Perissa Beaches

Overview

Perissa, located on the southeastern coast of Santorini, Greece, is a popular destination known for its unique black sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors often wonder if Perissa is a good spot for families, and the answer is yes; it offers a calmer environment compared to Santorini's bustling caldera towns and features family-friendly amenities. While Perissa is on the eastern side of the island, meaning it's famed for beautiful sunrises rather than direct sunsets over the sea, the evening sky still offers a magical display of colors. The area provides a good base for exploring the rest of Santorini, with relatively affordable accommodation and decent transport links.

Perissa's coastline is a haven for beach lovers. The main attraction, Paralia Perissa, is celebrated for its distinctive black volcanic sand and clear, swimmable waters. Connected to Perissa is Paralia Perivolos, known for its lively vibe with numerous beach clubs and water sports. For those seeking dramatic scenery, the world-renowned Red Beach, with its striking red cliffs, is a must-see. Families often gravitate towards Paralia Monolithos, recognized as one of Santorini's most child-friendly beaches due to its shallow waters.

Beyond these highlights, Perissa and its surroundings offer a variety of other coastal experiences. The long stretch of black sand continues from Perissa through Perivolos to Agios Georgios, providing ample space to find both vibrant spots and quieter areas. While the black sand is a unique feature, it's worth noting it can get very hot in the summer. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems Perissa and the wider Santorini area have to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Perissa beach good for families?

Yes, Perissa is considered family-friendly. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling towns of Fira and Oia. The beach has calm, clear waters, and there are family-friendly hotels and restaurants available. Some parts of the beach even have lifeguards on duty, and there's a kids' recreational park. The black sand can get very hot, so beach shoes are recommended, especially for children.

Paralia Perissa

What is the black sand at Perissa beach like? Does it get hot?

The sand at Perissa beach is black due to the island's volcanic history. It's made up of tiny volcanic pebbles and sand-like particles. This dark color causes the sand to absorb a lot of heat, especially in the summer, so it can get extremely hot to walk on. It's highly recommended to wear flip-flops or water shoes when walking on the beach.

Paralia Perissa

Can you swim at Perissa beach? What is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Perissa beach. The waters are generally calm, clear, and a deep blue color. The seabed is suitable for swimming and doesn't have sudden drops in depth, making it good for families and children. The beach has received the Blue Flag award, which indicates good water quality and beach conditions. The water is warmest from June to September.

Paralia Perissa

How much do sunbeds and umbrellas cost at Perissa beach?

The cost for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella at Perissa beach typically ranges from €7 to €15 per day. However, many beachfront cafes, bars, and restaurants offer free use of their sunbeds and umbrellas if you purchase food or drinks from them. Some high-end establishments may charge significantly more.

Paralia Perissa

Is Perissa a good base for exploring the rest of Santorini?

Perissa can be a good base, especially for longer stays or if being close to the beach is a priority. It's generally less expensive than caldera towns like Oia or Fira. There are good bus connections from Perissa to Fira (the island's capital), from where you can connect to other parts of the island. Renting a car or ATV is also a popular option for exploring at your own pace. Perissa offers easier access to the southern attractions of Santorini.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the best time of year to visit Perissa beach for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Perissa is from late May to early October when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is pleasant for swimming. June to September offers the warmest sea temperatures. May and October are also good options with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, though the water might be slightly cooler.

How do I get to Perissa from Fira or the Santorini airport?

From Fira, you can take a public bus to Perissa, which takes about 20-25 minutes and is the most affordable option. A taxi or private transfer takes about 20 minutes. From the Santorini airport (JTR), Perissa is about 13 km away. A taxi or pre-booked private transfer takes 15-20 minutes. By bus from the airport, you'll need to first go to Fira (about 10 minutes) and then take a connecting bus to Perissa (another 20-25 minutes).

What's the difference between Perissa and Perivolos beach?

Perissa and Perivolos are essentially one very long black sand beach that stretches for about 7 kilometers. Perissa is the northern part, and as you move south, it transitions into Perivolos, and then further south to Agios Georgios. Generally, Perissa is known for a more laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, while Perivolos, particularly towards Agios Georgios, is considered more upscale with more high-end beach clubs and restaurants. However, many locals and tourists refer to the entire stretch as Perissa Beach.

Paralia Perissa

Paralia Perivolos

Agios Georgios Beach

People Also Ask

How does Perissa beach compare to Kamari beach?

Perissa and Kamari are two of Santorini's main black sand beach resorts, separated by the Mesa Vouno mountain. Perissa generally has finer sand compared to the more pebbly Kamari. Kamari is often described as more compact and potentially more resort-like, while Perissa is more spread out and can feel quieter, especially as you move towards Perivolos. Both offer numerous restaurants and amenities. A water taxi connects the two beaches, and you can also hike over Mesa Vouno between them.

Paralia Perissa

Kamari Beach

What is the nightlife like in Perissa?

Perissa has a laid-back beach ambiance with many restaurants and beach bars along the shore. While it's not known for wild clubbing like Fira or Mykonos, there are several bars where you can enjoy cocktails and music by the sea, some offering a party vibe that can last late, especially in peak season. Some popular spots include Tranquilo Bar and Wet Stories. For more intense nightlife, Fira is the main hub.

Are there water sports available at Perissa beach?

Yes, water sports are available, particularly at the nearby Perivolos beach, which is essentially a continuation of Perissa. Activities include jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. There are dedicated water sports centers offering these activities.

Paralia Perivolos

Are there any historical sites near Perissa beach?

Yes, the archaeological site of Ancient Thera is located on top of Mesa Vouno, the mountain that rises above Perissa beach. You can hike or drive up to explore the ruins. At the base of Mesa Vouno, near Perissa, you can also find the ruins of the early Christian Basilica of Agia Irini.

Paralia Perissa

Is Perissa a good destination for a quiet, relaxing beach holiday?

Perissa offers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling caldera towns of Fira and Oia, making it suitable for a relaxing beach holiday. While it can get busy in peak summer, the long stretch of beach, especially towards Perivolos and Agios Georgios, allows for finding quieter spots. The general vibe is unhurried, with plenty of opportunities to unwind by the sea.

Do I need to rent a car if I stay in Perissa?

While not strictly necessary due to public bus services connecting Perissa to Fira and other parts of the island, renting a car, ATV, or scooter is a popular and convenient option for exploring Santorini at your own pace. It gives you more flexibility to visit different beaches, villages, and attractions. Parking is available in Perissa, though it can be competitive in peak season.

Can I see the famous Santorini sunset from Perissa beach?

Perissa is located on the southeastern coast of Santorini, which means it's famous for beautiful sunrises, not sunsets over the sea. While the atmosphere at sunset can still be lovely with magical colors in the sky, to see the classic Santorini sunset where the sun dips into the Aegean Sea, you would need to travel to the western side of the island, to villages like Oia, Imerovigli, or Fira.

Paralia Perissa