Santorini's most photographed beach is a cove of rust-red volcanic cliffs and dark pebbles on the south coast near Akrotiri. The cliff path down to it has been officially closed since February 2025, after rockfalls during the Santorini earthquakes. The way to reach it now is the water taxi from Akrotiri harbour: about 10 minutes and roughly 5-8 EUR per person each way.
In this guide
Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) gets its colour from oxidised iron (hematite) in the volcanic rock. The result is towering red cliffs that contrast sharply with the black sand, dark pebbles, and turquoise water below. On a sunny day, the colour intensity is almost unreal.
The beach sits just south of the Akrotiri archaeological site, so it's easy to combine the two in a single half-day visit. But the access has changed, and every visitor should understand how before heading out.
Is Red Beach Open?
The beach itself is still there to visit, but not on foot. After rockfalls in February 2025, the authorities closed the cliff path from the Akrotiri side, and the Municipality of Thira's access ban was reported as still in force ahead of the 2026 season. Signs at the trailhead read "DANGER - NO ENTRY".
The path isn't fenced off, and you'll still see people walking down. Don't be one of them. The cliffs are soft, unstable rock, rocks do fall, and an accident on a closed path is the kind your travel insurance may refuse to cover. Take the water taxi instead.
How Do You Get There?
By Water Taxi from Akrotiri Harbour
This is now the way in. Small boats leave from Akrotiri's little harbour, in front of the waterfront tavernas, and drop you on Red Beach. The ride takes about 10 minutes and costs around 5-8 EUR per person each way. There's no booking: buy your ticket at the dock. In season the boats run roughly every half hour.
Most boats work as a hop-on, hop-off loop that also calls at White Beach and Black Beach, so you can pay a little more for the circuit and spend time at each. Check the time of the last boat back before you go.
Caldera cruises also pass Red Beach, though they don't always stop for swimming.
By Bus
KTEL buses run from Fira's central bus station to Akrotiri in about 20-25 minutes (2.20 EUR). From there, head down to the harbour for the water taxi.
By Car
There's no road to the beach itself. The small car park by the white chapel next to the Akrotiri archaeological site is usually full by around 11:00 in summer, so arrive early. It's also where the closed footpath starts, so drive on to the harbour if you're taking the boat.
Via Kambia Beach
Kambia Beach, signposted from the Akrotiri area, gives you a view along the shore towards the red cliffs. It isn't a way onto Red Beach itself, and the rocks are no place to be in rough seas.
What Is the Beach Like?
Red Beach is small, maybe 100 metres of shoreline. The "sand" is actually a mix of dark volcanic pebbles and gritty reddish sand. It's not soft underfoot; water shoes or sandals are useful.
The water is clear and drops off reasonably quickly. There's decent snorkeling along the base of the cliffs where fish gather around the submerged volcanic rocks. The underwater landscape is interesting: dark lava formations and surprisingly colourful marine life for such a small cove. Bring a mask; it's one of the more rewarding casual snorkeling spots on the island.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Beach type | Volcanic pebbles and dark red sand |
| Sunbeds/umbrellas | Semi-organised: rental operators set up seasonally, availability varies, cash only |
| Facilities | Minimal on the beach itself. A small canteen near the parking area by the church sells drinks and snacks |
| Shade | Almost none; the cliffs provide limited afternoon shade |
| Lifeguards | Not consistently present |
The beach is popular and can get very crowded in summer, particularly between 11:00 and 15:00. There's limited space and nowhere to retreat to if it fills up.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Rockfall is a genuine hazard. The red cliffs are soft volcanic rock that erodes constantly. Sitting directly below the cliff face is risky. Position yourself towards the water's edge rather than against the cliff.
- Don't use the closed cliff path. It has been officially closed since February 2025. Take the water taxi from Akrotiri harbour.
- Bring everything you need. Water, sunscreen, snacks. There's nothing to buy on the beach itself (though a small drinks vendor sometimes sets up in summer).
- Water shoes are recommended. The pebbles are rough and the seabed is rocky near the shore.
- Don't count on sunbeds. They're sometimes available, sometimes not. Bring a towel and be prepared to sit on the pebbles.
- Go early or late. Before 10:00 or after 16:00 avoids the worst crowds and the fiercest sun. The beach faces south-southwest, so afternoon light is best for photos.
- Check the last boat back. You're relying on the water taxi to leave, so note the time of the last departure before you settle in.
Red Beach is worth seeing for the scenery, but it is not worth a full day. An hour or two is enough. The real experience is the visual spectacle (the cliff colours, the contrast with the sea) rather than the beach itself as a place to spend the afternoon. Combine it with Akrotiri and the lighthouse for a proper half-day.
Can You Combine Red Beach with White Beach?
Yes, and the water taxi makes it easy. White Beach (Aspri Paralia) is a few hundred metres further along the coast, backed by pale white cliffs instead of red ones. It is only accessible by boat. There is no walking path.
The boats from Akrotiri harbour run a loop that calls at Red Beach, White Beach, and Black Beach. You can hop off at any of them and catch a later boat back. Confirm the last-boat time before you go.
How Does Red Beach Compare to Other Santorini Beaches?
Red Beach is a sightseeing beach, not an all-day beach. If you want a comfortable day on the sand with tavernas, sunbeds, and easy access, the black sand beaches at Perissa or Kamari are better choices. If you want dramatic scenery and a short, memorable visit, Red Beach delivers something no other beach on the island can match. Most lists of the best beaches in Santorini include it for exactly that reason: not comfort, but spectacle.
Don't plan your entire beach day around it. Take the boat over for the photos and the snorkeling, spend an hour or two, and then move on to Akrotiri, the lighthouse, or one of the southern beaches for the rest of the afternoon.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
May-October for swimming. The water is warmest in August-September.
Early morning for photos without crowds.
Late afternoon for the best light on the red cliffs (the sun hits them directly).
Avoid windy days. Strong winds make the sea rough, can stop the water taxis, and increase rockfall risk. If the Meltemi is blowing hard, skip it and come back on a calmer day.
Red Beach is reached by water taxi from Akrotiri harbour, about 10 minutes each way. The cliff path has been closed since February 2025. No entrance fee. Allow 1-2 hours.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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