Best Pebble Beaches in the Cyclades
We rank the 7 pebble beaches in the Cyclades. Katergo Beach (Greece) comes first with 4.6 / 5, followed by Red Beach Santorini, Vlychada Beach, Santorini.
The sea reaches about 24 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 5 of the 7 have easy access, and 2 are hidden gems.
1Katergo Beach
Katergo, Folegandros · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 23 °CA wild, unspoilt cove on the south-east side of Folegandros, backed by tall cliffs and with deep blue water.
2Red Beach Santorini
Akrotiri, Santorini · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °CA pebble beach on the south coast of Santorini near Akrotiri, set below tall red volcanic cliffs with deep blue water.
3Vlychada Beach, Santorini
Vlychada, Santorini, Cyclades · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 26 °CVlychada is a quiet beach on the south coast of Santorini, with dark volcanic sand and pebbles below pale eroded cliffs.
4Perivolos Beach, Santorini
Perivolos, Santorini · 4.3 / 5 · Easy access · about 25 °CPerivolos is a long beach of dark volcanic sand and fine pebbles on the south coast of Santorini, lined with relaxed beach bars and sunbeds.
5Spiaggia di Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos, Sicily · 4.3 / 5 · Easy access · about 25 °CGiardini Naxos is a bay of grey pebbles and warm clear water at the foot of Taormina, with Mount Etna smoking in the distance.
6Kamari Beach
Kamari, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CA long beach of dark volcanic sand and pebbles on the east coast of Santorini, backed by a seafront strip of hotels, cafes and tavernas.
7Perissa Beach
Perissa, Santorini · 4.2 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CPerissa is a long beach of black volcanic sand and fine pebbles on the southeast coast of Santorini, beneath the rocky ridge of Mesa Vouno.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katergo Beach | Greece | 4.6 | 23 °C | June–September | Challenging |
| 2 | Red Beach Santorini | Greece | 4.5 | 23 °C | May–October | Moderate |
| 3 | Vlychada Beach, Santorini | Greece | 4.4 | 26 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 4 | Perivolos Beach, Santorini | Greece | 4.3 | 25 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 5 | Spiaggia di Giardini Naxos | Italy | 4.3 | 25 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 6 | Kamari Beach | Greece | 4.2 | 23 °C | May–October | Easy |
| 7 | Perissa Beach | Greece | 4.2 | 23 °C | June–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when the shoreline is mostly of this type, then ranked by our editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated pebble beaches in the Cyclades?
Our top three are Katergo Beach (4.6 out of 5), Red Beach Santorini (4.5 out of 5), Vlychada Beach, Santorini (4.4 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Most are at their best from June to September. Water temperatures average about 24 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Vlychada Beach, Santorini, Perivolos Beach, Santorini, Spiaggia di Giardini Naxos, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.