Red Beach

The Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) is one of the most iconic and photographed beaches on Santorini and in Greece as a whole. Located in the southern part of the island, near the ancient archaeological site of Akrotiri, this beach owes its name to the spectacular deep red volcanic cliffs that surround it. The contrast between the red of the rocks, the black of the volcanic sand and the deep blue of the Aegean Sea creates a unique natural setting that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The beach stretches for about 300 metres and, despite its small size, is an essential stop for anyone visiting the island. The geological peculiarity of this place bears witness to Santorini’s volcanic history and offers a bathing experience completely different from the typical Greek beaches.

How to get to Red Beach

The Red Beach is located about 12 km from Fira, the capital of Santorini, and only 3 km from the village of Akrotiri. You can reach it in several ways:

By car or scooter: The most convenient way is to rent a car in Santorini and follow the signs to Akrotiri. Once you arrive at the car park near the archaeological site, you will have to walk for about 10 minutes along a scenic path.

By public transport: During the high season (May-October), KTEL buses run regularly between Fira and Akrotiri. From the bus stop, follow the same footpath.

By water taxi: During the summer, you can take a water taxi from other beaches such as Perissa or Kamari.

By boat excursion: Many of the boat excursions in Santorini include a stop at Red Beach, allowing you to admire it from the sea.

When to visit Red Beach

The best time to visit Red Beach is from June to September, when temperatures are ideal for swimming. However, as one of Santorini’s most popular attractions, the beach gets very crowded during the summer months, especially between 11am and 4pm.

To fully enjoy the beauty of this place, we recommend visiting it early in the morning (before 10:00 am) or late in the afternoon (after 5:00 pm). Avoid if you can the days when large cruise ships dock in Santorini.

Where to stay near Red Beach

To visit Red Beach comfortably, you can stay in the neighbouring areas. The village of Akrotiri offers quiet accommodation with a convenient location, ideal for those seeking peace and proximity to the beach. Alternatively, Megalochori and Emporio are nearby traditional villages that offer an authentic atmosphere. If you prefer more amenities and nightlife, you can opt for Fira or Kamari, from which you can reach the beach in less than 30 minutes by car. For a more romantic experience, also consider Oia or Imerovigli, although they are a little further away.

Recommended hotels in the area Red Beach

Safety precautions

It is important to note that Red Beach presents some risks of rock falls from the surrounding cliffs. Over the years, there have been occasional episodes of small landslides that have led the local authorities to restrict access to some areas.

At the trail entrance, you will find signs warning of these dangers. Although many visitors ignore these warnings, we advise you to stay in the designated areas and not to get too close to the cliffs.