Monolithos Beach

Monolithos is the Santorini beach parents quietly pass between themselves. While the rest of the island shelves fast into deep water, this east coast stretch keeps its sea shallow and calm a good way out, with soft dark sand underfoot rather than hot pebble. Add a playground and a row of easy tavernas behind the beach and you have the gentlest family swimming on Santorini, which is exactly why local families come back to it season after season.

The honest framing is that Monolithos is useful rather than glamorous. There is no caldera drama here, no sculpted cliffs and no club scene, just a wide, comfortable, well kept beach that does the everyday job beautifully. For travellers chasing the famous Santorini postcard it will feel plain, and we would send them to Vlychada or the caldera villages, but for anyone travelling with small children the calm water is worth more than any view.

Practical comfort is the theme. The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, the tavernas have a loyal local following and keep children happy, and the flat, easy approach makes loading and unloading the family simple. The one quirk is the nearby airport, so a plane will pass overhead from time to time, which most families find a small novelty rather than a nuisance. As ever, watch children near the water and check the daily conditions, because no beach can promise safety.

Who it suits: families with young children, grandparents and anyone who values calm shallow water, soft sand and an easy relaxed day over scenery.

Who should skip it: couples chasing dramatic views or a polished club day will find more at Vlychada or Perivolos, as Monolithos is about gentle practicality.