Monolithos Beach Santorini
A tranquil, sandy beach on Santorini, perfect for families seeking calm waters and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach, less crowded
Monolithos Beach Santorini
Best Time
Quieter beach, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, sandy beach on Santorini, perfect for families seeking calm waters and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
"The best place for kids in my opinion, with actual sand and warm, shallow waters!"
Bring Your Own Refreshments
Limited food/drink options on-site. Pack water, snacks, and anything else you'll need for a comfortable day. :water_wave:
Family-Friendly Fun
Ideal for kids! The shallow, sandy waters are safe and warm for little ones to splash and play. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Calm, Shallow Waters
Monolithos Beach
Perfect for families, the water is warm, shallow, and free of rocks, making it ideal for little ones to play safely.
Actual Sand!
Monolithos Beach
A rare find in Santorini, this beach boasts soft sand, perfect for building sandcastles and comfortable lounging.
Serene Atmosphere
Monolithos Beach
Escape the tourist hustle. Monolithos offers a peaceful escape with wide sandy stretches and a tranquil vibe.
Unique Rock Formations
Monolithos Beach
Explore interesting rock formations along the coastline, adding a unique visual element to your beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Monolithos
Pack Smart for Monolithos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Refreshments
Limited food/drink options on-site. Pack water, snacks, and anything else you'll need for a comfortable day. :water_wave:
Family-Friendly Fun
Ideal for kids! The shallow, sandy waters are safe and warm for little ones to splash and play. :child:
Sunbed & Umbrella Rental
Organized sections offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, typically around €15-€20. :sun_umbrella:
Consider Weekdays
For a truly peaceful experience, aim for a weekday visit to avoid weekend crowds. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Refreshments
Limited food/drink options on-site. Pack water, snacks, and anything else you'll need for a comfortable day. :water_wave:
Family-Friendly Fun
Ideal for kids! The shallow, sandy waters are safe and warm for little ones to splash and play. :child:
Sunbed & Umbrella Rental
Organized sections offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, typically around €15-€20. :sun_umbrella:
Consider Weekdays
For a truly peaceful experience, aim for a weekday visit to avoid weekend crowds. :calendar:
Easy Parking & Access
The beach offers convenient parking and straightforward access, making it a stress-free destination. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monolithos Beach is praised as an excellent, peaceful option, especially for families with young children due to its sandy shores and calm, shallow waters. While it may not be the most visually stunning beach on the island and can be affected by noise from the nearby airport and power station, its tranquility and accessibility make it a favored spot for relaxation away from the crowds.
"My family had a great time on this beach, if you want somewhere peaceful away from the crowd and noise especially if you with a family this is your best bet"
Olusope Oludairo
"This beach is an excellent choice for families with small children, featuring a sandy shoreline and exceptionally calm, shallow waters that provide a safe environment for playing.
You will find plenty of organised sections with sunbeds and parasols available for rent, in August 2025 can expect the price for a set (two sunbeds and one parasol) to be around €20 for the day.
It is important for visitors to be aware of a potential drawback: the beach is located near Santorini's main power station, and the noise from its operation can be noticeable. This, combined with the occasional sound from the nearby airport, is a factor to consider when planning your visit."
MILAN
"Definitely not the most beautiful beach in Santorini, BUT, it has actual SAND! Best place for kids in my opinion (with a 3 year old who was dying to build a sand castle and play on the sand since he heard we were going to the beach…).
The water is warmer than Kamari or Perissa, and you can actually walk to the water without hurting your feet on rocks. Also, since it has no rocks under you, it is not as hot as the other (more beautiful beaches).
€15 for a sun umbrella and two chairs (that’s a downside if you don’t have your own, we didn’t). Nowhere to sell drinks or food at the beach. Bring your stuff."
Ana Freire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Monolithos Beach from Fira by taking a taxi or a local bus. Taxis are readily available, and buses run regularly, though schedules can vary. Some visitors also opt for rental cars or ATVs for more flexibility in exploring the island.
Yes, Monolithos Beach is accessible by public bus from Fira and other main towns on Santorini. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings.
Yes, there is easy and convenient parking available near Monolithos Beach, making it a hassle-free destination for those arriving by car or rental vehicle.
Monolithos Beach is relatively close to the Santorini cruise port compared to some other attractions. However, getting from the port to Fira first, and then to Monolithos, involves a tender boat ride and then ground transportation. +1
Monolithos Beach is located on the eastern side of Santorini, south of the airport. It's not within easy walking distance of popular caldera-side villages like Oia or Fira, so transportation is generally required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access Monolithos Beach itself. It's a public beach, and you can enjoy the sand and sea for free.
Monolithos Beach is open 24/7 as it is a public beach. However, amenities like sunbeds and nearby restaurants will have their own operating hours.
It is generally not necessary to book sunbeds in advance at Monolithos Beach, especially outside of peak season. You can usually rent them on arrival.
The price for a set of two sunbeds and one umbrella at Monolithos Beach typically ranges from €15 to €20.
While not a primary focus, Monolithos Beach can host water sports and has nearby restaurants. It's more about a relaxed beach day than organized events.
🎫 🏖️ Beach Experience
Monolithos Beach is known for having actual sand, which is a pleasant change from the pebble or volcanic sand found on many other Santorini beaches. It's soft and great for building sandcastles.
Yes, Monolithos Beach is excellent for swimming, especially for families. The water is shallow, warm, and free of rocks, making it very safe and comfortable.
You'll find organized sections with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. There are also restaurants nearby, but it's advisable to bring your own drinks and snacks as on-beach services can be limited.
Some visitors note that Monolithos Beach is located near Santorini's main power station and the airport, so occasional noise from these can be noticeable. It's also not considered the most visually stunning beach on the island compared to others.
Monolithos Beach is considered a hidden gem because it offers a serene and less crowded alternative to the more famous beaches like Kamari or Perissa, allowing for a more peaceful beach experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique sand, the calm waters, and the interesting rock formations. Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography. 
While Monolithos itself is more about natural beauty, the unique rock formations offer interesting photographic subjects. The nearby airport and power station are less photogenic, but the beach itself provides a relaxed backdrop.
The late afternoon, especially during golden hour, provides soft, warm light that is ideal for capturing the beauty of Monolithos Beach.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check current local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in Santorini before flying.
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
🧘♀️ Travelers Seeking Peace and Quiet
The wide sandy shores offer ample space to spread out and relax without feeling overwhelmed. While it lacks the dramatic caldera views, its serene atmosphere and easy access make it ideal for those who prioritize peace and quiet during their island getaway. 🚗 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Monolithos Beach: A Family-Friendly Haven
While it may not possess the dramatic caldera views of other Santorini locations, Monolithos offers a different kind of beauty – one of tranquility and accessibility. The beach is well-organized with sections offering sunbeds and parasols for rent, typically around €15-€20 for a set. However, it's wise to come prepared, as on-site food and drink options can be limited. Bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and uninterrupted day of fun for the whole family.
Navigating Santorini's Cruise Port Experience
To make the most of your limited time, disembarking as early as possible is crucial. Many visitors recommend having a plan for transportation from the shore to your desired destination, whether it's Fira, Oia, or a specific beach like Monolithos. Taxis and Ubers are available but can be in high demand. Understanding these logistics beforehand can save you a lot of time and frustration, allowing you to enjoy Santorini's beauty rather than battling crowds and queues.
The Serene Side of Santorini: Monolithos vs. the Crowds
While Monolithos might not have the dramatic cliffside vistas, its charm lies in its wide, sandy expanse and tranquil atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly relax, enjoy the sea, and avoid the overwhelming crowds that can detract from the Santorini experience for some. If your priority is a laid-back beach day rather than iconic caldera sunsets, Monolithos is an excellent choice.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit