Red Beach, Santorini: The Famous Beach in Akrotiri

The Red Beach on Santorini in Greece, also known as Kokkini Paralia, is a real highlight of the popular holiday island and a true jewel of the Cyclades. Nestled in an absolutely stunning landscape with majestic red cliffs, Red Beach is certainly one of the most famous beaches in Santorini. The sea along this stretch of coastline also shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue, and together with the red cliffs, creates a backdrop that is out of this world. This dream beach is truly one of a kind on this volcanic island, and one of the places you don’t want to miss on any vacation. But what are the best tips for visiting Santorini’s Red Beach, what can you expect on a trip there, and what are the best places to stay in the area?

In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about the unique Red Beach in Santorini in Greece. We also show you the gorgeous pictures, the best excursions and where to find great accommodations for your vacation nearby.

Red Beach

General Information about Red Beach

The Red Beach, sometimes known as Kokkini Paralia, is a beautiful red volcanic beach located on the popular holiday island of Santorini in Greece. This natural gem is located on the southwest coast, just 2 kilometers from the village of Akrotiri, 12 kilometers from the capital Fira and 27 kilometers from the famous town of Oia. A special feature of Red Beach is the huge red rock wall that makes this dream beach one of the most spectacular attractions on the island. The reddish rock contains a high concentration of iron minerals, giving the area its characteristic red color. Another unique feature of the beach is the mixture of red sand and black pebbles, which together with the blue color of the sea creates an almost surreal scene. This unique scenery makes the beach one of the most photographed places on Santorini.

The Red Beach can be reached from the parking lot via a small footpath that leads to a spectacular view point. However, the trail to the beach is very sandy, stony and steep in places, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the past, landslides have closed the beach for several days. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the warning signs and to be careful. Once on the beach, however, visitors will be rewarded with an incredible ambience. The Red Beach with the beautiful deep blue sea is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling to explore an interesting underwater world. During the season there is a taverna close to the beach where food and drinks are served.

Red Beach

Red Beach

Things to do near Red Beach

Not only the Red Beach is worth a visit, there are also a number of attractions in the surrounding area. The snow-white “Orthodox Church of St. Nikolaos“, which is located right next to the famous Red Beach and has become a popular photo motif, is simply beautiful. You should also visit the famous archaeological site of Akrotiri, which is only a few minutes walk away. Here you can explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient city, which was buried by a volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC. Another nearby beach highlight is the White Beach, which can be reached by water taxi from Red Beach during the high season.

Akrotiri (Prehistoric City)

Orthodox Church of St. Nikolaos

White Beach

How to get to Red Beach in Santorini

It is relatively easy to get to Santorini. The island has its own international airport and there are also domestic flights from Athens. Another option is to take the ferry. Red Beach is located in the southwest of Santorini, near the villages of Akrotiri and Perissa. The quickest way to get to the beach is by taxi, scooter, quad bike or rental car. Parking is available on site and at the nearby archaeological site of Akrotiri. There is also a public bus, but the bus stop is about a 20-minute walk from the beach.

Tip: Cheap tickets for flights and ferries are available at 12go.com. Santorini is also a popular starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades.

Where to Stay near Red Beach

There is no accommodation directly at Red Beach. However, there are some really great places to stay in the area that are perfect for a vacation in Santorini. Booking early is a must, as the best accommodations fill up quickly due to high demand. Here are the best places to stay near Red Beach…It’s worth a look!

• Lovely Hotel: The Akrotiri Hotel is a small but very nice hotel close to the Red Beach. It is located right next to the sea and the breakfast is excellent as well.
• Cave Villas: The Sublime Villa & Caves offers a variety of great accommodation options. It is also only 300 meters away from the Red Beach.
• Enchanting Villa: The Le Grand Blue Villa is a real insider tip near the Red Beach. This small house has a wonderful location, large garden and pool.

More about Santorini:

• 20 Amazing Things to Do in Santorini (Greece)

• Top 15 Amazing Beaches in Santorini

• Where to Stay in Santorini: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

• Kamari Beach, Santorini: Travel Guide about Kamari

• Ammoudi Bay, Santorini: The charming bay of Oia

• Perissa Beach, Santorini: Travel Guide about Perissa

More about Greece

Athens | Mykonos | Naxos | Paros | Milos | Sifnos | Folegandros

Beaches in Greece

Mykonos Beaches | Naxos Beaches | Paros Beaches | Milos Beaches

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