The famous red beach in Santorini is a truly geological marvel but it can also be dangerous because of the risk of falling rocks from above.
Red Beach in Santorini is by far one of the most unique beaches in Greece and one of the most unique landscapes in the world. It’s definitely one of the top attractions and things to in Santorini and it is very close to the famous Akrotiri village with its prehistoric ruins (literally a walking distance from it).
I recently visited the Red Beach and I took some photos that would probably help you understand how to get there and what is there to see and do.
Where is the red sand beach in Santorini?
The Red Sand Beach in Santorini is close to the Akrotiri town of the island and in a walking distance from the Akrotiri Prehistoric Ruins.
You can see the Red Beach on Google Maps here.
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How do you get to Red Beach in Santorini?
You have 2 ways of getting to the Red Beach in Santorini:
- You can take a small ferry from Athinios port that will take you to both Red and White beaches
- or, you can take the local Santorini bus (or drive) to Akrotiri and then hop off or park at the small parking area (see pictures below) and then the walk the rough path to the red beach.
Can you drive to Red Beach Santorini?
Yes, you can drive to the Red Beach and you have to take the road to Akrotiri town, park in the small parking lot where the small white chapel is and then walk the path to the beach itself.
Why is the Red Beach in Santorini red?
The famous Red Beach in Santorini is red because of the volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that eroded the cliffs behind it exposing a unique geological formation with rocks that are rich in iron. The red colour of the rocks is actually coming from iron and sulpharic elements in the ground.
Is Red Beach Santorini closed?
No, Red Beach in Santorini is open but you have to stay in the barricated areas and the safe zones that the authorities have marked up as there is always a danger of falling rocks and debris from the cliffs above the beach.
Is Red Beach Santorini safe?
Red Beach in Santorini is safe as long as you stay within the barricated area that has been marked up by the authorities. See photos below.
Where do you park at Red Beach Santorini?
There is a small park at the beginning of the path to the red beach. There is limited space there but if you arrive early (before 11am) you should be able to find a spot.
Can you swim at Red Beach Santorini?
You can definitely swim at the Red Beach in Santorini and you can even do scuba diving. The weather is perfect for swimming between May and October every year. You won’t be able to swim in the winter as the weather might not allow it and the sea-water can be very cold.
Can you walk from Red Beach to White Beach Santorini?
You cannot walk from the Red Beach to the White Beach in Santorini as there is no connection or any path between the 2 and they are quite far away from each other. You can however take a small boat that will take you to both beaches and that is actually an alternative way of getting to the Red Beach instead of taking the local bus to Akrotiri.
The final descent to the beach itself can also be very narrowwith people coming up and down all the time.
When you arrive on the beach level then you need to be aware of the barricaded areas as these are safety zones from the falling debris and rocks
Red Beach Santorini Snorkelling
You can definitely snorkel in the waters of the Red Beach experience. However, I have to be honest.
It’s not the sea life that you will find fascinating under the water but the incredible geological formations and colourful volcanic caverns that may or may not hide some sea life such as octopuses or small fishes.
This can definitely be a very interesting experience but don’t expect any Great Barrier Reff underwater experience…
The big rocks behind the beach are quite dramatic as they have been created thousands of years ago from the volcanic geological formations of the island
The end of the Red Beach is actually white… 🙂
CONCLUSION
The Red Beach in Santorini is a magnificent landscape and definitely one of the quirkiest beaches in the world.
It’s probably not the best beach in Greece or one that someone could spend a whole day at but it is such a unique scenery that one cannot miss. If you ask me, as long as I have visited once, I don’t think I will ever visit it again as it’s more like a visit to a wonderful geological site than a visit to a beach. I would enjoy spending my day in Perissa or Perivolos, to be honest. However, if it is your first time on the island then you should definitely visit it but always be careful about the falling rocks and always stay within the safe zones!
