Perissa beach
Perissa boasts the title of the largest, most comfortable, and most bustling beach in Santorini, frequented not only by tourists but also by local residents. It derives its name from the adjacent village, renowned for its fishing heritage. Today, Perissa stands as one of the island's most sought-after resorts, with its beach being almost the sole spot in Santorini that is perfectly suited for families with children. Here, you can unwind in utmost comfort and safety, a feature that draws countless vacationers each year.
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Beach description
Perissa Beach, located on the southeast of the island, lies at the opposite end from Thera (just 12 km away) and Oia. Nestled at the base of the resort that shares its name, Perissa boasts an impressive length of nearly 7 km, with a shoreline that stretches far and wide. The beach's proximity to the mountains makes it an idyllic spot for a tranquil getaway. Shielded by some low hills, Perissa is well-protected from the high winds and waves, ensuring easy access to the shore.
The main attractions of Perissa include:
- Its unique calmness, as it is almost never windy - a rarity in Greece.
- A shoreline and seabed composed of sandy textures, featuring a blend of gray and black volcanic sand interspersed with occasional pebbles of the same hues.
- Areas of the seabed that are strewn with stones, necessitating caution while swimming to avoid injury.
- Exceptionally clear waters when calm, providing an excellent opportunity for underwater exploration and snorkeling.
- Recognition for its cleanliness, having been awarded the Blue Flag on multiple occasions.
The descent into the water is gentle along most of the shoreline, with deeper waters located just a few meters from the edge. The smoothest entry point is found to the north of the beach, adjacent to the mountain that delineates it from Kamari Beach. This characteristic renders Perissa an ideal destination for families with young children. The beach also enjoys popularity among couples and young tourists, similar to the neighboring Perivolos, which seamlessly merges with Perissa.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Santorini for a beach vacation is typically between late May and early October. During this period, the weather is warm, and the Aegean Sea is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Late May to June: This is the ideal time for those who prefer a quieter vacation, as the summer crowds have not yet arrived. The weather is pleasantly warm, and the sea has started to heat up, making it comfortable for swimming.
- July to August: These are the busiest months, with peak tourist season in full swing. The weather is hot, and the beaches are at their most vibrant. However, be prepared for higher prices and more crowded spaces.
- September: As the summer winds down, September offers a great balance with fewer tourists and still-warm weather. The sea remains warm from the summer heat, providing excellent conditions for water activities.
- Early October: For those looking to catch the last of the summer weather, early October can still offer sunny days suitable for beach outings, though the evenings start to cool, and there's a higher chance of windy conditions.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation in Santorini depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and prices. Each part of the season offers a unique experience on this beautiful Greek island.
Video: Beach Perissa
Infrastructure
In the hot season (from July to September), Perissa delights vacationers with its well-developed infrastructure. Despite its length, the beach is well-equipped, featuring showers and changing rooms. Lifeguards are on duty during the season. Sunbeds and umbrellas are typically provided by the cafes located nearby.
Among the beach activities, one can enjoy:
- A small water park and several dive centers, as diving is very popular here;
- The opportunity to rent a variety of equipment for water sports, from bananas and catamarans to windsurfing boards;
- Car and bicycle rental services.
Many different shops are situated in the village, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and taverns line the promenade. There are numerous nightclubs. In the evenings, the promenade comes alive with discos and the vibrant sounds of music from the taverns.
A plethora of small hotels are situated close to Perissa beach, offering decent and relatively affordable accommodations on the island for a short stay. Apartments for rent are also available near the sea.
Nearby, a good budget hotel option is the Smaragdi Hotel, which is adorned in traditional Cycladic style, meaning vacationers are offered separate snow-white houses with all the necessary amenities. At Windmill Bella Vista, you will enjoy a beautiful pool with sea views and comfortable rooms. The four-star Astra Verina offers excellent service and is conveniently located close to restaurants and pubs.
Weather in Perissa
Best hotels of Perissa
All hotels of PerissaUseful information
You can get to the resort of Perissa by bus or taxi. It is worth considering that in the heat you can walk on the sand only in shoes.
From the beach just a stone's throw to the ruins of ancient Thira, so you can walk to this historic attraction at your leisure. Near the northern outskirts of the beach is a small snow-white church with five turquoise domes - Timiu Stavru.
The end of August - September is the time of traditional festivals. It is worth visiting here during their period. On August 29, they celebrate St. Yannis Day, and in September – the traditional “panigiri”. These days there are mass celebrations, so you can admire the colorful parades and theatrical performances.