The beaches of Santorini with their usually black color are a truly impressive sight. The truth is that Santorini is not an island ideal for beaches and swimming, as those rare beaches are mostly good for taking pictures. Most of the beaches have pebble (usually black) and only few have sand.

• Kokkini Paralia (Southwest Santorini): A beach of rare beauty thanks to the redish pebble combined with the red rocks that rise around it. On the beach there are a few umbrellas, a couple of canteens and a lot of people. You can find it at the southwest of the island, a bit south of the Akrotiri and to reach it you will have to walk for a couple of minutes from the parking lot (where the bus stop is found).
• Aspri Paralia (Southwest Santorini): The white beach is named after the white pebble which is something quiet rare on Santorini. The beach lies under the shadow of breath-taking tall stiff red cliffs, while the beach can only be reached by sea. You can find it southwest, a bit further down the Kokkini Paralia.
• Perivolos (Southeast Santorini): A large, both in length and size, cosmopolitan beach with black sand, located between Perissa and Agios Georgios. It is essentially the continuation of Perissa beach, with clean blue sea, straw umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars and water sports.
• Agios Georgios (Southeast Santorini): Right next to Perivolos beach lies the Agios Georgios beach. The similarities with its popular neighbor are only limited to the black sand and the clean water, as this is not an organized beach and it is thus more peaceful.
• Perissa (Southeast Santorini): Perissa is probably the most famous beach of Santorini because it is the longest beach on the island and it offers all sorts of commodities. It lies at the southeast of the island, between Kamari and Perivolos. It offers thin black sand, deep blue sea, sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, water sports, taverns and rooms to let. On the beach there is also a water park with water slides, pools, etc, while near by lies the Minerals and Fossils.
• Kamari (Southeast Santorini): This is one of the largest beaches of the island, as it is very wide and about 5 kilometers long, and it is located southeast. It is very popular as it is organized, with umbrellas, sea loungers, a beach bar and hotels. Last but not least the beach offers excellent view while right over the beach lies the archaeological site of Thira, where Kamari can be seen down below.
• Vlyhada (South Santorini): The scenery in Vlyhada is impressive thanks to the bizarre rocky formations standing right behind the beach, giving it a wild beauty. If you favor comfort stay at the beginning of the beach where you can find umbrellas and sea loungers, or go further down if you would rather have quiet. You will find it south, a bit to the east of Kokkini Ammos. On the beach you can see the old tomato processing factory, next to which there is a wooden canteen, while in a close distance there are several fish taverns.
• Pori (North Santorini): This is an unorganized and relatively small sandy beach at the north, surrounded by imposing red cliffs. There is a small fish tavern by the sea and to reach the beach you will have to climb down around 50 steps.
• Koloumbo (North Santorini): Another black beach at the north of Santorini, a bit further down from Pori. People do not favor it because of its position, as it is exposed to the wind. Besides the crystal blue water and the black sand the beach also offers a great view to the Aegean.
• Monolithos (East Santorini): A wide stretch of black sand located east, a bit north of the airport. This is an organized beach with shallow water, ideal for families with little kids, shops and taverns.
• Exo Gialos (East Santorini): A quiet beach with black pebble at the east costs of Santorini, close to Fira. The beach offers clean sea, a fantastic view, a tavern and some rooms to let. Access to the beach is easy, as you can also get here by bus.