Published 14 April 2026. Last reviewed 27 May 2026
White Beach is the quiet companion to its famous neighbour. Where Red Beach pulls the crowds and the cameras, White Beach sits a short way along the same stretch of south coast, tucked under pale grey and white volcanic cliffs that give it both its name and its calm, sculptural beauty. The thing that keeps it peaceful is the same thing that puts some people off: you really need a boat to reach it.
That is the honest heart of the visit. The easy way in is a short taxi boat from Akrotiri port or from Red Beach, which run regularly through the season and turn the trip into a small adventure. There is a rough land scramble over the rocks for the very sure footed, but it is not the comfortable stroll some visitors expect, so most people come by water and are glad they did. Once you commit to the boat, the cove rewards you with space and quiet that the roadside beaches cannot match.
On the sand, keep your expectations simple. The pebble is pale and the water is clear, with a seabed that drops into good swimming depth when the sea is calm. Facilities are minimal and inconsistent, with at most a handful of umbrellas and a basic canteen in some seasons, which we mark as to be confirmed rather than promise. There are no lifeguards and the cove is open to the wind, so conditions vary and you should swim within your limits.
Who it suits: couples and quiet seekers who want a scenic cove away from the resort beaches and enjoy the small ritual of arriving by boat, often pairing it with Red Beach.
Who should skip it: families needing easy access and facilities, and anyone after a long full service beach day, who will be happier at Perissa or Kamari.
Beach clubs near White Beach
White Beach has no beach club, and the seclusion is the whole point. Any service here is limited to a few umbrellas and a simple canteen in some seasons, marked as to be confirmed, so a club day belongs on the south coast at Perivolos instead. For the current Santorini lineup and to send an enquiry, use our Santorini beach club directory.
White Beach, Santorini
White Beach is near Akrotiri on the south coast, reached by a short taxi boat from Akrotiri port or from Red Beach, which run regularly in summer. The rough land scramble suits only the very sure footed, so the boat is the comfortable and sensible choice, and it lets you pair the visit with Red Beach in one easy trip.
- Take the taxi boat from Akrotiri or Red Beach, as the land scramble is rough.
- Bring water, shade and snacks, because facilities are minimal and not guaranteed.
- Pair the cove with Red Beach for a scenic half day by boat.
Photo: Tang WL via GoogleBook a Beach Club
White Beach keeps no club, so tell us your dates and we will match you to a beach club elsewhere on Santorini and pass on your enquiry.
White Beach questions
How do you get to White Beach Santorini?
The easy and usual way is a short taxi boat from Akrotiri port or from neighbouring Red Beach, which run regularly in season. There is a rough land scramble over the rocks for the very sure footed, but most visitors come by water, which is safer and far more comfortable.
Why is it called White Beach?
The cove is framed by pale grey and white volcanic cliffs that contrast with the dark sea, which gives the beach its name and its quiet, sculptural look. It sits just along the coast from the famous Red Beach, so the two make a natural pair by boat.
Can you swim at White Beach?
Yes, when conditions are calm the water is clear and inviting, with a pebbly seabed that drops into good swimming depth. There are no lifeguards and the cove is exposed, so conditions vary with the wind and you should swim within your limits without relying on any guarantee.
Are there sunbeds or a canteen at White Beach?
Some seasons see a small number of umbrellas and a simple canteen run from the cove, but this changes year to year and cannot be relied on. We mark it as to be confirmed, so bring your own water, shade and snacks for the visit.
Is White Beach worth visiting?
If you want a quiet, scenic cove away from the resort crowds and you do not mind arriving by boat, it is a lovely stop, often paired with Red Beach. If you want easy access, facilities and a long beach day, the organised beaches at Perissa or Kamari will serve you better.