The Best Beach Hotels in Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Beach Resorts
Updated: November 28, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

The black volcanic sand beact at Sea Breeze Beach Resort, one of the few hotels that sit directly on a Santorini beach.

If you are planning to stay at the beach in Santorini, you need to know one thing first: staying at the beach is a completely different vacation than staying on the caldera.

The famous caldera towns (Fira, Oia, Imerovigli) have the views, the cliffs, and the luxury. The beach towns (Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos) are on the flat side of the island. They offer a relaxed, traditional Greek summer vibe, easier walkability, and are much more affordable.

Quick Overview: Which Beach Town?
• Kamari: Best for families and strolling. It has a pedestrian-only promenade lined with shops and restaurants. It feels like a proper seaside resort town.
• Perissa: Best for budget travelers and backpackers. It has a laid-back, youthful vibe with a stunning backdrop of Mesa Vouno mountain.
• Perivolos: Best for luxury and partying. This is really just the southern extension of Perissa, but the vibe shifts to upscale beach clubs, fancy dining, and 5-star hotels.

1. Kamari (Best All-Around)

This is the most organized and “walkable” beach town. The boardwalk is closed to cars in the evening, making it safe for kids and great for a sunset stroll.

• The Beach: Black pebbles and coarse sand. You absolutely need water shoes.
• Dining: Gia Mas is excellent for traditional Greek food. Almira is great for nicer seafood.
• Transport: The bus to Fira takes ~15 minutes and runs frequently (every 20 mins in summer). Taxis to Fira cost about €25.

Where to Stay:
• Luxury: Santorini Kastelli Resort. The best luxury hotel in Kamari. It is not directly on the beach (it’s one block back), but it is a lush, quiet oasis with multiple pools. It feels like a 5-star retreat.
• Luxury (Adults-Only): Radisson Blu Zaffron. A newer, stylish option with a great pool scene. Very chic.
• Family: Bellonias Villas. Located right on the beach. These are apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, which is a huge plus for families. The hotel has a private beach area with sunbeds.
• Budget: Hotel Sunshine. Incredible value. It is right on the promenade, simple, clean, and has a breakfast buffet right next to the sea.

2. Perivolos (Best for Upscale Beach Clubs)

If you want to lie on a thick sunbed with a cocktail and DJ music, stay here. The sand here is much nicer than in Kamari, and slightly finer than in Perissa.

• Dining/Clubs: Seaside by Notos is the place for “fancy” beach dining. Wet Stories is the popular beach club for parties.
• Transport: You are further from Fira here. The bus takes about 20-25 minutes. A rental car is highly recommended if you stay in Perivolos.

Where to Stay:
• Luxury: Istoria Hotel. This is arguably the best beach hotel on the entire island. It is a Design Hotel with stunning architecture, a massive pool, and a very serene, exclusive vibe.
• Luxury (Family-Friendly): Sea Breeze Santorini. A Hilton Curio property at the far end of the beach. It is one of the few hotels with private pool suites right on the beach.
• Boutique: Orabel Suites. A fantastic, romantic, adults-only boutique hotel. It is small, intimate, and has a lovely pool area with a swim-up bar.

3. Perissa (Good Sand & Chill Vibe)

Perissa connects directly to Perivolos (you can walk between them), but the northern end near the mountain is cheaper and more casual.

• Dining: Tranquilo is a legendary vegetarian/vegan beach bar with massive portions and colorful hammocks. Fratzeskos is a classic fish taverna famous for fresh seafood.
• Fun Tip: You can take a water taxi from Perissa to Kamari. It leaves from the dock near the mountain. It’s a fun, cheap way to visit the other village without taking the bus all the way back to Fira.

Where to Stay:
• Affordable Luxury: Aqua Blue Hotel. Right on the beach with a private section of sunbeds. Good pools and a solid buffet breakfast. A good reliable choice.
• Mid-Range: Meltemi Village. A classic, comfortable hotel that is often half the price of places in Oia. It has a great pool and is a 5-minute walk to the sand.
• Hostel style: Youth Hostel Anna. Famous among backpackers. Clean, safe, and social.

Practical Tips for Santorini Beaches

• “Private Beaches” don’t exist: In Greece, all beaches are public. When a hotel says “private beach,” they mean a designated area of the public beach with their own sunbeds and umbrellas (usually free for guests).
• The Sand is Hot: The black volcanic sand absorbs heat. By noon in summer it’s very hot. Sandals, flip-flops, or aqua shoes are helpful.
• Stay for 3+ Nights: If you stay at the beach, commit to it. Do not try to split a short visit into 2 nights in Fira and 1 night in Kamari; the hassle of moving isn’t worth it. Pick one base. If you want views, stay on the caldera. If you want swimming, stay here.

The 23 Best Beach Hotels in Santorini

1. Istoria Hotel – Perivolos Beach

The most luxurious beachfront hotel in Santorini and our favorite beach hotel for couples. Istoria boasts an infinity pool with an attached jacuzzi, a holistic spa, and friendly, attentive service. Most of their well-appointed suites have private, outdoor jacuzzis or pools. Food and drinks are incredible at their signature restaurant Mr. E and at their all-day pool bar. The hotel also offers a serviced, private beach area. Well located on Perivolos Beach, just steps from great dining and beach clubs.

2. Sea Breeze Beach Resort – Exomitis Beach, near Perivolos

Our favorite beachfront hotel for families, Sea Breeze is a wonderful, five-star property set directly on the sand at the southernmost tip of the island. The resort features a private, serviced beach area with pairs of sunbeds and umbrellas, two adult pools, two kids’ pools, and an indoor/outdoor spa. All rooms, suites, and duplexes boast private balconies or terraces with outdoor hot tubs, heated plunge pools, or heated swimming pools. All accommodations also have king or queen-sized beds, free minibars (replenished daily), pillow menus, and twice-daily maid service. The signature restaurant, Aura, offers a creative Mediterranean menu all day, along with casual poolside snacks, and rich, complimentary breakfasts (which can also be served to you room). Idyllic (albeit a little remote) location perfect for stargazing, about a 20-minute walk along the beach to Perivolos or Vlychada for more dining options. Renting a car is recommended; valet parking is complimentary.

3. Santorini Kastelli Resort – Kamari Beach

Gorgeous, five-star resort with seven pools (four for all guests and three semi-private), a full-service salon and spa, and a tennis court. Their restaurant serves a complimentary American champagne breakfast daily and delicious Greek-Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. Rooms are on the cozy side, most sleeping a maximum of two, though the maisonette and one-bedroom suites are larger and sleep four. Executive Rooms and Suites boast private pools. Though the resort’s sprawling layout and walled gardens make it feel secluded, Santorini Kastelli is just a stone’s throw to restaurants, boutiques, and the beach.

4. Radisson Blu Zaffron – Kamari Beach

Five-star, adults-only (ages 13+) resort with two side-by-side heated pools with a poolside bar, an all-day Mediterranean restaurant, and a small wellness center. About a five-minute walk away, the resort has its own private area on Kamari Beach with pairs of sunbeds and umbrellas. All rooms, suites, and villas have private patios or terraces, about half with private plunge pools or jacuzzis. Most rooms and suites are designed for couples and offer king-sized beds, though a few sleep up to three by adding a sofabed; the two-bedroom Presidential Villa sleeps up to four. Two suites and three rooms are wheelchair accessible. Breakfast is included with all bookings.

5. Nikki Beach Resort and Spa – Monolithos Beach

Trendy, five-star, adults-only hotel set on the sand of remote Monolithos Beach. This luxurious getaway features a lively pool scene with a DJ every afternoon, a chic pool bar, rooftop lounge, decadent spa, and a restaurant serving Greek mains and sushi sides. Rooms are breezy and spacious, most with private jacuzzis or pools, and one with both.

6. Sigalas Hotel – Kamari Beach

A family-run, beachfront hotel in Kamari, Sigalas offers a private beach area, wonderful restaurant, and a pool. Rooms, suites, and apartments are spacious and clean with traditional decor and private terraces. Studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom/two-bathroom maisonettes all offer kitchenettes; maisonettes sleep up to seven. Peaceful location at the north end of Kamari, though the hotel is near the airport along the flight path, so there is some airplane noise periodically.

7. Bellonias Villas – Kamari Beach

Family-friendly, luxury hotel with a pool, spa, and beach club. This all-suite boutique hotel offers spacious accommodations for up to five guests, all with kitchenettes and private terraces or balconies; the Honeymoon Suite adds a private, outdoor jacuzzi. Their casual restaurant and bar Elia serves modern Greek dishes, local wines, and cocktails all day until midnight. Great location just steps from Kamari Beach, near the lifeguard stand.

8. Orabel Suites – Perivolos Beach

Adults-only boutique hotel with beautiful modern suites just five minutes from the beach. Orabel boasts two pools (the main pool and an endless current pool) with a lovely poolside bar. Suites feature sea or pool views, and all include either indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Master Suite is the largest onsite and sleeps up to four.

9. Sandblu Resort – Kamari Beach

Brand-new five-star family-friendly resort, with deluxe rooms, suites, or villas perfect for up to five guests. Enjoy two restaurants, a wine bar, a bakery, luxury shopping, and a kids’ club for ages four to twelve. There are two stunning pool decks — including an infinity pool — and a free shuttle to private sunbeds at Kamari Beach.

10. Cavo Bianco – Kamari Beach

Five-star hotel with two dazzling pools, a full-service spa, casual Greek restaurant, and an excellent pool bar. Rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, all with private terraces. A few suites boast indoor or outdoor jacuzzis or private pools. Cavo Bianco sits near several restaurants and just a five-minute walk to the beach.

11. Aqua Blue Hotel – Perissa Beach

Steps from Perissa’s black sand beach, Aqua Blue offers a private beach area with bar service reserved for hotel guests. The two pools are beautiful, both surrounded by double-sized sunbeds, and one with an extra kids pool. Rooms and suites are modern and spacious. The Family Rooms (two connected Doubles) and Maisonettes sleep up to five; Studios and Maisonettes offer kitchenettes. Wonderful food at the restaurant and pool bar.

12. La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel – Kamari Beach

Delightful hotel with a chic pool, wonderful pool bar, and a strong eco-focus (solar power, rain collection, organic bedding, bicycles for guests). Suites and two-bedroom apartments are spacious, from 36 to 86 sqm, and sleep up to six. Suites all have private, outdoor jacuzzis, while apartments all have private pools with hydrotherapy jets. Located at the north end of Kamari, just a short walk to the beach. Like Sigalas Hotel above, La Bellezza is also near the airport, but it has great sound insulation.

13. Viva Nove Suites – Kamari Beach

Elegant, all-suite boutique hotel with a pool, all-day bar, and intriguing architecture. Half of the suites feature direct access to the main pool from their private terraces; the other half include private outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. Most suites are designed for couples with one king-sized bed, while maisonettes sleep up to four guests with a king-sized bed in the bedroom and a loft with two twin beds. An à la carte breakfast is included daily. Viva Nove is about a five-minute walk to the beach, five to ten minutes to most restaurants in the village center, ten minutes to the bus stop with routes to Fira, and a 15-minute walk to the Open Air Cinema.

14. Anassa Deluxe Suites – Kamari Beach

Friendly, luxury, boutique hotel with a pool, cafe, and bar. Rooms and suites are spacious, all with kitchenettes and private terraces, some with sea views. The largest maisonettes (lofts) and two-bedroom suites sleep up to four; there is also one wheelchair-accessible studio suite. A delicious Greek buffet breakfast is included. Wonderful location just a two-minute walk to the beach near several restaurants, beach bars, and shops.

15. Hotel 28 – Kamari Beach

A sister hotel of Bellonias Villas. This romantic, adults-only, boutique hotel offers cozy rooms for two, a pool with jacuzzi jets, and an all-day bar and restaurant. Contemporary, Cycladic-style rooms all feature private balconies with pool or mountain views. The pool bar offers light bites and great cocktails. The hotel sits just a five-minute walk from Kamari Beach.

16. Tamarix Del Mar Suites – Kamari Beach

Upscale, family-friendly boutique hotel with two pools (one outdoor, one indoor), a kids’ pool, a playroom, and a casual restaurant and pool bar. This all-suite property offers a range of traditional-style junior, one-bedroom, and maisonette suites for up to five, many with private outdoor jacuzzis. One junior suite is wheelchair-accessible. The hotel sits at the lovely south end of Kamari near several restaurants, just a two-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute walk to the base of Mesa Vouno and the water taxi to Perissa Beach.

17. Anastasia Princess Luxury Residence & Spa – Perissa Beach

Adults-only, all-suite resort with two pools just steps from the beach. Suites, Apartments, and Studios all include kitchenettes and private terraces; Suites include private, outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. The fantastic pool bar serves light bites and especially great breakfasts.

18. Santellini Hotel – Kamari Beach

Charming, affordable hotel with a pool and bar less than a minute walk to Kamari Beach. Rooms and Maisonette Suites (lofts) are sunny and spotlessly clean, all with private terraces. All maisonettes are suitable for families of up to four; upgraded Honeymoon Maisonettes are the largest and include special perks, such as a welcome bottle of local wine and fresh fruits. Fantastic location near restaurants and next to the bus stop to Fira, making island exploration a breeze.

19. Meltemi Village Hotel – Perissa Beach

Friendly, affordable, boutique hotel with bright, traditional-style rooms and suites. Suites feature private outdoor jacuzzis, while the villa has a full kitchen and can accommodate six guests. Mature palm trees give the large, lovely pool area a tropical feel. Their popular cocktail bar and restaurant serve casual food and drinks in a lively setting. Located in a quiet neighborhood about a five-minute walk to Perissa Beach.

20. Sea Sound White Katikies – Agios Georgios Beach

Elegant, five-star hotel with a large pool, playground, gardens and a private beach area. Cycladic-style villas and suites all have kitchenettes and sea views, some with private pools. The largest villa sleeps up to eight. Located at the secluded south end of Agios Georgios Beach, almost in Vlychada, it may feel a bit isolated for some.

21. Smaragdi Hotel – Perivolos Beach

The best budget hotel in Perissa/Perivolos, Smaragdi sits just a few meters from the beach (a less-than-one-minute walk). The lovely pool and hot tub are served by the all-day poolside bar, which offers cocktails and light fare. The hotel offers a huge variety of rooms and suites, all spacious, from the entry-level standard room (26 sqm) to the luxury one-bedroom Master Suite (42 sqm). two-story maisonettes are the best family options, sleeping up to five over two floors. Suites include private indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. Great location near restaurants, bars, and a small supermarket.

22. Acqua Vatos Santorini Hotel – Kamari Beach

Family-friendly, boutique hotel with a large pool, two great bars, and a vineyard (guests can help themselves to grapes and figs through the season and help harvest in August). Rooms and one-bedroom suites sleep two to four guests, all with private balconies. Great location just a two-minute walk to the beach and a 10-minute walk to Kamari Open Air Cinema.

23. Zephyros – Kamari Beach

Welcoming, budget hotel with a pool, bar, and complimentary buffet breakfasts. Rooms are cozy, sleeping up to three; most include private balconies. Deluxe Suites offer private, outdoor jacuzzis. Great location just a nine-minute walk to the Open Air Cinema and a five-minute walk to Kamari Beach; guests of Zephyros have access to the private beach area of their sister hotel Elixir Studios.

Summary: Our Favorite Beach Hotels

• Kamari: Kastelli
• Perissa: Aqua Blue
• Perivolos: Istoria
• For Families: Sea Breeze
• For Couples: Radisson Blu Zaffron