In this article, we will discover some of the best swimming spots in Santorini, Greece’s picture-perfect holiday destination. Swimming in Santorini is one of the top activities on this gorgeous Greek island, and there are plenty of great beaches to choose from.
Santorini’s stunning beaches have illustrated travel brochures and Instagram feeds for years, and any trip to the island wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to one – or five. You can always get a Santorini Airport car hire to reach all locations and enjoy all the beaches.
White Beach Santorini is one of the top places for swimming thanks to the gorgeous turquoise waters. No matter what else is on your itinerary, taking a dip in the beckoning Aegean waves is a must for every traveller landing on the island. But where can you find the best spots to cool off from the Santorini heat?
We’ve scoured the island and pulled together five of the best beaches that are perfect for a summer swim.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Swimming in Santorini
Swimming in Santorini is one of the number things to do aside from exploring the gorgeous whitewashed towns and villages. Below you’ll find five of the best beaches to make the most of your time in the water.
1. Red Beach
What better place to start than the world-renowned Red Beach? This otherworldly resort remains one of the most popular spots on the island, and you don’t have to look far past the striking scenery to see why.
Under the shade of the red-tinted cliffs, the translucent waters provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the island. Remember to bring your snorkelling gear – the rock formations under the sea here make Red Beach one of the island’s prime locations for underwater exploration.
2. Kamari Beach
Another popular haunt for both locals and tourists alike is Kamari Beach. This charming sandy stretch sits on the eastern coast, just a short drive from the island’s capital of Fira, making it one of the best swimming spots in Santorini.
With a vast catalogue of restaurants, bars and hotels situated just a stone’s throw from Kamari, it can get very busy, particularly in the peak summer season.
But don’t be deterred, this Blue Flag beach is a must-see for any visitor. It’s also a popular spot for watersports, so make the most of the crystal clear waters and try out a new skill.
3. White Beach Santorini
Having learned about how Red Beach earned its moniker, there are no prizes for guessing why the neighbouring White Beach Santorini is named as it is. Just a short way along the southwestern coast from Red Beach, this beautiful cove is best explored by diving in its tranquil waters.
It can be accessed via taxi boat, and is far quieter than other nearby stretches, making it the perfect place for a swim in the sun.
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4. Perissa Beach
All of Santorini’s natural, rugged beauty is encapsulated in the coastal resort of Perissa. While it’s a little out of the way of the island’s more popular towns, you won’t regret making the trip to this southeastern jewel for the day.
Once you’ve fulfilled your sunbathing quota, you’ll be desperate to seek solace in the alluring Aegean, with the fiery black sand bound to leave you running for the sandy seabed in the cool waters that surround this emblematic beach.
Check out this guide on visiting Santorini with kids if you’re planning a family holiday to this beautiful island.
5. Monolithos Beach
Another highlight of Santorini’s east coast, Monolithos Beach is a stand-out spot if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off on the island, particularly for young families.
The waters here are shallow, and there is a lifeguard tower to provide added reassurance, making it the perfect place for the little ones to enjoy a paddle.
There are plenty of onland amenities to keep them occupied between swims, including basketball and volleyball courts.
With so many things to do on Santorini from swimming and sunbathing to exploring charming, whitewashed towns and villages, this really is one of Greece’s unmissable destinations.
Conclusion to Swimming in Santorini
Now you know about the best places for swimming in Santorini, which beach will you check out first?
But Santorini isn’t all about the beaches, check out this guide to Oia, one of the famous whitewashed villages! If you are looking for other Greek islands to visit, check out this list of Greek islands with airports.
Looking for more of the Balkans? Check out my other articles on Greece and the surrounding region below.
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
Steve, Hello my name is Laurissa, I am wanting to vacation in Greece with my husband this summer. Is Greece a great vacation spot with more to do then just the beach? What place in Greece would you recommend staying?
Hi Laurissa,
There is definitely a lot more to Greece than just the beach.I hghly recommend the beautiful town of Thessaloniki which has a beautiful old town, a castle with incredible views and lots of nice restaurants. Athens is also worth a few days to see treasures like the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus and such. There’s also the mountaintop town of Meteora, which I haven’t yet been to but will on my next visit. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Steve