Santorini Red Beach

Santorini Red Beach is arguably the most famous and stunning beach of the island. It is also considered as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. It is located in the area of Akrotiri and only some steps away from the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

Santorini Red Beach is named for the iron-rich rocks in the cliff face towering over the beach above you as well as the red sand. It is a small beach area and due to its popularity it can be quite crowded.

About the Red Beach

The volcano of Santorini created the most wondrous piece of art at Red Beach. The even more impressive thing is that nature itself continues to work on this piece of art, as sun, rain water, wind and salt keep “forging” the rocks and constantly give them new shapes. Depending on the time of day, Red Beach sometimes looks like fire red and sometimes like dark velvet. Red Beach, in addition to red sand (derived mainly from the rocks), has also at some points the distinctive black sand of Santorini, as well as white sand – which is very rare on the island. The small bay formed by the rocks is relatively calm, except when there are south winds blowing – and even then, the waves usually do not prevent visitors from enjoying swimming in this amazing beach.

Access to the Red Beach

Red Beach has officially been closed to the public since 2013 because of rockfall risks, but thousands of tourists ignore warning signs and visit regardless.  The safest way to visit Santorini Red Beach is from the sea. Many boat and catamaran tours include the beach in their tour itinerary and you can admire the magnificent sight of the beach from the sea while swimming on the crystal blue transparent water.