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.
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- Santorini Villas With Private Pools
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