Santorini: How to get to the Red Beach

Of explosive beauty and surrounded by the energy of volcanoes, Santorini has beaches to showcase that could only be different from anything else you will encounter on the Greek islands. In the southern part of the island Red Beach is a creation of ancient volcanic activity. Positioned next to the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, it could not have any other name, as the red colour from the pebbles of the shoreline continues all the way to the sea bed.

The magic of the volcanic rocks and the wild beauty of the landscape that constantly changes colours at every moment of the day constitute for every visitor a unique experience. The distinctive geographical relief of the island attracts crowds of people every summer, making Red Beach one of the most busy on the island. The vertical red rocks bestow upon the location an otherworldly charm, and when the sun dips into the sea the landscape appears to have caught fire. Rewarding every traveller generously with its unpretentious beauty, Red Beach is a sight that certainly deserves to be seen more than once.

How to Get There

Mode of Transport	Description & Useful Information
By Car & Walking	Drive to the car park near the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Akrotiri. From there starts a narrow, rocky path (approximately 10-15 minutes on foot). Closed shoes or sturdy sandals are required, as the ground is slippery.
By Boat (Sea Taxi)	Small boats depart regularly from the Akrotiri port and drop you off directly on the shore — an ideal solution if you want to avoid the path or see the rocks from the sea.
Sailing Cruise	Many organised catamarans and boats make a stop off the beach for swimming and photographs.

Important Safety Notice & Organisation

Watch out for landslides: Due to natural erosion of the volcanic slopes, at times local access bans or recommendations to avoid staying directly under the tall rocks are in place. Many visitors choose to admire the beach from the safe viewing point at the start of the path or from the sea.

• Organisation: From time to time there are sunbeds and umbrellas available, however their availability depends on the current safety regulations. It is advisable to be prepared with your own shade.
• Supplies: Near the car park there are canteens operating for water, coffee and snacks. Make sure to stock up on essentials before you go down the path.

What to Combine in the Area

1. Akrotiri Prehistoric Settlement: Located just a few minutes before the beach. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean — an entire Minoan city that was buried under volcanic ash around 1600 BC, preserving multi-storey buildings, complex sewage systems and famous frescoes.
2. White Beach: Accessible mainly by boat from Red Beach, it offers the absolute contrast with towering all-white limestone rocks.
3. Akrotiri Lighthouse: At the westernmost end of the cape, one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, an ideal spot for panoramic views of the sunset away from the crowds of Oia.