Famous the world over for its unique volcanic scenery, imposing Caldera, adorable Cycladic architecture, cave houses, heart-stopping sunset views, and luxury accommodation, Santorini also inspires awe with its one-of-a-kind shoreline. Lined with pristine raw natural beauties and terrains that remind how the Queen of the Cyclades has managed to rise from her ashes after a massive and utterly destructive volcanic eruption, Santorini has its own way to seduce, hypnotise, and pamper visitors.
Besides the well-known and cosmopolitan beaches, though, it also spoils visitors with more isolated, remote, and private options for those seeking peace of mind and tranquillity away from the summer masses. Here are 9 of them that definitely deserve checking out!
1. Akrotiri Beach
Near the infamous ancient Akrotiri settlement and right next to the popular White Beach and Red Beach lies Akrotiri Beach. Particularly beloved for its great traditional tavernas and their seafood, it attracts crowds to its long, pebbly shore like bees to honey!
2. Almyra Beach
Not far from Akrotiri Beach, Almyra will pamper you with black sand, white sea-sculptured cliffs, and crystalline, calm waters if you decide to drive on the (rather challenging) dirt road that takes you there.
3. Avis Beach
A black-pebble shore south of the popular Monolithos Beach that is considered a haven for windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts due to the strong northern winds that blow here.
4. Gialos Beach
The closest-to-Fira shore that’s divided into two beaches separated by a scenic harbour. Expect deep, azure waters, pebbles, black sand, and huge caves carved in the volcanic rock behind the beach, which used to be a storage place for the locals’ boats in the wintertime.
5. Thermi Beach
Red volcanic rocks, pumice, geothermal springs, and black pebbles welcome you to Thermi Beach offering a natural spa-like experience! To get here, you’ll need to sail around the Caldera or follow a cobblestone road on foot (if you are in the area nearby).
6. Monolithos Beach
An organised shore with an impressive monolith (hence, the name), plenty of family-friendly facilities, such as football, volleyball, and basketball courts, a kids playground with nice wooden fixtures, shallow waters, and lots of cafes, tavernas, mini markets, and 5-star Santorini luxury hotels within reach from the idyllic Imerovigli and its romantic seascapes and sunset panoramas.
7. Koloumbos Beach
A nudist-friendly and fairly quiet option with lots of naturally shaded areas and small red and black volcanic pebbles. Completely untouched by human interference, you can savour its natural beauty and the raw natural scenery or even dive in the crystal-clear waters and see the 500-metre Columbo crater that last went off in 1650 from up close.
8. White Beach
White pebbles, black sand, pumice stone, and massive chalky rocks dominate the landscape at White Beach. Paired with crystalline waters, this adorable shore makes a sharp contrast with the almost adjacent Red Beach. Although not as well organised as its other siblings, it does offer a few sunbeds and umbrellas, alongside a canteen for your beach essentials.
9. Mesa Pigadia Beach
Anticipate an impressive terrain here featuring adorable pumice rocks and small white pebbles. A shore particularly popular among bikers and people looking for alternative seaside destinations for their summer adventures, Mesa Pigadia will please you with the fairly organised beach, the awe-inspiring rock-hewn structures with the colourful doors where fishermen dock their boats, and the captivating cave at Aspri Beach nearby.
Closing remarks
If you come unprepared, Santorini can be overwhelming. Utterly adorable and worthy of one’s love and infatuation, be it couples, families, or groups of friends, it can whisper captivating stories to your heart, stealing it forever. The best thing to do? Surrender to its unbeatable allure, and live an experience unlike anything else you have witnessed so far!