Best Beaches in Santorini for Swimming and Families

Best Beaches in Santorini for Swimming and Families

Santorini is among the most attractive Islands in Greece. It gets attention with blue domes, white houses and beautiful beaches. You can experience a range of the best beaches in Santorini that are distinctive due to their black, white, and red sands. Beaches here are unique and suit various travellers. No matter if you love to swim, relax, or explore it, Santorini has a beach that offers peace of mind.

Why Santorini Beaches Are Special

The Santorini beaches are not ordinary sandy beaches. Thousands of years ago, they were formed by volcanic eruptions. This renders them their distinct colors and textures. There are red cliff beaches, black sand beaches, or soft white pebble beaches. Others are excellent at swimming, and some are best for family entertainment. Below are reasons why these beaches are popular among people:

  • Clear and warm water for perfect swimming.

  • Breathtaking landscapes and scenic cliffs.

  • Numerous bars and restaurants in the area.

  • Secure places to keep children.

  • Tranquil beaches to relax in.

Perissa Beach

Perissa Beach is among the beaches in Santorini where one can swim. The beach is well-arranged with the sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports. The shore is lined with restaurants and bars which make it active both in the daytime and in the night. It is also among the most beautiful beaches in Santorini with clear views of the mountain Mesa Vouno. 

Kamari Beach

The most suitable beach for families is Kamari Beach. It has soft black sand and shallow water that is ideal to the children. There will be lifeguards, beach cafes and lots of parking areas. Kamari also possesses a long shopping and restaurant promenade. It is also among the top family friendly beaches in Santorini as it is secure, clean and accessible.

Red Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini is Red Beach. The beach is surrounded by red cliffs to offer dramatic and beautiful scenes. The sand contains red and black pebbles which are small in size and also create a unique environment.

Vlychada Beach

The Vlychada Beach is serene and quiet. It is enclosed by white volcanic cliffs which appear as artwork. The beach is not so commercial as compared to others. It is ideal to those who travel and would like to unwind without crowds. 

Monolithos Beach

Among the best beaches in Santorini another big name is Monolithos, which is a family friendly option. The sand is also not as hard as the rest of the beaches in the island. The shallow water provides the safety of kids playing here. The area also has a small playground and sports area. This beach is not very crowded so it allows you to enjoy a reliable and relaxed environment. 

Best Beaches for Swimming and Families

Beach Name

Ideal For Swimming

Ideal For Families

Facilities Available

Perissa Beach

Long coast, clean, calm water

Moderate crowd, kids-friendly

Sunbeds, cafes, water sports

Kamari Beach

Clear water, easy access

Safe for kids, lifeguards

Restaurants, promenade, showers

Monolithos Beach

Shallow, soft sand

Best for small children

Playground, shaded areas

Vlychada Beach

Quiet, gentle waves

Peaceful, good for older kids

Lounges, nearby taverns

Travel Tips for Visiting Beaches in Santorini

  • Never forget to bring sandals as black sand is hot in the sun.

  • Go in the morning or in the evening to avoid crowds.

  • Most of the beaches require a minimal fee when using sunbed and umbrellas.

  • Carry snorkeling equipment to view the crystal clear water.

  • Enquire about local buses in Fira to get cheap transport.

  • Don’t leave behind sunscreen and hat as they shield against the sun.

Santorini Beaches Experience - Price Guide

Beach Name

Sunbed & Umbrella (per day)

Water Sports (per hour)

Food & Drink (average per person)

Parking Fee

Perissa Beach

€15 – €25

€30 – €55

€10 – €20

Free

Kamari Beach

€18 – €28

€25 – €50

€12 – €22

Free

Red Beach

€12 – €18

Not Available

€10 – €18

3

Vlychada Beach

€15 – €25

€25 – €45

€12 – €20

Free

Monolithos Beach

€10 – €18

€20 – €40

€10 – €18

Free

Family-Friendly Activities Near the Beaches

There is more than swimming in case you are on your way with kids.

  • Paddle boating or banana ride in Kamari.

  • Spend time at the beach volleyball or Jet skiing at Perissa.

  • Go to other taverns around the area to get Greek snacks and fresh juice.

  • Have a lovely boat ride between the Red Beach and White Beach.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Santorini

If beauty is what you’re after, the island will not disappoint. Vlychada Beach and Red Beach are the ideal locations to take photos. Kamari and Perissa have postcard-perfect sunset views. The combination of cliffs, colors of sands, and the reflection of the sea in them makes them really stunning.

Food and Restaurants Near Beaches

You will experience a range of beach restaurants that provide tasty Greek foods. Fried fish, souvlaki, and Greek salad are ideal options. Cold coffee, smoothies and desserts are also served in many places. The food on the beaches is cheap and genuine. Popular spots:

  • Perissa Beach Tranquilo Bar.

  • Irini’s Café at Kamari Beach

  • Sea Side Restaurant is close to Perivolos.

Final Thoughts

The best beaches in Santorini provide the ideal combination of beauty, relaxation, and fun. Santorini has everything you desire, be it swimming or relaxing as well as spending some time with your family. Kamari is as vibrant, and Vlychada is calm, but each beach has something to offer. You can visit several beaches within a few days in case you plan your trip. To avail more travel guides about Santorini, view Mash List to know more about the beaches in Greece.

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