful beaches. It is tucked between tall white cliffs and accessible only by boat or via a walkway from Red Beach. As such, it feels a bit like a secret hideaway. The beach is small, with large boulders and black lava sand. White Beach is surrounded by snow-white rock formations that contrast beautifully with the blue water. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini. There are no facilities, so bring your own beach gear and plenty of water!
5. Hidden gem between Red Beach and White Beach: Kambia Beach
Tucked between the famous Red Beach and the mysterious White Beach is Kambia Beach. Here you won't find crowds of tourists or beach clubs, just rugged rocks and azure water. The path leading to it takes some searching (and a bit bumpy), but that's what makes it extra adventurous. Take your snorkel, your towel under your arm and enjoy this hidden piece of Santorini as if it were just yours.
6. Perissa Beach: conviviality and liveliness
Another beach we can't get enough of is Perissa Beach, located on the east coast of Santorini. The black pebble beach and clear waters combine to create a beautiful contrast, but the real charm is in the relaxed atmosphere. This is the beach you go to for conviviality, a good book in the sun and The best hotspots of Santorini.
The absolute favorite here? Tranquilo. The name says it all: tranquilo. This beach bar is not to be missed. In fact, it exudes one and all cheerfulness with color, color and more color! A great place to get into the vacation spirit. Think hammocks, fresh smoothies, delicious lunch dishes and beach beds to dream away for hours. You simply won't want to leave here.
And you don't have to. In fact, Perissa is not only fun for an afternoon at the beach, but also a nice place to stay. The atmosphere is casual, there are plenty of nice restaurants and you are close to other beautiful beaches such as Perivolos.
Hotel Tip Perissa: for a romantic stay without kids around you is the stylish TUI BLUE Meltemi Blu a hit. With swim-up rooms, Jacuzzis and three pools, this is an adults-only paradise just off the beach.
7. Perivolos: cozy beach bars and taverns
Adjacent to Perissa Beach is the smaller, but equally cozy resort of Perivolos. Here you will also find those characteristic black sand and pebble beaches, only with a slightly more chic look. Think of stylish beach clubs, comfortable sun beds with umbrellas, and service that will gladly bring you a cocktail or fresh fruit shake to your beach bed.
Perivolos is the place for a lively, yet relaxing beach day. You can lounge here at popular beach bars such as JoJo, Wet Stories and Chilli. Lovely spots to effortlessly turn the afternoon into a balmy summer evening with music, sunset and good food.
That fine vibe of Perivolos also makes it an attractive place to stay. You are right by the sea, but just a little quieter than at the busier resorts. Ideal for couples, for example.
Hotel tips Perivolos: Santa Irina Luxury Sunny Lofts is a small-scale adults-only hideaway with stylish suites, a pool and hot tub. A fine place for a relaxing stay in luxury. Sea View Beach Hotel is located right on the beach, with a swimming pool, sun terrace and tropical garden. A wonderful base just steps away from both Perivolos and Perissa Beach.
8. Vlychada Beach: the lunar landscape of Santorini
Vlychada Beach is not just another beach, it is a place that makes you feel like you have landed in another continent. Imagine black volcanic sand, impressive white rock formations rising out of the earth like sculptures, and a serene tranquility you won't find anywhere else on Santorini. This is the beach for those who are looking for something different from the hustle and bustle of the popular resorts, and enjoy discovering the island's most beautiful beaches.
Therefore, you won't find a busy boulevard here. Instead of the usual beach bars and lively atmosphere, here you are surrounded by the silence of nature. There are a few taverns, but you come here mainly for the unique view and the tranquility.
9. A relaxing beach day at Monolithos
Monolithos is one of those beaches that quietly conquers you. No rows of sunbeds, no loud music or trendy beach clubs, but it does have black sand, calm sea and all the peace and quiet you need to recharge. It's close to Santorini's airport (you sometimes spot a plane, which is secretly quite nice) and feels a bit like a hidden spot for locals and peace seekers.
Thanks to its shallow sea and playground, Monolithos is also a nice place for families with young children. You'll find a few taverns where you can score a fresh Greek lunch and plenty of space to roll out your towel. It's an ideal spot to escape the busier beaches like Kamari or Perissa.
And... if you're thinking: this is where I want to stay longer, we totally get it. In fact, Monolithos is also a surprisingly nice place to stay. Especially if you want to combine the tranquility of the sea with the convenience of a central location.
Hotel tips Monolithos: Blue Eyes Beach Villa is a real home away from home. The beautifully furnished apartments are fully equipped and exude warmth and the typical Greek atmosphere. You are just 15 meters from the beach, with a beautiful view of the sea and the sunrise from your window or balcony. Here you will unwind in privacy, while still being within 10 minutes of Fira. Another hotel tip is Scorpios Beach (bookable as a package tour through TUI). It is practically óon the beach of Monolithos. Think: stylish interior, an intimate pool with bar and a relaxed atmosphere. A nice place to get away from it all.
More Santorini inspiration for your dream vacation
Looking for even more tips for your dream vacation to Santorini? Check out our blog about where to stay on Santorini, in which we share the best places to stay on the island.
Fancy some adventure? Read all about the iconic hike from Fira to Oía. Be inspired by the most beautiful villages on Santorini and discover all the highlights in our complete overview of great tips for what to do on Santorini. Everything you need for an unforgettable trip to Santorini can be found here!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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