Vlichada, Black sand beach in Santorini, Greece
Vlichada is a beach with dark volcanic sand and pebbles extending roughly 4 kilometers along the coast. Tall white limestone cliffs border the shoreline and display the effects of long-term erosion from wind and water.
The beach formed during intense volcanic activity around 1600 BCE when the island experienced major eruptions. These geological events created the dark sand deposits and simultaneously shaped the white cliffs that frame the shoreline today.
The name Vlichada refers to the sandy nature of this coastal area in the local dialect. The place holds memories of agricultural work and small-scale production that shaped community life for generations.
The beach is accessible by bus from Fira or by rental vehicle, with parking available near the shore. The terrain is fairly open and level, though sturdy shoes help since the pebbly ground can be uneven underfoot.
Two large brick chimneys from a former industrial site stand near the shoreline as striking reminders of past production activity. These structures offer an unexpected visual element that reveals how the landscape was once used for economic purposes.
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