Updated: December 17, 2025 • Greece › Santorini › Perissa Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Istoria – The best beach hotel in Santorini.
Staying in Perissa and Perivolos
Perissa and Perivolos form the longest stretch of beach on Santorini. It’s essentially one continuous 5 km coastline of black volcanic sand. The northern end (closest to the mountain) is Perissa, which has a casual, backpacker 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. The vibe also shifts as you move south: Perissa is laid-back and budget-friendly, while Perivolos and Agios Georgios are home to the island’s trendiest beach clubs (like Seaside and Wet Stories) and high-end dining.
The main trade-off is location. This area is further from Fira and Oia than Kamari is. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes by bus or taxi to reach Fira, and 45+ minutes to reach Oia. Choose this area if you prioritize a better beach and a cool day-club scene over quick access to the caldera towns.
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.Perissa and Perivolos Beaches Information
- Location: These two beaches form a continuous stretch of black sand on the southeast coast. Perissa is the northern end (closest to the mountain), and Perivolos is the southern end. They are approximately 12 km from Fira (20-25 minutes), 13 km from the airport (25 minutes), and 24 km from Oia (45+ minutes).
- Parking: There is a large free public parking lot in Perivolos (near the wet/dry sports area). In Perissa, there is a large free lot as you enter the town on the main road, near the Holy Cross Church. Important: In the summer evenings, the main coastal road often becomes a pedestrian-only zone, so do not park on the street if you plan to leave after sunset, or you might get stuck.
- Bus: Both beaches are served by the Fira-Perissa bus route. Buses run frequently (every 20 minutes in high season). The Perissa terminal is at the north end near the mountain. Perivolos has stops along the main road that runs parallel to the beach (about 200m inland). In July and August, “night buses” run until after midnight.
- Dining Style: Perissa is generally more casual and family-friendly with traditional tavernas. Perivolos is trendier with upscale beach clubs and modern cuisine.
- Best Restaurants: For a relaxed beach vibe and huge vegetarian-friendly portions, go to Tranquilo (Perissa). For excellent fresh fish and seafood, Fratzeskos (Perissa) is a classic. For upscale beachfront dining and cocktails, 41 Forty One (Perivolos) is superb. Savvas Popeye and Afros are reliable choices for Greek staples.
- Beach Amenities: The entire coast is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. In Perissa, many tavernas offer free beds if you buy lunch or drinks. In Perivolos, the 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’ll find jet skis, parasailing, windsurfing, and dive centers located here. The water gets deep relatively quickly compared to other Greek beaches.
- Shopping: The main road in Perissa has plenty of mini-markets, bakeries, and souvenir shops. For clothing and jewelry, check out Riga Clothes and Accessories, Meltemi Gold and Silver, and Studio Leather Zafiropoulos.
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.
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
About Santorini Dave