Red Beach.

Red Beach owes its fame to Santorini's volatile geological history. Tucked beneath towering cliffs of iron-rich, oxidized volcanic rock, the narrow shoreline presents a stark, rust-colored contrast to the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Reaching this dramatic setting requires a short, rugged hike along a steep, rocky path from the nearby Akrotiri archaeological site—a trek that demands sturdy footwear and caution due to occasional falling rock hazards. While visitors can rent sunbeds or snorkel around the clear, fish-filled reefs, the beach is small, prone to intense afternoon crowds, and composed of rough, dark pebbles rather than soft sand. Most travelers stop here for a half-day visit to marvel at the surreal, martian landscape rather than to settle in for a traditional day of lounging.