Vlychada Beach Santorini may just be one of the best beaches in Santorini. It’s a happy medium between the dramatic scenery of Red Beach and Black Beach Santorini and the beach bar vibe of nearby Perissa and Perivolos.
Vlychada is one of the best places in Santorini to while away a few hours by the sea. The southern end of the beach has all the facilities you’d need, including a café bar that hires out beach umbrellas and loungers.
Several Santorini hotels, resorts and restaurants are also very close by.
We visited Vlychada twice on our first trip to Santorini. We were so taken with this quiet spot that we’re contemplating staying there on our next Santorini holidays.
Read on to find out why you should add Vlychada to you Santorini must see list.
Where is Vlychada Beach Santorini ?
Vlychada is a tiny village close to the southernmost point on Santorini island. It’s 11 km (7 miles) south of Fira, the Santorini main town.
It’s also within easy reach of Perissa (5 km, or 3 miles) and Perivolos (2.5 km, or 1.5 miles).
You may also see signs for Vlichada beach Santorini. No need for confusion – they are one and the same place.
How do you get to Vlychada?
This is straightforward. If you’re driving, there are two approaches – one from Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios to the east, and one from the Fira to Emporio and Perissa road to the north.
Seven daily buses make the journey from Fira to Vlychada. The current timetable can be seen on the KTEL Santorini site. Fares from Fira are currently 2.40 euros.
A tourist road train also operates during high season. This runs from next to Perissa bus station, through the village, and the beach strip at Perivolos.
Facilities on Vlychada Beach
The café and snack bar at the southern end of the beach cover everything you need – loungers, good food, drinks, cocktails and more. There is also a WC here, and another around the corner in the Museum. There are also some restaurants up the hill overlooking the harbour.
Describe Vlychada Beach
The first hundred metres or so of Vlychada Beach Santorini are the only ‘developed’ part, with sunshades and loungers. After that, there’s a long expanse of the black sand Santorini is famous for, stretching away into the distance.
The cliffs form an amazing backdrop to the beach. They form a series of stunning rock formations, the ‘lunar’ landscape created by the weathering of the volcanic rock over millions of years.
Once you’ve passed the beach umbrellas you can wander and explore this incredible gallery of nature’s abstract art.
One of the reasons I think Vlychada is one of the best resorts in Santorini is that the balance is just right. You can explore this magnificent coastline by yourself, then be back supping on a refreshing cold beer at the bar within a few minutes.
There’s not really much scope for further development, certainly along the beach, because of the cliffs. It’s also very family-friendly.
What about other things to do in Vlychada?
There is a lovely small harbour at the end of the beach. The part closest to the beach is where the many small colourful fishing boats dock. The next section is given over to pleasure boats.
The Tomato Industrial Museum turned out to be one of the most enjoyable things to see in Santorini. My five-year-old son accompanied me and we were treated to a full guided tour. He was particularly delighted to make his own labelled tomato can.
The former Nomikos factory is one of nine old sites around the island that used to process and can tomatoes. The industry has declined, largely because cultivable land has been given over to tourism developments.
It’s a sad, poignant tale, especially as the tomatoes grown in this volcanic soil are some of the most delicious you could ever taste.
What other things to do in Santorini are nearby?
Eros Beach Santorini is another hidden gem. It’s over a mile (2 km) along the beach and cliffs from Vlychada. There are no buses there, and access is via a not particularly difficult dirt road. If you’re heading up the hill from Vlychada towards the main road, it’s signposted on the left.
The main road leads to Perissa, passing the gorgeous village of Emporio along the way. The highlight is the area around the kastelli at the top of the hill, with some amazing cave houses built into the rock of the mountain.
Vlychada Beach Santorini – Final Words
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Vlychada Beach Beach and find it useful while organising your trip to Santorini.
If you visit or stay in Vlychada, two of the best villages in Santorini, Pyrgos and Emporio are close by. Both and beautiful and very quiet – a world away from the sunset crowds at Oia.
I also suggest checking 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.
Quieter options elsewhere include Mesa Pigadia, Kamari and Caldera Beach. There’s even a red sand beach, Santorini Red Beach, but don’t venture too close as it’s unsafe.
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.
Need more inspiration for your trip? You may enjoy my other Greece guides and travel resources:
- One day in Santorini itinerary
- 30 Famous Landmarks In Greece
- Things To Do In Chania – the most beautiful city in Crete
- Balos Beach Crete – stunning remote lagoon beach on the west coast of Crete
- Elafonissi Beach – pink sand paradise in the southwest corner of Crete
- Hersonissos Beaches – the 15 best beaches around the busy Crete resort
- Malia Beaches – the complete guide to Malia’s famous beaches
- Voulisma Beach – gorgeous tropical beach near Agios Nikolaos
- Things To Do In Rethymno – Crete’s beautiful third city
- Bali Crete Beaches – all 5 beaches in this north coast seaside village
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.