Published 15 January 2026. Last reviewed 18 May 2026
Koloumbos is about as far from the cruise ship Santorini as the island gets. It lies on the northeast coast near Cape Columbo, a long narrow strip of dark grey sand and pebbles guarded by tall wind carved cliffs, and reaching it means leaving the car and walking down a rough dirt path through wild scrub. There are no signs to speak of, no buildings and no soundtrack, which is precisely the draw for the people who seek it out.
Because nothing has been built here, the beach feels genuinely untouched. The cliffs shelter parts of the shore and there is even a sea cave to explore at one end, while the water is clear and drops to depth fairly quickly. It has long been a favourite of naturists and a relaxed, inclusive crowd, with the clothing optional stretch gathering at the far eastern end, and the overall mood is quiet and live and let live.
The flip side of all that seclusion is that you are completely on your own. There are no bars, no tavernas, no toilets and no sunbeds, and there is no lifeguard, so everything you need for the day has to come in your bag and the swimming is your own responsibility. The open aspect also means it can catch the wind, so a calm forecast makes a real difference to the experience.
Who it suits: independent travellers who love a beach that takes effort to reach, naturists and an open minded crowd, and anyone who values total quiet over any kind of comfort.
Who should skip it: families wanting facilities and safe shallow water, anyone uneasy about a rough walk in and no services, and visitors without a car, since there is no public transport anywhere near.
Beach clubs near Koloumbos Beach
Koloumbos has no club, no taverna and no sunbeds, and that total absence of development is exactly why people come. It is unorganised wild coastline for self sufficient visitors. If you want any kind of beach service, daybed or bar, the organised black sand beaches on the south coast are the place to go instead. For the current island lineup and to send an enquiry, use our Santorini beach club directory.
Koloumbos Beach, Santorini
Koloumbos sits on the northeast coast near Cape Columbo, about 10 kilometres from Fira and a few kilometres from Oia. You drive toward the cape and then leave the car to follow a rough dirt path down to the beach through open scrubland. There is no official parking and no public transport, so a car or scooter plus a short walk is the only practical way in.
- Bring everything you need for the day, since there is not a single shop or tap on the beach.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the dirt path and the pebbly sand.
- Pick a calm settled day, as the open coast can be windy and there is no lifeguard.
Photo: Giedrius via GoogleBook a Beach Club
Tell us your dates and party size and we will match you to a club near Koloumbos Beach and pass on your enquiry.
Koloumbos Beach questions
Is Koloumbos beach hard to reach?
It takes some effort. You drive toward Cape Columbo on the northeast coast and then walk down a rough dirt path to the beach, with no official parking and no public transport. That difficulty is the reason it stays so secluded and quiet.
Are there any facilities at Koloumbos beach?
None at all. There are no bars, tavernas, toilets, sunbeds or lifeguard, so you must bring all your own water, food and shade, and carry your rubbish back out. Come fully self sufficient.
Is Koloumbos a nudist beach?
Parts of it are. The far eastern end has long been a relaxed clothing optional stretch popular with naturists and an open minded crowd, while other parts of the long beach are more mixed. The overall atmosphere is quiet and live and let live.
Is Koloumbos beach safe for swimming?
The water is clear but drops to depth and there is no lifeguard, so it suits confident swimmers on calm days. The open northeast aspect can bring wind and chop, so check the forecast and never treat conditions as guaranteed.
Is Koloumbos beach worth visiting?
If you want a genuinely wild, empty beach and do not need any comforts, yes. It is one of the most secluded shores on Santorini. If you want sunbeds, food or safe shallow water for children, it is not the right beach.