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 one of the top attractions and things to do 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 within walking distance from the Akrotiri Prehistoric Ruins.
You can see the Red Beach on Google Maps here.
Best Beaches in Santorini
Best Beaches in Crete
Red Beach in Santorini: A Complete Guide (WITH PHOTOS)
Best Boat Tours in Santorini
Best Beach Hotels in Santorini
Best Beaches in Rhodes
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 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?
Is Red Beach Santorini closed?
No, Red Beach in Santorini is open, but you have to stay in the barricaded 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 barricaded area that has been marked 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 11 am), you should be able to find a spot.
Can you swim at Red Beach Santorini?
You can 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 i,t 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 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 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 fish.
This can be a very interesting experience, but don’t expect any Great Barrier Reef underwater experience…
CONCLUSION
The Red Beach in Santorini is a magnificent landscape and 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!
FAQs
Is the Red Beach in Santorini closed?
No, the Red Beach is open to the public. However, local authorities have marked specific barricaded safe zones on the beach. You are not permitted to sit directly under the red cliffs due to the high risk of sudden rockslides and falling debris.
Can you swim at the Red Beach?
Yes, you can swim and snorkel at the Red Beach between May and October. The water is exceptionally clear, and the underwater volcanic rock formations are fascinating to explore. Because the beach consists of coarse pebbles rather than soft sand, water shoes are highly recommended.
Can you walk from the Red Beach to the White Beach?
No. There is no walking path connecting the Red Beach to the White Beach. The only way to access the White Beach is by taking a small water taxi (kaiki) from the Akrotiri port or from the Red Beach itself.
Why is the sand red at the Red Beach?
The sand and cliffs are red because they are composed of oxidized iron-rich volcanic rock (scoria) created by the catastrophic Minoan eruption thousands of years ago.
