Exploring Perissa Village: A Guide to Santorini’s Best-Kept Secret
Perissa Village, located on the southeastern coast of Santorini, Greece, is a charming and laid-back destination that often goes unnoticed by visitors to the island.
View of Perissa Beach
Known for its black sand beach, Perissa Village offers a unique and breathtaking landscape that is a stark contrast to the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches that Santorini is famous for. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore Perissa Village and show you why it’s truly Santorini’s best-kept secret.
Here are the main reasons hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Perissa every year:
Beaches
Perissa is a popular destination on the island of Santorini, known for its stunning beach with deep blue waters and black lava sand. The beach has plenty of amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and lifeguards, making it a great place to relax and soak up the sun. For those looking for more adventure, there are also water sports, diving centers, a water park, and a beach volleyball area.
Black Sand Beach of Perissa
Nightlife
In addition to the beach, Perissa also has several entertainment options including nightclubs, restaurants, taverns, and cafes, making it a great place to spend both the day and night. If you’re in the mood for shopping, there are also several shops where you can buy clothing, souvenirs, and other necessities.
Ruins of Ancient Thera Town
One of the must-visit attractions in Perissa is the ruins of Ancient Thera town, located on the summit of the mountain Mesa Vouno. This archaeological site offers breathtaking views of Perissa and Kamari villages, and is notable not only for its historical significance but also for its scenic beauty.
Museum of The Minerals and Fossils of Thera
Another popular attraction in Perissa is the Museum of The Minerals and Fossils of Thera, which features a fascinating collection of minerals and fossils from Thera, Greece, and other countries. The exhibits take you on a journey back 1.5 billion years and provide insights into the evolution of life.
Churches and Chapels
For those interested in architecture and history, Perissa has several noteworthy churches and chapels. The Holy Cross, one of Santorini’s largest churches, can be found in the central square of the village. The picturesque white chapel of Panagia Katefiani sits atop a large rock on Mesa Vouno mountain, offering a breathtaking view. Lastly, at the base of the mountain, you can explore the ruins of Agia Irini Basilica, which may have given the island its name.
How to Get to Perissa
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and pick it up at the airport, port, or your hotel. Just keep in mind that there are only a few parking spots near the beach.
Blue Domed Church in Perissa
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Fira to Perissa. Fira is the central bus station and offers connections to most areas of the island. The bus to Perissa runs hourly, but schedules may vary by season. So, make sure to check the official timetables for updated information.
If you’d like a more comfortable and convenient option, you can book a private transfer online. Welcome Pickups is a great service that offers taxis, minibusses, and private VIP cars for pick-up from the port, airport, or your hotel.
Lastly, there’s a water taxi available that connects Perissa beach to Kamari beach.
Traveling to 🇬🇷 Greece soon?
I recommend these travel resources for Greece that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Greece. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Greece, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer from the airport and beetween destinations with Welcome Pickups. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Greece, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Greece. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
Absolutely! Perissa is a great choice if you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to Fira and Oia. It’s got a buzzing nightlife, gorgeous crystal-clear waters, and affordable accommodations.
Perissa Beach’s sand is black because the island was covered in pumice, volcanic ash, and lava from a devastating explosion that occurred 3,600 years ago. These materials are responsible for the unique onyx color of the beach’s sand.
Definitely! Perissa offers a laid-back beach vacation with reasonably priced hotels. Keep in mind that it may take more time to get to other areas of the island, but the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a great place to stay.
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