Santorini in Style: What to Pack, Book & Plan for the Perfect Beach Day
With its whitewashed cliffs, deep blue waters, and iconic beach clubs, Santorini isn’t just a destination — it’s a vibe. Whether you’re lounging on Red Beach, swimming at Perissa, or sipping cocktails in Oia, a little planning can make your beach day smoother, more stylish, and well protected.
🛡️ 1. Protect Your Island Escape
From ferry delays to lost luggage or medical needs, island trips can get unpredictable. That’s why travel insurance for Greece island travel is a must. Look for policies that cover inter-island transport, hotel bookings, and emergency medical care — especially when island hopping in the Cyclades.
🏨 2. Stay Close to the Sand
Skip the crowds and opt for boutique hotels near Santorini beaches — many offer private terraces, direct beach access, or views that are just as dreamy as the caldera. Bonus: boutique stays often partner with booking sites offering rewards or exclusive perks through premium travel cards.
💳 3. Book with the Right Credit Card
Want room upgrades or late check-out? Use credit cards with Mediterranean travel perks that reward hotel stays, restaurant bookings, and even spa treatments in places like Santorini. Some cards also include built-in travel insurance — ideal for extra peace of mind.
👗 4. Pack Like a Resort Pro
Santorini calls for effortless glamour. Think floaty dresses, oversized sunglasses, strappy sandals, and wide-brim hats. I recommend luxury resort fashion for Greek islands — pieces that go from beach lounge to cliffside taverna without a second thought.
📶 5. Stay Connected, Even on the Beach
If you’re planning to work remotely, post photos, or just navigate without roaming charges, grab one of the top-rated SIM cards and WiFi services in Greece. Providers like Airalo or Vodafone Greece offer solid coverage across the island — even on more remote beaches.
ALSO SEE: 22 Stunning Santorini Outfit Ideas: What to Wear for a Stylish Island Getaway
The Best Beaches In Santorini & Santorini Beaches Map
Beautiful and differing rock formations with each and every meter of the island you pass mean that beaches of Santorini are different to those found in other parts of Greece.
The very best beaches on Santorini include black, red, white sand beaches filled with volcanic minerals; one of my big reasons for staying in Akrotiri which is near the red beach. Another reason was its proximity to the best Santorini beaches as well as its quiet and tranquil life on the island.
Santorini Beaches You Need To Visit
1. White Beach
This is only a few meters from the Red beach in a hidden little cove. This Santorini beach is only accessible by boat. Most Santorini sailing tours on the island will make a stop here. You can also take your chances with the sea and swim from the Red beach to the White beach.
The reward is clear waters and a little privacy. There are no shops or restaurants here so bring your own towels, food, etc. For more on Santorini’s sailing tours, including sunset tours, private tours, 7-day sailing adventures around Greek islands, 3-day sailing tours from Athens, click here.
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| Red Beach |
2. Red Beach | Red Sand Beach In Santorini
The Red beach is one of the most popular and beautiful of the beaches of Santorini. This beautiful red sand beach in Santorini sits right at the bottom of Akrotiri and one of most famous of Santorini beaches.
Access is via pathways that are prone to landslides/rock falls but you are rewarded with beautiful red-black sand and pebble beach.
There is signage that says “dangerous – do not go through”, so if you go it is at your own risk. There aren’t any shops or much to see on the beach but the scenery is great. For hotels close to Red Beach you need to look at Santorini hotels in Akrotiri.
How to get to Red Beach Santorini – These overhanging and porous red rocks are just a few minutes walk from Akrotiri Archaeological Site in Akrotiri. If you aim for the Archaeological Site someone can guide you on from there but you will also more than likely see people walking to the beach.
3. Thirassia Beach
4. Monolithos Beach
A family-friendly (due to spots featuring shallow seafloors) beach with a collection of hotels and restaurants near by with plenty more sand to play with compared to many other beaches on the island. There are many Santorini hotels on Monolithos Beach.
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| Perissa Beach |
5. Agios Georgios Beach
6. Perivolos Beach
Want to experience a black sand beach in Greece? Then this is one to check out. If you want peace and quiet then this is the place for you!
The longest black sand beach in Santorini with restaurants, hotels as well as many water sports activities on offer.
You can find Santorini hotels on Perivolos Beach on Booking. Also nearby this beach are some of the best beach clubs in Santorini if you want to experience the nightlife in Santorini.
7. Armeni Beach
Armeni Beach is a small beach very close to Oia and can be easily accessible by foot. Not as crowded as many of the beaches in Santorini, partly due to access.
Descending about 300 steps, Armeni Beach offers clear blue deep waters and a nice local tavern where you can peacefully enjoy fresh seafood while chilling on the beach shores.
Armeni, is a small beach with deep blue water, located a few meters to the south of Amoudi beach. There are a few restaurants on the beach area as you are close to Ammoudi Bay. Great for swimming!
8. Ammoudi Beach | Accessible Via Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi beach, one of the popular spots on the island also doubles as a fishing harbor lies at the foot of Oia village. Access to Ammoudi Bay is by riding a donkey down to the bottom or walking down over 200 steps.
The beach although beautiful is small with clear blue deep waters. While here you can also sample some of the best fish restaurants in Santorini which can be found at Ammoudi.
Black Sand Beach – Santorini – Perissa Beach
9. Perissa Beach AKA Black Beach
Feast your eyes on most beautiful beach in Greece. Perissa Beach in Santorini is close to a few local shops and is lined with restaurants. So if you want top beach clubs and resorts in Santorini this is one place to consider.
The beautiful beach is also known as black beach that stretches out to more beaches along the coastline. The sand is not powdery but instead a mix of black sand and black pebbles.
Perissa beach Santorini is organised in that you will have plenty of waters sports activities nearby as well as beach chairs and loungers for rent. Beautiful place to chill but can be crowded in the summer. You can find the best beach hotels in Santorini near Perissa Beach.
10. Santorini Kamari Beach
This is a little more upscale compared to a lot of the other beaches on the island. It’s located on the Southern part of Santorini and not too far from Perissa beach and much like Perissa, you will find plenty to see and do and there are plenty of restaurants to eat.
11. Vourvoulos Beach
Vourvoulos Beach is a small beach with grey sand and pebbles and lies about 7km from Fira. If you are looking for a quiet and private beach in Santorini then Vourvoulos is worth trekking to.
Quiet with stunning turquoise waters perfect for swimming and an ideal setting for sunbathing. Also nearby is a fishing boat harbour where you will find a beach restaurant serving freshly caught fish.
12. Koloumbo Beach
Kolumbo Beach is located close to Oia, and considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Santorini Island. Unspoiled long sandy beach with pebbles, surrounded by cliffs offering great views and relaxing scenery as it is quite isolated. With the beach not being organized it attracts many nudists.
13. Baxedes Beach
Baxedes Beach is one of the best beaches on Santorini island perfect for those looking for tranquility and relaxation away from the crowds. With beautiful black sand, it’s isolated and located on the northern side of Santorini.
Baxedes Beach beach is 3 km away from Oia and can be easily reached by car or motorbike. Its one of the few sandy beaches in Oia, with plenty of shade and suitable for families. Although be aware of the strong summer northern winds called meltemia due to the beach northern location.
Santorini Beaches Map
Still wondering just how many beaches are in Greece? Check below for the map illustrating where you can find the best beaches in Santorini and the distance from each other.
How To Get To Santorini By Ferry From Athens | Flying To Santorini
Where To Stay In Santorini
There are many beautiful spots to stay in Santorini, from luxury suites with views of the Caldera to budget accommodation on the beach fronts of Santorini.
I shared a post on where to stay in Santorini on the blog featuring some of Santorini’s best hotels on the island from budget hotels in Santorini to luxury hotels and beach hotels.
In addition to that it also features the beautiful cave hotel that we stayed at in Santorini. For hotels in Santorini, check out one of my favourite booking sites to read reviews and get the latest prices click here.
More Santorini and Greece:
- The Best Cafes In Santorini
- Santorini Villas With Private Pools
- Top Villas In Santorini With Infinity Pools And Volcano views
- The Best Places To Stay In Phuket
- The Best Restaurants In Santorini
- Cool Bars To Experience In Santorini
Beauty photos, i love the outfit, i loved everything 🙂
*XoXo
Helena Primeira
Helena Primeira Youtube
Primeira Panos
Thanks!
Wow! Santorini looks gorgeous! I also loved the vibrant, flowy dresses! 🙂
Thanks! I love bright colours when on holiday. Sadly the weather in London is back to its rainy self. 😀
I remember this spot, i love santorini.
Its beautiful! I seriously need to book another ticket to Santorini. I am missing Greek sunshine so much 🙁
Santorini looks so beautiful I'm planning on going there for my next vacation. Lovely pictures and love the colourful dresses xx
http://www.czola10.com
Thank you! I am sure you will love it. There is so much to this little island that people just don't show you as most pictures are just from Oia. But there is more to see and do. A visit to Santorini is a must.
Your photos are breath taking!! And I love that yellow dress!!
ArteresaLynn.com
These photos are stunning!Defintely cant wait to see some of these beaches in Santorini
Agnes x
http://www.blvckbee.com
Thank you so much for this detailed post on the best beaches in Santorini. I am currently planning a surprise trip to Santorini for my wife as she has been wanting to visit Santorini for a while now. I was thinking of planning some time for the beach on our Santorini itinerary. I am looking at hotels in Oia but was wondering if you had any tips on which is the best beach in Santorini to check out for a day as we only have 3 days in Santorini. Also, can you recommend the best hotel in Oia as I am hoping to make this trip as special as possible for my wife.
Thanks so much
Jamie
Great post! Well, I’ve been looking at a small town like Akrotiri and have always hoped that it offers the same amazing experience. It’s great to hear the reassurance about the sunsets, beaches and restaurants. It totally sounds like a place I would like to visit, I also love that its close to red beach in Santorini Greece. Just have to figure out what is are best beach resorts in Santorini as that is currently my style of travel at the moment.
Really? The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of the intensive volcanic activity? Woah. I’ve actually visited the spot on many occasions but haven’t heard or thought it was been formed that way. Definitely adding Perissa Beach for our next visit. I can’t believe we missed the black sand beach in Santorini. Yep, definitely one for the next visit.
I am not here because I am planning a trip. I have actually read through several of your posts and I am here for the photography! You do such a fantastic job with your shots. I travel a lot as well and I could never get the right shots while I am away. Do you have any tips in that regard?
I didn’t realize Santorini had SO many great beaches… How am I supposed to pick one? Haha. The red beach and black beaches in Santorini certainly look interesting. Did you actually manage to get to all these beaches in one trip, or are all these pictures from different trips? We’re planning on visiting next summer, but I guess we might have to start thinking about a second trip in the future if we want to see all Santorini has to offer. I have heard to many things about Santorini. I heard there are nudist beaches in Santorini as well as gay beaches in Santorini. Is this true?
Hi, yes the above Santorini beach pictures were all taken during the same trip even though I cant wait to visit Santorini again soon. As you noted, black sand beach in Santorini and the red beach are both stunning. Regarding your question on the nudist and gay beaches in Santorini. I can’t say I noticed but I was aware there was a nudist beach as we passed it while sailing.
Those pictures remind me of what I look for when I think of beautiful water and picturesque scenery. Can’t believe how blue the water is. I get relaxed just looking at those pictures so I can only imagine what it’s like being there in person. I see you’ve been to a lot of beaches Bianca. What are some of your overall favorites from all of your journeys?
What a hidden gem! Never realized there were so many magnificent beaches in Santorini. The water looks so clear and pure from the way you captured the pictures, great job!
Kamari Beach in Santorini was definitely one of my favourites. From your pictures, it looks like I need to head back to check out the others.
For such a small island the variety is amazing and yes, well worth checking out the other beaches in Santorini.
That map is super helpful! I have never been to the island Santorini. I have been to Greece though, twice! And I LOVED IT! My sister and I are planning a small family trip and we want to do some beaches this time. Her boss recommended Santorini so I am doing my research. We won’t be able to enjoy all the beaches so we will have to choose if we stay more north or more south. Which would you recommend based on your travels?
If you love beaches then stayin near Perissa, or in Akrotiri would be good too but depends on the budget as well. Check out the links to accommodation to each beach area to help you narrow down your choices.
Amazing post and stunning Santorini beaches pictures. Hope you dont take any offence to this question but are there any Santorini gay beaches on the island that you know of?
Hi Jona, I cant say I know of any specific gay beaches on the island. Sorry, I don’t have more information on this.
Just from reading your article, I just feel like I am already exploring the best beaches in Santorini Greece. I have head so much about the beaches, I am dying to visit Perissa beach on Santorini. I am guessing this is the black sand beach right? I have also heard so much about Kamari beach which is the red sand beach. I am still in the stages of trip planning for a holiday to Greece of which a visit to Santorini is part of. Looking forward to checking out many of the best beach bars Santorini has to offer. Thanks for this post.
Thank you so much for your comment and I certainly hope you enjoy your holiday in Santorini. There are so many beautiful beaches in Santorini I am sure you will love exploring them as well as the many beach bars on Santorini. Have fun!
Santorini is a spectacular tourist destination! I was in love and definitely, I´ll be back to check out the more of the beaches in Santorini. Beautiful beaches, restaurants with a wide variety of local and international food and a unique landscape. By the way, I recommend taking photos for postcards in Santorini White Beach, one of the most beautiful places I have visited, the best thing is that good weather lasts all year.
Thank you so much for your comment and feedback. I am glad you enjoyed the Santorini beach guide.
I got tired of going to the beaches when I hit 20, but that was because I was used to the rather boring beaches at home. Not so much anymore as I’ve been to some gorgeous sands in Florida and the Caribbean and things look even better in Santorini. Normally I’ll hit the beach once on vacation but I might hit at least 2 Santorini beaches this time around. So hard to pick just 1!