Caldera beach on Santorini

Caldera beach, also called Balos beach, is located below the village of Akrotiri. It is the only beach in Santorini that lies in the caldera. At least it is the only beach in the crater that can be reached without boat. Admittedly, there is a bathing place with rocks below Oia, but it is not a beach.

Caldera beach is located by the red arrow. The picture is taken from Imerovigli.

The beach is quite small and is covered by gray-black sand (what else). It gets deep quickly and the water is crystal clear. Caldera beach is one of my favourite beaches in Santorini, and it do not depends on the beach. The reason why this beach is so special is the sensational surroundings, the beautiful views over Fira and Oia, and the thrilling feeling you get when swimming in a volcanic crater.

Caldera beach.

In the picture above, you see Santorini's neighboring island of Thirasia on the left. Straight ahead you will see both volcanoes, and to the right you will see Fira.

To get to Caldera beach you turn right just before the village of Akrotiri. The way down is narrow and terribly steep. Do not drive down if you are an inexperienced driver. If you like to scuba dive, you can contact Santorini Dive Center that hang around in Caldera beach.

Above the beach there is a taverna where you can try wine.

Santorini Dive Center and the small port in Caldera beach.

Santorini Dive Center.

Nudism is not common on Santorini, however, it happens that you see naturists at the right part of the beach, which is also called Balos beach. As far as I know, this beach is the only one in Santorini that can be called a nudist beach.

The far part of the beach is popular among nudists.

The part of Caldera beach called Balos beach.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT CALDERA BEACH

Don't miss the excavations at Akrotiri, which you can read about here »

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