OVERRATED OR NAH? RED & BLACK BEACH IN SANTORINI
Wanted to take the chance to recount my proposal vacay 2 years back and what better way to do that than on lemon8 🤪
So a lil #storytime, at this point I was still unaware I was getting proposed to on this trip so I took it purely as a holiday but we visited so many interesting places that I thought I’ll share in case anyone’s planning a trip/honeymoon or maybe even your own proposal trip here ;)
We typically don’t like visiting touristy places so we were VERY ON THE FENCE with Santorini overall. But then again, can you say you’ve been to Greece if you don’t go Santorini?!?! Alas, we decided to pack in a couple of days on this island which ultimately we enjoyed ourselves very much!!
So aside from the typical stuff in Fira, Oia, we ventured out to the colored beaches too which surprisingly wasn’t as crowded and touristy as we thought they were?!
I especially enjoyed Perissa Black Beach because look at how empty it was!! Sunbeds were also free, there were also shops selling snacks and light bites, and even shops selling swimwear if you weren’t dressed prepared for the beach (almost like what we see in Phuket).
Red beach on the other hand was pretty hard to get to, it was a 30 mins drive (I think) from central Santorini and the path to get to the beach didn’t exactly feel the safest too..? Felt slippery and no proper handles or safety precautions (see my last pic). Still a very pretty beach nonetheless but for the effort and time taken to get here, I’ll say this is a miss for me.
If you ever only have time for one, I’ll highly recommend Perissa beach!! Hope this help anyone planning their next trip outta hereeee ;)
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and wondering which beach offers the best balance of sunbathing and local vibes, let me share a bit more from my visit. Perissa Black Beach stood out because it wasn't crowded at all, which made it feel more private and relaxing—perfect for those who want to escape typical tourist spots. The fact that sunbeds were free and there were small shops nearby made it really convenient to spend a whole day there without needing to bring everything yourself. On the other hand, the Red Beach (Akrotiri) definitely has that breathtaking volcanic scenery with its natural red sand due to iron content. But honestly, getting there was a bit of a challenge; the path was slippery and rocky, making it less suitable if you’re not steady on your feet or carrying much gear. If you love adventure and dramatic landscapes, it’s worth the trip, but if you prefer a more laid-back beach day, Perissa is a clear winner. For those who enjoy mixing sunbathing with exploring local dining, the Black Beach area gave a more authentic vibe with its small snack shops and even swimwear stores—kind of like what I’ve seen in beach towns like Phuket. When it comes to Santorini, it’s easy to wonder if it’s overrated given its popularity, but these lesser-known beaches provide a quieter, more personal experience that made our trip memorable. I’d recommend prioritizing Perissa Black Beach if your time is limited. It struck that perfect balance of relaxation and convenience. And even if you don’t plan to swim, just chilling on the jet black sand is a unique and beautiful experience that's definitely worth it. Hope that helps anyone debating if Santorini’s beaches live up to the hype!
