Join us on a tour around Santorini’s black beauty beaches!
Deep blue waters; white, red and black sand; vertical cliffs; red and
black volcanic pebbles and spectacular rock formations…Some people like
them, some don’t… But all of them admit: the beaches of Santorini
are the strangest, the oddest they have ever seen ! Santorini’s coastal
treasures have been profoundly influenced by the volcanic nature of the
island. Its unique lunar landscape and the exceptional clarity of the
Aegean Sea are simply superb. Let us guide you along the crystalline beaches
which form an uninterrupted line along the island’s windswept shores so
that you can get an idea of their mysterious, awe-inspiring and
curiously compelling black beauty!
Start your journey in the northern part of the island at the sun-drenched beaches around Oia; they have a wild untamed beauty and most of them cannot easily be spotted from the main road. Ammoúdi,
on the harbour of Oia, is a picturesque beach lined with charming cafes
and restaurants. You can reach Ammoúdi either by car, or the
traditional way – with mules from Oia! The small beach of Arméni
with its azure waters and magnificent view of the island of Thirassia
can either be reached by boat from Ammoúdi or on foot. There is a small
footpath connecting Oia with Arméni, but if you find it hard to climb up
and down 286 steps, riding a donkey is the alternative solution!
A
diving centre is also available for adventure-seeking beachgoers.
Looking for a little seclusion and serenity? Baxédes (or Paradisos), a quiet beach with black sand and chiselled rocks or the black-grey sandy beach of Kolúmbo
(mostly frequented by nudists) are the ideal choice…According to
volcanologists, the largest active underwater crater of Santorini is
located in Kolúmbo! Kátharοs beach will impress you with its wild landscape whereas Porí is a quiet family beach!
The wild black beauty of the beaches on the eastern side of
the island will prove irresistible to sunseekers looking for peace and
seclusion since they are neither organised nor much frequented.
Impressive sculptured rocks, black sand, volcanic pebbles, small ports
with fishing boats casting colourful reflections on azure waters and a
few beech trees are the trademarks of Xiropígado, Vourvoúlos and Éxo Gialós.
On the south-eastern side of Santorini, sun-loving tourists will encounter magnificent black sandy or pebbly beaches. Monólithos
is strongly recommended for families, as the water is very swallow
compared to other Santorini beaches and there are facilities, like
playgrounds, to keep the children entertained. Young people can have fun
in a beach bar or at a beach volley playground. Soak up the atmosphere
along the lively waterfront at one of the charming beach bars or bask in
the turquoise blue waters of the cosmopolitan beach of Kamári,
one of the island’s most crowded and organised beaches! Amongst
Santorini’s most sought after beaches, especially among young people,
are Períssa, Perívolos and Áyios Geórgios, which
actually stretch out one after another to create the longest black sandy
beach on the island; bustling beach bars, diving and water sport
centres (including jet ski, parasailing, wind surfing and canoe-kayak)
and beautiful-people-watching! Could you ask for more?
Let’s go south, where the (semi-organised) beach of Vlycháda
with its grey sand, its huge rock formations sculpted over the years by
the wind and its unique lunar landscape awaits us! Recently a large
modern marina which is home to the Sailing and Yacht Club of Santorini
has been constructed here. Nearby lies the beach of Almýra, where sun worshippers can enjoy a beautiful quiet beach with impressive sea-sculpted rocks in the background. The Akrotíri area is famous for its ruins of an ancient town but tan-seeking sunbathers will also discover some marvellous beaches there. Caldera
is a small and very quiet beach with black sand and deep crystal clear
waters which enjoys an unrivalled view of the volcano, while Gialós is a secluded beach accessible only by jeep.
Close to the excavation site of Akrotíri you will find what is probably the most famous beach on the island, the Red Beach!
What makes the beach absolutely irresistible is its impressive red rock
formations, which form a breathtaking unique volcanic landscape. Access
is not that easy and involves a trip either on foot from the harbour of
Akrotíri (around 10 minutes) or by boat from Kamári, Akrotíri and
Períssa, but the all-red landscape is certainly worth the trek! The
nearby White Beach is another stunning seascape that you simply
must not miss! Black sand, big grey and white pebbles and gigantic white
rocks form a bizarre setting like you’ve never seen before.
Note: Unless you are a professional climber getting there is only possible by boat (from Akrotíri)!
While you are on Santorini you can also take part in an exciting sea
excursion departing from the old port of Firá or from Athiniós port,
depending on which trip you choose. Visit the two small islands at the
centre of Caldera, Palea and Nea Kaméni, the “volcano” according to the
locals, or combine your excursion with a visit to Thirassiá and Oia. And
of course…could you think of anything more romantic than watching the famous Santorini sunset onboard?
• Last but not least, some tips for action lovers:
• Best spots for scuba diving: cape of Tripití at Thirassiá,
Paliá Kaméni (the shipwreck), Mésa Pigádia, Ammoúdi, Arménis (wall
dive), Asproníssi
• Diving centres are located at: Ammoúdi, Kamári, Períssa and Oia
• Windsurfing/jet ski equipment at the following beaches: Kamari, Períssa, Avis
• Santorini Sailing Centre telephone number: 0030 22860 22895/23891
• Diving centres are located at: Ammoúdi, Kamári, Períssa and Oia
• Windsurfing/jet ski equipment at the following beaches: Kamari, Períssa, Avis
• Santorini Sailing Centre telephone number: 0030 22860 22895/23891
πηγή: visitgreece.gr
