How to visit Black Beach Santorini (Mesa Pigadia)

Black Beach Santorini is arguably the blackest beach on Santorini, its sand closer to jet black than the pencil grey sand you find at other beaches on Santorini

This black sand beach is known locally as Mesa Pigadia beach, and its isolation means it’s remained one of Santorini’s hidden gems.

It’s very different to the more developed and organised Santorini black sand beaches at Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari. This is the place to come if you want to escape the Santorini crowds.

We love discovering off the beaten path places, and Black Beach Santorini was a true delight for us. Its relative isolation is a big plus point, and the breathtaking rocky volcanic Santorini coast will stay forever in the memory.

This is right up there with the best beaches in Santorini, and you almost get it all to yourself.

And here’s all you need to know before you visit the Black Beach.

Black Beach Santorini is tucked away in the remote south-west of Santorini, 3 km beyond the village of Akrotiri. It’s 1 km (0.6 miles) off the road between Akrotiri village and the lighthouse (Pharos).

Akrotiri is probably the best area in Santorini for beaches, with the famous Santorini Red Beach 5 km (3 miles) along the coast. The famous White Beach Santorini (with white cliffs and, you guessed it, black sand) is just around the white headland at the end of Black Beach, albeit only accessible by boat.

Caldera Beach is also tucked away at the bottom of cliffs below Akrotiri village.

See Also: Three Bells of Fira – iconic church and one of the best sunset spots in Santorini

Black Beach Santorini, or Mesa Pegadia, lies to the west of Akrotiri village. If you’re driving on Santorini, you’ll reach a junction in the village: take the right-hand turn to ‘Pharos’, or lighthouse.

The road climbs along the coastline, eventually descending across the peninsula towards the lighthouse.

You eventually reach a left-hand turn, marked by the battered blue sign in our photograph. This dirt road snakes down some steep sections to the beach: if you’re driving, proceed slowly.

Only three buses pass this turn-off for Black Beach during the daytime. They are the services that run from Fira bus station to Akrotiri Lighthouse (Pharos). 

They currently depart Fira at 1000, 1400 and 1730. There isn’t a bus stop sign at the turn-off, but there is one at the previous turn where you can get off and pick up the return bus later.

Otherwise, if you’re reliant on public transport, it’s a 45-minute walk from Akrotiri village.

The first thing you notice about Mesa Pigadia beach is the striking scenery. The contrast between the deep black sand and rocks and the shimmering white cliffs is stunning.

Mesa Pigadia is south-facing, so gets sunshine through most of the day. There are a few sun beds and parasols close to the taverna if you want some shade.

The black volcanic sand absorbs the heat more than the usual golden sand beaches you find elsewhere in Greece. The black sand is too hot to walk on barefoot – you’ll encounter this at all beaches in Santorini.

Many of the Santorini beaches are also rocky, with some sharp surprises underfoot once you’re in the sea. If you’re walking on the beach you need some footwear to protect yourself from the blazing hot sand. You’ll also need some water shoes to protect yourself from the sharp rocks in the water.

Apart from soaking in the sun, swimming and sitting in the taverna, it’s well worth walking along Black Beach Santorini. There are some ingeniously designed beach houses built into the cliffs to the right of the taverna.

There are two restaurants at Black Beach. Akro is the upmarket option on the cliff above the beach, and they also run boat trips to White Beach and Red Beach.

The family-run Mesa Pigadia tavern is located at beach level, and is an ideal spot for lunch or an afternoon drink. They also have WCs, an important consideration if you’re planning to spend a few hours there.

There is some semblance of organisation at the beach, with a dozen or so beach loungers and umbrellas set up outside the taverna. The rest of the beach is free to explore.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Black Beach Santorini and find it useful while planning your trip to the island.

It’s one of the quieter beaches on the island, and isolated in the southwest corner of the island near the lighthouse. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach in Santorini, then check out my guide to the best beaches in Santorini.

You’ll find several other black sand volcanic beaches around the island, the most popular of which are nearby Perissa Beach and its neighbour Perivolos. Kamari Beach, the other side of the mountain from Perissa, is another popular choice.

Check out my guide to Caldera Beach, hidden away just below the village of Akrotiri. There’s also a red sand beach, Santorini Red Beach, but don’t venture too close as it’s unsafe.

Check out my guide to the best villages in Santorini to visit. If you’re spending time in the southern part of the island, two of the most beautiful, Pyrgos and Emporio are close by. Both are unspoiled and very quiet – a world away from the sunset crowds at Oia.

While visiting the island, I also suggest seeking out some picturesque Santorini churches. In my Churches in Santorini guide I show you the most beautiful churches around the island, including the gorgeous Three Bells of Fira church in Firostefani.

While visiting the Santorini caldera villages, check out my Santorini sunset guide. Santorini sunsets are among the best sunsets in Europe, and in my guide I show you all the best places to see one.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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