10 Beautiful Black Sand Beaches To Visit In Santorini, Greece {updated 2026}
Looking for the best black sand beaches in Santorini?
If you’re hoping to visit the most beautiful black sand beaches in Santorini during your trip to Greece then you’re in for a treat. Not only is Santorini one of the best islands of Greece for its villages and towns, but it has some unique natural beauty too.
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Greece is known for its stunning beaches for a reason, but Santorini in particular is home to some of the most picturesque black sand beaches in the world.
These aren’t the normal sight in Greece, as most people expect white sand or rock, so to see some of these incredible black sand beaches is a real treat. And if you’re keen to add even more unique beaches to your list then Santorini also has a red sand beach that’s pretty spectacular!
There are actually quite a few black sand beaches in Santorini, Greece. This means you can pick and choose the ones closest to your accommodation, or browse a few pictures of each and pick the ones that take your fancy!
We’ve outlined the highlights of each black sand beach below to help you make your choice.
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The most beautiful black sand beaches in Santorini
- Kamari Beach – Best for families
- Perivolos Beach – Best for party animals
- Perissa Beach – Best for water sports
- Columbo beach – Best for something different
- Vlychada beach – Best for scenery
- Mesa Pigadia beach – Best for local culture
- Monolithos beach – Best to visit from the capital
- Agios Georgios beach
- Cape Columbo beach
- Baxedas beach
What makes the sand black on the beaches in Santorini?
Can you swim in the sea of the black sand beaches?
Best restaurants near the black sand beaches
Black Sand Beaches Of Santorini Map
The Black Sand Beaches of Santorini
Here are the best beaches of Santorini to visit while you’re here on vacation. No matter what you’re after, Santorini has got what you’re looking for!
If you’re wondering how to reach these incredible spots, why not book a private tour of the island and include some of these black sand beaches in your itinerary. It’s the easiest way to see the best of what this island has to offer. You can book your private tour here.
#1 Kamari Beach – Best for families
Kamari beach is one of the most popular beaches in Santorini, located on the southeastern coast not far from Fira. It offers stunning views of the volcano.
The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports facilities. It’s a blue flag beach, so it’s kept clean and it’s well looked after. There’s also often a lifeguard on patrol making it safer for kids.
Kamari beach is perfect for water sports lovers too. There are plenty of ‘toys’ for hire, like surfboards, kayaks and canoes, or snorkelling equipment. There’s also a dive centre here.
There are several restaurants and bars in the area so you can refresh during the day, or if you prefer you could bring a picnic to enjoy under the shade of a tree. It gets lively here during the evening, with bars and a nightclub for those night owls!
Kamari beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the unique beauty of Santorini.
How to get to Kamari Beach
To get to Kamari Beach, you can take a bus, taxi, or drive.
The easiest way to get there is by bus, which takes about 45 minutes. Taxis are also available, but they are more expensive.
If you choose to drive, you will need to rent a car. Kamari Beach is located on the east coast of the island of Santorini.
#2 Perivolos Beach – Best For Party Animals
Perivolos Beach is probably Santorini’s beach black sand beach for party animals. It is well known for its facilities and unique black sand. The beach is situated close to the town of Perivolos on the southeast coast of Santorini, making it easy to get to.
One of the things that makes this beach really stand out is the daily beach party, where famous guest DJ appearances are common. The abundance of bars has a knock-on effect, welcoming more events such as bonfire parties and volleyball tournaments. It has a young, party vibe!
There are a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as sun loungers and parasols for hire. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming. There are also a number of boat trips available from the beach, making it a great place to spend a day.
How to get to Perivolos Beach
Perivolos Beach is located in the south of Santorini and can be reached by car, bike, or on foot. The easiest way to get there is by car, as there is a large parking area at the beach. If you are staying in the village of Perivolos, you can simply walk to the beach in about 10 minutes.
If you are coming from another part of Santorini, you can take the public bus from the capital city of Thira. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and will drop you off at the Perivolos Beach stop.
You can also rent a bike or scooter and drive to the beach, which takes about 15-20 minutes depending on your starting point.
#3 Perissa Beach – Best for water sports
Perissa Beach is right next to Kamari beach so if you want to visit them both then you can plan your accommodation accordingly!
It’s well known for its clear waters and stunning views. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained, and the beach is also great for swimming. It’s been awarded a blue flag, so you can be sure that it’s clean and well-maintained.
There’s also everything you could possibly want in terms of water toys to hire, such as kayaks, surfboards, boats, and canoes. You can also try your hand at parasailing or windsurfing!
There’s a water park nearby, which is perfect for families. It has waterslides and different pools, and there’s enough there to keep both kids and adults entertained if you’ve had your fill of beach time.
How to get to Perissa Beach
To get to Perissa Beach, you can either take a bus or drive. If you’re driving, the best way to get there is by taking the coastal road.
The bus ride takes about an hour, and the journey is scenic. You can also take a boat from Santorini’s port, but this only runs during the summer months.
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Tour The Beaches By eBike
If you fancy something a little different you can take a tour of the beautiful beach and other famous sights by e-bike. It’s a great way to get around Santorini!
Book your ebike tour here
#4 Columbo beach in Santorini – Best for something different
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on while in Santorini, look no further than Columbo Beach.
What makes Columbo Beach so special is its dramatic setting. The beach is situated at the foot of a towering cliff and features a small cave that can be explored. The black sand adds to the unique atmosphere.
With its gentle waves and sandy shores, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the stunning view. It’s an unorganised beach so bring a shade umbrella if you plan on staying for a while.
Columbo beach is truly unique owing to an underwater crater that last erupted in 1650. It’s the most active on the island, making the waters on Columbo beach hot!
Part of it can be found at a depth of just 10 metres, so if you’re a strong swimmer and feeling adventurous then head east to find it. There’s also a sea cave called Seal Cave but you’ll need to be a strong swimmer and take appropriate precautions to explore.
You should also be aware that Columbo Beach welcomes nudists.
How to get to Columbo Beach, Santorini
Columbo beach can only be accessed by car or taxi. There are no bus routes here. You’ll need to park a little distance from the beach and follow the signposts.
It’s a bit of a walk so try to arrive either early or later in the day to avoid walking in the midday heat.
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Rent a car in Santorini
Find the best deals on car rentals in Greece through Discover Cars. We always use Discover Cars to find us the best car rental deals all over Greece and have got some awesome deals through them. Book your hire car now
#5 Vlychada beach – Best for scenery
Vlychada beach is located just south of the island’s capital, Fira. The beach is well-known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It looks a little like you’re stepping onto another planet!
Swimming in the sea at Vlychada beach is a great way to cool off on a hot day. The water is usually quite calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Or you can do something more adventurous like this horseriding trip across the moon-like beach (this sells out fast so book in advance).
There are several restaurants and cafes in the area, as well as a few small shops. There are also plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent, so you can relax on the beach all day long.
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot to relax, you can head to the nearby Red Beach. This beach is only a few minute’s walk from Vlychada, but it feels like a world away.
The sand here is red, due to the volcanic rocks that surround the area. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to escape the hustle and bustle of Santorini’s main beaches.
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Book your horseriding trip across Vlychada Beach here
How to get to Vlychada Beach in Santorini
Vlychada Beach is located in the south of the island and can be reached by car or by bus. The best way to get there is by car, as you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
However, if you don’t have a car, you can take the public KTEL bus from Fira that goes to Vlychada Beach. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the fare is very reasonable (around 3 euros).
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Take a boat trip
Combining a visit to Vlychada beach with a boat trip is a great idea, as you get to experience Santorini’s stunning coastline along the way.
#6 Mesa Pigadia beach – Best for local culture
Mesa Pigadia is also known as black beach, and although there are many black sand beaches on Santorini, this one probably wins the award for being the darkest in colour.
Black beach can be found near Akrotiri on the southeast coast. It isn’t as frequently visited as some of the more popular black sand beaches, so it’s a great choice if you’re seeking somewhere a little quieter.
The landscape here is quite dramatic, being surrounded by dark volcanic cliffs. The fishermen have built caves into the rocks that protect their boats over the winter and these make fascinating features.
There are some sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach, and a local taverna selling fresh fish and other Greek dishes. Other than that this beach is quite private and you should bring some supplies of your own just in case!
How to get to Mesa Pigadia Beach
There are two ways to get to Mesa Pigadia Beach: by foot or by boat.
If you’re taking the boat, there are two main options: the public ferry and the private tour boats. The public ferry is cheaper but takes a bit longer, while the private tour boats are more expensive but faster.
Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views of Santorini’s coastline as you make your way to the beach.
If you’re walking, it’ll take around 20 minutes from Fira (Santorini’s capital) to Mesa Pigadia Beach. The walk is downhill all the way so it shouldn’t be too strenuous. And again, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views along the way.
#7 Monolithos Beach in Santorini
Monolithos beach is one of the closest black sand beaches to Santorini’s capital and most popular town, Fira. This makes it a great beach to visit if you’re staying in Fira, because you can get a taxi here in around 10 minutes, or walk there in an hour.
You won’t find much going on here, so if you’re seeking some peace and quiet after a big night out then this might be the perfect spot for you! There is a little beach bar here that serves cold drinks on the beach front, and it’s possible to rent sunbeds here too if you’re after some shade.
How to get to Monolithos Beach
The best way to get here from Fira is by taxi, as it will only take around 10 minutes. You can arrange with the driver to pick you up where they dropped you at a certain time, or you can take their number ready for the return journey!
#8 Agios Georgios beach
This is one of Santorini’s most popular black sand beaches so you can expect crowds, merriment and lots going on! It’s an extension of Perivolos beach so there’s the option to try some watersports and plenty of places to eat and drink dotted around.
You’ll find umbrellas and sunbeds a plenty here and if you fall in love with this beach then there are also several hotel options nearby, so you can base yourself here and stroll on down whenever takes your fancy!
#9 Cape Columbo beach
This is one of our favorite beaches in Santorini, but also one of the most remote. You have to drive to get here, and it’s about 8.5km from Fira. You can park up on the headland and then you’ll need to take a narrow path down to reach it. We think it’s totally worth it!
This beach can get windy because of it’s position. In fact, the wind can be so strong here that over the years it’s carved out the rocks you’ll see. It’s pretty dramatic scenery and well worth seeing.
#10 Baxedas beach
Bаxеdеs beach in Santorini is long, dark and remote! It’s a mix of sand and pebbles so be sure to wear decent shoes when visiting. Baxedos is only 3km from Oia so you can basically walk there if you fancy it, or take a short drive.
This isn’t the most popular black beach in Santorini so there isn’t as much going on in terms of restaurants and cafes, but there are some sunbeds and umbrellas available.
Because it’s on the north of the island this beach can get windy and wavey, which adds to it’s moody feel. It does have shallow water so it’s a good choice for kids that like to paddle but you should be aware the waves can kick up a bit when it’s windy.
This is an extension of Cape Columbo beach so you could easily explore the two in a day. Spend the morning on one, head to a restaurant for lunch, and then enjoy the other. Sounds like a perfect day to me!
What makes the sand black on the beaches in Santorini?
So, what makes the sand black on the beaches in Santorini?
There are a few theories about this but the most common and logical explanation is that the sand is actually made up of volcanic ash that has been deposited on the island over the years.
3600 years ago there was a huge eruption that covered the island in pumice, volcanic ash, and lava. The beaches have different concentrations of ash, which gives them slightly different colours.
Another theory is that the sand gets its colour from organic matter, such as algae and shells, which have been ground down over time.
Whatever the cause, the black sand on the beaches of Santorini is definitely one of its most distinctive features!
Can you swim in the sea at Santorini’s black sand beaches?
Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea at Santorini’s black sand beaches! In fact, we’d thoroughly recommend it. Several of the beaches are manned by lifeguards and offer a range of water sports.
The water is generally clean and there are plenty of areas where you can safely swim. However, it is always a good idea to check with any lifeguard on duty to double-check. We also often try to see if the locals are swimming and stick to the areas they are in. They tend to know better than most!
Best Restaurants On The Black Sand Beaches Of Santorini
The Most Beautiful Black Sand Beaches In Santorini: Summary
Is a trip to Santorini’s black sand beaches worth it? Absolutely! These beaches give you a different experience that you won’t find in many other places in Greece.
If we had to choose, our favourite is the stunning Vlychada beach, but only because it’s so different.
Luckily there’s a black sand beach for everyone here in Santorini – so enjoy! And if you’re looking for a 10 day Greece itinerary then ours includes the beautiful island of Santorini.
