Where to Stay in Perissa: The Best Areas and 17 Accommodations

Perissa and Perivolos are located on the southeastern side of Santorini, beneath the rock of Mesa Vouno, and share the island's longest continuous black volcanic sand beach. This is the most popular area for those who want to swim daily without having to travel.

Perissa is more developed with a greater number of shops and a livelier nightlife, while Perivolos, immediately to its south, is quieter and has developed in recent years with more luxurious beachfront accommodations.

In this article, you will find a detailed overview of the Perissa and Perivolos areas, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you organise your stay.

Things to See and Do in Perissa

Perissa is approximately 15 km from Fira and about 18 km from Santorini Airport, a journey that takes around 25 minutes by car. From Athinios Port, the distance is about 20 km, with the journey lasting approximately 30 minutes. KTEL buses connect Perissa with Fira several times a day during the summer.

The beach of Perissa and Perivolos is a continuous strip approximately 7 km long, with black volcanic sand, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars. The sand gets very hot at midday due to its dark colour, so flip-flops are essential during the summer months.

To the north of the beach rises the rock of Mesa Vouno, at the foot of which lie the ruins of Ancient Thera, a city inhabited from the Dorian era until Byzantine times. Access is either by car via a road ascending from the Kamari side or by a steep path from Perissa, a walk of approximately 45 minutes.

The Church of Panagia Perissa, with its characteristic cross visible from afar on the rock, is a landmark of the area and is located at the entrance to the village. Perivolos, south of Perissa, has a smaller settlement area but the beach continues uninterrupted, with waters generally considered cleaner due to a lower concentration of people.

Regarding dining, Perissa has many tavernas and restaurants offering Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, with prices generally lower than Fira and Oia. In recent years, Perivolos has developed more modern beach bars and restaurants with international cuisine, popular with a younger crowd.

Seasonality here is pronounced, as throughout Santorini, with peak times in July and August. June and September offer warm seas with fewer crowds, while many accommodations and restaurants close completely from November to April, as the area operates almost exclusively as a summer destination.

The distance between Perissa and Perivolos is approximately 2 km, easily walkable along the beach. Both areas have flat terrain, unlike Fira and Oia, which makes them easier to navigate on foot or by bicycle.

From Perissa, there is also easy access to Emporio, Santorini's largest village by population, located approximately 4 km away, known for its Venetian castle and traditional narrow streets. Kamari, the island's other large black sand beach, is about 8 km away via the road around Mesa Vouno.

Diving is also popular in the area, as the waters around Perissa and Perivolos offer good visibility and volcanic formations on the seabed, with several diving centres operating there during the summer.

Perissa's black sand originates from the volcanic activity that shaped Santorini, particularly after the great eruption of the 17th century BC. Previously, Perissa was a small fishing village around the church, and it began to develop tourism-wise from the 1980s, initially thanks to an organised campsite that attracted young, budget travellers. The campsite still operates today, which is relatively rare for Santorini, and lends the area a more relaxed character compared to the caldera.

In Perissa and Perivolos, several rental offices for water sports equipment operate, such as water skiing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding, while there is also the option to rent bicycles and ATVs for those who wish to explore the surrounding area independently. The area also has several supermarkets, pharmacies, and car rental agencies, making it quite self-sufficient without frequent trips to Fira for daily needs.

The Best Areas to Stay in Perissa

Perissa Centre

Perissa centre gathers most of the area's shops, restaurants, and bars, with direct access to the beach. It is the liveliest spot, especially on summer evenings.

A good choice for those who want everything within walking distance, from dining to water sports equipment rental.

Advantages:

• Direct access to the black sand beach
• Many dining and entertainment options
• Flat terrain, easy for walking

Disadvantages:

• Noisier in the evenings during summer
• Greater distance from Fira, approximately 15 km

Recommended accommodations:

1. Hotel Perissa
Hotel on Perissa's main road, offering simple rooms and easy beach access.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

2. Veggera Beach Hotel
Beachfront hotel with very high ratings, a swimming pool, and a private beach area.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

3. Marianna Hotel
Family-run hotel with good value, a few minutes from Perissa beach.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

4. Black Sandy Beach
Small accommodation with excellent ratings, close to the beach, suitable for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

5. Hotel Pleasure Black Beach Perissa Santorini
Hotel with private beach access, simple layout, and affordable price.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

6. BlackBeach village
Apartment complex near Perissa centre, with very high ratings and easy access to the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

7. Anny Studios & Rooms Perissa Beach
Studios on Perissa's main road, a few steps from the beach and shops.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

8. Studio Mary
A favourite accommodation among visitors with very high ratings, near Perissa centre.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

South Perissa, near Mesa Vouno

The southern side of Perissa, towards the rock of Mesa Vouno, is quieter than the centre, with fewer shops but the same access to the beach. It is also closer to the path for Ancient Thera.

Suitable for those who want to combine a beach holiday with a peaceful base, without being too far from the amenities of the centre.

Advantages:

• Quieter than Perissa centre
• Close to the path for Ancient Thera
• Good beach access

Disadvantages:

• A little further from the central shops
• Fewer accommodation options compared to the centre

Recommended accommodations:

9. Sea View Beach Hotel
Hotel with sea views and very high ratings, near the southern part of the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

10. Marillia Village
Apartment complex with a swimming pool, popular with families and couples.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

11. Phevos Villa
Accommodation with very high ratings on the southern side of Perissa, near the path for Ancient Thera.

• Average cost: approximately 125€ per night

Perivolos

Perivolos is the southern continuation of Perissa beach, with fewer crowds and more luxurious accommodations and beach bars in recent years. The beach here is generally considered cleaner due to a lower concentration of people.

A good choice for those who want beachfront accommodation with a quieter character, while maintaining easy walking access to Perissa.

Advantages:

• Quieter beach compared to Perissa
• Modern beach bars and restaurants
• Easy walking access to Perissa, approximately 20 minutes

Disadvantages:

• Fewer shop options in the area itself
• Higher prices compared to Perissa centre

Recommended accommodations:

12. Istoria, a Member of Design Hotels
Design hotel on Perivolos beachfront, with very high ratings and modern aesthetics.

• Average cost: approximately 260€ per night

13. Petri Suites
Suites with a simple layout, a few minutes from Perivolos beach.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

14. Perissa Bay
Hotel with a private beach and very high ratings, located between Perissa and Perivolos.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

15. Oscar Beachfront Suites - Adults Only
Adults-only suites, right on Perivolos beach, with very high ratings.

• Average cost: approximately 220€ per night

16. Joy Beach Hotel
Hotel on Perivolos beachfront, with very high ratings for its location.

• Average cost: approximately 160€ per night

17. Pantheon Hotel
Apart-hotel in Perivolos with comfortable apartments, close to the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

Practical Tips for Your Stay

• Bring flip-flops for the beach. The black volcanic sand gets very hot at midday in summer, making it difficult to walk barefoot.
• Consider if you need a car. Perissa and Perivolos have flat terrain, so a bicycle or scooter might suffice if you don't plan to visit many other parts of the island.
• Visit Ancient Thera early in the morning. The path ascends steeply and has no shade, so it's best to do it before the weather gets too hot.
• Book accommodation with a swimming pool if you want peace and quiet. The beach can get crowded at midday in July and August, so a private pool offers an alternative option.
• Check bus timetables. If you don't rent a vehicle, KTEL buses connect Perissa with Fira several times a day, but services become less frequent early in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Perissa from Fira?

Approximately 15 kilometres, a journey that takes around 20 to 25 minutes by car or bus.

What is the difference between Perissa and Perivolos?

Perissa is more organised with more shops and nightlife, while Perivolos, immediately to its south, is quieter with more modern beach bars.

Is Perissa beach suitable for children?

Yes, the beach is organised and has gentle access to the sea, however, the sand gets very hot at midday.

How far is Ancient Thera from Perissa?

The path from Perissa takes approximately 45 minutes on foot, while by car via Kamari the journey is around 20 minutes.

Do I need a car to stay in Perissa?

Not necessarily, as the area has flat terrain and is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, but a car helps for visits to other parts of the island.

What is the best time to stay in Perissa?

June and September offer warm seas with fewer crowds, while many accommodations close from November to April.

Conclusion

Perissa and Perivolos are the best choice in Santorini for those who want to swim daily without having to travel, in contrast to the caldera where sea access is more limited. The long black sand beach and the flat layout of the area make it a practical choice for families and couples.

If you want to combine the beach with the famous caldera views, you can take day trips to Fira or Oia, keeping your base in Perissa or Perivolos for a more relaxed and budget-friendly holiday.

Also see our guides on where to stay in Plaka Naxos and where to stay in Acharavi.