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Beach · Fira, Egeu Meridional
Praia de Perissa e Perivolos
A long stretch of dark sand in the southeast of the island, at the foot of Mesa Vouno mountain, with parasols, restaurants and the fortified village of Emporio nearby.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Praia de Perissa e Perivolos
Perissa and Perivolos form a single stretch of black sand several kilometers long in the southeast of Santorini, outside the caldera. The dark sand comes from lava and heats up a lot in the midday sun. The beach is organized, with parasols, sunbeds, bars, restaurants and water sports, and has a promenade with shops and simple accommodation behind it.
At the northern end, Mesa Vouno mountain closes the beach with a cliff; on top are the ruins of Thera Antiga, and a trail climbs from Perissa. At the foot of the mountain is the church of Timios Stavros, with blue domes, one of the largest on the island. To the south, Perivolos continues with the same sand and a beach-bar atmosphere; further on, Vlychada has pumice stone cliffs sculpted by the wind and the old tomato cannery converted into an industrial museum.
A few kilometers inland is Emporio, the largest inland village, with the medieval kastelli: a fortified core of adjoining houses, covered passages and the Goulas tower, built to protect residents from pirates. It's worth a half-hour stroll through the alleys, much less visited than those of the caldera.
In high season, boats connect Perissa to Kamari around the mountain, an alternative to the road.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day or a full day at the beach. Add about an hour for Emporio.
Best time
From June to September the sea is calmer and services run fully. The black sand gets very hot at midday; mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable. On days of strong meltemi wind, the east side usually has waves.
How to get there
KTEL buses from Fira to Perissa, about a 30-minute journey; Emporio is on the way. By car, about 13 km from Fira, with parking next to the beach.
Tip
Bring flip-flops to cross the hot sand. Combine the beach with an early-morning climb to Thera Antiga via the trail from Perissa, and descend to the sea afterwards.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia de Perissa e Perivolos
Is the sand at Perissa really black?
Yes—it's dark volcanic sand mixed with small stones. It gets very hot in the sun; flip-flops are essential.
Perissa or Kamari: which to choose?
Both have dark sand and good facilities. Perissa is longer and continues into Perivolos; Kamari is more compact and closer to the airport and Fira. The Mesa Vouno mountain separates them.
What to see in Emporio?
The kastelli, a fortified medieval core with attached houses, narrow passages and the Goulas tower, plus churches and windmills on the adjacent hill.
Can you go from Perissa to Kamari by boat?
In high season there are usually boats linking the two beaches by sea, around the mountain. Check at the beach.