Travel Plan
Red Beach

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · SANTORINI

Red Beach

A dramatic beach beneath blood-red volcanic cliffs, best admired from the viewpoint.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1–2 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Morning
Area
Akrotiri

A dramatic beach under towering red volcanic cliffs.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Akrotiri, Santorini 847 00

  • By bus or car: About 20–30 minutes from Fira to Akrotiri.
  • Safety: Rockfalls are a real risk; parts of the path and beach are often closed. Follow signs.
  • By boat: Beach boats from Akrotiri harbour also stop here in summer.

The story of Red Beach

Red Beach takes its colour from iron-rich volcanic rock that forms tall cliffs above dark red and black sand. It is one of the most unusual beaches in Greece.

Close by lies Akrotiri, a Bronze Age town buried by the great eruption around 1600 BC and often called the "Minoan Pompeii", with multi-storey houses preserved under a protective roof.

Best time to visit

Best season

May to October.

Best time of day

Morning, when the cliffs glow in the sun.

Safety

Do not sit under the cliffs.

Tips before you go

  • Follow the safety signs. The cliffs can be unstable.
  • Enjoy the view from the viewpoint rather than walking under the cliffs.
  • Combine with the Akrotiri archaeological site.

Best hotels near Red Beach

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Canaves Oia

Cave suites carved into the caldera in Oia.

See prices

Katikies Santorini

Whitewashed hotel with infinity pools in Oia.

See prices

Grace Hotel Santorini

Clifftop retreat in Imerovigli.

See prices
All hotels near Red Beach

What's around Red Beach

  • Akrotiri siteBronze Age town.
  • Akrotiri lighthouseSunset spot at the island's tip.
  • White BeachReached by boat.
  • PerissaBlack-sand beach.

Questions travellers ask

Is Red Beach safe?

Rockfalls are a risk; respect closures and stay away from the cliffs.

Can I swim there?

When accessible, yes, but take care.

What is Akrotiri?

A Bronze Age town buried by the eruption.

More in Santorini

Oia

Oia

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Fira

Fira

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Fira–Oia caldera hike

Fira–Oia caldera hike

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Back to the Santorini guide
Travel Plan · Red Beach Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure