Greece › Santorini › Beaches
Updated: August 5, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Best Hotels in Santorini
- Best Things to Do in Santorini
- Best Santorini Wine Tours
- Best Santorini Boat Tours
Istoria Hotel on Perivolos Beach is my favorite beach resort in Santorini.
Santorini is not a classic Greek beach island. Its beaches are black or gray volcanic sand, pebbles, and dramatic cliffs rather than long stretches of soft white sand.
My favorite beach is Perissa, which has the best combination of swimming, beach facilities, restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. Kamari is the best beach town and the easiest choice for families or travelers without a car. Perivolos has the best beach clubs, restaurants, and upscale beach hotels.
First-time visitors should stay on the caldera in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia and visit the beach for a day. Stay in Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos when swimming, a flat setting, lower hotel prices, and easy family logistics matter more than caldera views.
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Quick Picks
Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos?
Best Beaches
Beach or Caldera?
Getting There
Beach Hotels
FAQSantorini Beaches: Quick Picks
- Best beach overall: Perissa
- Best beach town: Kamari
- Best for swimming: Perissa
- Best for families: Kamari
- Best for toddlers and shallow water: Monolithos
- Best for beach clubs: Perivolos
- Best for luxury hotels: Perivolos
- Best scenery: Vlychada
- Best quiet beach: Caldera Beach
- Best rocky swimming spot: Ammoudi Bay
- Best beach to see rather than use: Red Beach
- Best beach without a car: Kamari
- Best beach hotel: Istoria
What Santorini Beaches Are Like
Santorini’s beaches are distinctive rather than beautiful in the classic Greek-island sense. The sand is volcanic, dark, coarse, and mixed with pebbles. It gets extremely hot in the summer sun, so sandals or water shoes are useful.
The water is wonderfully clear because the coarse sand does not cloud it. I love swimming here. The sea feels clean, deep, and refreshing, though many beaches become deep quickly and are less suitable for nervous swimmers or small children.
Do not come to Santorini primarily for the beaches. Come for the caldera boat tours, Fira-to-Oia hike, wineries, villages, restaurants, and caldera views. Add a beach day when you have three or more days on the island.
The main swimming beaches are on the east and southeast coasts. They do not have caldera or sunset views. Caldera Beach and Ammoudi are exceptions, but neither provides a conventional sandy beach experience.
Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos?
Perissa is my favorite Santorini beach. It continues south into Perivolos, forming the island’s longest and best beach area.
These are the three best choices for a full beach day or beach-based stay.
Choose Kamari for the Best Beach Town
Kamari has the best evening promenade, easiest bus connections, broadest choice of restaurants, and most convenient family setup. The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, but the water is clear and facilities are excellent.
It is the easiest beach base without a rental car.
Choose Perissa for the Best Beach and Swimming
Perissa has a sandier surface, a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of restaurants and beach bars, and a long stretch of beach that continues south into Perivolos.
It is my favorite beach in Santorini and the best all-around choice for swimming.
Choose Perivolos for Beach Clubs and Luxury
Perivolos is the southern continuation of Perissa. It is more spread out, more polished, and better for upscale beach clubs, destination restaurants, and luxury beach hotels.
It becomes quieter as you travel south toward Agios Georgios and Exomitis. A car or pre-arranged transfer is helpful.
The Best Beaches and Swimming Spots in Santorini
1. Perissa Beach – Best Beach and Swimming
Perissa is my favorite beach in Santorini. The surface is a mix of dark sand and fine pebbles, becoming sandier as the beach continues south. The water is clear, swimming is good, and there are plenty of beach clubs, casual restaurants, bars, markets, and hotels.The northern end near Mesa Vouno is the busiest and has the easiest access to the village, bus stop, and restaurants. Walk south for more space and a quieter atmosphere. Perissa gradually becomes Perivolos without any clear physical boundary.
The beach works well for families, couples, budget travelers, and anyone who wants a relaxed day without paying for an expensive beach club. The beach bars are lively but do not have Fira-style nightclub energy.
Buses run between Fira and Perissa, though the ride is longer than the trip to Kamari. A seasonal water taxi sometimes connects Perissa and Kamari around Mesa Vouno. Confirm locally, as service depends on weather and demand.
Best for: Swimming, sand, casual beach days, families, and affordable hotels.
Skip it if: You want the island’s most upscale clubs and restaurants. Continue south to Perivolos.
Best hotels: Aqua Blue Hotel for a full-service resort and Anastasia Princess for a quieter upscale stay. See all Perissa hotels.
2. Kamari Beach – Best Beach Town
Kamari is the best-developed, most convenient, and most family-friendly beach town. Its pedestrian promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, hotels, and casual beach clubs. It is especially enjoyable in the evening.The shore is made of smooth black pebbles rather than sand. This keeps the water exceptionally clear but makes water shoes helpful. The sea becomes deep faster than it does at Monolithos, so parents should watch young children closely.
Kamari has the quickest and easiest beach connection from Fira and is the best option for visitors relying on buses. The airport is nearby, but aircraft noise is intermittent rather than constant and does not bother most visitors.
Mesa Vouno separates Kamari from Perissa. Fit travelers can hike over the mountain past Ancient Thera. A seasonal water taxi sometimes travels around the headland when conditions permit.
If I were staying in a Santorini beach town without a car, I would choose Kamari.
Best for: Families, restaurants, evening walks, bus travelers, and a full beach-town atmosphere.
Skip it if: You want the best sand or the most luxurious beach clubs.
Best hotels: Santorini Kastelli Resort for families and resort facilities, and Bellonias Villas for a prime position by the promenade. See all Kamari hotels.
3. Perivolos Beach – Best Beach Clubs and Luxury
Perivolos begins where Perissa ends and continues south toward Agios Georgios and Exomitis. It has slightly finer sand, more upscale beach clubs, several excellent restaurants, and Santorini’s strongest selection of luxury beach hotels.The beach is more spread out than Kamari or central Perissa. The northern section is livelier, while the southern end has long quiet stretches with fewer businesses.
Perivolos is the best choice for travelers who want a stylish beach day with reserved sunbeds, cocktails, music, and a good lunch. Beach-club prices and reservation policies vary widely. Reserve ahead for the most popular places in July and August.
Buses serving Perissa continue through parts of Perivolos, but a car or transfer gives you more freedom, especially at the quieter southern end.
Best for: Beach clubs, luxury hotels, couples, destination lunches, and quieter swimming farther south.
Skip it if: You want a compact town that is easy to explore entirely on foot.
Best hotels: Istoria for boutique luxury and Sea Breeze Beach Resort for a larger resort experience. See my complete guide to the best Santorini beach hotels.
4. Vlychada Beach – Best Scenery
Vlychada is Santorini’s most unusual beach. Its long strip of dark sand sits below white volcanic cliffs carved into strange shapes by wind and erosion.The organized southern section has sunbeds, umbrellas, and several nearby tavernas. Walk north for a quieter and more isolated beach. The cliffs are visually dramatic but provide little dependable shade, so bring sun protection.
Vlychada is better for scenery and a quiet beach day than for shopping, nightlife, or extensive facilities. The nearby marina has seafood restaurants, and the excellent Tomato Industrial Museum makes this an easy half-day trip.
The far northern end is unofficially clothing-optional and popular with LGBTQ+ travelers and locals.
Best for: Scenery, quiet, photography, couples, and combining a beach with the Tomato Industrial Museum.
Skip it if: You want a busy promenade, many restaurants, or frequent bus service.
Nearby hotels: The best choices are in southern Perivolos and Exomitis, including Sea Breeze Beach Resort.
5. Monolithos Beach – Best for Toddlers and Young Children
Monolithos is Santorini’s best beach for toddlers and young children. The sand is finer than at the island’s other main beaches, the water is shallower, and children can build real sandcastles rather than digging through coarse pebbles.The beach has a small playground, a handful of restaurants, and plenty of room. It is much quieter than Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos.
The tradeoff is isolation. There is no lively promenade, accommodation choices are limited, and windy conditions can make the broad exposed beach less pleasant. For most families, Kamari remains the better place to stay, while Monolithos is better for a half-day with small children.
Best for: Toddlers, shallow water, sandcastles, quiet, and uncrowded family time.
Skip it if: You want many restaurants, shops, beach clubs, or evening entertainment.
6. Caldera Beach – Best Quiet Beach
Caldera Beach is one of the few places where you can swim inside the caldera. It has deep blue water, volcanic cliffs, a small port, a dive center, a good taverna, and views unlike those at the east-coast beaches.The beach is a mix of black pebbles and coarse sand. The water becomes deep almost immediately, so it is best for confident swimmers rather than young children.
There are no major beach clubs and few visitors come solely to sit on the shore. The eastern end is wider and quieter, while the western end near the port and taverna is more convenient.
Caldera Beach is one of Santorini’s most rewarding low-key swimming spots, but reaching it is easiest by rental car or taxi.
Best for: Quiet swimming, caldera views, diving, and travelers who want somewhere less commercial.
Skip it if: You need shallow water, extensive facilities, or easy bus access.
7. Ammoudi Bay – Best Rocky Swimming Spot
Ammoudi is Santorini’s most beautiful rocky swimming spot, but it is not a beach.From the Ammoudi restaurants, follow the waterfront trail south for about five minutes. The path ends at a rocky swimming area opposite Agios Nikolaos islet.
The water is deep, clear, and exposed to boat traffic. Swim when the sea is calm, remain aware of passing boats, and do not jump before checking the water and landing area. The shoreline path is rough in places and unsuitable for strollers or travelers with limited mobility.
Reaching Ammoudi requires descending from Oia or driving to the harbor. The climb back to Oia is steep, and taxis are difficult to find during busy periods. Arrange transport in advance when you do not want to climb.
Best for: Confident swimmers, deep water, dramatic scenery, and combining a swim with an Ammoudi seafood lunch.
Skip it if: You want sand, sunbeds, shallow water, changing rooms, or easy access.
8. Red Beach – Best Viewpoint
Red Beach is Santorini’s most famous beach landscape but not one of its best beach days.The red cliffs, black-red pebbles, and clear water are visually striking. View the beach from the approach or from a boat. The cliffs are unstable, rockfalls have occurred repeatedly, and access warnings can change. Do not cross barriers or ignore posted signs.
Red Beach is close to Ancient Akrotiri, making the viewpoint an easy short stop before or after the ruins. Many Santorini boat tours also pass offshore for photographs and swimming.
Best for: Scenery, photographs, geology, and combining with Ancient Akrotiri.
Skip it if: You want a comfortable, safe, full-service beach day. Go to Perissa, Kamari, or Perivolos instead.
Best Santorini Beach for Every Traveler
- Families: Kamari
- Toddlers: Monolithos
- Teenagers: Perissa
- Couples: Perivolos or Vlychada
- Swimming: Perissa
- Shallow water: Monolithos
- Beach clubs: Perivolos
- Restaurants: Kamari
- Without a car: Kamari
- Budget hotels: Perissa
- Luxury hotels: Perivolos
- Quiet: Caldera Beach or southern Perivolos
- Scenery: Vlychada
- Rocky swimming: Ammoudi Bay
- Photography: Red Beach and Vlychada
- Sunset: None of the main east-coast beaches. Watch from the caldera, Oia, Imerovigli, or a boat.
Should You Stay at the Beach or on the Caldera?
Stay on the Caldera for a First Visit
Most first-time visitors should stay in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia. The caldera views, walking paths, sunsets, restaurants, and atmosphere are what make Santorini unique.
Visit Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos as a half-day or full-day trip.
Stay at the Beach for Swimming and Easy Family Logistics
Choose a beach town when swimming is a daily priority, you want a flatter setting, or caldera hotels are too expensive or impractical.
Kamari is the most convenient beach base. Perissa is better for swimming and value. Perivolos is best for upscale hotels and beach clubs.
Split Your Stay Only with Enough Time
A split stay can work with five or more nights, but changing hotels consumes time. For a short trip, choose one base and travel to the other side of the island for the day.
See my guides to the best places to stay in Santorini and the best Santorini beach hotels.
Getting to Santorini Beaches
By Bus
Kamari and Perissa have direct bus connections from Fira. Kamari has the quicker and more convenient service.
Traveling from Oia, Imerovigli, or Firostefani generally requires going to Fira and changing buses. See my complete Santorini bus guide.
Buses work well for a single beach day. They are less convenient when combining several beaches or adding Akrotiri, Vlychada, Emporio, wineries, or the lighthouse.
By Rental Car
A rental car is the easiest way to explore Vlychada, Caldera Beach, Monolithos, Red Beach, Akrotiri, and the quieter southern parts of Perivolos.
Parking is easiest at Monolithos and Vlychada and more competitive near central Kamari and Perissa in summer.
By Taxi or Transfer
Pre-book a transfer when visiting a remote beach without a car. Do not assume a taxi will be waiting at Caldera Beach, Vlychada, southern Perivolos, or Ammoudi.
Kamari–Perissa Water Taxi
A seasonal boat sometimes connects Kamari and Perissa around Mesa Vouno. Schedules are informal and depend on weather and demand. Confirm locally before building your day around it.
Walking Between Beaches
Perissa and Perivolos form one continuous shoreline and are easy to walk between.
Kamari and Perissa are separated by Mesa Vouno. The hiking route over the mountain is steep and exposed and can include Ancient Thera. It is a real hike, not a short beach stroll.
Santorini Beach Advice
- Wear sandals or water shoes. Black sand becomes painfully hot, and many water entries are pebbly.
- Reserve popular beach clubs. In July and August, the best front-row sunbeds at Perivolos can book ahead.
- Ask how sunbeds are priced. Some are free with a minimum food or drink purchase; others charge a fixed rental fee.
- Bring sun protection. Natural shade is limited at almost every Santorini beach.
- Watch children closely. Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Ammoudi, and Caldera Beach can become deep close to shore.
- Do not leave valuables unattended. Use only what you need for the day.
- Check the wind. Strong north winds can make the east-coast beaches rough. Conditions differ by beach, so ask locally before traveling across the island.
- Do not expect a sunset view. Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Monolithos, and Vlychada face east or southeast.
My Favorite Santorini Beach Hotels
- Best overall: Istoria in Perivolos
- Best in Kamari: Santorini Kastelli Resort
- Best by the Kamari promenade: Bellonias Villas
- Best in Perissa: Aqua Blue Hotel
- Best large beach resort: Sea Breeze Beach Resort
- Best quiet couples’ hotel: Orabel Suites
See the complete guide to the best beach hotels in Santorini.
Santorini Beaches FAQ
What is the best beach in Santorini?
Perissa is the best beach overall. It has the best combination of swimming, sand, restaurants, beach facilities, hotels, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Which beach has the best sand?
Perissa has the best beach surface among the main beach towns. Monolithos has the softest sand and is the only beach where young children can easily build sandcastles.
Which beach has the best swimming?
Perissa is the best all-around swimming beach. Ammoudi has beautiful deep water but no sand or beach facilities. Caldera Beach is excellent for confident swimmers.
Which beach is best for families?
Kamari is the best family beach town because it has easy buses, many restaurants, a pedestrian promenade, and a wide choice of hotels.
Which beach is best for toddlers?
Monolithos has the shallowest water and softest sand. It is better for a half-day than a full beach-based stay.
Which beach has the best beach clubs?
Perivolos has Santorini’s best beach clubs, destination restaurants, and reserved sunbed setups.
Which beach is best without a car?
Kamari. It has the easiest bus connections from Fira and everything is within a compact, walkable beach town.
Which beach is quietest?
Caldera Beach is the quietest distinctive swimming beach. Southern Perivolos and the northern end of Vlychada also have long uncrowded stretches.
Is Red Beach safe?
The cliffs are unstable and rockfalls have occurred repeatedly. View it from the approach or a boat, obey barriers and signs, and do not treat it as a normal beach day.
Is Ammoudi Bay a beach?
No. It is a rocky deep-water swimming spot below Oia with no sand, sunbeds, changing rooms, or easy access.
Are Santorini beaches sandy or pebbly?
Most are a mix of coarse volcanic sand and pebbles. Perissa and southern Perivolos are sandier. Kamari is more pebbly. Monolithos has the finest sand.
Are the beaches black?
Most of the main beaches are black or dark gray because of Santorini’s volcanic geology. Red Beach has red cliffs and dark-red pebbles.
Does the black sand get hot?
Extremely hot in summer. Wear sandals or water shoes when walking between your sunbed and the sea.
Do I need water shoes?
They are not essential but are useful for hot sand, pebbly shorelines, and rocky entries.
Is the water warm?
The sea is coolest in May and becomes progressively warmer through summer. September has warm water and fewer crowds. October can remain swimmable, though weather is less predictable.
When is beach season?
The main beach season runs from late May through September. June and September offer the best balance of warm weather, swimming, and manageable crowds.
Are sunbeds free?
Policies vary. Some beach clubs include sunbeds with a minimum food or drink purchase. Others charge a set price based on row, date, and demand.
Do I need to reserve sunbeds?
Not at casual sections of Kamari or Perissa. Reserve at popular Perivolos beach clubs and luxury hotels during July and August.
Do Santorini beaches have lifeguards?
Coverage varies by beach, section, and season. Do not assume a lifeguard is present, and supervise children regardless.
Do the beaches have showers and changing rooms?
Organized areas of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos have the best facilities. Amenities vary by beach club. Remote beaches have little or nothing.
Can I walk from Perissa to Perivolos?
Yes. They form one continuous beach and are easy to walk between.
Can I walk from Kamari to Perissa?
Yes, but the route climbs over Mesa Vouno and is a real hike. Do not attempt it in midday summer heat.
Can I visit the beaches by bus?
Yes. Kamari and Perissa have direct buses from Fira. Other beaches are easier by car, taxi, or pre-booked transfer.
Should I rent a car for the beaches?
Not for a single day at Kamari or Perissa. Rent a car when combining several beaches with Akrotiri, Vlychada, Emporio, wineries, or the lighthouse.
Which beach has the best restaurants?
Kamari has the widest range and best evening atmosphere. Perivolos has the most upscale destination restaurants and beach-club dining.
Which beach has the best hotels?
Perivolos has the best luxury beach hotels. Kamari has the largest selection. Perissa has the best value.
Can I see sunset from the beach?
Not from the main east-coast beaches. For sunset, return to the caldera, watch from Oia or Imerovigli, visit Akrotiri Lighthouse, or take a boat cruise.
Should I stay at the beach or on the caldera?
First-time visitors should stay on the caldera and visit the beach for a day. Stay at the beach when swimming, family convenience, flatter streets, or lower hotel prices are the priority.
How much time should I spend at the beach?
A half-day is enough for most first-time visitors. Spend a full day when swimming and relaxing are priorities or when combining Vlychada with the Tomato Industrial Museum.
Are Santorini beaches worth visiting?
Yes, but they should not replace the caldera, villages, hike, wineries, or boat tour. Their appeal is clear water and unusual volcanic scenery rather than soft sand.
Read More
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Dear Dave! What a great and helpful website you run!
Which beach in Santorini is calmer compared to the others? I am not a good swimmer. I would need a floating tire or something similar to go into the water because I don’t feel safe around waves. What I like to do is put on a life-saving jacket and do a bit of snorkeling close to the beach.
Best,
Sophia
I don’t consider any of the Santorini beaches to be calm or shallow (none of the main beaches, anyway). All have a pretty quick drop-off. Be sure you have a life jacket with you.
Hi David,
Me and my husband are going to Santorini in the beginning of August.
I use to sunbath topless and would like to ask in which of the Kamari or Perissa beaches it is allowed and more common?
I’ve seen it in Perissa but it’s still fairly rare.
HI Dave, can you recommend any hotels with Caldera views that don’t cost over $300 a night? Thanks so much.
On this page of mine, you’ll find some cheaper hotels with caldera views.
Hi Dave,
Great website! We are staying in Imerovigli and would like to take our kids to a beach for a half day (without going across the Island). Is there a beach we can walk to from Imerovigli? Thanks!
There is no place to swim near Imerovigli. The east coast of the island is a short drive (though definitely not walking distance). Try Vourvoulos Beach for a spot to jump in the water (but it’s not really a beach).
Hi Dave. Thank you for this great website!! Looking at hotel options for Santorini and found two great options – one in Pyrgos and the other in Karterados. Which is best for getting around with public transportation (we do not plan on renting a car). If we were to rent a car, is Fira the best place to rent it? Thank you!!
Karterados has more buses going to Fira – and you could always walk in a pinch. Fira has many places to rent a car, but the airport is where I prefer to pick it up. The airport bus goes right by Karterados too.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the great info.
We’re visiting Santorini in August and can’t do the boat tour as one of us suffers terribly with sea sickness. Which is the better beach for snorkelling?
Cheers!
The good news is that the water around Santorini is crystal clear. The bad news is that there isn’t a lot to see in terms of marine life. All the beaches are OK and none are great. The areas with rock (as opposed to sand) are generally best. Black Beach (and nearby areas) and the swimming area around Ammoudi Bay are probably best.
Hi Dave,
What a great information site, I am wondering if you can give me some advice, please? I live in Australia and are planning to go to Greece at the end of August, I have never been before and this will probably be my only time. My sister and I are going, we are in our early 70 but very active. My dream is to go to one of the islands that have the most to offer for us, we love swimming in clear water, nice beaches, small fishing villages, and some nice shopping. Can you please suggest which Island would be the most suitable for us. But also not too long travelling time to get there. I really appreciate it!
Thank you
Orsa
Paros and Naxos are probably what you’re looking for. Sifnos if you want something quieter (but not a lot of shopping).
Hi Dave!
I wanted to thank you for this wonderful site, and also thank you for answering my question the other day about Lindos Blu. I recently became a patron and was hoping you could answer a few more questions I had!
So my fiancée and I are planning our honeymoon trip to Greece, and have decided upon 16 days. We’ve narrowed it down to the following islands:
-4 days in Rhodes
-5 days in Santorini
-4 days in Milos (possible day trip to Sifnos)
-3 days in Naxos or Crete
Here are my questions:
1) Order of travel for the Islands? We thought to visit Rhodes first, and then take a flight into Santorini, and then island-hop to the others by ferry. One of the main reasons we’re going to Rhodes is to visit Rhodes Town and all the historical sites. Since there will be a lot of walking around, we figured we’d do that first, then go to the other islands where it will be more about relaxation. Also, Rhodes is sort of far away from the other islands and that would help us consolidate the travel. Does that travel order make the most sense?
2) In Santorini: Grace Santorini vs Katikies? I’m thinking Grace Santorini would be the best for us. Imerovigli seems to have the best views, and also I think we’d enjoy the food in Imerovigli a little more than in Oia. Also, Imerovigli is a more central location and seems like it would be easier to explore the island. However, on the Grace Hotel website there is no availability for October (when we are going). Have they simply not opened up their reservations book that far in advance or do you think the hotel is already sold out? I emailed them and have yet to receive a response (which seems a little odd for a hotel of their reputation). Grace also seems to be more expensive by at least 100 a night. Would I be missing out on much by going with Katikies instead of Grace?
3) Day trip to Sifnos or full stay? My fiancée and I are both lovers of excellent food, and we have read a lot about the amazing food scene on Sifnos. Since Sifnos is so close to Milos, it makes sense to take a ferry from Milos to go check out the food. Do you think it makes more sense to do a day trip to Sifnos from Milos or should we get a hotel in Sifnos and stay a full two days?
4) Naxos vs Crete? My fiancée and I love great beaches, and it seems that Crete and Naxos have the best beaches in Greece. My first instinct is go to Naxos because it is a shorter ferry ride from Santorini/Milos, and the island is also a lot smaller so we can simply get to all the places on the island quicker and thereby experience more things. It also seems that since Crete is such a large island, you really need more than 4 days to fully explore it. If we went to Naxos, we’d probably stay in the Nissaki Beach hotel as that seems to be the nicest beach hotel on the island. The one reason I question going to Naxos is because of the Caramel Grecotel in Crete… after viewing its website it looks to be one of the most stunning/beautiful properties I have ever seen… my fiancée and I love sitting under a beach cabana with an amazing view to a sandy white beach, and I feel like perhaps we would be missing out on something special by not visiting it. Any thoughts on that?
5) Staying in Rhodes Town vs Lindos: My fiancée and I really enjoy beach-style hotels, and I think we’d enjoy Lindos Blu more than one of the castle-style hotels in Rhodes Town. Plus from your previous post, you said Lindos Blu has an amazing restaurant which we would also really enjoy. But we also want to visit Rhodes Town for at least a day, possibly two. Would it make sense to stay in Lindos and take a bus up to Rhodes Town, or would it be a huge hassle and would we be better off staying somewhere in Rhodes Town like Spirit of the Knight? How much time would you spend in Rhodes Town if you were visiting Rhodes?
6) Transportation? Will any of those islands require a car rental or are the bus/taxi situations good enough on the islands that I won’t need to? Also, if I do rent a car, is it better to rent one car and take it on the ferry, or should I rent a different car on every island.
7) Ferry situation… with island hopping a big worry of mine is that if the boat ride is cancelled due to bad weather it could make the situation very difficult with us missing a hotel reservation and being stranded without a room. Is this something we need to be concerned with or are the ferry schedules punctual for the most part?
8) Tipping customs? In the US we typically tip the service staff 15%- 20% for food/beverage in restaurants. Is service included over in Greece or do people tip?
9) Pocket cash… will most restaurants/stores take credit cards? How much cash would you recommend to keep on hand? And is it easy to get cash if we run out?
A lot of questions! I know! Am very excited about this trip! Any advice you have would be very much appreciated.
Regards,
Jon
1. You’ll want to do Rhodes either first or last and keep the Cyclades all together. There are usually no direct flights between Rhodes and the Cyclades so you’d have to fly via Athens (2 different flights). If you were to do Crete then ferry might make more sense as there are regular ferries from Rhodes to Crete and daily ferries from Crete to Santorini. Ferry schedules won’t be out for a few more months for all those routes.
2. Both Grace and Katikies are the best of the best. The experience is different at each based more on their location than their quality. Grace does have sunset views while Katikies doesn’t. (Yes, their website probably has not opened up those dates yet. Try Booking.com.)
3. I always recommend staying on islands rather than doing day trips and Milos-Sifnos is no exception.
4. Naxos has that small-island idyllic vibe. It’s one of my absolute favorites. There are a half-dozen great restaurants within a 10 minute walk of Nissaki. The Caramel Grecotel is wonderful but there’s not as much of interest close to the resort.
5. I prefer staying in Rhodes Town as one visit to Lindos is usually good for most. While Rhodes Town has more to wander and explore.
6. Bus transportation on most islands is excellent. But renting a car will always allow you to see a little more of an island than you will on a bus. Santorini and Naxos are two islands where renting a car is good idea. But you can’t take a rental car on the ferry. Most cars are owned locally. You’d need special permission and have to reserve a car space on the ferry. Not worth it.
7. Ferry cancelations do happen but they’re ultimately pretty rare. There’s often another ferry that you can jump on if your original one is canceled. In any case, there’s not much you can do about it. You have to reserve hotels in advance and you’ll never know which ferries are going to be canceled.
8. Tipping is not the rule in Greece. On the more touristy islands, like Santorini, it’s subtly expected at the better restaurants but still not the norm.
9. ATMs are everywhere and reliable. Credit cars are widely accepted. Have 500€ on you for backup but don’t need more than that.
Hi Dave,
I’m wondering how “secure” the beaches are in general. We live in Barcelona, Spain, and here you can’t leave your personal belongings unsupervised for a second before they disappear. Can you leave your stuff on the beach, go for a swim and expect it to still be there when you get back?
Emma
I leave my stuff on the beach unguarded all the time and have never had a problem. Mind you, I do that all the time pretty much everywhere and have never had a problem.
Any recommendations for lunch at Ammoudi bay?
Jen D.
They are all good but the Ammoudi Fish Taverna (far right when looking at the water) is the best.
Which islands have good snorkeling? Is it possible to pair one of them with an Athens/Santorini trip?
Thank you,
Jen
Paros is the island with the most snorkelling near Santorini and on the direct Athens to Santorini ferry route.
Hi Dave GREAT website. Can you tell me. Can we get a water taxi from Fira to Kamari.
Thank you,
Steve
Short answer: no. Longer answer: if you’re willing to pay, someone (private boat, charter) will do it for you, but this is not a scheduled route.
Hi Dave,
We were hoping to go to a beach for a little bit of a day while in Santorini. We are staying in Oia. While at the beach we wanted to go parasailing and or jet skiing. Which beach would be best for this, and have the prettiest views while doing this?
Reed
Most of the water sports is on Perivolos Beach (south of Perissa). Try Wavesports which has an excellent jet ski tour to the volcano and caldera.
Dave,
Is there a swimming pool in Oia hotel that allows non-resident to pay to swim?
Just for our kids, you know.
Thanks,
Tito
Lioyerma is a cafe pool bar in Oia. Free use of the pool when you order something.
Hello Dave,
I go to Greece every year and this year I am planning to try Santorini (first part of July). Usually I go alone and I like just to stay on the beach all day, sun bath and swim. Which part of Santorini would you suggest? (P.S. I do not have driving licence).
Thank you,
Violeta
Perissa is the best beach with a relaxing beach scene. Sand is still “pebbley” but lots of sun loungers and beach bars. Swimming is great.
We are 3 40+ ladies planning a 5 day trip to Santorini this summer. We want good nightlife-bars/restaurants/dancing (love traditional Greece). We are looking for somewhere classy to stay-a pool and a pool bar is a must with nice rooms (not basic) We will not be hiring a car so walking distance to everything is a must although happy to bus/taxi to beaches if not in a beach resort. Can you recommend any hotels and would you say Fira would be our best bet?
Lisa Craig
I’d highly recommend Cosmopolitan Suites in Fira. Nice pool has incredible views of the caldera and you’re less than a 3 minute walk to the clubs and nightlife (though not so close for it to be a bother). Bus station is about a 6 minute walk so it’s a great location if you don’t have a rental car.
Hey David,
Thanks for the great site!
I’m in airport headed for Santorini now – have 3 nights booked.
Also had 4 nights in Ios planned but a friend recently came back and said it’s dead now (first week of October). So I cancelled hotel.
Would you advising spending all 7 nights chilling in Santorini – or would you still take 4 nights and head to Ios?
I’m solo and just hang out on the beach, love food, and a few drinks.
Thanks.
Rice
I would stay on Santorini as Ios will be very quiet. But if weather is nice over the next few days and you’re happy with sitting on a near empty beach then sure. But if weather is on the cooler side then there’s far more to do in Santorini.
Hello,
We will be arriving in Santorini airport (JTR) on a Friday morning (8am) in late May. We were thinking of going straight to Kamari beach from the aiport, before checking into our Fira Hotel in the afternoon.
Is there a public bus that goes from the JTR airport to Kamari? or one must go to Fira first and then change? Also, how much should a taxi charge from the airport to Kamari beach?
Thanks!
There’s a bus from the airport to Fira and then Fira to Kamari. You can also get the bus to drop you on the road where the bus paths cross, you’d then wait there for the bus to Kamari. Buses from the airport are not common – it could be a 30 minute to 1 hour wait. (You could actually walk from the airport to the main road then wait for the Fira-Kamari bus there, but you’d need to ask directions.) Taxi is about €10 to €12 from the airport to Kamari.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the details provided on Greece, it’s very helpful.
After reading your article on the difference between Santorini and Mykonos we decided to plan our 5 days, late June, honeymoon in Santorini for the next summer despite the fact that Mykonos has better beaches.
I reserved a hotel/appartment in Kamari next to the the beach. Was that a good choice? Staying in Kamari on the beach and going for Fira and Oia by bus in the afternoon till night? Are we gonna miss the beauty of Fira and Oia if we stayed in Kamari? Is it better to do it differently and stay in Fira instead and go by bus to kamari beach?
One more question, can we find buses from Fira to kamari late at night?
thank you!
There is no right answer but I prefer to stay in the caldera towns and go to the beach through the day. Back to the towns at night for the best restaurants and nightlife. Kamari is cheaper so you can save money by staying there. What makes Santorini so special is the caldera so to stay somewhere else and only experience it in bits and pieces is not my first choice. But it’s a great island regardless of where you stay so it’s not as if staying in Kamari is going to be bad.
Hi Dave,
My girlfriend and I are going to Santorini next week, November 8. Is it going to be too cold for swimming? We are from Boston so chilly water is not foreign to us. I felt the water in Amalfi, Italy today and it was warm to me. Just curious if it is the same there.
Thanks,
Josh
In November, it’s going to be too cold for 98% of visitors to swim.
I can’t say whether that will apply to you. It’s certainly not freezing, so if you’re used to going for a cool swim in the Atlantic in late September – then I’m sure you’ll be able to brave it. And you could get some unseasonably warm weather that makes the sea a little more inviting than usual. I think water temps will be close to Amalfi, maybe a little cooler.
Hi dave
Me and my husband are going to Santorini on July and I was womdering if you could give me some tips on things to do while we are at Kamari.
We like boat trips.
Thanks dave,
Michelle
Best Things To Do at Kamari Beach
1) Hike up to Ancient Thera. Takes a couple hours, great views of the island.
2) Take boat to Perissa Beach. They leave every 30 or 40 minutes. It’s a short fun trip. Can also combine this with the hike to Thera. Go up the Kamari side, down the Perissa side, and boat back to Kamari.
3) There are boat tours of the volcano, hot springs, Thirassia, and the cliffs around Oia. The bus picks you up in Kamari and takes you to the port on the opposite side of the island. Be sure to get a tour that includes the sunset. Dinner is served on the boat. All the companies that offer it are pretty good so just pick the tour with the best times. No need to book in advance.
4) Eat at Metaxy Mas. The best restaurant on Santorini and about a 8 minute drive from Kamari.
5) The Wine Museum is pretty close to Kamari and worth a visit.
6) Go to the Outdoor Cinema in Kamari. This is so much fun. Don’t miss it. Drink some wine or beer in the warm night air as you watch a movie (recent ones and they’re usually pretty good).
7) And obviously, be sure to get to Fira (direct buses from Kamari take 20 minutes) to walk along the caldera path and enjoy the incredible views.