The Roast · Red Beach, Santorini · October 2026 · 3 min

Red Beach, Santorini: The Cliff Has Come Down Three Times Since 2018

A strip of red sand about twelve metres wide, under rock soft enough to fall in 2018, 2023 and December 2025. The photograph does not mention this.

Red Beach is famous for its red cliff, and it is a risky place to put a towel. The red cliff that makes the photograph is soft volcanic rock, and it has had major falls in 2018, in 2023 and in December 2025. People have been hurt. Parts of the beach are officially restricted.

What you are looking at

A strip of red sand we measured at 323 metres long and about twelve metres wide, pinned against the cliff. There is one seasonal canteen and no proper toilets. In July and August the catamarans drop groups all day, and by midday there is no room left for a towel.

How you get there, when you can

You drive south from Fira towards Akrotiri, about 12 km, park at the archaeological site for €6 to €7, and take a rocky path down the cliff. That path has been officially closed more than once because of the risk of rockfall and landslide.

This beach hurt people.

What to do instead

Take the small boat from Akrotiri harbour. It costs €5 to €8, the view of the cliff is better from the water, and the cliff cannot reach you there. You came for the photograph. The photograph is of the cliff. Stand where the cliff is in front of you.

Our rating

Overrated. It starts in the middle like every beach and loses a place for the rockfall hazard. It is worth seeing. It is not worth sitting under.