5 Days • 4 Nights
Santorini Beaches: Black Sand, Red Cliffs & Volcanic Shores
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The long black-sand beach of Perissa, beneath Ancient Thira, is a relaxed and beautiful highlight of this journey. Perissa, on Santorini's south-east coast at the foot of the dramatic Mesa Vouno headland crowned by Ancient Thira, has one of the island's finest and most laid-back beaches, an endless stretch of fine black volcanic sand washed by a warm, clear, deep-blue sea. Organised with sun loungers, umbrellas and beach bars, yet less busy than the caldera, it runs on into Perivolos and its stylish beach clubs. You laze on the warm sand, swim in the clear water and watch the sun set behind the mountain.
- The dramatic Red Beach, backed by towering rust-red cliffs, is a spectacular highlight of this journey. The Red Beach, near ancient Akrotiri, is one of the most extraordinary and photographed beaches in Greece, a small cove of red and black volcanic pebbles and sand cradled by soaring, fiery rust-red cliffs that plunge into a deep turquoise sea. Reached best by boat from the little harbour nearby, it is a stunning natural spectacle, and the swimming and snorkelling beneath the glowing cliffs, over clear volcanic water, are superb. The colour and drama are unforgettable.
- The pale White Beach and the volcanic coves, reachable only by sea, are a beautiful highlight of this journey. Along the same wild southern coast as the Red Beach lie the pale White Beach, backed by chalky white cliffs, and a string of secluded volcanic coves, all reachable only by boat. You take a small boat or join a coastal cruise to reach them, dropping anchor to swim and snorkel in clear, deep turquoise water over volcanic rock, in some of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the island, far from any road or crowd. The seclusion, colour and calm are magical.
- Cheerful Kamari, with its organised beach and lively promenade, is a fun and relaxed highlight of this journey. Across the Mesa Vouno mountain from Perissa lies Kamari, one of Santorini's most popular and family-friendly resorts, with a long, organised black-sand beach, a warm, gently shelving sea, and a lively seafront promenade lined with tavernas, cafes, ice-cream shops and the island's famous open-air cinema under the stars. You laze on the sand, swim in the warm sea, stroll the promenade and dine almost on the water. The lively, relaxed atmosphere is wonderful. Enjoying cheerful Kamari, with its long organised black-sand beach.
- The moon-like cliffs of Vlychada and fresh seaside seafood are a beautiful, delicious highlight of this journey. On Santorini's south coast, Vlychada beach is one of its most unusual, a long stretch of grey and pale sand backed by soft, wind-sculpted volcanic cliffs shaped into strange, moon-like forms, with a pretty marina and a handful of fine fish tavernas nearby. You laze beneath the sculpted cliffs, swim in the clear sea, and feast on the freshest seafood, grilled octopus, fried calamari and local fish, with crisp Assyrtiko wine and your feet almost in the sand. The strangeness, calm and flavour are wonderful.
- Above all, this journey is a sun-filled, easy beach holiday on the most dramatic shores in the Aegean. Santorini's volcanic beaches are like no others, and this journey is all about enjoying them, the long black sands of laid-back Perissa and cheerful Kamari, the spectacular Red Beach and pale White Beach reached by boat, the moon-like cliffs of Vlychada and fresh seaside seafood, all at a relaxed pace and warmed by Greek hospitality. The combination of black, red and white volcanic sands, towering multicoloured cliffs, warm clear seas and seaside tavernas makes this a beautiful and unusual beach holiday.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Your beach holiday on Santorini begins as your flight or ferry arrives on the island, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in laid-back Perissa, on the south-east coast at the foot of the dramatic Mesa Vouno headland crowned by Ancient Thira. Perissa has one of the island's finest and most relaxed beaches, an endless stretch of fine black volcanic sand washed by a warm, clear sea, and you unwind as soon as you arrive. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing, perhaps taking a first swim in the warm, deep-blue sea, lazing on the black sand under an umbrella, or strolling the beachfront. This evening, a welcome dinner at a seaside taverna introduces you to the island's fresh seafood and crisp Assyrtiko wine, and to the sun-filled days ahead. Rest well beside the sea, ready for beach days on beautiful Santorini.
Today you relax fully on the long black-sand beaches of Santorini's south coast. You spend the day on the endless black sands of Perissa, swimming in the warm, clear, deep-blue sea, lazing under umbrellas and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere beneath the dramatic Mesa Vouno headland. You might stroll south along the shore to Perivolos, with its stylish beach bars and clubs where you can lounge on daybeds, sip cocktails and try water sports, or simply move at your own gentle pace between sand, sea and seaside cafe. In the afternoon, perhaps take a short walk or the trail towards Ancient Thira for huge coastal views. As the day ends, you watch the sun set behind the mountain. This evening, savour fresh fish at a taverna almost on the sand. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the volcanic shores by boat.
Today you discover Santorini's most spectacular volcanic shores by boat, then move to Kamari. You take a small boat or coastal cruise along the wild southern coast to the famous Red Beach, a cove of red volcanic sand cradled by soaring rust-red cliffs plunging into a turquoise sea, and the pale White Beach beyond, backed by chalky cliffs and reachable only by sea, dropping anchor in secluded coves to swim and snorkel in clear, deep turquoise water. You might stop at the sculpted, moon-like cliffs of Vlychada and a seaside fish taverna for lunch. In the afternoon you transfer across the Mesa Vouno mountain to cheerful Kamari, settling into your beachside hotel. As the day ends, you relax on Kamari's promenade. This evening, dine by the sea. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy Kamari and its open-air cinema.
Today you enjoy a relaxed final beach day in cheerful Kamari. You spend the day on its long, organised black-sand beach, swimming in the warm, gently shelving sea, lazing under umbrellas and strolling the lively seafront promenade lined with tavernas, cafes and ice-cream shops. Energetic travellers might take the trail or a short drive up to Ancient Thira on the headland above, with its old ruins and huge views over both Kamari and Perissa. You could also try snorkelling off the rocks at the ends of the bay. In the evening, you enjoy the famous Kamari open-air cinema, watching a film under the stars among bougainvillea and olive trees. As the day ends, you savour a last seaside evening. This evening, dine on fresh seafood almost on the water. Rest well, for tomorrow you depart.
After a final morning by the sea in Kamari, perhaps a last swim in the warm sea or a final coffee on the promenade watching the black sand and blue water, you are transferred to Santorini's airport or port for your onward journey. You leave having enjoyed the most dramatic and unusual shores in the Aegean, the long black sands of laid-back Perissa and cheerful Kamari, the spectacular Red Beach and pale White Beach reached by boat, the moon-like cliffs of Vlychada, and fresh seafood at seaside tavernas beneath volcanic sunsets. The images stay bright long after you leave, the warm black sand, the glowing red cliffs, the clear turquoise coves, and the sculpted grey cliffs of Vlychada. Santorini offers sun, sea and dramatic volcanic scenery in abundance, and you depart tanned and relaxed, already dreaming of a return to its extraordinary shores.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a seaside seafood lunch
- Private airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert licensed local guides
- Entrance fees to sites, museums and wineries as per itinerary
- a boat trip to the Red and White beaches and volcanic coves, beach days in Perissa and Kamari, a Vlychada and south coast outing, seaside tavernas, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional water sports, sunbed hire and experiences, and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Santorini is part of Greece and the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required, and the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, wineries and shops across Santorini, but carry some cash for small tavernas, village kiosks, markets, tips and the occasional cash-only spot. ATMs are available in Fira, Oia and the larger villages, though queues can be long in peak summer, so withdraw in good time
- Best time to visit: late April to June and September to October are ideal on Santorini, with warm, sunny days perfect for the caldera villages, wineries, beaches and boat trips, softer light and thinner crowds; July and August are hot, dry and lively, the peak season, when Oia's sunset and the cruise-ship days are busiest; winter is mild and quiet, with many caldera hotels and some tavernas closed, though the island keeps a peaceful, local charm
- Language & etiquette: the language is Greek, and English is widely spoken across Santorini's tourism, making travel easy; Santorinians are warm and hospitable, and a little politeness goes a long way. Dress is relaxed and beachy, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches and monasteries, and take care and be considerate on the narrow caldera paths, cliff-edge terraces and the many steps of Fira and Oia
- Getting around: the island is small, and we arrange private air-conditioned transfers between your hotel, the airport, the port and the sights, along with your guided touring, boat trips and any ferries or flights to neighbouring islands; the caldera villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia are largely pedestrian, linked by scenic cliff-top paths and, in Fira, a cable car and the old donkey steps down to the old port
- Health & safety: Santorini is very safe and relaxed, and travel here is easy and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. The strong summer sun and the reflective white villages call for sun protection, a hat and water, and the caldera's many steps and uneven cobbles mean comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential; the volcanic beaches can have sharp rocks and dark sand that grows very hot, so bring water shoes and sandals
- Sites, sunsets & boats: the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the wineries, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira and the boat trips to the volcano and hot springs adjust their hours seasonally, and Oia's famous sunset draws big crowds, so we time your visits and reserve sunset spots, dinners and catamaran cruises in advance; our licensed guides bring the island's Minoan past, volcanic story and wine culture vividly to life
- Power & plugs: power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter for UK, US and other devices. Tap water on Santorini is largely desalinated and generally used for washing rather than drinking, so bottled or filtered water is recommended for drinking; hotels provide bottled water, and your guide advises at each stage of your stay
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Santorini's beaches like?
Santorini's beaches are dramatic and unlike any others in Greece, formed of black, red and white volcanic sand and pebbles, often backed by towering multicoloured cliffs. The long black-sand beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari are the best for relaxed beach days, organised with loungers, umbrellas and tavernas, while the Red and White beaches are spectacular natural sights best reached by boat. The dark sand grows very hot in the midday sun and some beaches are pebbly, so we recommend sandals or water shoes. The sea is warm, clear and beautiful.
Which is better for a beach base, Perissa or Kamari?
Both are excellent black-sand beach resorts on the south-east coast, separated by the Mesa Vouno mountain, and this journey lets you enjoy both. Perissa is a little more laid-back and runs into the stylish beach clubs of Perivolos, while Kamari is slightly more polished, with a lively promenade and the famous open-air cinema. Neither has the caldera view, but both offer relaxed beach days, warm seas and easy access to the rest of the island. We can weight your stay towards either, or add a caldera-view night in Fira or Oia if you wish.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner, winery tastings or a meal aboard a cruise). Santorini's food is a highlight, from the island's sweet cherry tomatoes, white aubergine, fava and caper leaves to fresh seafood at Amoudi Bay and crisp Assyrtiko wine, and we usually leave most lunches and dinners free so you can explore the caldera-view tavernas, village kitchens and seaside fish spots we recommend at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert licensed local guide and air-conditioned vehicle for touring, and carefully arranged boat trips, tastings and any ferries or flights, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and shared catamaran options can be arranged if you prefer. Santorini's knowledgeable guides bring the caldera, the Minoan site of Akrotiri, the volcanic vineyards and village life vividly to life, greatly enriching every day.
Do I need a visa for Santorini?
Santorini is part of Greece and the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with the EU's ETIAS authorisation being introduced. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help with any paperwork, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required.
Is Santorini safe to visit?
Santorini is one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Europe, and travel here is relaxed, easy and deeply rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and boat operators, and follow official guidance at all times. The main things to mind are the strong sun, the many steps and cliff-edge paths, and the summer crowds at peak sunset times, all of which we help you navigate comfortably and safely.
When is the best time to visit?
Late April to June and September to October are ideal on Santorini, with warm, sunny days perfect for the caldera villages, wineries, beaches and boat trips, beautiful light and thinner crowds than the peak. July and August are hot, dry and lively, the height of the season and the busiest for Oia's sunset, while winter is mild and quiet, with many caldera hotels closed. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the experiences you most want.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of caldera villages, wineries, beaches and boat trips, upgrade to a caldera-view cave suite with a private plunge pool, add a private sunset sailing or a catamaran cruise to the volcano, include the Minoan site of Akrotiri and the museums, and add a stopover in Athens or a neighbouring island such as Mykonos, Naxos, Paros or Crete. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through beautiful Santorini.
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