Agios Georgios Santorini: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

While it’s easy to see the appeal of whitewashed Fira and Oia, Agios Georgios Santorini often gets overlooked.

Sitting on a swathe of black sand beaches backed by quiet rural scenery, this lovely little spot is also in competition with the more well-known beach towns of Perissa and Kamari. However, I believe Agios Georgios is the crowning jewel of Santorini’s black sand beaches, and here’s why. 

From hiking to horse riding, boat trips to beach clubs, Agios Georgios Santorini is perfectly placed to help you enjoy the best of the island’s lesser-visited south. It is also home to some of the best and most beautiful beach hotels in Santorini, offering much better value for money than those perched on the caldera. 

After spending half of our Santorini itinerary in this unassuming little spot, I thought I’d share some top tips for those planning to do the same, including how to get there, where to stay and the best things to do in Agios Georgios Santorini.

About Agios Georgios Beach Santorini

With crystal clear waters, a good mix of stylish and authentic beach bars, and an assortment of beautiful boutique hotels, it’s hard to understand why Agios Georgios has remained relatively under the radar.

Many opt for the busier beach resorts of Kamari and Perissa when planning some oceanside time in Santorini, missing out on the cool-yet-calm vibe at Agios Georgios. 

Located just 20-30 minutes away from Fira, this beach town offers a convenient escape from the chaos of Santorini’s capital. It’s an ideal spot to indulge in a few days of relaxation before or after spending time on the busier side of the island, often referred to as the ‘caldera’. 

The caldera is where you will see the classic view of Santorini you see on travel blogs and in magazines, with a warren of whitewashed cottages perched cliffside above the Aegean.

I recommended spending a few days on the caldera side and then retreating to Agios Georgios for an antidote to the packed streets and crazy people traffic. On the slower side of the island, you can drift between beach bars, partake in adventurous activities, or simply relax and soak up a more authentic atmosphere. 

If your budget is tight, you can also choose to stay in Agios Georgios for your whole trip and visit Fira or Oia for the day. You can get to Fira from Agios Georgios in a taxi, which takes about 20-30 minutes, or take the bus, which can take up to an hour but only costs €2.40 one-way. 

Below you will find some of my favourite things to do in Agios Georgios Santorini, along with the answers to some FAQs such as how to get there, where to stay, and info on the best local restaurants. 

Things to do in Agios Georgios Santorini

Water Sports

If you love to stay active, you’ll be glad to hear there are still a vast array of watersports on offer at Agios Georgios Beach. Unlike some of the more remote beaches on the island, Agios Georgios offers a quiet spot to bask in the sun without compromising on all the essential beach amenities. 

You’ll find everything from serene parasailing and stand-up paddle boarding to the thrills of tubing or flyboarding. You can also rent a kayak or pedalo to explore the ocean at your own pace or book a jet ski safari or private speed boat tour to see more of the island from the water. 

Alternatively, head to Vlychada Beach (pictured above), a 25-minute walk away, for waves that are perfect for surfing.

Finally, if you are a keen scuba diving enthusiast, you’ll find an excellent dive centre a short 10-minute stroll away, known as Caldera Diving. Some shipwrecks and unique volcanic formations make the island a particularly interesting place to dive. 

Hiking 

If you love to get those steps in, then you’ll be glad to hear there are a few fantastic hikes to keep you occupied in Agios Georgios Santorini. The best would be a 2-hour hike along Perivolos Beach and over the imposing Mesa Vouno cliff.

First, head to the beach and walk all the way along the front promenade until you reach Perissa. When you reach the small roundabout at the end of the beach, turn left. Keep walking up the road until you reach the walking trail signposted to Ancient Thira, shortly after the Mariana Hotel.

Take the right-hand path and climb the path to reach the archaeological ruins at the top of Mesa Vouno. Here you can explore excavations dating back to the Hellenistic period, when the island was discovered by King Theras; then a perfectly circular volcano. 

Continue down the tarmac road towards Kamari – after a couple of zig-zags, you will see a gravelled path marked with a white cross. Continue down the steep winding path until you reach Kamari Beach, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and beach bars to refuel.

If you don’t fancy hiking back, you can take the water taxi back to Perissa and walk back along the beach to Agios Georgios from there. 

Quad Bike Tour

I really don’t recommend renting your own quad bike to get around the island (ATVs are the leading cause of accidents in Santorini!). Instead, you can take an ATV tour to experience this thrilling activity safely.

The meeting point for the tour is located right in Agios Georgios, where you’ll be given a safety briefing and equipment to prepare.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll ride through rural roads and over dirt passages, past some of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini, before arriving at a local restaurant for some traditional Greek cuisine.

Along the way, you’ll learn some fun facts about the lesser-known regions of Santorini, and of course, stop for some incredible photo opportunities. A must-do for thrill-seekers!

See prices and availability here.

Horse Riding

Fancy a romantic horseback ride through dramatic volcanic scenery? Agios Georgios is just a short 15-minute walk from one of the best stables in Santorini, nestled among the peaceful rural scenery near Vlichada Beach. 

This highly rated horse riding on the beach experience can be enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon, either on a shared group ride or as a private tour.

Suitable for beginners and experts alike, you’ll have a guide on hand to show you the ropes before setting off through rolling volcanic landscapes to the beach. 

Eventually, you’ll reach Vlichada, a quiet beach flanked by atmospheric caldera cliffs and the white-capped waves of the Aegean. There is nothing quite like wandering the water’s edge on horseback with the wind in your hair! 

If you have a car, the stables can be reached in just 2 minutes from your accommodation in Agios Georgios, or via a short walk.

See prices and availability here.

Beach Clubs 

A popular celebrity hangout due to its quiet vibe and abundance of high-end hotels and beach clubs, Agios Georgios is the perfect spot to while away the afternoon with a strawberry daiquiri in hand. 

The best beach clubs in Agios Georgios are Sea Side and Forty-One, both offering plush sunbeds which can be booked in advance and a stylish boho aesthetic.

Both also offer a mouth-watering selection of food and cocktails, which can be ordered straight to your sunbed or enjoyed in the cool restaurant area behind the beach. A short walk away, JoJos is another great option, with a pool for posing by as well. 

During the summer months, you may find more of a party vibe with music from live DJs and events on certain days of the week.

Book your sunbed in advance here.

Boat Trip 

Within 25 minutes of walking or a 5-minute drive, you can be at the charming port of Vlychada, where many of the small-group catamaran cruises depart. This makes Agios Georgios one of the most convenient places to stay if a boat trip is on your Santorini itinerary. 

Most sailing trips in Santorini follow a similar itinerary, sailing past some of the island’s hotspots such as Akrotiri Lighthouse, Red Beach and White Beach before allowing time for a swim in the thermal waters of the volcano.

You’ll also get to sail beneath the caldera, getting a unique perspective of Fira and Oia from the water, before being served a traditional Greek BBQ meal on board. You can either opt for a day cruise which departs in the morning or a sunset trip which leaves mid-afternoon – both include an open bar for the duration of the trip. 

This tour also includes free transfers to and from your accommodation in Agios Georgios, which is only a short five-minute drive from the marina. This short transfer is especially welcome after a tiring day sailing, swimming, and soaking up iconic caldera views!

See prices and availability here.

Sunbathing 

It may seem obvious, but hitting the beach or pool for some much-needed R&R is one of the best things to do in Agios Georgios. If you have planned some time in hectic Fira or Oia during your trip, you’ll no doubt need some serious downtime with just the sun and a good book to keep you company. 

The best thing about Agios Georgios Beach is that it’s one of the quietest beaches on the island but still within walking distance of a range of fabulous bars and restaurants.

Lay out your towel on a vast stretch of black sand with no one else around, or rent a chic cabana at one of the many boho beach clubs. The choice is yours! 

Best Agios Georgios Resturants 

Sea Side Santorini

If you’re staying in Santorini for a while, Sea Side offers a nice change from traditional Greek fare with a sumptuous Asian-fusion menu.

We went for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed a range of dishes from sushi to crispy prawns, all washed down with one of the best mojitos I have ever had! As one of the most stylish beach clubs on the island, you can also come for lunch or book sunbeds here for the day. 

Lava Tavern 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Lava Tavern is an unapologetically Greek eatery with a charming location right at the water’s edge.

We visited for dinner one night and thoroughly enjoyed the low-key, traditional ambience. Instead of ordering from a menu, you head indoors so the chef can show you what’s on offer that day, with an explanation of the fresh fish and any additional menu items that are cooked to order. 

Make your selections and then await fresh, hearty portions – I recommend pairing it with a surprisingly good carafe of local wine. As well as being one of the most delicious meals we had all trip, this was also one of the cheapest, at just €50 for two with drinks.

If you’re looking for an authentic Greek Island cuisine experience – this is it! 

Fougaro

Fougaro was our favourite spot for a cocktail in the evening. This bar, beach club and restaurant has a gorgeous zen-like setting, complete with all the Mediterranean vibes.

While we didn’t eat here ourselves, it was always one of the busiest venues, offering a vibrant mix of cuisine from pulled pork sandwiches to bao buns. I will definitely be heading back here on our next visit to try the highly-rated cuisine!

Taste of the Beach 

A perfect spot for lunch or a quick evening meal (we came here after arriving at about 9 pm on our first evening), Taste of the Beach offers delicious gyros and great cocktails at really reasonable prices.

While it might not look like much from the outside, you’ll be surprised how good the food is. I had sesame-crusted feta with honey and it was hands-down one of the best things I tasted on the island! 

The portions are big, the food exceptionally fresh, and while the service can be a bit spotty, it is also super friendly and enthusiastic. 

Agios Georgios Santorini: FAQs

Where to Stay in Agios Georgios Santorini

We stayed at Petri Suites which is a lovely mid-range hotel less than five minutes walk from the beach.

We chose this place because it was reasonably priced with stylish decor and good reviews – we decided to save most of our budget for a better hotel in Fira with caldera views. 

Some other great places to stay in Agios Georgios Santorini include:

Oscar Beachfront Suites: These sleek, minimalist suites are a mere stone’s throw from the water, each with dreamy Cycladic interiors and a private-heated pool. 

Terra Nera Suites: With spacious modern suites and a gorgeous communal pool, this stylish hotel is right on the beach with a bar and restaurant on-site. 

Villa Mare Angelica: A small and functional aparthotel right on the beach with an exceptional Greek breakfast included, perfect if your budget is a little tighter. 

Where is Agios Georgios Santorini?

Agios Georgios Santorini is located on the southeastern tip of the crescent-moon-shaped island. The area can be found at the southern end of a very long beach known as Perivolos.

At the northern end, Perissa Beach is a popular spot for family-friendly accommodation and bustling beach bars. In the centre, Perivolos has more of a party vibe.

By the time you reach Agios Georgios, you’ll find quieter restaurants, long stretches of sand all to yourself, and beautiful hotels with dreamy island decor. 

How to Get to to Agios Georgios Beach

Getting to Agios Georgios beach from Santorini’s capital Fira couldn’t be easier. You can simply get your hotel to organise a taxi (the ride takes about 20 minutes and costs €20pp), or jump on the bus. The bus departs from the main bus station in Fira, located just behind the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. 

You need the Fira – Perissa bus route, which stops at Perivolos. The bus departs every 30 minutes during the high season and a one-way ticket costs €2.40. After getting off in Perivolos, turn left along the beach and after a short 10-minute stroll, you will have arrived in Agios Georgios. 

The best way to get to Agios Georgios beach from Santorini Airport would be a taxi or organised transfer. We booked a transfer with Airport Transfer and they were waiting at arrivals with a sign with my name on it, making the journey seamless and hassle-free. The transfer cost €30. 

More For Your Santorini Itinerary

Looking for more ideas for your trip to Santorini? Check out my optimised 4-day Santorini itinerary, which packs in all the essential sights as well as some much-needed time soaking up the sun.

It also features restaurant recommendations for all the major spots including Fira and Oia, as well as places to stay in the caldera, tips to avoid the crowds, and ways to get around the island.

Planning a trip to Agios Georgios beach Santorini? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your plans and offer personalised recommendations.