There, you can find a few traditional taverns and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great location to stay or visit. Therefore, if you're looking for a quiet place to enjoy fresh seafood by the sea, a peaceful getaway, or a convenient starting point for exploring the island, Monolithos is a great choice.
This hidden paradise is well known for its black sandy beach, welcoming vibe, and volcanic scenery, making it the perfect place for anyone looking for a tranquil escape. These are the best things to do in this beautiful location:
1. Unwind at Monolithos Beach
![Monolithos Beach]( "Monolithos Beach")
Relax and unwind on the sun loungers at Monolithos Beach.
Monolithos Beach is one of the island's most serene and beautiful beaches, offering a peaceful haven from the busier tourist areas of Santorini. Renowned for its long, black volcanic sand, which creates a striking contrast to the Aegean Sea's crystal-clear, shallow waters, it offers a great place for swimming, sunbathing, or just unwinding under the umbrella cover. Compared to more well-known locations like Kamari or Perissa, the beach is rather calm, enabling guests to take in the island's natural beauty, while once there, one may easily take a break and eat with a view of the sea at one of the tavernas and beach bars that are close by. In general, Monolithos beach is the ideal place for people seeking a more laid-back, low-key experience.
2. Take a Stroll Along the Shore
![Monolithos Beach]( "Monolithos Beach")
Take a peaceful stroll along Monolithos Beach, where every step feels like a breath of fresh air
With its stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the chance to get away from the crowds, the shoreline surrounding Monolithos is ideal for a leisurely stroll, as a tranquil and scenic backdrop for a walk is created by the cool sea wind, the sound of the waves, and the remarkable contrast between the deep blue water and the black volcanic sand. Additionally, Monolithos beach is one of the best places for sunrise watchers to see the early light of the dawn over the Aegean, making it perfect for early-morning walks.
3. Watch the Planes Land and Take Off
![Santorini Plane]( "Santorini Plane")
Feel the thrill as planes glide overhead against the stunning backdrop of Monolithos Beach
Monolithos is a unique location to observe planes land and take off because it is close to Santorini International Airport (JTR). It's a stunning sight, especially for plane spotters and photographers trying to get the perfect view as planes descend over the glittering Aegean Sea and go to the short runway. You can sit and watch the spectacle at a few locations close to the beach or lounge on the beach while enjoying a drink at a beach taverna.
The best time to visit it is during the golden hour, when the gentle light creates some incredibly beautiful photos by highlighting the contrast between the island's volcanic landscape and the blue sea.
4. Dine at a Seafood Restaurant on the Beach
![Galini Restaurant]( "Galini Restaurant")
Savor the flavors of Santorini at Galini Restaurant, where every bite comes with a breathtaking view
Eating dinner by the sea, where you may savor fresh fish from the day's catch while the soft sound of the waves entices your senses, is the greatest and most enjoyable way to experience Monolithos. Traditional Greek seafood is served at the majority of Monolithos' restaurants, while to thoroughly enjoy the island's food, pair your dinner with a refreshing ouzo or a glass of Assyrtiko wine, one of the most well-known Santorini wines.
5. Enjoy Kite Surfing at Monolithos Beach
![Kite surfing at Monolithos Beach]( "Kite surfing at Monolithos Beach")
Kite surfing at Monolithos Beach is the ultimate thrill
Because of the broad coastline and consistent winds, the beach is ideal for kite surfing. For those who want to try this exhilarating sport, there is a kite surfing school and rental shops in the region that offer instructions and equipment rentals. Therefore, whether you're an adrenaline addict looking to get some fresh air or a beginner seeking to learn the basics, Monolithos Beach is the perfect place for a memorable experience.
Beyond Monolithos: Explore Nearby Activities
1. Experience Horse Riding Along the Coast
![Horse Riding at the beach]( "Horse Riding at the beach")
Admire the beauty of Santorini from a horseback as you ride along its serene shores
For a thrilling and exciting experience on Santorini's rugged coast, horse riding is the activity to choose, and Santorini Lover Horse Rider, a well-established tour operator, provides just that. Starting from Exo Gialos Karteradou, a nearby village, they offer guided horse-riding tours that cover scenic routes across volcanic terrain and to the serene beaches of Exo Gialos and Monolithos, allowing guests to enjoy the nature and beauty of the island as they gaze over breathtaking Aegean landscapes. Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, this extraordinary experience beautifully combines relaxation, nature, and discovery.
![Monolithos Beach]( "Monolithos Beach")
Enjoy the endless blue, soft sands, and the soothing sound of waves at Monolithos Beach
With its shallow water and black sand, Monolithos Beach is the area's main swimming destination, while there are additional stunning beaches close by that suit a range of preferences. Just a short distance away, Exo Gialos Beach is a secluded, picturesque beach that is well-known for its striking volcanic formations, dark beach, and blue waters. Additionally, between Monolithos and Kamari, Avis Beach is a secluded, off-the-beaten-path beach that offers a calm setting for swimming and tanning in a less crowded, more tranquil setting. Lastly, with its black volcanic sand, assortment of beach bars, and tavernas, Kamari Beach is a well-liked choice for a livelier beach experience, mixing leisure with entertainment and adventure.
![Mario Restaurant]( "Mario Restaurant")
Authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and the taste of Santorini in every bite at Taverna Mario
A small but excellent collection of genuine Greek tavernas serving delectable regional cuisine may be found at Monolithos. Galini Restaurant is one of its highlights, a great place for a leisurely dinner as guests may indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes while taking in the breathtaking sea view. This tavern also features a sand-level outside dining area where you may eat with your feet in the smooth black volcanic sand. If you wish to taste traditional Greek dishes, Kopsidi Restaurant is another great option, featuring grilled meat choices and a cozy atmosphere. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Taverna Mario No 1 is also a perfect choice, located close to Monolithos, well known for its elegant menu and welcoming ambiance, while for those looking for more diversity, the surrounding villages of Kamari and Fira, which are only a short drive away, provide a greater range of dining alternatives.
Bars & Nightlife in Monolithos
The village of Monolithos is calm and relaxed, therefore, there aren’t any options for an early or late-night drink. However, Kamari, which is only 10 minutes away, offers a variety of beach bars and cocktail bars for a livelier evening, while if you're looking for a more vibrant atmosphere, Fira, which is also 10 minutes away, is Santorini's nightlife hub. There, one can find a wide range of bars and nightclubs that stay open late and provide excitement and energy to those who seek it.
![Tramonto Villa in Monolithos]( "Tramonto Villa in Monolithos")
Luxury meets tranquility at Tramonto Private Villa in Monolithos
From basic guesthouses to stunning beachfront villas and boutique hotels, Monolithos has a range of lodging choices to accommodate all preferences and price ranges. Sea-view villas that offer solitude and isolation are available for those who choose luxury and seclusion, while reasonably priced and cozy lodgings are available for those who prefer being close to the beach. A short drive away are the nearby villages of Kamari and Fira, which provide an even greater range of luxurious resorts and hotels for those seeking more opulent lodging options to round off their Santorini vacation.
Due to its handy location on Santorini's eastern side, Monolithos is easily accessible from all areas of the island. Below, you will find information on how to reach the village from important sites on the island:
1. Santorini Airport (JTR) to Monolithos
For visitors coming to the island by plane, Monolithos is a convenient destination, only 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Santorini Airport, and you can reach it by the following ways:
• By Taxi or Private Transfer: The quickest and most practical way to get to Monolithos is via taxi or private transfer, which will have you there in a matter of minutes. Taxis are always available at the airport, while you may prebook a private transfer for added convenience.
• By Bus: While Monolithos is close to the airport, it is not directly accessible by bus. Therefore, you will need to ride a bus to Fira and then change to another bus that makes a stop at Monolithos beach.
2. Santorini Port (Athinios Port) to Monolithos
Monolithos is around 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) away from Athinios, which is on the island's west coast. Here are the ways to reach the village from the port:
• By Taxi or Private Transfer: This is the most practical option. It's the fastest way to get from the port to Monolithos without having to change buses multiple times. You may find a taxi directly at the port or pre-arrange a Private Transfer.
• By Bus: From Athinios, you will need to take a bus to Fira, from where you will have to get another bus to Monolithos. However, since the schedules might not always synchronize, this could take a lot of time. It’s a more budget-friendly option, though.
3. Fira (Santorini's Capital) to Monolithos
Monolithos is easily accessible from Fira, the capital of Santorini, which is around 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away. You may get to the village by the below means of transport:
• By Taxi or Private Transfer: For people who seek ease and convenience, a private transfer or taxi provides a relaxing and easy journey from Fira to Monolithos.
• By Bus: Although they don't run as frequently as buses to some other popular destinations like Kamari or Oia, public buses do run between Monolithos and Fira. Make sure to check schedules in advance when riding the bus.
4. Getting to Monolithos by Car or ATV
Renting a car or an ATV is also a convenient choice for those who want to explore Santorini independently. Renting a car from the harbor, airport, or rental agencies based in Fira or Kamari is simple, while you may also make a car reservation online in advance. This way you may drive yourself throughout the village and its surroundings, and take in the beautiful route to Monolithos without depending on public transit.
With its serene beach, cozy tavernas, and laid-back atmosphere, Monolithos offers an authentic Santorini experience and is a fantastic location to spend a relaxing day on the beach, observe local life, or sample some good Greek food!
