Fira Beaches

Overview

While Fira is Santorini's vibrant capital, it is perched atop the dramatic caldera cliffs and does not have a beach in the town itself. However, its central location and island-wide bus hub make it an ideal base for exploring the diverse and unique beaches scattered along the coastline. Unlike typical Greek islands, Santorini's shores are a direct result of its volcanic history, featuring striking black, red, and white sands and pebbles lapped by exceptionally clear waters.

From Fira, the island's most famous beaches are just a short trip away. You can visit the iconic Red Beach, known for its unforgettable landscape of towering, crimson-colored cliffs. For a classic and lively beach day, the long, black-sand stretch of Paralia Perissa is one of the most visited spots on the island. The bustling, family-friendly resort of Kamari Beach is also easily accessible, while Paralia Perivolos is the top destination for beach clubs and a vibrant atmosphere.

Beyond the main highlights, the island's coast offers more treasures, such as the stunning, moon-like landscape of Vlychada Beach with its wind-carved cliffs. While staying directly on the sand has its perks, Fira offers the perfect blend of spectacular caldera views and energetic town life with the convenience of reaching any beach you desire. For a comprehensive guide to all the coastal destinations, be sure to explore our longer list of Santorini's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any beaches directly in Fira?

No, Fira is located on the edge of the caldera cliffs and does not have a beach within the town itself. The stunning views of the volcano and the sea are from a high elevation. However, several of Santorini's famous beaches are easily accessible from Fira.

How do I get to the beaches from Fira?

The main bus station for the island is in Fira, offering frequent and affordable services to popular beaches like Kamari, Perissa, and the stop for Red Beach (Akrotiri). The bus is a cash-only service. Renting a car, ATV, or scooter is another popular option for more flexibility in exploring different beaches. Taxis are also available, though they are more expensive and can be hard to find during peak season.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

Red Beach

What is the closest beach to Fira?

The closest beach to Fira is Exo Gialos, located about 4 km away. It's a relatively quiet beach with black sand and pebbles, and a small port. Another nearby option is Vourvoulos Beach. Keep in mind that these beaches are less organized and crowded than the more famous ones on the south coast.

Vourvoulos Beach

Can you swim in the sea near Fira?

While you can't swim directly in Fira, you can take a boat tour from the Old Port (below Fira) to the volcanic islands, where you can swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni. For a traditional beach swimming experience, you'll need to travel to the island's coastal beaches like Kamari or Perivolos, where the water is clear and refreshing.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perivolos

Is Fira a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

Fira is an excellent base for exploring all of Santorini, offering the best nightlife, shopping, and dining options with incredible caldera views. While it's not a beach town itself, its central bus hub makes getting to all the island's beaches straightforward. If your priority is to spend most of your time on the sand and have a hotel right on the beach, you might prefer staying in Kamari or Perissa. However, for a holiday combining vibrant town life with beach day trips, Fira is a great choice.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

What are the beaches in Santorini like? Are they sandy?

Santorini's beaches are unique due to their volcanic origins and are not the typical white-sand beaches of other Greek islands. Most beaches feature black, red, or white pebbles and coarse volcanic sand. The dark sand can get very hot in the sun, so beach shoes are recommended. The water is known for being exceptionally clear and great for swimming.

Which is better for a day trip from Fira: Kamari or Perissa beach?

Both Kamari and Perissa are excellent black-sand beaches easily reachable from Fira by bus. Kamari is a bit closer (about a 15-20 minute bus ride) and often described as slightly more family-friendly and upscale. Perissa (about a 20-30 minute bus ride) merges into Perivolos beach, creating a very long stretch of beach known for a more relaxed, backpacker-friendly vibe with numerous beach bars. The two beaches are separated by the Mesa Vouno rock, and you can travel between them via a water taxi.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

Paralia Perivolos

Is it easy to visit the Red Beach from Fira?

Yes, you can visit the Red Beach from Fira. The most common way is to take a public bus to the Akrotiri stop, which takes about 20 minutes. From the bus stop, it's a 10-15 minute walk over a rocky path to view the beach. Alternatively, you can drive and park nearby or take a boat tour that includes a stop for swimming at the Red Beach. Note that access to the beach itself is sometimes restricted due to the risk of rockfalls, but the view from the headland is spectacular.

Red Beach

People Also Ask

What is the best beach near Fira for families with children?

Monolithos Beach, located a few kilometers north of Kamari, is widely considered the most family-friendly beach near Fira. It features fine black sand, very shallow waters that are safe for young children, and a small playground on the sand. It's generally quieter and less crowded than the larger beach resorts.

Paralia Monolithos

Should I stay in Fira for nightlife or a beach town like Perissa?

Fira is the undisputed center of nightlife in Santorini, with the highest concentration of bars and clubs that stay open late. The beach towns of Perissa and Kamari have a more laid-back evening scene with many beach bars and restaurants, but the atmosphere is generally quieter at night compared to Fira. If lively nightlife and clubbing are your priority, stay in Fira and travel to the beaches during the day.

Kamari Beach

Are there hotels in Fira with beach access?

Since Fira is on a cliff, no hotels have direct beach access. However, many hotels in Fira offer stunning caldera views and swimming pools, which are a popular alternative to the beach. For a hotel directly on the beach, you would need to look for accommodation in areas like Kamari, Perivolos, or Perissa.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perivolos

Paralia Perissa

What should I wear to the beaches in Santorini?

Besides your swimwear, it is highly recommended to bring water shoes or sturdy sandals. The volcanic sand and pebbles on beaches like Kamari and Perissa are dark and can become extremely hot under the summer sun, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot. A hat and sunscreen are also essential.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

Are the beaches near Fira crowded?

The most popular beaches like Kamari and Perissa can get quite crowded, especially during the peak season of July and August. They are well-organized with many sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. For a quieter experience, you could visit beaches like Vlychada with its unique lunar-like cliffs, or the more secluded Exo Gialos, which is the closest beach to Fira.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

Vlychada Beach

Can I walk from Fira to a beach?

While it is technically possible to walk to the nearest beach, Exo Gialos (about 4km), it is not generally recommended. The walk involves roads that may not have sidewalks and can be hot, especially in summer. The most practical and popular ways to reach the beaches from Fira are by bus, rental vehicle, or taxi.

Is Santorini a better beach destination than Mykonos?

Santorini and Mykonos offer very different beach experiences. Santorini is famous for its dramatic and unique volcanic beaches with black and red pebbles, set against stunning cliffs. Mykonos is known for its many beautiful, long, golden-sand beaches and vibrant beach party scene. People don't typically choose Santorini solely for its beaches, but for its overall unique landscape, views, and romantic atmosphere. If your priority is classic sandy beaches and beach clubs, Mykonos might be a better fit.