Perissa Beach

The basics

Santorini was created by a volcano—really, it is a volcano. Perissa Beach is proof of that, its volcanic black sand lapping in the waves. One of Santorini’s longest and loveliest beaches, it’s become a bit of a party spot, albeit a laid-back one (and nothing compared to nearby Mykonos).

Perissa’s beachgoers are spoiled for choice when it comes to amenities, from hotels to buzzy beach bars to the onsite lifeguards, free showers, and the kids’ playground. Which is to say: Perissa Beach is no secret, and it’s as good a homebase as any for your Santorini exploration.

Things to know before you go

• Beach chairs are available for a fee, but some beachside restaurants offer them free of charge if you purchase snacks or meals from their establishment.

• Several outfitters in Perissa Beach can set you up with diving, parasailing, and other water adventures.

• The beach is on the pebbly side—come prepared with beach shoes (and plenty of sunscreen).

How to get there

Many travelers will get to Perissa Beach by rental car. If you don’t have your own wheels, you have two main options: The bus from Fira, which takes about 30 minutes, or a taxi from your location. Some hotels in the Perissa Beach area offer shuttles to the coast, too.

When to get there

Perissa Beach’s main season is summer, June through August. But Santorini’s weather is always pretty mild, and a shoulder-season visit will bring warm temperatures (and smaller crowds), too. To nab the best spot on the sand, come earlier in the morning or later in the evening. Since the beach is east-facing, sunrises here are pretty spectacular.

Take on more adventures in Perissa

Though Perissa Beach may be the town’s claim to fame, this spot is worth more than just a beachcombing afternoon. For some history, make the winding drive up Mesa Vouno to ancient Thera, where you can scout out relatively uncrowded ruins. Perissa also has its own blue domes—The Church of Holy Cross—which looks exactly like the famous blue domes in Oia.