Some destinations on this planet look unreal, and Red Beach in Greece is one of them. I visited it some years ago and let me tell you, it is as impressive in person as in the pictures! With turquoise water, a blue sky, and cliffs of red lava rocks… it’s no wonder so many travelers want to see this Santorini famous beach.
Here’s everything you need to know about this natural gem.
What is Red Beach in Santorini?
The island of Santorini, in the Aegean Sea, is particularly popular and crowded with tourists. This destination is famous worldwide for its white buildings with blue domed roofs, especially in the towns of Oia and Fira. This iconic architectural style makes for some of the best photos of Greece.
Santorini is widely recognized as one of the best Greek islands as well as one of the best islands to visit in the Mediterranean region. You will love the stunning sunsets and the vibrant atmosphere in the busy towns and on the beautiful beaches.
But there’s more to Santorini than just pretty cities and ocean views. Did you know that the island is part of a volcanic archipelago? Its caldera (volcanic crater) is the result of one of the largest volcanic eruptions ever recorded!
The beautiful Red Beach is located near the base of the caldera cliffs. It was formed by volcanic activity and it’s a unique place to visit because the sand is red.
This unusual color comes from iron oxides such as hematite (Fe2O3). When lava cools and becomes hard in the presence of oxygen, iron in the lava oxidizes, giving the sand its reddish tint. In simple words, this process is similar to rusting.
Red volcanic sand is quite rare compared to black volcanic sand, which is mainly composed of basaltic minerals.
Why is Red Beach worth visiting?
Not only is it beautiful to see, but it’s also the perfect location to relax, soak up the Mediterranean sun, and watch the sunset! Sunbeds and beach umbrellas are available for rent.
The northern section of the beach has the reputation of being nudist-friendly, but I saw nothing that would confirm that information when I was there.
The clear waters are great for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can explore some underwater caves and caverns. Many tour companies provide the necessary gear. You can find a more detailed list of things to do below.
How to get to Red Beach?
Red Beach is situated on the southern coast of Santorini in Greece. Its location is very close to the village of Akrotiri (only about 1.5 kilometers or less than a mile away).
The ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri was buried under volcanic ash around 1600 BC so this beach is also a point of interest for archeology enthusiasts!
If you’re already in Santorini, you can drive or take the Akrotiri’s line bus to reach Red Beach. From Fira or Oia, you’ll need to head south of the island.
Another option is to take a boat tour that includes a stop at Red Beach. Many boat tours depart from the old port of Fira or the port of Athinios.
If you’re traveling from Athens, you must first take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens to the port of Athinios in Santorini. The cheapest ferry costs around C$93. You can also fly from Athens to Santorini, which takes about 50 minutes and costs as little as C$22 one-way.
If you’re traveling from other islands like Mykonos, Crete, or Rhodes, you can simply take a ferry to Santorini.
What’s the best time of the year to visit Red Beach?
The best time to visit Red Beach in Santorini is from late spring to early autumn (so from May to September/October).
During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is usually calm. It’s perfect for beach activities like swimming and snorkeling!
Visiting during the shoulder seasons also helps avoid the peak crowds as well as the intense summer heat (July and August). I went in August a few years back and it honestly wasn’t that crowded, but overtourism is a big issue in Europe this year, That’s especially true on Santorini, so it’s definitely very crowded now.
During the winter months, from November to March, the weather is colder and less stable, with more rain and storms. The sea can be rough, too, so swimming is less fun. Plus, many services may be closed or have limited hours.
Where to stay near Red Beach?
Here are some examples of accommodation in Santorini, Greece.
Free hotels
- Luxurious: Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort
- 47,680 points per night (238,400 points for 5 nights)
- 23,840 per night per person with 1 companion
- $458 per night in cash (value of 1¢/pt)
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 53,000 points
Hotels
- Cheapest and well-rated: Santorita Suites
- $58 per night
- $29 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 9.9/10
- Luxurious: Zannos Melathron
- $190 per night
- $95 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 8.1/10
Hostels
- Cheapest: Hostel Santorini
- $30 per night per person
- No ratings
- Well-rated: Fira backpackers place
- $52 per night per person
- Rated 9.4/10
Other accommodations
- Cheapest room: Villa Agas
- $52 per night
- $26 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 7.7/10
- Well-rated private apartment: Azul Home
- $195 per night
- $98 per night per person with 1 companion
- Rated 10/10
- Well-rated private home: il Melograno Traditional Cave House
- $248 per night
- $124 per night per person with 1 companion
- $62 per night per person with 3 companions
- Rated 9.4/10
What are the things to do in (or around) Red Beach?
Here are 5 activities you can do while visiting.
1. Water sports
Whether you’re into jet skiing, scuba diving, or snorkeling, Red Beach provides the perfect backdrop for water sports activities. However, this is not a surf spot!
2. Picnic
You can lay a blanket on the warm sand and enjoy a good meal surrounded by red cliffs and turquoise waters. A feast for the eyes and the belly!
3. Akrotiri
Just a few minutes from Red Beach, you’ll find Akrotiri, also known as the Pompeii of Greece. This archaeological site contains the remains of an ancient bronze-age village destroyed by a volcanic eruption. The excavation site is in the southern part of Akrotiri. It’s a great addition to your itinerary after a chill morning at the beach.
4. Santorini Hot Springs
The hot springs are near the volcanic island of Palea Kameni. Most visitors get to the hot springs by taking a boat tour from Oia or the Old Port. This natural spa is popular for its mineral-rich waters, which have many health benefits.
5. Boat or catamaran tour
You can find lots of boat tours departing from Amoudi Bay with several stops along the way (including Red Beach).
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the Red Beach in Santorini
Here are a few other commonly requested answers.
Can you walk from Red Beach to White Beach?
Red Beach and White Beach are only 500 meters (0.3 miles) apart! The distance is short but the terrain between them is rugged and challenging. Walking is not recommended. Taking a boat is the safest and most convenient option for traveling between the 2 beaches.
Is Red Beach safe to visit?
The accessible area is fine. Although there have been landslides at Red Beach, the sections prone to them have been closed off for everyone’s safety.
Is Red Beach safe to swim?
Overall, Red Beach in Santorini is safe for swimming. However, you should be cautious of potential rockfalls from the surrounding cliffs and strong currents. The beach is rocky in some parts, so wear proper shoes.
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Summary
Red Beach in Santorini is a unique and breathtaking destination worth visiting. It is for sure one of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini.
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Featured image: Red Beach, Greece (photo credit: Ronak Mokashi)
