Perissa is the second largest resort on Santorini and, along with nearby Kamari, the only real beach resort on the island. Although Perissa looks small and quiet at first glance, you'll find all the services you'd want on a summer holiday.

The seafront promenade in particular is bustling with life with many tavernas, restaurants and bars that close late at night. Still, you don't have to worry about the extra-busy nightlife; the local establishments are among the quieter ones.

Beaches and swimming

Perissa boasts a beach of the same name, which stretches for 2km along a completely flat coastline. The peak of Mesa Vouno, which towers over Perissa, adds to the photogenic atmosphere.

The beach of Perissa is covered with pleasant black volcanic sand that continues into the sea. The entrance to the water here is relatively steep and you can't reach the bottom after about 15 metres. This creates ideal conditions for swimming and especially the many water sports on offer on the local beach.

There are also sunbed and umbrella rental facilities and practically the entire beach is lined with a pedestrian promenade with many restaurants and shops. Perissa beach is connected to the similar but quieter Perivolos beach.

Sights and attractions

Perissa may be a small town, but in its centre you can admire the largest religious building on Santorini, the Church of the Holy Cross with its typical blue dome. It was built or completely rebuilt in 1956 after a devastating earthquake.

Then, at the top of the 356-metre-high Mesa Vouno, visit the archaeological site of ancient Thera.

Accommodation in Perissa

Somewhat surprisingly, accommodation in Perissa is among the cheapest on Santorini. Even in the summer you can find several apartments or smaller hotels for around 55 eur per night. You'd be looking in vain for larger resorts here, as Perissa is home to mainly small, cosy guesthouses.

Search for a hotel in Perissa

We've also picked out a few specific accommodations that we'd recommend, all within 150 meters of the beach.

The cheapest accommodation ( 51 eur) – Evelina Pension, Stelios Place, Roula Villa Studios & Apartments
Classic hotels ( 92 eur) – Helios Beach Hotel ***, Philoxenia Hotel & Studios **

How to get there?

Perissa lies about 13 km from the capital Fira and is accessible roughly every hour by KTEL buses, which also stop in the villages of Megalochori and Emporio along the way. A ticket from Fira costs approximately 2,20 eur.

Even the drive to Perissa is easy and well signposted. You can park for free anywhere, including on the road that runs right along the beach.