Santorini: Red Beach, Black Sand Beach w/ Lunch and Sunbeds

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and looking for an experience that combines incredible scenery with laid-back vibes, this tour might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want to see some of the island’s most iconic beaches without the hassle of organizing transport or figuring out where to sit and eat. Based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it promises a mix of striking landscapes, relaxing beach time, and a wholesome meal—everything packed into about four hours.

What really stands out about this tour is how it caters to travelers who value comfort and simplicity. The inclusion of sunbeds and towels at Perissa Beach means you can simply lounge without worrying about additional costs or bringing your own gear. Plus, the scenic drive along the coast offers plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. On the downside, the tour’s duration and schedule might be a bit tight if you’re hoping for a more leisurely, unhurried experience. Still, if you’re after a taste of Santorini’s vibrant beaches with a comfortable, guided approach, this could be a good fit.

This experience is especially well-suited for visitors staying on the Caldera side who want a straightforward, well-organized day out. It’s great for those who love beach scenery combined with good food and a bit of sightseeing—perfect for travelers who appreciate a hassle-free day with all the essentials covered. While it’s not necessarily for those wanting a full-day adventure or who prefer private tours, it hits a sweet spot for many looking for a reliable, enjoyable outing.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and drop-off at multiple locations around Santorini.
• Spectacular views of the red cliffs at Red Beach, a favorite for photographers.
• Relaxing time on the black sandy shores of Perissa Beach, with sunbeds and towels included.
• Tasty local cuisine with a scenic sea-view lunch featuring Greek favorites.
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vans for the entire trip.
• Ideal for Caldera-side travelers wanting a scenic and relaxing beach day without the hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

When you first consider this tour, what you’re really signing up for is a well-organized journey along Santorini’s coast that offers both sightseeing and leisure. It’s not a full-day extravaganza, but for four hours, you get a pretty good snapshot of what the island’s beaches are about—vivid colors, inviting waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a pickup at one of seven designated locations—Thera, Imerovigli, Oia, Akrotiri, Kamari, Megalochori, or Emporio—making it flexible for different parts of the island. Within about 20 minutes, you’ll be on your way, heading to the first stop: Red Beach. The sight of the scarlet cliffs plunging into sparkling blue waters makes for one of the most photogenic moments of your trip. You’ll be there roughly 20 minutes, which is enough to snap photos and take in the view, but don’t expect to explore extensively.

From there, a short 15-minute drive takes you to Perissa Beach, where you’ll spend roughly two hours. Here’s where most of the relaxing happens. The black sands are unique, and the sunbeds and towels are included, so you can just stretch out and enjoy your time without worrying about extra expenses or lugging gear around. You’ll have plenty of time to swim, soak up the sun, or just listen to the waves—ideal for unwinding after a busy sightseeing schedule.

The Lunch Experience

One of the main highlights of this tour is the included lunch with a sea view. Expect a fixed menu featuring Greek staples like pita, tzatziki, fried tomatoes, fava, feta with honey, Greek salad, moussaka, and a choice of chicken or pork souvlaki. The meal is paired with local wine and water, which adds a nice touch of authenticity. The setting by the coast makes the meal more than just fuel; it’s a chance to sit back and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

Transportation & Group Size

The transport is air-conditioned and provided by a professional driver who speaks English, making the journey comfortable and informative. The group size is likely small and manageable, which means you’ll get more attention from the driver and a more intimate experience overall. The return trip offers drop-offs at most of the original pickup points, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying.

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What Past Travelers Say

Julianne from the US had a glowing review, calling the guide Felipe “wonderful” and noting that “the beaches were spectacular.” She highly recommends the experience, which suggests that the guide’s knowledge and friendliness can really elevate the day. The visual appeal of the beaches and the comfort of the included sunbeds seem to be key reasons why travelers find this tour so enjoyable.

Considerations & Downsides

The main consideration is the timing—with about four hours total, the schedule is pretty tight. If you’re someone who prefers more time on the sand or in the water, or if you like exploring without a strict timetable, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, since the focus is on two beaches, it’s not a comprehensive island tour but rather a scenic beach day.

Another point is that non-swimmers might want to think twice, as swimming is part of the experience at both beaches, and the water can be inviting but also deep in spots. The tour doesn’t specify any facilities for non-swimmers or those with special needs, so it’s worth considering if you or your travel companions need more accessible options.

Value for Money

At $151 per person, the price includes transportation, guide, sunbeds, towels, and a hearty Greek lunch. For a half-day experience with such iconic sights and relaxing beach time, it feels like a reasonable price. You’re paying for convenience, comfort, and a snapshot of Santorini’s best coastal scenery, rather than an all-day adventure or private tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want an easy, hassle-free way to enjoy Santorini’s famous beaches without the stress of planning individual transport or dealing with crowded public beaches. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate comfort and convenience but also want to see some of the island’s most striking landscapes.

It’s a good pick for Caldera-side guests who prefer a shorter, scenic outing, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy beach days and good food. But if you’re after a full-day exploration or more active adventures, you might want to look for something more extensive.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned van with a professional English-speaking driver. Pickup and drop-off are available at multiple locations around Santorini.

How long is the beach time at Perissa?
You’ll have roughly two hours to swim, sunbathe, and relax on the black sand beach, which is ample time for most travelers to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

What does the included lunch consist of?
The fixed menu features a variety of Greek dishes, including pita, tzatziki, fried tomatoes, fava, feta with honey, Greek salad, moussaka, and a choice of chicken or pork souvlaki, served with local wine and water.

Are sunbeds and towels included?
Yes, sunbeds and towels are provided at Perissa Beach, so you can relax comfortably without extra costs.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Swimming is part of the experience at both beaches, so non-swimmers should consider their comfort levels. The tour doesn’t specify accommodations for non-swimmers.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $151 per person, which includes transport, guide, sunbeds, towels, and lunch. It’s a good value for a scenic, comfortable half-day outing.

What are the pickup locations?
There are seven options including Thera, Imerovigli, Oia, Akrotiri, Kamari, Megalochori, and Emporio, offering flexibility for different parts of the island.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the relaxed pace, beach time, and simple lunch make it suitable for most travelers, but always consider individual needs especially with children.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case your plans shift unexpectedly.

In essence, this guided tour offers a balanced mix of visual delight, comfortable relaxation, and tasty local cuisine. It’s best for those who want an easy, scenic day with minimal hassle and lots of chances to enjoy Santorini’s colorful beaches. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape from the caldera or just want a relaxing beach day, this experience could be a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: