Pink Sand Santorini Beaches: Are They Real?
Pink sand Santorini beaches is one of the most commonly searched terms for travelers to this beautiful island, but you might be surprised by what you find.
Pink sand beaches have been made famous by the likes of Instagram for their unusual pink tinge, and people flock to see them. But why has Santorini got a name for pink sand beaches? Let us reveal all for you below!
Jump To In Pink Sand Santorini Beaches
- Is the sand really pink on Santorini’s beaches?
- Where can you find pink sand beaches?
- Why visit Santorini’s red sand beach?
- Where is the Red Beach?
- How to get to Red Beach Santorini
- Red Beach facilities
- Where to stay
- Why is the sand red?
- Can you swim in Red Beach, Santorini?
- Is Red Sand Beach safe to visit?
Is The Sand Really Pink On Santorini’s Beaches?
I guess this could be little up to personal interpretation, as the sand certainly is more pink than on a lot of beaches, but I would say no, there is no pink sand beaches on Santorini.
The pink sand beaches you see plastered all over social media don’t look anything like the sometimes called pink sand Santorini beaches. In fact, the beach closest to a pink sand beach on the island of Santorini is actually called Red Sand Beach, which is way more appropriate!
The cliffs here are a deep clay red colour and the sand is similarly unusual in appearance. It’s totally different to the equally stunning black sand beaches of Santorini and is well worth exploring if you have the time.
Red Sand Beach on Santorini is Instagram worthy in itself, and we’re pretty sure you’ll forget all about pink sand beaches when you see it. If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini then look no further.
Where Can You Find Pink Sand Beaches?
If you’re off on holiday purely for those pink sand beaches then you’ll need to change your travel destination. The closest Greek island with so called pink sand beaches is Crete. Head to the famous Elafonissi Beach or Balos Lagoon Beach on a Greek island hopping tour where you’ll find a slight pink tint to the golden white sands.
Warning: You might have to use a bit of clever photo editing to make it come out quite as pink as other people portray it to be!
Or you can go further afield to one of the most colourful of all the pink sand beaches. Tangsi Beach in Indonesia is one of the most vibrant pink sand beaches out there.
Why Visit Red Sand Beach In Santorini
Santorini is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and powdery. And, of course, the views are incredible.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset or a place to relax and soak up the sun, Santorini’s beaches have something for everyone.
If you’re interested in exploring one of Santorini’s many beaches, we highly recommend Red Sand Beach. This beach is located in the southern part of the island and it’s known for its dramatic red cliffs. It’s definitely worth a visit!
We should note here that Red Sand Beach is nothing like a pink sand beach, but we think that makes it all the more special! It’s certainly far more dramatic and unique.
Where Is The Red Sand Beach, Santorini?
The Red Beach in Santorini can be found in the south west part of the island, quite close to Akrotiri village, near the Akrotiri Excavations site.
How To Get To Red Beach Santorini
By Car
One of the most common ways to reach Red Beach is by car. Follow signs for the Ancient Akrotiri, and park to the right of the Akrotiri Excavations site parking lot from where you can walk to the beach. If you’re coming from Fira the drive should take around 20 minutes.
By Boat
One of the easiest ways is by taking a boat from the old port in Fira. This will take you directly to the beach.
If you want to make a special day trip out of it then check out one of the catamaran cruises (this one is great value for money and includes a BBQ onboard with unlimited wine and soft drinks).
Visiting with a group of you? Then hire out a fast RIB like this to see the red beach in style!
By Bus
You can catch a bus from the central bus station in Fira to the Akrotiri area and then walk for about 15 minutes towards the sea, along a walking path which is marked with signs telling you not to enter. Plenty do, but you should be aware of the dangers before attempting and make your own decision.
Hike
If you’re feeling active you can hike to RedBeach from Fira. It takes about an hour. Just don’t plan your trip in the middle of the day and bring plenty of water and sun cream. Greece gets very hot in the summer!
See The Red Sand Beach From The Air
If you’re feeling really extravagant then why not book a helicopter tour over Santorini and get a glimpse of the red sand beach from the air? It’s one of the most memorable and special experiences you can have on the island, and we would highly recommend it!
Whichever way you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Caldera along the way!
Red Beach Facilities
The beach is fairly small, but it’s still possible to find a spot to yourself if you arrive early or late in the day. There are two restaurants at Red Beach, as well as a few beach umbrellas and sun loungers for rent.
There are also a few showers and toilets, but these can get very crowded during the peak summer months.
Where To Stay When Visiting Red Sand Beach
The most convenient place to stay when visiting red sand beach in Santorini is Fira. As it’s the capital of Santorini, Fira has a huge range of accommodation options and is also pretty close to a lot of the key attractions, including red sand beach.
You can find accommodation to suit your needs and budget on Booking.com, where they also offer early cancellation no charge on a lot of properties (check the terms before you finalise your booking!). This means you can reserve something just in case it sells out, while you shop around a bit to make sure you found the best stay for you!
Why Is The Sand Red?
There are a few theories as to why the sand is red, but the most likely explanation is that it’s due to the high iron content in the volcanic soil of Santorini. This iron oxidizes when it comes into contact with air and water, giving the sand its distinct red hue.
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that the red sand of Santorini’s beaches is one of its most iconic features. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit this magical place, be sure to take a stroll on one of its red sand beaches – you won’t be disappointed!
Can You Swim In Red Beach Santorini?
Yes, you can swim in the Red Beach Santorini. The water is clean and clear, and the beach is well-maintained. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for visitors to use, and there are also several restaurants and cafes nearby if you need a break from the sun.
Is It Safe To Visit Red Sand Beach In Santorini?
The reason for the warning signs you’ll see on the walk down to the beach are because officially Red Sand Beach in Santorini isn’t safe for visitors. Hotels have been asked to discourage visitors from actually going down to the beach itself due to the risk of falling rocks and landslides.
Saying this, tonnes of people visit the beach anyway, locals included. You’ll need to make your own decision about whether or not you think it’s safe to go down there.
A few more safety concerns you should be aware of are the fact there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should use caution when swimming.
The red sand is composed of iron-rich volcanic deposits and can be sharp in places. Visitors should also be aware of the strong currents present in the area.
Island Hopping? Check Out These Posts Next
Rhodes is just a short hop from Santorini and has some fascinating history. Head to the town of Lindos for historic architecture, stunning beaches, and great nightlife.
For many, Paros is an obvious next jump to make after visiting Santorini. Don’t miss the pretty village of Lefkes and make sure you find the best places to stay on Paros before you head there!
If you’re seeking some seclusion after the Santorini crowds then put Astypalea on your list. This beautifully quiet Greek island is no less charming than Santorini, but it’s certainly got the privacy you might be dreaming of.
Pink Sand Santorini Beaches Summary
So in summary, the pink sand Santorini beaches might not exist but the red sand beach in Santorini is definitely worth a visit and should make a wonderful day out!
You’re going to want at least 4 days in Santorini to get a feel for the island, and a trip to the beaches should definitely be on the list of things to do!
If you’re looking for more inspiration on travel to Greece then make sure you check out our Greece travel page where we’ve written about all the places we’ve visited on our three years sailing the Greek islands. You can also follow us on social media for travel tips and inspiration.
Have a fabulous holiday, and soak up that sunshine!
