Red Beach
Red Beach
3.5
About
Visit the Red Beach near Akrotiri for surreal, otherwordly landscapes, where the blue waters and skies contrast against cliffs of red lava rock. The beach is a five-minute hike down to the shore. Here, you can rent an umbrella and a sunbed, or snorkel to explore the underwater formations and fishes. There's even a nudist-friendly section at the northern end of the beach. At the top, there are canteens for snacks, plus awesome views of the beach below. Visit in mid-May for lower rainfall, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures. Red Beach is often included on tours of Santorini and luxury caldera cruises. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Red Beach
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
86 within 3 miles
Attractions
208 within 6 miles
Contribute
Reviews may contain information about traveller safety at this business.
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
3.5
6,440 reviews
Excellent
1,573
Very good
2,046
Average
1,771
Poor
694
Terrible
356
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Artyom
8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The red beach:
+ nice sight, the red rocks are impressive to see as you swim in the water
- small beach, no beds/umbrellas, no shower, leaves flying around so you and your towel get dirty.
I would recommend to take the boat (€10) which brings you around: red beach, white beach, black beach. That way, you can easily take a look and move on.
+ nice sight, the red rocks are impressive to see as you swim in the water
- small beach, no beds/umbrellas, no shower, leaves flying around so you and your towel get dirty.
I would recommend to take the boat (€10) which brings you around: red beach, white beach, black beach. That way, you can easily take a look and move on.
Written 14 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arnaud
Paris, France18 contributions
Sept 2020
We were kinda disappointed, the beach isn't so red, but more brownish, and it's all falling apart, very dangerous.
You can get there either by Boat, hiking or by car, but if you go by car, make sure you're a confident enough driver because it's super super steep incline with rock roads.
There's just 1 bar opened down there, that make you pay 15€ to stay under one of their sunbeds...
I would not recommend to get there by car or boat and spend a day. I would more recomment to get there by boat for 30min to appreciate the landscape and that's it.
You can get there either by Boat, hiking or by car, but if you go by car, make sure you're a confident enough driver because it's super super steep incline with rock roads.
There's just 1 bar opened down there, that make you pay 15€ to stay under one of their sunbeds...
I would not recommend to get there by car or boat and spend a day. I would more recomment to get there by boat for 30min to appreciate the landscape and that's it.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enrica M
Venice, Italy16 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
It is certainly a beach worth seeing but not staying there for more than 2 hours. If you reach it on foot, the view of the red cliff is enchanting. You can go down and take a bath, the water is clear but with a lot of algae. Around lunchtime it fills up with people and it's impossible to even sit. Behind you, a rope advises you not to get close to the rocks and if the tide rises the beach is narrow. There are both equipped beaches and free space. You can arrive by car and then walk for a while or arrive by boat with the "ferry" from Akrotiri which takes you to the red or white beach (15 euros)
Probably early morning or evening are better times or not in August.
Probably early morning or evening are better times or not in August.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IphD10s
Roseto Degli Abruzzi, Italy39 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Of course if you happen to be in Santorini, it's not like I'm coming back soon, so the beach should be visited. It is not very easy to get there and Recommendation to do it not too late in the morning as the space available is limited and then after noon it fills up and is not a free place to stop. In fact, the red color of the rock is also suggestive for the erosions that are impressed on it make their show. There is also a small establishment that rents you umbrellas towards the end of the beach and occasionally a boat arrives that for a fee can take you to the nearby white beach. We did not benefit because those who went there did not notice anything. Eventually for a bath you can fit, but after noon (even before) you have to escape. Both for the heat, and for the crowd of people who come all the time.
Automatically translated
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ale
4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Clear water , no waves . The sand is not actually red red , but more a dark red-brown with black. Would visit again . The biggest problem is the road . It starts OK but as it gets down it becomes more tight , and the last part is almost like a big slope . Also the last part is not paved . The best time to visit it is in the late afternoon , when not many people are coming . The best way to drive back up is to go full speed until the road isnt in a slope anymore . ( sorry for any mistakes )
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diego B
Puentecesures, Spain8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
They sell it to you as a fantastic place and nothing could be further from the truth, in our case and like many other people when we arrived and saw what the place was like we left after 10 minutes, it is not worth the hard time getting there at all. there since the roads are terrible! Close to the Besch network, 7 km away, is Perissa Beach, which is great with a restaurant called Poseidon where you can eat well and very cheaply!
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FMarco
17 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
It is undoubtedly the beach with the most beautiful colors and sea in Santorini, don't be fooled by the first parking lot you find for €5 because if you go further there is one closer to the beach and it's free.
You get to the beach after a slightly bumpy up and down path but all in all doable (we had a two year old in our arms)
The flaws are that the beach is small and at a certain time (around 10.30 am) it gets crowded with people, reducing the space. Another flaw is the constant coming and going of ships and organized tour boats that bring dirt and seaweed to the shore. I recommend going early.
Shuttles arrive from the red beach every 20 minutes which take you to the white beach and the black beach for €15 per person.
You get to the beach after a slightly bumpy up and down path but all in all doable (we had a two year old in our arms)
The flaws are that the beach is small and at a certain time (around 10.30 am) it gets crowded with people, reducing the space. Another flaw is the constant coming and going of ships and organized tour boats that bring dirt and seaweed to the shore. I recommend going early.
Shuttles arrive from the red beach every 20 minutes which take you to the white beach and the black beach for €15 per person.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefano I
10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Santorini's famous Red Beach is a true natural spectacle, with its steep red cliffs rising above a volcanic pebble beach. The dramatic beauty of this place makes it a must for visitors to the island.
It is a real hidden jewel of the island. The contrast of the crystal clear sea with the impressive red rock walls creates a unique and breathtaking atmosphere.
It offers an amazing viewing experience, but it should be kept in mind that accessing it can be a bit challenging. The short but steep walk to the beach may not be comfortable. It is important to tread carefully along the uneven and sometimes slippery path that leads to the beach.
Also, it should be noted that due to its difficult access, Red Beach may not be suitable for visitors with disabilities or mobility difficulties. The steep and wild nature of the area makes it a more suitable place for those who are able to tackle uneven terrain and light climbing.
For those who prefer to avoid the walk, Red Beach can be accessed via catamaran boats offering sightseeing tours. These boats stop at a distance of just over 30 meters from the beach, I personally think they should stay further away for the safety of bathers and respecting the naturalness of the place.
On site, deckchairs and umbrellas are available at a cost of about 20 euros, however you may find that they are not always in perfect condition. It is advisable to prepare and bring with you what you need to enjoy the day at the beach.
For those who want to recharge and enjoy a drink, there is a beach bar.
It is a real hidden jewel of the island. The contrast of the crystal clear sea with the impressive red rock walls creates a unique and breathtaking atmosphere.
It offers an amazing viewing experience, but it should be kept in mind that accessing it can be a bit challenging. The short but steep walk to the beach may not be comfortable. It is important to tread carefully along the uneven and sometimes slippery path that leads to the beach.
Also, it should be noted that due to its difficult access, Red Beach may not be suitable for visitors with disabilities or mobility difficulties. The steep and wild nature of the area makes it a more suitable place for those who are able to tackle uneven terrain and light climbing.
For those who prefer to avoid the walk, Red Beach can be accessed via catamaran boats offering sightseeing tours. These boats stop at a distance of just over 30 meters from the beach, I personally think they should stay further away for the safety of bathers and respecting the naturalness of the place.
On site, deckchairs and umbrellas are available at a cost of about 20 euros, however you may find that they are not always in perfect condition. It is advisable to prepare and bring with you what you need to enjoy the day at the beach.
For those who want to recharge and enjoy a drink, there is a beach bar.
Automatically translated
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DIMITRA FAM K
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Put on the GPS the church of Agios Nikolaos, leave the car there and walk 5 to 10 minutes! We went in the afternoon and there was no people had a nice sunset, a gentleman who played music and the landscape along with the music just dreamy!! The beach clean and very nice, the waters ful refreshing!! One of the best beaches on the island!!
Automatically translated
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itsWanda
Boston, MA383 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This was another stop on the private tour. If you’re coming here, be sure to wear sneakers or sturdy shoes, it was quite a journey from the parking lot and very rocky but great views nonetheless.
They strongly recommend you don’t go swimming as falling rocks can occur but folks still go to the beach.
They strongly recommend you don’t go swimming as falling rocks can occur but folks still go to the beach.
Written 16 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where should I rent a car once in Santorini ? At the airport or Oia where I am staying?
We are 5 and bringing big suitcases each . Not sure how we will fit them in a car unless it is van but will it be hard to drive ? Are streets narrow ?
Written 5 June 2023
Hiring from the airport is easier as it saves the initial transfer costs. The roads are very easy to navigate and are not busy. I'd try to hire before you fly as it saves time on landing.
Written 8 June 2023
Buonasera, con il motorino posso arrivare alla red beach? Quanto dura il percorso a piedi?
Written 2 September 2019
Si può arrivare in auto / moto fino al parcheggio. Si prosegue su sentiero roccioso per circa 15 min
Written 27 June 2020
Hola Omar! Para llegar en autobús habría que ir hasta Akrotiri y desde ahí andado o cómo sería la ruta??
Written 27 August 2019
¡Hola! Exacto. El colectivo te deja en el yacimiento arqueológico Akrotiri. Ahí, podés hacer unos metros más y bajar a la playa y salen unos barquitos que te llevan a la playa Roja, Blanca y Negra, o ir caminando. El camino es corto, pero bastante rocoso. Hay carteles de peligro de derrumbe. A mi me daba un poco de miedo, pero igual yo soy miedosa. Espero que te sirva la info. ¡Saludos!
Written 27 August 2019
I am surprised soo many touristguides aren´t updated on the fact it is forbidden to enter Red Beach since the huge landslide in 2013! It is soo beautiful to watch from a distance with it´s glorious crimsonred rocks, but the beach itself has been closed since 2013, and authorities say it will remain closed since there are reoccuring lifethreatening landslides and they have NO way to ensure safety. Sooner or later someone will get killed by the falling rocks!
How can it be, soo many ignore the NO ENTRANCE-signs and risk their lifes by climbing down to the beach ?? - there are way better beaches to tan and swim!
Written 8 November 2018
The problem is that cruise ships are still telling people to go there as a must see attraction. Others just don't care about safety. I went there, but took photos from the top knowing that the beach is closed. It is beautiful, I just wish more people would listen to the safety guidelines.
Written 6 December 2018
Can you get to Perissa beach from Red Beach- by boat, or bus??
Written 24 September 2018
You can get there by bus. It is several buses. You are better off getting an ATV for the day or week to get around.
Written 26 September 2018
I am planning to go to Red Beach in late August. Just wanting to take some nice photos, not walk the beach itself. Can anyone tell me what time of day you get the best light so the beach id really red in your photos? Also if you know of a great vantage point, I'd love to hear it. Thanks :)
Written 18 July 2018
Early morning or Evening should be the best but reaching there and returning maybe an issue if you are staying in fira or elsewhere. So check bus timings before leaving. You need to keep at least about 60 to 90 minutes for going and coming back and taking your photographs if you are walking from the bus stop. There are board as well that start near bus stop and take you to all the 3 beaches, namely, white, red and black. Walking shoes a must to reach red beach by foot. All the best.
Written 19 July 2018
nikos22kal
Komotini, Greece
Πώς μπορώ να μεταβώ από το Καμάρι στην κόκκινη παραλία; (και κατ' επέκταση στη μαύρη)
Written 11 July 2018
Με το αυτοκίνητο σας πηγαίνετε ακρωτήρι και πηγαίνετε κόκκινη παραλία! Μαύρες παραλίες είναι όλο το νησί εκτός από την κόκκινη!
Written 15 May 2019
Hi I’ve got an ATV quad bike. How far do I have to walk from the parking spot for Red Beach and can I do it in sandals/flip flops?
Written 11 June 2018
its just 5-10 mins walk down the hill.
You can definately do it with sandals or flip flops but you will be more confortable with sneekers.
Written 19 July 2018
How to get here from Oia?
Which bus, timetable and price? anyone has this kind of information?
thank you
Written 23 March 2018
There are no buses that run directly from one side of Santorini to the other.
Fira or Thira is Santorini’s main city, and home to the central bus station. Buses run to and from Fira to all popular destinations including: Akrotiri (Red Beach) and Oia. The island is not big so all the journeys are around an hour.
All the transfers are done in Fira as is the main hub and every bus passes through it at some point. From Oia to the Red Beach, you will have to take the bus to Fira first then from there take the bus to Akrotiri.
Public bus transportation is called KTEL and below is the link where you can find the prices and the timetables to and from all served destinations.
Price are stated as 1.80 euro from Oia to Fira and 2 euro from Fira to Akrotiri Beach but might be different as the site last update was June 2016.
ktel-santorini.gr
Written 23 March 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 22
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing