The beach with black and red volcanic fine pebbles (or rather coarser sand) is located 12 km southwest of Fira and is probably the most famous and most photographed beach on the island.

The sand of the beach consists of powdered volcanic rock, which is really dark red in colour due to the presence of ferrous metals, while the dark shades of Red Beach are complemented by particles of black volcanic sand. Among the locals, this beach is mainly known as Kokkini Beach.

In fact, Kokkini Beach is unique in the world. There are many beaches with black or golden sand in the world, but only a handful of beaches in the world have red sand (for example, Kaihalulu Beach on the Hawaiian island of Maui).

The best beach resorts on Santorini

Swimming and beach facilities

Kokkini Beach is in a more secluded part of the island, below a high red cliff, yet you'll find sunbed and umbrella hire and a small snack bar on the pedestrian access route. Due to the danger of falling rocks, a section of the beach is often closed off behind tape, leaving only a narrower strip by the sea for tourists.

The beach is covered with both sand and larger pebbles and the entrance to the sea is rather rocky and relatively steep. Swimming here is, however, relaxed without big waves.

How to get to the beach?

Red Beach is accessible from the southern part of Akrotiri village via a dirt path about 350 metres long over a small cliff. You can reach the edge of the village by car, where you can park in the free car park.

Akrotiri can be reached from Fira and Megalochori by bus, which runs roughly every, commute to the terminus, which is about 500 metres from the beach. A ticket from Fira will cost about 1,80 eur.