# Black-sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos

What to do en Santorini · Santorini

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/things-to-do/perissa-perivolos-beaches · Revisado: 2026-11-12

- Duración: 4 h
- Temporada: June – September for swimming
- Para quién: All ages

About 7 km of continuous black volcanic sand at the foot of Mesa Vouno, with beach bars and a gentle entry into the water. Bus from Fira for €2.70.

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.

## Cómo llegar y contacto

- Coordenadas: 36.354, 25.475

## Cerca de aquí

- [Try dive on the Perissa reef](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/things-to-do/perissa-try-dive), a 245 m
- [Youth Hostel Anna](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/where-to-stay/youth-hostel-anna), a 520 m
- [Ancient Thera, on Mesa Vouno mountain](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/things-to-do/ancient-thera), a 1.0 km
- [Kamari Beach Hotel](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/where-to-stay/kamari-beach-hotel), a 2.8 km
- [Metaxy Mas](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/where-to-eat/metaxy-mas), a 2.8 km
- [Assyrtiko and vinsanto tasting at the inland wineries](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/things-to-do/assyrtiko-winery-tastings), a 2.9 km
- [Zannos Melathron](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/where-to-stay/zannos-melathron), a 3.9 km
- [Pyrgos and sunset from the top of the village](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini/things-to-do/pyrgos-village), a 3.9 km

## Consejos

### Bring footwear for the sand
The volcanic sand burns at midday; with flip-flops or water shoes you save yourself trouble.

### Go by bus
The Fira line stops at Perissa and Perivolos for €2.70 and spares you looking for parking.

### Choose the stretch according to your plan
Perissa for the village and the climb to Ancient Thera; Perivolos for a day of sun loungers and beach bars.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### Do you have to pay at the beach?
Not for the beach. Sun loungers and parasols are paid, and there are free stretches for your towel.

### How do you get there from Fira without a car?
On the KTEL Fira – Perissa – Perivolos bus, for €2.70. It stops at both beaches.

### Is it good with children?
Yes, because of the gentle entry into the water and the facilities. Bring footwear: the black sand gets very hot in summer.

Destino: [Santorini](https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/south-aegean/santorini.md)