Perissa is a small town located on the south-eastern coast of the island of Santorini, 14 kilometers from Fira (the capital). Perissa is loved for its long beach of black sand and for the excellent quality-price ratio of the accommodation facilities, compared to the average of the areas overlooking the Caldera.
Perissa is easily reachable from Fira with a bus that runs every 30 minutes (with journeys that depart at 7.00 am and end at 11.00 pm), but it is very important to keep in mind that especially in high season the buses are quite full, so there we recommend renting a scooter or a car to travel more comfortably and in total freedom. And if you want to get there by sea, you can do it starting from the nearby beaches where you will find an excellent taxi boat service, available to you
The beach of Perissa combined with that of Perivolos is the largest stretch of beach on the island of Santorini with its 8 km long, and this makes it one of the most appreciated especially by those looking for an area with access to the beach. in a less crowded context than in Fira, Oia and Imerovigli, although it must be said that the best view certainly comes from these places that offer a priceless view.
Here in Perissa you are spoiled for choice thanks to the remarkable services that satisfy everyone: sun beds and umbrellas, cafes, restaurants, bars and facilities that offer water sports (windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, paragliding, jet skis, pedal boats, etc). And for those who love snorkeling? Perissa beach is the ideal area to practice it. And for the more sporty who love to keep fit even on vacation? Beach volleyball courts for a nice game together.
There is a small note to make about the wind: being Perissa in the slightly windier side of the island of Santorini (as in all Greek islands there is always a side more exposed to the winds), if you do not love the wind and you want to relax on the beautiful beach just choose the umbrella in the most sheltered part of the mountain and you will only hear the sound of the sea on the shore.
Even if we do not hide the fact that the island of Santorini is one of the most crowded of the Greek islands, during the whole summer period, here in Perissa the beaches are wide and this will allow you to relax without finding "elbow to elbow" with the neighbor of parasol .
Perissa is especially appreciated by young people for the presence of the best beach bars on the island of Santorini, where you can sip a drink at sunset and dance until late at night. Moreover, in the area behind the beach, the whole street becomes totally pedestrian, perfect for a walk in the company in search of the perfect place for a top night! ... and then the sunsets here are wonderful!
Perissa however is not only a beach, as its village surrounds the bay, with its white houses, which contrast with the dark colors of the lava rock that characterizes the whole of the island of Santorini. A truly enchanting place, which retains a completely different character from the other towns of Santorini. Perissa is not studded with luxury hotels and exclusive resorts, and has remained a simple beauty for those who love the real Greece, without frills and fictions, with small hotels that follow one another and alternate with beach bars and small shops.
Strolling here and there, you will find the Orthodox church of Timiou Stavrou, one of the largest churches on the island of Santorini and is located in the square of Perissa. Behind, rising 264 meters above sea level, on Monte Vouno, are the ruins of the Byzantine Basilica of Agia Irini, dating back to the 5th century. Do not miss the archaeological sites of ancient Thera and Kamari, reachable on foot from Perissa via a mountain path, with an hour's walk. If you decide to take this route we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water with you.
In Perissa you can find taverns, bars and restaurants to enjoy excellent fish, good Greek food, or just a quick meal, all at reasonable prices. We recommend the Santa Irini Bakery where you can have a great breakfast or a quick lunch, tasting local specialties and more. The Gyros Place, as the name suggests, offers tasty gyros. If you want to taste Mediterranean specialties try the Tranquilo, which in addition to traditional dishes, also offers vegan and gluten-free dishes.
This is Perissa, one of the most requested areas for those who visit the island of Santorini above all from those looking for the right compromise between a beach holiday without giving up to visit the unmissable Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and the unmissable Caldera that always gives unique emotions!