Greece · Santorini · #3 of Greece's ten by fame
A cliff this photogenic should not also be throwing rocks.
Plate set by rule: starts at B, down one for the rockfall hazard. Photo: Sidvics · CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Beach is a strip of red volcanic sand about twelve metres wide, pinned under cliffs made of rock so soft it came down in 2018, in 2023 and again in December 2025. This beach hurt people. Parts of the beach are officially restricted and the path down from the car park has been closed more than once. You came for the photo, so take it from the boat, where the view is better and the cliff can't reach you.
In July and August the catamarans drop groups all day, and by midday there is no room left for a towel on a beach we measured at 323 metres long.
One seasonal canteen with thin options and steep prices. No proper toilets on the beach.
Parts of the beach are officially restricted, and the cliff path down from the car park has been closed more than once for rockfall and landslide risk. Major rockfalls were recorded in 2018, 2023 and December 2025. Check locally before walking down; the boat from Akrotiri harbour avoids the path.
The red cliffs are soft, constantly eroding volcanic rock. Rockfalls in 2018, 2023 and December 2025 hurt people, and parts of the beach remain restricted.
Drive about 12 km south from Fira toward Akrotiri, roughly 20 minutes, and park by the archaeological site for €6–7. A KTEL bus also runs from Fira, and small boats leave Akrotiri harbour for €5–8 a person.
A small seasonal canteen with thin options and steep prices. There are no proper toilets on the beach.