Red Beach
Santorini, Santorini
Santorini’s Red Beach is not your average white-sand beauty. Rather, it’s a narrow, pebbly stretch hemmed in by high rust-red cliffs and scattered with large volcanic rocks. Together with the sapphire blue waters of the Aegean Sea, these volcanic features create a natural color palette that draws photographers to its shores. It’s particularly striking due to its proximity to White Beach.
The Basics
While Red Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot, it can also be a dangerous one, with occasional landslides and falling rocks. Because of this, many visitors prefer to admire the beach from afar, either from the parking area overlooking the beach or from the sea itself.
Many catamaran cruises, some of which include meals and drinks on board, and kayaking tours travel by the beach. Some Santorini day tours combine a visit to the beach with a stop at the nearby ancient Akrotiri archaeological site, an excavated Minoan settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
Things to Know Before You Go
With its unusual colorful appearance, Red Beach is a must for photographers.
Bring along sunscreen, water, and a picnic to enjoy while soaking up views of the beach.
Red Beach can only be accessed via a steep trail, and the beach’s surface is rocky, meaning it is not suitable for wheelchair users. The beach can, however, be clearly seen from the parking lot.
How to Get There
Red Beach is situated on the Akrotiri Peninsula in southwest Santorini. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Fira and offers free though limited parking. A steep access trail leads from the parking lot to the beach. Car-free travelers can take the KTEL bus from Fira to Akrotiri and make the short walk from there.
When to Get There
Despite the dangers of loose, falling rocks, Red Beach still attracts a lot of sunbathers and from June through September is often crowded. The red of the beach’s cliffs and rocks is most vivid at sunset.
Beaches on Santorini
Santorini’s volcanic topography has resulted in a range of visually diverse beaches. Contrasting with the intense color of neighboring Red Beach is remote White Beach, which is backed by light-colored cliffs and can only be accessed by boat. For a family-friendly option with ample facilities including restaurants, water-sports operators, sun loungers, and umbrellas, try Monolithos Beach on the island’s east coast. Black-sand Perivolos Beach, on the southeast coast of the island, is another popular choice, attracting a lively, youthful crowd.
Ways to explore
While Red Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot, it can also be a dangerous one, with occasional landslides and falling rocks. Because of this, many visitors prefer to admire the beach from afar, classically from the sea on a catamaran cruise. Many catamaran cruises, some of which include meals and drinks on board, travel by the beach, as do some kayaking tours. Some Santorini land tours combine a visit to the beach with a stop at the nearby ancient Akrotiri archaeological site, an excavated Minoan settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
Accessibility
Red Beach can only be accessed via a steep trail, and the beach’s surface is rocky, meaning it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Santorini catamarans are usually not accessible to wheelchairs.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Sunscreen, water, swimwear, towel
What to wear
Beach shoes are helpful for swimming from the stony beach.
Not allowed
Northern types may be tempted to max out the sunshine, but locals look askance at foreigners who fry.
Amenities
During the summer season, there are loungers and cafés with restrooms, but off-season facilities are limited.
Address
Red Beach is situated near Akrotiri in southwest Santorini, about a 7-mile (11-kilometer) drive southwest of Fira.
Driving
From Fira, take the main caldera road south, then turn right (west) onto the Akrotiri road: Turn left just before you enter Akrotiri, then right at the archaeological site. Parking can fill up fast and the trail from the lot to the beach is steep.
Public transportation
From Fira, catch the KTEL bus to the Akrotiri archaeological site. The beach is about a 20-minute walk.
Best times to visit
Red Beach is a popular destination and, like so many Santorini attractions, it can get crowded during high season. Visit early or late in the day for a quieter experience.
Best days to visit
You can visit Red Beach any day of the week.
Best months to visit
September offers warm seas and outdoor temperatures but less dense crowds than the July–August peak season when the water is warmest and there’s near-zero rainfall around Santorini.
Special events
The Diocese of the Virgin Mary’s feast day (including food and music) takes place in mid-August in the village of Akrotiri, so plan accordingly.
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