Black-sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos

What it is

On Santorini's south-east coast, at the foot of Mesa Vouno, begins a beach of black volcanic sand that runs south for kilometres. The first stretch is Perissa, next to the village of the same name; the next, with no break, is Perivolos. Sources give different measurements, but between the two they add up to around 7 km of continuous shoreline. It is the island's long beach, far from the caldera cliffs.

The sand is dark and fine, of volcanic origin, and the water shelves gradually. Behind there is an almost continuous line of beach bars, fish tavernas, bars and shops.

Perissa or Perivolos

• Perissa is the part closest to the village and the mountain. It has more tavernas, shops and street life, and is the most convenient if you arrive by bus. From Perissa the path to Ancient Thera starts.
• Perivolos continues to the south. The sand is the same and the row of beach bars with loungers continues too; it is the stretch for spending the whole day on the beach.

If you want to walk, go along the shore from one stretch to the other: the bus stops at both.

Facilities

There are sun loungers and parasols along almost the whole front, paid. There are also water sports and stretches where you can put down your own towel. The village dive centre is at the start of the Perissa promenade.

How to get there

The KTEL bus on the Fira – Perissa – Perivolos line leaves from Fira station and costs €2.70 (€3.40 at night, from 0:30 to 5:00). It is the most practical option in summer, when parking by the beach is a struggle. By hire car or quad, look for space in the streets behind the promenade.

When to go

For swimming, from June to September. In July and August the beach fills up, especially in the stretches with beach bars. First thing and at the end of the afternoon there is more room and the sand doesn't burn. Out of season many businesses close, but the promenade is quiet and pleasant.

With children and precautions

The gradual entry into the water makes it good for families. But the black sand gets very hot at midday in summer: bring flip-flops or water shoes for everyone, especially the children, and look for shade between 13:00 and 16:00. The water is open sea: in wind there can be swell; respect the flags if there are any.

How to combine it

In the morning climb to Ancient Thera, at the top of the mountain, and come down afterwards for a swim at Perissa. If you fancy diving, ask at the dive centre on the promenade about its try dive. For the afternoon, the village of Pyrgos is inland, a few kilometres away, for the sunset.