Best Hotels in Perissa and Perivolos, Santorini

Updated: February 11, 2026
Greece › Santorini › Perissa Hotels
By Santorini Dave

Istoria – My favorite beach hotel in Santorini.

Staying in Perissa and Perivolos

Perissa and Perivolos form the longest stretch of beach on Santorini. It is essentially one continuous 5 km coastline of black volcanic sand. The northern end (closest to the mountain) is Perissa, which has a casual vibe, affordable tavernas, and a dive center. As you head south, the beach seamlessly transitions into Perivolos and finally Agios Georgios. There is no physical border between them; the names just change as you move down the coast.

The sand here is significantly finer and softer than the pebbles at Kamari, making it much better for swimming and walking barefoot. However, the black sand absorbs intense heat; you will need flip-flops or water shoes to walk from your sunbed to the water in the afternoon. Note that the water here gets deep very quickly, so keep an eye on younger children.

The Trade-off: This area is further from Fira and Oia than Kamari or the caldera towns. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes by bus to reach Fira and at least an hour to reach Oia (you need to switch buses in Fira). Choose this area if you prioritize a better beach and a relaxed day-club scene over quick access to the caldera views.

My Top Tips for Perissa

1. Arrival Logistics: Port and Airport

First-timers are often surprised by how tricky it is to reach the south end of the island upon arrival.

• From the Ferry Port (Athinios): There are no direct public buses to Perissa. You must take the bus to Fira first, then switch to a bus bound for Perissa. This can easily take 90 minutes. I recommend booking a private transfer if you want to get straight to your hotel (especially if you have more than a single bag).

• From the Airport (JTR): Similar to the port, you must go into Fira and change buses. A taxi, Uber, or private transfer from the airport to Perissa will cost about €35 to €45.

• Rental Cars & Parking: Perissa is one of the easiest places to have a car because parking is plentiful and free. There are large public lots near the Holy Cross Church in Perissa and the water sports hub in Perivolos. Important: In summer, the beachfront road becomes pedestrian-only in the evenings. Do not park on the coastal road if you plan to stay past sunset, or your car may be stuck until late at night.

2. The Perissa to Kamari Water Taxi

The massive mountain of Mesa Vouno separates Perissa from Kamari. Since you cannot walk along the coast between them, most people think they have to drive 30+ minutes around the mountain. The better way is the scenic water taxi. It leaves from the small pier at the base of the mountain in Perissa and takes about 15 minutes to reach Kamari. It costs between €5 and €8 per person and runs roughly every 40 minutes from 10:00 to 18:00, weather permitting.

3. Hiking to Ancient Thera: A Full Day Adventure

The trailhead for one of the island’s most spectacular hikes starts at the north end of the Perissa beach road. For the best experience, turn this into a full-day trip:

• The Ascent: Start your hike early (before 09:00) to avoid the heat. It is a steep, zig-zagging 45-60 minute climb up the volcanic rock to the ruins of Ancient Thera. The view from the summit is incredible, looking down over both Perissa and Kamari.

• The Descent to Kamari: After exploring the ruins, don’t head back down the way you came. Instead, follow the trail down the other side of the mountain toward Kamari. This descent takes about 45 minutes and leads you directly to the southern end of Kamari Beach.

• The Return: Spend your afternoon exploring Kamari, have lunch at a beachfront taverna, and then take the water taxi from back to Perissa, avoiding a taxi or a long bus ride.

4. ATMs, Groceries, and Practicalities

Perissa feels more like a “real” town than the tourist-heavy caldera villages.

• Supermarkets: For cheaper supplies, head to the Big Market on the main road entering Perissa. It is significantly less expensive than the mini-markets directly on the beach.

• ATMs: You will find several near the Holy Cross Church (the large blue-domed church) and along the main beachfront road.

• Laundry: There is a very handy self-service laundry located near the Perissa bus terminal for those on longer trips.

• Sunbeds: The entire coast is organized with sunbeds. In Perissa, many tavernas offer “free” beds if you buy a drink or lunch. In Perivolos, luxury beach clubs like Seaside or Wet Stories charge a premium for cabanas and VIP service.

• Water Sports: Perivolos is the center for water sports on the island; you will find jet skis, parasailing, and windsurfing rentals here.

5. Where to Eat: My Top 4 Recommendations

While there are dozens of decent tavernas, I recommend these four:

• For the Upscale Beach Club Vibe: Seaside by Notos (Perivolos). This is one of the trendiest spots on the island. It is perfect for a high-end lunch with creative Mediterranean dishes, great cocktails, and a very stylish atmosphere right on the sand.

• For the Vibe: Tranquilo (Perissa). This is the best spot for a lazy afternoon. They have huge vegetarian-friendly salads and giant floor pillows for lounging right on the sand.

• For Classic Greek Staples: Savvas Popeye (Agios Georgios). This is a reliable, friendly spot at the southern end of the beach. It is great for traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, fresh salads, and grilled meats in a relaxed setting.

• For a Quick, Cheap Bite: Grab a €5 gyro from any of the small shops near the Perissa bus stop or the Holy Cross Church. It is the best value meal on the island and perfect for a quick lunch between beach sessions

Hotels on Map: Meltemi Village Hotel • Sellada Beach Hotel • Veggera • Aqua Blue Hotel • Anastasia Princess • Black Rose Beach Suites • Smaragdi Hotel • Istoria • Sea Breeze Beach Resort • Sea Sound White Katikies • Orabel Suites Santorini

5 Best Hotels in Perissa and Perivolos

1. Istoria Hotel – Perivolos

The most luxurious beachfront hotel (and our favorite beach choice for couples) in Santorini, Istoria boasts an infinity pool with an attached jacuzzi, a holistic spa, and friendly, attentive service. Most of their well-appointed suites have private, outdoor jacuzzis or pools. Food and drinks are incredible at their signature restaurant Mr. E and the all-day pool bar. The hotel also offers a serviced, private beach area. Well located on Perivolos Beach, just steps from great dining and beach clubs.

2. Sea Breeze Beach Resort – Exomitis, near Perivolos

Our favorite beach hotel for families. Sea Breeze sits directly on the black, volcanic sand in Exomitis, about a 20-minute walk south of Perivolos and Vlychada Beaches. In addition to a private, serviced beach, Sea Breeze has four outdoor pools (two for adults, two for children), a contemporary Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, and an indoor/outdoor wellness center. All rooms, suites, and duplexes have a hot tub, heated plunge pool, or heated swimming pool on their private balconies or terraces. Accommodations offer king or queen-sized beds, complimentary minibars (restocked daily), walk-in showers, and free water shoes (the black sand is hot, and parts of the beach are rocky). The largest rooms (the King Master Suite with Pool and the Two-Bedroom Duplex Suite with Pool) sleep up to six. Gorgeous location with clear night skies (we saw the Milky Way during our stay), but may feel a little isolated for some. Renting a car is recommended for stays here.

3. Orabel Suites – Perivolos

Adults-only boutique hotel with beautiful modern suites just five minutes from the beach. Orabel boasts two pools (the main pool and an endless current pool) with a lovely poolside bar. Suites feature sea or pool views, and all include either indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. The two-bedroom/two-bathroom Master Suite is the largest onsite and sleeps up to four.

4. Aqua Blue Hotel – Perissa

Steps from Perissa’s black sand beach, Aqua Blue offers a private beach area with bar service reserved for hotel guests. The two pools are beautiful, both surrounded by double sun loungers and one with an extra kids pool. Rooms and suites are modern and spacious. The Family Rooms (two connected Double Rooms) and Maisonettes sleep up to five. Studios and Maisonettes offer kitchenettes. Wonderful food at the restaurant and pool bar.

5. Meltemi Village Hotel – Perissa

Friendly, affordable, boutique hotel with bright, traditional-style rooms and suites. Suites feature private outdoor jacuzzis, while the villa has a full kitchen and can accommodate six guests. Mature palm trees give the large, lovely pool area a tropical feel. Their popular cocktail bar and restaurant serve casual food and drinks in a lively setting. Located in a quiet neighborhood about a five-minute walk to Perissa Beach.

More Great Perissa and Perivolos Hotels

Sellada Beach Hotel – Perissa

Set right on Perissa Beach with a well-maintained pool (that never gets too crowded) and beachfront bar service. Rooms, studios, and apartments (some split-level for up to five guests) are fresh and clean with modern bathrooms. Apartments and studios include kitchenettes.

Veggera – Perissa

Elegantly, traditionally furnished, and great for families. Suites and maisonettes sleep up to four, and apartments sleep five. Central sundeck with two adults’ pools and one kids’ pool. Located just opposite the beach (with a private area for guests) and with a good selection of shops and restaurants nearby.

Anastasia Princess Hotel – Perissa

Adults-only, all-suite resort with two pools just a two-minute walk from the beach. Suites, Apartments, and Studios all include kitchenettes and private terraces; Suites include private, outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. The fantastic pool bar serves light bites and an especially great breakfast.

Black Rose Beach Suites – Perivolos

Elegant small hotel with six spacious suites spread over eight acres of gardens, an Olympic-size pool with sea views, and a wonderful location directly across from Perissa Beach. All suites include private terraces, and all but one have private pools with built-in jacuzzis. Breakfast is included in the room rates and delivered to each suite daily. Excellent beachfront location with a private beach area.

Sea Sound White Katikies – Exomitis

Cycladic-style houses and suites with private beach access. All have kitchenettes and sea views. The villa can sleep up to eight guests. Lovely shared pool and gardens. Located in Exomitis, near Perivolos, almost in Vlychada (perhaps too isolated for some).

Atlantis Beach Villa – Perivolos

Beachfront boutique hotel with a private beach area, pool and kids’ pool, and massage services. Rooms and studios sleep up to three, all with private balconies. All studios have kitchenettes, and three studios have private, outdoor jacuzzis. A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, and the pool bar serves light bites and cocktails throughout the day. Wonderful location in Perivolos near several restaurants and beach clubs.

Smaragdi Hotel – Perivolos

The best budget hotel in Perissa/Perivolos, Smaragdi sits just a few meters from the beach (a less-than-a-minute walk). The lovely pool and hot tub are served by the all-day poolside bar, which offers cocktails and light fare. The hotel offers an huge variety of rooms and suites, all spacious, from the entry-level standard room (26 sqm) to the luxury one-bedroom Master Suite (42 sqm). Two-story maisonettes are the best family options, sleeping up to five over two floors. Suites include private indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. Great location near restaurants, bars, and a small supermarket.

Staying at Perissa and Perivolos Beaches – Things to Know

The road along the beach that includes both Perissa and Perivolos.

Typical taverna seating on the beach side.

Many restaurants straddle the road, with tables in the sand and a dining space with open facade across the road.

Perissa and Perivolos together make one long beautiful beach.

Clear delicious waters.

The sand gets too hot to walk on in the middle of the day during summer months.

Limited natural shade underneath the trees on parts of the beach.

Looking toward Perissa.

Playing in the sand.

Many beach beds for rent.

Lifeguard station.

Tavernas and restaurants line the road along the beach.

Afros Taverna has excellent food.

A typical restaurant menu.

Water sports rentals on the beach.

Santorini Dive Center

Public bus stop on Perivolos in front of Mera Beach Bar.

The road connecting town to the beach.

Public parking along the beach road.

Rentable beach bed and umbrellas on the beach.

Free public parking lot. Parking is plentiful and easy to find in Perissa.

The incredible pool at Istoria Hotel on Perivolos Beach.

Summary: Our Favorite Beach Hotels

• Perissa: Aqua Blue
• Perivolos: Istoria
• Kamari: Kastelli
• Perissa/Perivolos for Families: Sea Breeze
• Perissa/Perivolos for Couples: Istoria
• Perissa/Perivolos Midrange: Meltemi Village
• Perissa/Perivolos Cheap: Smaragdi