Key Takeaways
- Santorini’s volcanic origins have created a wonderful selection of unique beaches.
- The beaches in Santorini are a rainbow of colors, from the black sand beach of Perissa to the striking cliffs of the Red Beach.
- Pair your couple’s beach break in Santorini with historical sites, fabulous gastronomy, and chic nightlife.
- You can reach the beaches in Santorini by car or bus. But the most remote and idyllic are only accessible by boat.
Known as the island of lovers, Santorini is a sought-after destination worldwide. It is ideal for couples looking to indulge in romantic holidays full of precious moments.
These will then turn into loving memories of your romantic getaway to Greece and Italy.
Fortunately, along with its raw beauty, Santorini has some of the most unique beaches in the Aegean Sea.
As a result of the island’s volcanic heritage, its beaches are a stunning spectacle and extraordinary due to their signature black sand.
There’s a reason why this is a top destination for many couple’s first vacation together in Greece and wedding vows renewal in Greece, and it’s one of the most popular stops on a Greek cruise.
Arguably, the best and most colorful beaches in Santorini stretch along the south coast.
Here we will introduce you to the best Santorini beaches for couples. These will make your Greek island vacation resemble a romantic fairytale.
The unique character of Santorini
Despite being such a small island, the variety of beaches to choose from in Santorini is remarkable. No one can deny that most of them are incredibly whimsical. Santorini combines an evocative landscape, fascinating history, cosmopolitan atmosphere, unique local products and Santorini wines, constantly evolving gastronomy, high-quality services.
From glorious Santorini honeymoons to lively Greece bachelorette parties, it is no coincidence that Santorini is one of the top travel destinations in the Mediterranean. The volcanic landscape of the Caldera. The peculiar beaches with black sand and sculpted rocks, home to some of the most unique snorkeling in Greece. The important archeological site in Akrotiri. The atmospheric gourmet restaurants. The intense nightlife. A relaxed, carefree environment perfect for a babymoon in Greece. The accommodation is in luxury units with stunning views, mansions, and captain’s houses. Why not check out some of Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece for Couples?
All of those and much more contribute to Santorini being, without a doubt, a unique island. It’s well deserving of a place on your Greece honeymoon itinerary.
Eros
What beach could accommodate couples better than the one that bears in its name love itself? Eros beach translates to ‘Love beach’ in English. It is part of the endless beach of Vlychada, the most impressive beach of Santorini. It lies in the south part of Santorini, 9 km away from Fira.
Beautifully carved rocks from the wind give the landscape an otherworldly character. To access it, you will have to follow the sign leading to Eros with a direction to Vlychada beach. Then, you will have to drive through about 2 km of dirt road.
The sight before you will reward your efforts. This beach has something that enchants every single one of its visitors. The wild beauty of the vertical rocks stands so sharp as if a knife has cut them. The waters are relatively deep, while the shore is not sandy and has pebbles instead.
Regardless, you can find soft sand inside the sea if you go deep enough. There, you will also have the opportunity to appreciate the rich bottom full of fish.
Eros’ beach bar
Eros Beach is primarily famous for its beach bar. After all, it is no accident that many consider being the best beach in Santorini and the world! Built with wood and stone, it exudes elegance and serenity.
It also offers its guests delicious drinks and snacks they can enjoy on plush sofas, swings, and hammocks. It is no coincidence that the beach bar hosts many concerts, parties, and weddings every year. It’s lively atmosphere makes Eros a wonderful Santorini beach for couples.
Due to its incredible beach bar, the beach itself is mainly organized with straw umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers. The beach is located near a horse farm, so you can choose to stroll the beach on horseback if you want to.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the beach volleyball court and have a fun game with your significant other.
Perissa
Santorini is not the first island that comes to mind when discussing idyllic beaches. Nevertheless, it Santorini has some romantic beaches that manage to stand out. Perissa beach is one of them.
Located in the southeastern tip of the island, spread over a length of about 7 km, it is the most famous and the largest beach of Santorini along with its continuation, the beaches of Perivolos and Agios Georgios.
It is a sight to behold with the trademark dark, volcanic sand of Santorini and transparent deep waters. Perissa is a fully organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. There, you can find beach bars and taverns right on the sea. It’s perfect for a young couple on a trip to Greece who are looking for something more alternative.
Moreover, the settlement of Perissa is an excellent option for accommodation and entertainment. Especially for visitors who want to steer clear of the hustle and bustle of the busy settlement of Caldera, especially during the high season summer months.
On the beach of Perissa, you will find organized camping facilities. Visiting Perissa beach will allow you not to spend a single dull moment. There, you will have the opportunity to indulge in various water sports. Moreover, the beach offers several activities available to satisfy all tastes.
For the couples that believe themselves to be hopelessly romantic, you will be glad to know that from Perissa beach, you can enjoy striking views of the Aegean in an idyllic setting that will be etched on your memory forever.
Perivolos
The beach of Perivolos lies on the most beautiful coastal part of Santorini. It connects the mountain at the beginning of the settlement of Perissa with the shallow waters towards the end of Ai Giorgis.
As with most of Santorini’s beaches for couples, there, you can witness iridescent waters fluffy black sand. Perivolos beach also boasts many delectable restaurants and fun beach bars with excellent music.
If you’ve never been to a black sand beach before, we have to warn you that the color might need some getting used to. However, the clarity of the water will make any doubts in your mind disintegrate.
Once you get accustomed to your surroundings, you will realize that it is one of the most romantic experiences you can enjoy with your partner. We promise that you will have the time of your life. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many consider Perivolos as one of the most beloved beaches of Santorini.
Perivolos beach is easily accessible. You can reach it by car or motorbike, and park in one of the free parking spaces available all around. Do not miss the chance of enjoying a charming walk along the length of the beach on the coastal road.
It will reward you with an astonishing view of the island’s natural landscape in all of its glory. A large part of the coastal road becomes a pedestrian street every night. In addition, the beach often hosts fairytale-like weddings on its premises.
Kamari
Along with the beach of Perissa, Kamari is one of the top 2 most famous beaches of Santorini for couples. It stretches across 5 km and boasts an inviting atmosphere for both the locals and the island’s visitors. It is a fully organized beach, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and other necessary comforts.
The reason why it is particularly beloved by the tourists has to do with the Middle Mountain of Ancient Thira. It dominates the southern part of the beach.
Another element that makes Kamari beach stand out is the frequent sight of airplanes that fly close to the swimmers. That is a result of the airport of Santorini lying almost at the end of the settlement.
As you probably know by now, visiting Kamari can and should be combined with an educational and entertaining visit to Ancient Thira.
There, you will witness the ancient civilization of Santorini come to life. In addition, the various ruins testify to the rich culture and heritage of the island. Although it is not as famous as the archeological site of Akrotiri, its location is unique. It offers a panoramic view of the endless Aegean, especially from its ancient theater.
If you like shopping and intent to indulge in it, you should know that Kamari has a great market, probably the greatest you will find on the island. You can find everything from souvenirs to local brands and high-end fashion.
As a result, there is something for every budget and every taste. So buy something that will serve as a reminder of the lovely time you had with your partner during your Santorini vacations.
Monolithos
North of Kamari, in the east part of the island, you will find the beautiful Monolithos beach. This beach is a personal favorite as it is one of the quieter beaches of Santorini that’s perfect for couples. It is more scenic than the rest but is not brimming with tourists.
Of course, the trademark of Santorini’s beaches, the soft black sand, is not missing from Monolithos. However, the pebbles featured in most of Santorini’s beaches do.
The beach is organized, and you can spend your time relaxing on comfortable sun lounges under umbrellas. You can also take advantage of the services of the various shops and taverns nearby.
Monolithos beach is popular among locals and often preferred by families. However, it is also the ideal destination for alternative couples that want peace and tranquility instead of large crowds and blasting music.
Additionally, its shallow waters make it the perfect beach for inexperienced swimmers. The beach itself is part of the sea located in front of the settlement. It consists of several different beaches that are collectively named ‘Monolithos.’
In the left part of the beach of Monolithos called “Agria,” the landscape will remind you of the beach of Vlychada. It is the part of the beach most affected by the Greek weather and is not organized.
Red Beach
If you’ve seen pictures of Santorini, you’ve most likely seen the imposing, one-of-a-kind landscape of Red Beach. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Santorini.
Most even consider it one of the most impressive and picturesque beaches in the whole of the Aegean. Not to mention that it is one of the best Santorini beaches for couples.
Located behind a series of lava monoliths, the enchanting beauty is distinguished by the black pebbles of the beach, the red sand, and the underwater hot springs that make swimming an unparalleled experience.
How to access Red Beach
You can go there from Akrotiri on foot. Alternatively, you can reach Red beach by boat. As with most beaches in Santorini, it boasts umbrellas and sunbeds.
What’s more, it is located near White beach. Therefore, you can reach the White beach from there on foot. There, you will get to enjoy white sand and pebbles, but no other organization or shade.
Red beach is also near the archeological site of Akrotiri, just a few steps from the site. You can leave the car in the open parking lot next to the bus stop.
From there, you will start a 2-minute ascent-descent to catch sight of the impressive beach. It is drenched in the trademark colors of the famous volcano and the Cyclades: black, red, white, and blue. You will find a couple of canteens on the beach, providing the beach’s visitors with drinks and snacks.
Due to its popularity, Red beach is usually full of people. But don’t let that deter you from visiting it. It will be the perfect background for your couple’s holiday photos.
It will also offer a romantic twist to your swimming endeavors. No matter how many times you visit it from one year to another, the landscape of Red beach never stays the same.
Mouzakia
The beach of Mouzakia is located between Oia and Imerovigli. What makes this beach special beyond its transparent waters is that access to it is only possible by boat. Its inaccessibility is also why it is often less crowded than the rest of the couple’s beaches in Santorini, which adds to its allure.
Suppose you want to enjoy quiet, romantic moments and you value your privacy more than anything other. In that case, Mouzakia beach should be your front-runner on the list of beaches you will visit during your stay on Santorini.
Vlychada
The incredible Vlychada beach provides its visitors with a lunar landscape of unique beauty and singularity in the southern part of the island. It is a setting that is apparent that has been formed through thousands of years by the winds and the water that crashes on its shore.
Fully covered by volcanic ash and enclosed by imposing white rocks in a way that looks purposeful, Vlychada is famous for the clearness of its waters. It lies south of Perivolos.
The geological formations of the rocks, combined with the fine black sand and the dark pebbles, make it even more special even in the eyes of the most traveled visitors.
The sandy beach is wide and long, satisfying the tastes of even the most demanding visitors due to its diversity. Specifically, it is split into three parts.
One that is organized and offers sunbeds and umbrellas. One that is unorganized and maintains the pure, raw beauty of the beach without the modern-day comforts. And one that is reserved for lovers of nudism.
The welcoming inclusiveness, the magnificent waters, and the incredible view the beach offers have made it one of the top hotspots in Santorini.
The assets of Vlychada beach
The canteen at the entrance of the old Nomikos tomato factory, which has been turned into an exceptional cultural center, is fully equipped with the necessities for an extended stay on the beach. Still, if you plan on relaxing on the unorganized part of the beach, we highly suggest you be well-prepared with water, snacks, and tons of sunscreen.
In the area of Vlychada, in the small port before the beach, you will find some fish taverns that overlook the sea and offer the perfect opportunity for lunch and dinner. Vlychada beach is an isolated paradise for couples who prefer to experience the more remote parts of Santorini.
White Beach
As its name suggests, White Beach is the beach of Santorini that stands out the most from the bunch. That happens because it doesn’t boast the island’s famous black sand resulting from its volcanic land.
In essence, this beach is a continuation of the famous Red Beach. As one would expect, the beach is full of white rocks in stark contrast to its black sand. It has a small number of sunbeds and umbrellas, so if you want to visit it during your stay in Santorini, you should probably reach it as early in the morning as possible.
You will not find a beach bar, a tavern, or even a small canteen there. Therefore, you need to pack the essentials with you and prepare yourselves for a day of relaxation and repose.
Black Beach
If White beach doesn’t sound like your ideal destination and you are not a big fan of rocks, then you are better off visiting one of the most typical Santorinian beaches you have ever seen, the Black beach. It is located in the same bay as Red beach. However, it is nothing like it.
With its name being self-explanatory, be ready to stumble upon a setting where black dominates. The sand, the mountain, and the whole landscape are pitch black.
Thankfully, the black theme doesn’t continue inside its waters, there, it is much like the rest of the beaches on the Greek islands: refreshing, crystal-clear, and a joy to swim in!
Palia Kameni
Palia Kameni is a beach with wild beauty in the bay of Agios Nikolaos, which can be reached only by boat. Being a little more challenging to access than most of Santorini’s beaches results in Palia Kameni being a place that abundantly offers calmness and peace of mind.
For that reason, it is perfect for couples that want to celebrate their love in a magical yet intimate landscape.
The beach of Palia Kameni is another one that owes its beauty to the volcanic eruption that took place in Santorini thousands of years ago. The beach’s sand has the classic black color while its waters are crystal-clear and very warm.
It is relatively small and moderately crowded, so keep that in mind when you decide to visit it and avoid the hours of the day that are the busiest.
Ammoudi
Although it is technically a port and not a beach, Ammoudi is a gorgeous swimming spot for couples. There, they can enjoy and rekindle the flame of their love.
To fully understand its appeal, you need to consider that most inhabitants of the island prefer Ammoudi for their swimming adventures. Its waters are incredible, while the taverns you can find by the sea offering fresh fish and seafood make it even more irresistible.
There are three ways to get to the port of Ammoudi. First, you can go on foot and descend the 200 steps that lead to it. You can hop on a mule and let it take you there, especially if you want to have a more traditional and adventurous experience.
Last but not least, you can choose to access Ammoudi by car. However, the latter will require you to walk 200 m across one of the most picturesque regions of Santorini that attracts large crowds of people looking for a refreshing dive into the sea.
If you choose to visit Ammoudi, we suggest staying long enough to catch the sunset. Many people gather around the steps and the path that leads from the parking lot to the port during that time, waiting to catch a glimpse of one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in Greece.
Armeni
The small coastal picturesque settlement of Armeni is in the northwestern part of the island, just below Oia. You can access the region either by boat, on foot from Ammoudi, or by donkey from Oia, where you will have to descend no less than 286 steps. However, don’t hesitate; it is worth the effort.
Its beach is small, with large, red, and black large that stand tall, rising from the particularly deep waters. Its setting is especially ideal for swimmers looking for isolation for their swim. In the area, you will find a diving center and small traditional taverns with local delicacies.
Koloumbos
On the topic of isolation, no beach in Santorini offers it better than Koloumbos beach. Located in very close proximity to the beach of Baxedes, Koloumbos is a secluded sandy beach, which also happens to be one of the most beautiful in Oia.
As soon as you arrive at Koloumbos, you will have to park your vehicle and walk down the high rock that leads you to the beach by a narrow path. However, the beauty that will stand before you at the end of the word will make this minor inconvenience pale in comparison.
The rock provides natural shade from the sun, while the waters there are warm and welcoming since the area is the most active underwater crater on the island.
However, please keep in mind that Koloumbos beach is not organized and has no canteens or taverns is its premises. As a result, you should pack your essentials with you and, most importantly, water to keep you hydrated and ready to spend many hours swimming and sunbathing.
Vourvoulos
The stunning Vourvoulos is a quiet cove in the northeastern part of Santorini, with black pebbles and impressive rocks that surround it. This cove is heaven on earth for couples looking to spend valuable romantic time together.
It is not one of the most organized beaches on the island, but it has a few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as a tavern. This beach is especially beloved by Santorini’s locals, which only testifies to the true excellence of the region.
Akrotiri
The beach of Akrotiri is another secluded location on the island. It is ideal for couples that want to isolate themselves from the large tourist crowds. It is located in the southwest of the island, after the settlement of Akrotiri, between the lighthouse and the Black Mountain.
Akrotiri beach might not be the most popular destination of Santorini since everyone goes to the nearby Red beach. But it is very picturesque and has the bonus of having some fantastic taverns in the area so you can enjoy your food overlooking the sea.
Katharos
Kantharos or Katharos beach is the northernmost beach of Santorini and one of the most impressive you will come across. You can reach it if you follow the road from Oia to Ammoudi on your right-hand side. There, you can park your car in the large parking lot and enjoy a day of swimming and fun with your better half.
Katharos beach used to be one of the liveliest beaches in Santorini. It was a beach that gathered many young people responsible for the cheerful, energetic vibe that enticed all of its visitors. It remains one of the most vibrant parts of the island to this day.
The wild landscape that fascinates its visitors, the typical black sand that lets you know exactly where you are, and the absence of sunbeds make Katharos beach perfect for those who love the unpretentious side of Santorini. They also make it ideal for couples that want to enjoy their vacation in an alternative, wholesome way.
Before you reach the beach, you will encounter an excellent bar-restaurant. It is housed in a building that is at least 200 years old. The building has been renovated and tastefully decorated. It has hosted one of the trendiest establishments on the island in recent years.
Time to book your trip to Santorini
Santorini has won with incredible ease, much praise, and flattering titles throughout the years. Famous worldwide for being the “island of lovers,” it welcomes hundreds of couples who rush to get married every year. Why not use it as the spot for your wedding proposal in Greece?
Internationally renowned names, families, groups of friends, and most importantly couples, pay tribute with their presence to the beauty of the island. Yet, despite its immense popularity and international recognition, Santorini has managed to maintain its traditional elements unspoiled. With its excellent transport options, it’s the ideal option for a minimoon in Greece.
Please book your tickets to Santorini, which offers couples some of the best Greek island beaches. Then, swim in the magnificent waters of one of its beaches above to understand the hype behind the island no one can resist and enjoy your luxury vacation in Greece! Our luxury travel agency are experts in creating the ultimate romantic experiences on the Greek islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim in Santorini?
It is very safe to swim in Santorini and many of its beaches have shallow and tranquil waters. You will need to watch out for sea urchins and jellyfish and follow local guidance around rip currents and landslides.
Are beaches in Santorini free?
All of the beaches in Santorini are free to enter. You will need to pay to use the sunbeds but if you don’t want to, you can bring a towel to sit on.
How far apart are Mykonos and Santorini?
If you want to pair Santorini with a second romantic island, Mykonos is only 64 nautical miles (118km) away. It takes 2-3 hours to travel between the two islands by boat. Read our guide to Greece Transporation on Your Honeymoon for more information.