Undoubtedly one of Santorini's top destinations, Red Beach captivates visitors with its striking backdrop of crimson cliffs and vibrant reddish sands, arrestingly juxtaposed with the sparkling turquoise waters of the southern Aegean. Reaching this picturesque cove requires a bit of a hike through the famed red rock formations, but the reward is undeniable: This beach is beautiful both above and below the water, as Red Beach is one of the best Santorini beaches for snorkeling.

When it comes to hidden beaches in Santorini, White Beach is up there with the big-hitters. Pack a picnic, unwind on the sun-kissed rocks, and revel in the stunning views: This is a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. For history enthusiasts, the journey doesn’t end at the beach: Just a short distance away lies the remarkable archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement buried in volcanic ash during the cataclysmic eruption around 1600 BC.

Another prime example of Santorini’s diverse color palette, Kamari Beach is an alluring blend of silky black sand, kid-friendly shallows, and seaside charm on Santorini’s eastern coast. Striking the perfect balance between lively and laidback, Kamari is one of the best beaches in Santorini for families—not least thanks to its easy-to-access location, wide selection of water sports, and plethora of tavernas and cafés to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.

Put simply, Eros Beach is the island’s ultimate romantic beach. But it’s not just this small-but-perfectly-formed beach’s name—after Eros, the Greek god of erotic love—that makes it one of the top Santorini beaches for couples. It’s a hidden oasis perfect for those seeking tranquility (and some alone time with their special someone) among near-untouched nature that feels worlds away from the bustling tourist spots. Plus, you’ll find one of the island’s most chic beachside bars here.

With its striking black sand, Koloumbos Beach is the closest to Santorini’s active underwater volcano, from which Koloumbos takes its name. Getting to Koloumbos requires a bit of effort—there's no official parking lot, so visitors must park along the roadside and embark on a 15-minute walk to reach the water. Once you get there, though, you'll find that Koloumbos' beachfront framed by dramatic cliffs—a lifesaver for the shade they offer on the many sunny days—is the perfect escape.

This sweep of black sand is undoubtedly one of the best Santorini beaches for nightlife, flanked by a lively promenade of bars, restaurants, and shops. Packed with both refined cocktail bars and vibrant parties that host guest DJs and live music, Perissa’s beach bar scene even attracts celebrities. This abundance of sleek beach clubs also makes it king among Santorini beach destinations for luxury travelers.

In the mood to add a little high-octane fun to your beach break? Perivolos and next-door Agios Georgios raise the bar when it comes to the best Santorini beaches for water sports: Think jet skiing, hoverboarding, tubing, and parasailing; as well as more downtempo options including kayaking or pedal boating. With their calm paddle-friendly shadows, these twin beaches are family favorites, and the laid-back but buzzy atmosphere makes them ideal for solo travelers.

Backed by near Gaudí-esque rock formations crafted by the wind and sea, Vlychada’s surreal scenery has a certain lunar quality. Here, you have the best of all worlds, with the expansive black sand beach combining rugged beauty and comfy sunbeds. Although beach bars and water sports aren’t on offer, the nearby marina has plenty of tavernas to satisfy any craving for the freshest of Greek cuisine.

Monolithos Beach is your destination for the island’s best kitesurfing, basketball, and volleyball. However, if you prefer soaking up the sun with a good book, you'll find plenty of comfortable sunbeds and inviting cafés where you can unwind. With its shallow waters and the softest sand on the island, Monolithos is a favorite among families; these same qualities also put it on the list of dog-friendly beaches in Santorini.