Santorini Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Areas to Stay & Things to Do

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Santorini over the years, but my most recent trip—tagging along with my boyfriend’s family—gave me a whole new perspective. 

It’s one thing to visit with your partner or friends, chasing sunsets and hopping between cocktail bars, but it’s another to see the island through fresh eyes, with people experiencing it for the very first time.

And honestly? It reminded me why Santorini is such a showstopper. From the moment you catch sight of the caldera, with its sugar-cube houses spilling down volcanic cliffs, you realise you’re somewhere unlike anywhere else in the world. 

It’s the kind of place that somehow manages to feel both impossibly glamorous and effortlessly simple. You can be sipping volcanic wine on a rooftop terrace one moment, and paddling barefoot in the Aegean the next.

But Santorini isn’t just about the postcard-perfect sunsets in Oia. The island has layers: dramatic beaches formed from lava, villages where life still feels charmingly slow, and unexpected food and wine that rival the views. It’s an island that rewards you the longer you stay, and the more you’re willing to explore beyond the obvious.

Santorini is part of the Cyclades, a necklace of islands in the southern Aegean, and owes its dramatic looks to one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history. That explosion shaped the island into the crescent you see today, with the flooded caldera at its heart and those steep, rocky cliffs wrapping around it. The result is scenery so cinematic it’s hard to believe it’s real.

The island is split into two distinct vibes. On one side, you’ve got the famous cliff-edge towns: Fira (the capital), Oia (sunset central), and Imerovigli (the quieter, honeymoon favourite). 

These are the spots for jaw-dropping views, boutique hotels, and romantic dinners perched high above the sea. On the other, there are the beach towns: Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos—all sitting on the east and south coast, with black volcanic sand, relaxed tavernas, and a more laid-back energy.

Getting around is part of the fun, but also part of the challenge. There are buses linking the main towns and beaches, and they’re cheap, but they’re often packed and not always punctual. If you really want to explore, hiring a car or ATV is the way to go. I’ve done both, and there’s nothing quite like zipping around the island with the wind in your hair, discovering hidden coves and roadside tavernas you’d miss otherwise.

Perissa is the beach I always end up at when I want that classic Santorini vibe: long stretches of black volcanic sand, sun loungers lined up neatly, and plenty of tavernas just steps from the sea. 

The water here is calm, which makes it good for swimming, and it’s the sort of place where you can easily spend the whole day hopping between the sea and a beachfront café. I’ve been a few times now, and while it’s popular, it never feels overwhelming—there’s always a spot to settle in and watch the light change across the cliffs.

Kamari is just around the headland from Perissa but feels completely different. It has a lively, almost resort-like buzz, with a long promenade full of restaurants, bars, and shops. When I came with my boyfriend’s family, it was ideal—the kids played on the shore while we took turns wandering along the seafront. 

At night, the whole strip lights up, and dinner with a sea view here feels like a proper summer holiday moment. It’s not the quietest beach, but if you want energy, amenities, and everything close at hand, Kamari’s hard to beat.

Red Beach is one of the most dramatic beaches I’ve ever seen. You reach it via a rocky path, and when you turn the corner, there’s this striking sweep of crimson cliffs dropping into turquoise water. It’s not the best for long swims—the shoreline is narrow and can get crowded—but it’s worth visiting just for the view. 

I usually pair it with a trip to nearby Akrotiri, so it’s more of a stop-off than a full beach day. Still, standing there with those red cliffs towering behind you is something you don’t forget.

Accessible only by boat or a short swim from Red Beach, White Beach feels like a secret spot. The cliffs here are chalky white, which makes the sea look even bluer, and the whole place has a tucked-away feel. 

When I visited, we hired a small boat from Akrotiri and packed snacks since there are no tavernas or facilities. It’s not the easiest to reach, but that’s the charm—you get this raw, unspoiled landscape and far fewer people. For me, it’s one of those “worth the effort” stops, even if just for an hour or two of swimming in unbelievably clear water.

Vlychada always reminds me of a lunar landscape. The cliffs here are carved by wind and time into strange, sculptural shapes, and walking along the beach feels almost otherworldly. It’s quieter than the bigger resort beaches, with just a handful of tavernas and a small marina at one end. 

I’ve come here to escape the crowds, and it’s the kind of beach where you can just wander, swim, and soak up the surreal scenery without much else going on. It’s perfect if you like unusual landscapes and a slower pace.

Perivolos is basically the upscale extension of Perissa, and I think of it as the “grown-up” version. The beach clubs here are a little fancier, with plush loungers, cocktails, and DJs spinning mellow beats in the background. 

It’s where I’d head if I wanted a beach day with a touch of luxury without going full Mykonos-level glitz. The sand is still volcanic black, the water is calm, and the whole place has a polished, relaxed vibe. I came here with friends once, and it was perfect for a lazy afternoon that drifted into sunset cocktails.

Santorini isn’t just about spectacular sand and sea—there’s so much to explore once you step away from the shoreline. 

One of my favourite ways to spend a day is wandering through Oia and Fira, getting lost in the narrow, winding streets, checking out quirky boutiques, and stopping for coffee with a view over the caldera. Even after multiple trips, I still find new corners to explore, and the sunset here never gets old.

I also love a good wine tour. Santorini’s volcanic soil makes for some seriously distinctive wines, and tasting at small family-run wineries is a must. I’ve spent entire afternoons learning about Assyrtiko grapes, sampling crisp whites, and pairing them with local cheeses while the sea glimmered below.

For a more active day, the hike from Fira to Oia is unbeatable. It’s about 10km along the caldera edge, and while parts are steep, the views are spectacular: cliffside villages, sparkling water, and hidden chapels tucked along the path. I like to start early to avoid the midday heat, stopping at quiet spots to rest and soak it all in.

Finally, don’t miss a boat trip around the caldera. Whether it’s a private sailing tour, a catamaran sunset cruise, or a dip in the hot springs near Nea Kameni, seeing Santorini from the water gives you a completely new perspective. 

On my last trip, we spent hours hopping between little coves, snorkeling, and marveling at the dramatic cliffs—it’s one of those experiences that really sticks with you.

Santorini’s culinary scene is just as much a draw as its beaches and views. One of my favourite routines is wandering the seafront restaurants in Fira and Oia, tasting everything from freshly grilled seafood to classic Greek meze. 

I’ve spent evenings sharing plates of saganaki, grilled octopus, and fava with my boyfriend’s family, all washed down with the island’s crisp Assyrtiko wine. There’s something about eating with the caldera as your backdrop that makes even the simplest dishes feel special.

For a more casual experience, Perissa and Perivolos are brilliant for beachside snacks and sunset cocktails. 

I love grabbing a cold Mythos beer or a rosé, kicking back on a sunbed, and watching the sky change colour—it’s unbeatable. Some of the beach clubs also have DJ sets in the evenings, creating a fun, relaxed party vibe that doesn’t get overwhelming.

If you’re after something more local, I’ve found that wandering away from the main streets can lead to tiny tavernas tucked into alleys, where the menus are written in Greek and the food tastes like it’s straight from someone’s home kitchen. 

On my last trip, one tiny spot served the freshest tomato keftedes I’ve ever had, paired with homemade tzatziki (I went back twice in three days).

Nightlife in Santorini isn’t Ibiza-level, but there’s plenty for those who want it. Fira has a scattering of rooftop bars and cocktail lounges where you can sip martinis while looking over the caldera lights.

Whether you’re into gourmet dinners, casual beachside drinks, or a low-key night out, Santorini delivers, and I always find myself discovering new favourite spots on every visit.

Santorini has accommodation to suit every type of traveller, and over the years I’ve stayed in a few different areas depending on the vibe I’m after. 

Oia is perfect if you want the iconic whitewashed houses, caldera views, and sunsets that make Instagram-famous photos. It’s pricier and more touristy, but I love wandering the alleys in the early morning before the crowds arrive—the light and quiet are unforgettable.

Fira is my go-to if I want a mix of nightlife, restaurants, and convenience. The cliffside hotels here often have infinity pools that overlook the caldera, and it’s easy to walk to bars, cafes, and shops. On my last trip with my boyfriend’s family, we stayed in a small boutique hotel near the centre, which gave us a central base but still felt intimate.

For a quieter, more relaxed experience, Perissa and Kamari are brilliant. These areas have black-sand beaches, family-friendly resorts, and more budget-friendly options, without sacrificing charm. I’ve spent lazy mornings here before moving to the cliffside towns for sunset, and it’s a great balance between convenience and tranquillity.

No matter where you stay, my advice is to book early—Santorini fills up fast, especially in summer—and try to mix at least two areas to get the full island experience.