A striking cove of red volcanic sand backed by towering rust-colored cliffs near Akrotiri — but as of December 2025 the cliff-side land path is officially closed and access is by boat only.
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The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Great for
Travellers on a budget
If you've only got a day
Couples
Solo travellers
Nature lovers
Photographers
Depends
—
Not for
Families with kids
Worth it for travellers on a budget, if you've only got a day and couples; not for families with kids.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes
The rust-red volcanic sand under iron-stained cliffs is unlike any beach most visitors have seen, and still photographs beautifully from the safe overlook.
Not independently verified — estimated
As of December 2025 the cliff-side land path is officially closed after a major rockfall and authorities discourage walking it; the only sanctioned access is now a boat or water-taxi from Akrotiri, so the old 'scramble down' is off the table.
Not independently verified — estimated
It is small and the cove fills fast whenever boats unload, so even arriving by water it can feel cramped in season.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller
As a couple
Still striking, but plan for a boat or the clifftop overlook — the romantic 'scramble down together' is now a closed, hazardous path.
With friends
Reach it by water-taxi from Akrotiri for the photos; don't try to walk the banned land path for the adventure of it.
Multigenerational
Easiest enjoyed from the overlook; the beach itself is boat-access only and unsuitable for unsteady walkers.
Good to know
Before you go
Cost
Free
Time
1–1.5 hours
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Morning before it fills; check current closure status first.
Getting there
Drive to Akrotiri, then a short rocky scramble or a water taxi from the cove.
Accessibility
Unstable scramble path and rockfall zone; unsuitable for limited mobility or young kids.
Santorini's Red Beach was officially closed after a rockfall during the island's December 2025 earthquake activity; the cliff-side foot path from Akrotiri remains officially restricted into 2026. tovima.com ↗
With the land path closed for rockfall risk, the beach is reached by boat/water taxi from Akrotiri's harbour (about EUR 15 pp); the clifftop overlook remains accessible. daytripsfromsantorini.com ↗
🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →