
Mesa Pigadia Beach Santorini
Discover Mesa Pigadia, a tranquil volcanic beach in Santorini offering a secluded escape with free sunbeds and a charming seaside taverna.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat.

Mesa Pigadia Beach Santorini
Best Time
Beat the midday heat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mesa Pigadia, a tranquil volcanic beach in Santorini offering a secluded escape with free sunbeds and a charming seaside taverna.
"A quiet, beautiful stone beach with unique colored stones, worth a visit even when the weather isn't great."

👟 Pack Water Shoes
Essential for walking on the hot, rocky volcanic sand. Your feet will thank you!
🚗 Free Parking Available
The nearby bar offers a convenient free parking lot for visitors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Unique Black Sand
Mesa Pigadia Beach
Experience the striking contrast of dark volcanic sand against the Aegean Sea's clear waters.

Secluded Swimming Spot
Mesa Pigadia Beach
A less crowded alternative for a refreshing dip in the beautiful Santorini waters.

Taverna with a View
Mesa Pigadia Beach
Enjoy local flavors with a side of stunning sea views at the beachside taverna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Volcanic Shores
Secluded Serenity Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Pack Water Shoes
Essential for walking on the hot, rocky volcanic sand. Your feet will thank you!
🚗 Free Parking Available
The nearby bar offers a convenient free parking lot for visitors.
☀️ Sunbeds are Free!
Enjoy complimentary sunbeds on a first-come, first-served basis.
🌊 Steep Water Entry
Be aware of the steep gradient when entering the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Pack Water Shoes
Essential for walking on the hot, rocky volcanic sand. Your feet will thank you!
🚗 Free Parking Available
The nearby bar offers a convenient free parking lot for visitors.
☀️ Sunbeds are Free!
Enjoy complimentary sunbeds on a first-come, first-served basis.
🌊 Steep Water Entry
Be aware of the steep gradient when entering the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mesa Pigadia Beach is appreciated for its secluded atmosphere and free amenities like sunbeds and parking, offering a peaceful escape from Santorini's crowds. While the volcanic sand and steep water entry require some adjustment, the unique landscape and the convenience of the beachside taverna make it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
"Definitely worth visiting if you intend to explore beaches of Santorini.
There is a nice bar with a big free parking lot. At the time we visited sunbeds were free of charge but I think it is this year's exception because there is no crowd anywhere."
Boris Simčič
"Great beach and good service 👌👏"
David P Aguiar
"I had a quick bite fries and souvlaki to take away. The fries were super tasty. There was some sort of sauce on my souvlaki I didn't ask for. I don't know cheese or something. I didn't like it. There are FREE beach beds available there even if you don't order anything .. First come first serve."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Mesa Pigadia Beach by car, ATV, or scooter. It's about a 20-30 minute drive from Fira. Public buses do not directly service this beach, so renting a vehicle is recommended.
Yes, there is a bar with a large, free parking lot available for visitors.
Unfortunately, public buses do not go directly to Mesa Pigadia Beach. Renting a car, ATV, or scooter is the most practical way to get there.
From Oia, it's a scenic drive of about 30-40 minutes by car or ATV. The roads can be winding, so drive carefully.
While it's possible to walk along the coast from some nearby areas, it can be challenging due to the rocky terrain. It's generally easier to access by vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee for Mesa Pigadia Beach. You can access the beach freely.
Yes, free sunbeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Umbrellas might be available for rent or included with service from the nearby taverna.
Mesa Pigadia Beach is accessible at all hours as it's a natural beach. The taverna typically operates during daylight hours and into the evening.
There is no admission fee for the taverna. You can visit to dine or enjoy a drink.
Sunbeds are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Arriving earlier in the day increases your chances of securing one.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mesa Pigadia features dark, volcanic sand and pebbles. It's not soft and powdery like typical beaches, so water shoes are highly recommended.
Compared to other popular Santorini spots, Mesa Pigadia is generally less crowded, offering a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, you can swim at Mesa Pigadia Beach. The water is clear, but be aware of the steep gradient as you enter.
The main activities are swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. The nearby taverna offers food and drinks.
It can be suitable for families, but the rocky terrain and steep water entry might require extra supervision for very young children. Water shoes are a must.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a taverna located directly on Mesa Pigadia Beach, offering food and drinks with sea views.
The taverna typically serves Greek and Mediterranean dishes, including fresh seafood, souvlaki, and fries.
Reviews are mixed. Some find the fries tasty and the service good, while others didn't enjoy specific sauces or found the overall experience average.
Yes, you can visit the taverna to dine or have a drink without necessarily using the beachbeds.
While not explicitly detailed, Greek tavernas usually offer vegetarian options like Greek salads, vegetable dishes, and sometimes pasta. It's best to inquire directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique black sand against the blue sea, the rocky coastline, and the charming taverna. The secluded nature of the beach offers a peaceful backdrop.
While not as famous as Oia's sunset, Mesa Pigadia can offer beautiful evening light. The lack of crowds might provide a more intimate photography experience.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and respect privacy before flying a drone over the beach or nearby areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Adventurous Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Santorini's Volcanic Beaches
Visitors often find these beaches less conventionally 'pretty' but appreciate their raw, natural beauty. The texture of the sand can be quite coarse, and the heat from the sun can make it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. This is why water shoes or sturdy sandals are frequently recommended by travelers to ensure a more comfortable experience.
While not ideal for lounging on soft sand, these volcanic beaches offer a distinct and memorable aspect of the Santorini landscape. They provide a different kind of beach experience, one that is rugged, unique, and deeply connected to the island's geological history.
The Charm of Secluded Spots like Mesa Pigadia
This secluded cove provides a more intimate experience of the island's natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere allows visitors to truly relax, swim, and soak in the surroundings without the constant hustle. It's a place where you can appreciate the simple pleasures of the sea and sun.
For those looking to escape the selfie-stick wielding masses and find a more authentic slice of Santorini, exploring beaches like Mesa Pigadia is highly recommended. It’s a reminder that the island offers diverse experiences beyond its postcard-perfect vistas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit