Vothonas Beaches

Overview

While Vothonas itself is a traditional inland village known for its unique cave houses, it serves as an excellent and authentic base for a beach holiday. Its central location means you are just a short drive away from the diverse and dramatic coastlines of Santorini. Renting a vehicle is the best way to explore the island's many shores, giving you the freedom to discover everything from lively resorts to more secluded spots at your own pace.

From Vothonas, you can easily reach some of Santorini's most celebrated beaches. These shores are famous for their volcanic origins, featuring black pebbles or dark sand instead of the typical golden variety. Our editor's picks include the bustling resort town of Kamari Beach and the family-friendly shallows at Paralia Monolithos. For a vibrant atmosphere with music and watersports, head to the beach club hub at Paralia Perivolos, or witness the breathtaking landscape of the world-famous Red Beach.

Beyond the main highlights, the island's unique coastline offers even more to discover. The long, dark sands of Perissa Beach are another popular choice, running adjacent to Perivolos at the base of the impressive Mesa Vouno rock. These are just a few of the stunning options available within a short drive from Vothonas. For more inspiration and hidden gems, be sure to browse our complete list of the best beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any beaches in Vothonas itself?

No, Vothonas is a traditional inland village, not a coastal town. It is known for its unique architecture, with many homes carved into the rock of a ravine. The nearest beaches are a short drive away.

How far is Vothonas from the nearest beach?

Vothonas is centrally located, making it a good base for exploring multiple beaches. The closest major beach, Kamari, is about 5 kilometers away, which is roughly a 10-minute drive. Monolithos beach is also a similar distance away.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Monolithos

Do I need to rent a car if I'm staying in Vothonas?

Renting a car, ATV, or scooter is highly recommended when staying in Vothonas. While there is a local bus service that connects to the main town of Fira, having your own vehicle provides the most freedom and flexibility to easily reach the various beaches and other sights around the island at your own pace.

Which is the best beach to visit from Vothonas for families?

Monolithos Beach, located about 4-5 km from Vothonas, is often considered the most family-friendly option. It has fine black sand, a long shallow entry into the calm sea, and a small play area, making it ideal for young children. Kamari also has many amenities but features a shoreline of black pebbles.

Paralia Monolithos

Kamari Beach

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

Vothonas is an excellent choice if you want an authentic, quiet, and central base from which to explore the entire island, including its many different beaches. However, if your priority is to be steps from the water, a coastal town like Kamari or Perissa would be more suitable.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

What are the beaches near Vothonas like? Are they sandy?

The beaches on the coast near Vothonas are famous for their unique volcanic origins. You will not find typical white or golden sand. Kamari Beach consists of black pebbles, while Perissa and Perivolos beaches further south have coarse black sand. This unique scenery is part of what makes Santorini's coastline so dramatic.

Kamari Beach

Can you swim at the beaches near Vothonas? What is the water like?

Yes, absolutely. The nearby beaches like Kamari, Perissa, and Monolithos are popular for swimming. The Aegean Sea water is known for being exceptionally clear and deep blue. The water is warmest for swimming from June to September, offering a refreshing break from the summer heat.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

Paralia Monolithos

Is it better to stay in Vothonas or a beach town like Kamari?

It depends entirely on your travel style. Choose Vothonas for a quieter, more traditional Greek village experience and a central base to explore the whole island by car. Choose Kamari if you want to be directly on a lively, organized beach with a promenade full of restaurants, bars, and shops right at your doorstep.

Kamari Beach

People Also Ask

Are the beaches near Vothonas crowded?

The main organized beaches like Kamari and Perissa can get very busy, especially during the peak season of July and August. For a quieter experience, you could try Monolithos beach or the less-developed Exo Gialos beach, which are also a short drive from Vothonas and tend to attract fewer crowds.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

Paralia Monolithos

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at the beaches?

Yes, the main beaches near Vothonas, such as Kamari and Perissa, are well-organized with numerous sections offering sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. In many cases, if you purchase drinks or food from the adjoining taverna or beach bar, the use of their sunbeds is included for a minimum spend.

Kamari Beach

Paralia Perissa

What is the best time of year to visit Vothonas for beaches?

For a holiday focused on swimming and beach time, the best period is from June to September when the weather is hottest and the sea is at its warmest. For a good balance of pleasant weather, warm water, and slightly fewer crowds, consider the shoulder months of late May, June, and September.

Are there any hidden gem beaches I can reach from Vothonas?

Exo Gialos beach is a great 'hidden gem' option accessible from Vothonas. It's a quiet, dramatic-looking black sand beach with unique rock formations carved by the wind and a small, charming taverna. It's much less crowded than the main tourist beaches and offers a more rugged, authentic Santorini beach experience.