Royal Caribbean Group announced this week plans to open its first-ever private beach club in Europe, on the Greek island of Santorini set to open in the summer of 2026.
Royal Beach Club Santorini will be located on Vlychada Beach, a dramatic stretch of coast famous for its wind-carved volcanic cliffs and gray-black sand on the island’s southern coast, and will be available as a paid shore excursion exclusively for guests sailing with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
Photo: Royal Caribbean Group
“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini — one of the world’s most popular and beautiful destinations — is a bold step forward,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
The company said the new beach club will not only showcase Santorini’s famous beach culture but also serve as an innovative approach to managing visitor flows on the island. By allowing travelers to begin their excursions from three different starting points, Royal Caribbean aims to reduce congestion in popular areas while maximizing time spent exploring the island’s landmarks and beaches.
“We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems — from its iconic whitewashed villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach culture — creating a balanced, authentic island experience,” the company said.
A rendering of Royal Beach Club Santorini on Vlychada beach. Photo: Royal Caribbean Group
The “Ultimate Santorini Day” excursion will include visits to Oia and Fira, time at the Royal Beach Club, and access to breathtaking volcanic beaches, offering travelers a full-day experience that blends leisure, culture, and exploration.
“Santorini is an incredible destination that our guests love to explore,” added Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “With this new beach club, we’re bringing together the best of the island with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for.”
The Santorini project is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s broader global expansion of its Royal Beach Club portfolio, which also includes new clubs opening in Nassau, Bahamas in December, and Cozumel, Mexico next year.
Santorini was one of the top 25 islands to explore by cruise in 2025. At the same time, the island is now confronted with overtourism, affecting services, waste and water management, and the overall experience. In 2023, cruise tourism in Greece contributed 2 billion euros to the domestic economy and 1 billion euros to GDP while supporting 22,600 jobs.
