Perissa Beach In Santorini Greece

Located just 15km from southeast of Fira, Perissa Beach offers a 7km sweep of black sands by day and a glittering obsidian carpet by night. Much quieter than the neighbouring beach at Kamari and with shallow, gently-shelving shores, Perissa Beach is ideal for families travelling with little ones and couples who want to enjoy some tranquil downtime together.

While it's well known for its laid-back atmosphere, the beach isn't entirely taken over by dedicated sun worshippers, and you'll find a small selection of watersports available across the bay, including windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving. With plenty to see and do in the area, Perissa Beach ought to be near the top of your list of thigs to do on your holidays to Santorini.

A Serious Spot for Sunbathers!

With black sands that seem to melt into the rich, blue waters of the Mediterranean, Perissa Beach is perfect for a spot of tanning. You'll find plenty of sunloungers where you can lay back and get some serious bronzing under your belt, and parasols if you need to escape from the heat of the midday sun.

Should you need a little refreshment, you'll find a god selection of bars, restaurants and tavernas, lining the beachfront. However, if you feel like doing some bargain hunting, walk a little further inland and you can indulge in a little retail therapy at the shops and mini-markets tucked away in the backstreets.

Nearby Attractions

Perissa Beach is also close to the Byzantine church of Agia Irini, located at the base of Mesa Vouno, one of the mountains that keeps the beach protected from inland winds. Dating back as far as the 5th century, the Basilica of Agia Irini is covered with colourful paintings and green-tinged, porthole-style windows, which bathe the chapel in a gentle emerald light.

If you've got enough puff to make your way up the mountain path, you'll be greeted by the sight of the pintsized chapel of the Panagia Katefiani. An ancient church, it was used by the locals as sanctuary during a massive eruption in the 1600s.

Exploring Underwater Caves

For those who prefer the attractions offered beneath the waves, there are some good diving schools on Perissa Beach. Because scuba diving is so popular, they offer PADI-approved training for newbies so you can get a diving qualification, or for seasoned divers there are guided dives to some of the volcano-formed caves that line the coast.

Perissa Beach by Night

Visit Perissa Beach as the afternoon turns to evening and you've got a superb spot to watch one of the world-famous Santorini sunsets. However, there's no need to go into town for a drink; the beach bars that line the sands burst into life, filling the air with the sounds of chill-out and party tunes. Dance the night away with sand under your feet, stars overhead, and a cool cocktail in your hand.

Because of its cleanliness and amenities, Perissa Beach has been awarded Blue Flag status. While there are plenty of beaches in Santorini's scythe-shaped bay, Perissa Beach is up there as one of the best. It also happens to be home to the Cremeria Vienna, which is widely thought to supply the best gelato on the island!

More Things To Do ideas

Find more Things To Do in Santorini: Amoudi Bay | Ancient Thera | Caldera Cruise | Gabbiano Nero | Gaia Winery | Kamari Beach | Nightlife Santorini | Pyrgos Churches | Santo Winery | Red Beach Santorini | Santorini Boat Trips | Santorini Caldera | Santorini Historic Sights | Santorini Winery Tours | Skaros Rock