If you love exploring beautiful beaches around the world, Santorini—an enchanting Greek island in the Aegean Sea—should be high on your travel list. In this article, we’ll delve into what makes this island so popular with tourists and highlight some of its incredible beaches.
Before we dive into the beaches, let’s look at how to get to Santorini. Depending on your starting point, you will likely need to fly to Athens, Greece’s historic capital. After spending a couple of nights in Athens, you can chart your course to Santorini.
Getting to Santorini from Athens is straightforward, with two main options: by air or by high-speed ferry. There are numerous flights departing from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to Santorini International Airport, taking approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. For flight details, visit the Athens International Airport website. If you prefer to travel across the Aegean Sea by ferry, SeaJets operates daily services. The ferry ride from Piraeus, Athens’ port, takes around 5 hours, and during peak season, there are four ferries daily. You can find updated information on timings and prices on the SeaJets website.
Recently, a helicopter service called Hoper has begun operating flights from Athens to Santorini, taking about 42 minutes. For more information, check their website.
Upon arrival in Santorini, the airport is just 15 minutes from the capital, Fira. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, you’ll want to explore this vibrant city, which offers a mix of cultural landmarks, shopping, dining, and nightlife.
With limited time in Fira, be sure to visit must-see attractions like the Three Bells of Fira, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and various museums, while savoring delicious Greek cuisine.
Red Beach
One beach you can’t miss is the Red Beach, known as Kokkini Paralia. Here, you’ll find striking red-hued sand surrounded by majestic red cliffs, a stunning landscape formed by volcanic activity. While there are several ways to reach Red Beach, the most popular option is by boat. You can take a bus or taxi from Fira to Akrotiri Port (about 15 kilometers away) and then hop on a boat to the beach.
Perissa
Another fantastic beach to explore is Perissa, famous for its black lava sand and deep blue waters. Located just 20 minutes by bus from Fira, it’s a perfect spot to unwind, even if you’re only in Santorini for a couple of days.
Monolithos Beach
For a family-friendly option close to Fira, visit Monolithos Beach, which is approximately 6 kilometers away. It features crystal-clear waters and the typical black sand, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
White Beach
Interestingly, Santorini also boasts a White Beach, named for its stunning white cliffs. This secluded beach is accessible only by boat from Red Beach.
It’s clear why Santorini is a popular destination for tourists. With a myriad of activities and colorful beaches, a two-day trip is more than worthwhile; three days would allow you to explore at a leisurely pace. In conclusion, Santorini is a dream destination for those who enjoy relaxing by uniquely-hued beaches along the azure waters, soaking up the sun.
