Greece › Santorini › Perissa Hotels
Updated: September 25, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
Istoria – My favorite beach hotel in Santorini.
Staying in Perissa and Perivolos
Perissa and Perivolos form the longest beach area on Santorini, a roughly 5 km stretch of black volcanic sand continuing south toward Agios Georgios. Perissa is the northern section, closest to Mesa Vouno, with casual tavernas, shops, budget-friendly hotels, and the main bus stop. Perivolos is more spread out, with better beach clubs, restaurants, sunbeds, and water sports.
There is no obvious border between the two. The sand is generally finer and easier underfoot than the pebblier beach at Kamari, and this is my favorite part of Santorini for a beach-focused stay. The black sand gets extremely hot in summer, so bring flip-flops or water shoes for walking from your sunbed to the sea. The water gets deep fairly quickly in places, so keep young children close to shore.
The trade-off: Perissa and Perivolos are farther from Fira, Oia, and the caldera villages than Kamari. By bus, you generally travel through Fira to reach other parts of the island. Choose Perissa or Perivolos for swimming, beach time, lower hotel prices, and a more casual stay. Choose Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia if caldera-view hotels and sightseeing are the priority.
Best Hotels in Perissa and Perivolos: Quick Picks
Great pool at the Sea Breeze Beach Resort.
- Best Overall: Istoria
- Best for Families: Sea Breeze Beach Resort
- Best Adults-Only: Orabel Suites
- Best in Perissa: Aqua Blue
- Best Midrange: Meltemi Village
- Best Budget: Smaragdi
My Tips for Staying in Perissa and Perivolos
1. Perissa is more convenient; Perivolos has the better beach clubs
Perissa has more shops, casual restaurants, cheaper hotels, and the main bus stop. Perivolos is more spread out, with better beach clubs, sunbeds, and water sports. There is no obvious boundary between them, and it’s easy to walk along the beach road from one to the other. I prefer Perivolos for couples and a beach-focused holiday; Perissa is more practical for families, budget travelers, and anyone relying on buses.
2. A rental car is useful but not essential
Perissa and Perivolos are among the easiest places on Santorini to stay with a car. Parking is simpler than in Fira, Oia, or the caldera villages, and having a car is convenient for exploring the rest of the island. You don’t need one if you’re mainly here for the beach and are happy using buses for trips to Fira. From the airport or ferry port, I recommend a taxi or pre-booked transfer rather than changing buses in Fira with luggage.
My wife and I on Perissa Beach.
Perissa vs Kamari, Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Kamari: Kamari is more compact, closer to the airport and Fira, and easier without a car. Perissa and Perivolos have a longer beach, more space, and better beach clubs. For most first-time visitors who want a beach base, Kamari is more convenient. For the best beach-focused stay, I prefer Perissa and Perivolos.
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Fira: Fira is much better for buses, nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and exploring the island. Perissa and Perivolos are better for swimming and generally cheaper. Stay in Fira for sightseeing; stay here for the beach.
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Oia: Oia has luxury hotels, famous sunsets, and the classic Santorini scenery, but no beach. Perissa and Perivolos are cheaper and much better for swimming. If the caldera is the reason you’re coming to Santorini, stay in Oia. If the beach matters more, stay here.
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
My favorite beach hotel in Santorini and the best choice for couples. Istoria is directly across the beach road from Perivolos Beach, with a large pool, spa, excellent service, and a reserved beach area for guests. Most suites have a private outdoor hot tub or pool. Mr. E restaurant is one of the better hotel restaurants on this side of the island, and several of Perivolos’ best restaurants and beach clubs are within an easy walk.2. Sea Breeze Beach Resort – Exomitis
My favorite beach resort for families. Sea Breeze is in quiet Exomitis at the southern end of Santorini’s long black-sand coast, well beyond the busiest part of Perivolos. It has a serviced beach, four resort pools, restaurants and bars, a spa, and 37 rooms and suites. The sand and ocean swimming are decent but far from idyllic. The pool is great. Every room has either a private heated pool with hydromassage or an outdoor hot tub. The largest two-bedroom duplex suites sleep six. The isolation that makes the setting special also means I strongly recommend renting a car.3. Orabel Suites – Perivolos
Small adults-only hotel near Perivolos Beach with just 11 suites, a pool, and a bar. Every suite has a private outdoor Jacuzzi. Most are designed for couples; the large Master Suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and sleeps up to four. One of the best choices in the area for couples who want a quiet hotel without paying Istoria prices.4. Aqua Blue Hotel – Perissa
Large beachfront hotel and one of the best choices in Perissa for families. Aqua Blue has three outdoor pools, including a children’s pool, plus a reserved beach area with sunbeds and umbrellas. Family Rooms and split-level Maisonettes sleep up to four, and several room categories have kitchenettes. The location is excellent, with restaurants and shops close by and the beach directly across the road.5. Meltemi Village Hotel – Perissa
Good midrange hotel with Cycladic-style rooms and studios, a large palm-lined pool, pool bar, and gym. It’s close to the restaurants and shops of Perissa and only a short walk from the beach. A good choice if you want a pool and convenient location without paying beachfront prices.More Great Perissa and Perivolos Hotels
Sellada Beach Hotel – Perissa
Right on the Perissa beachfront with a pool, restaurant, and bar. Rooms, studios, and apartments are simple and well kept; studios and apartments have kitchenettes. A good pick for families and longer stays when being directly on the beach matters more than luxury.Veggera – Perissa
Good family hotel directly across the road from the beach, with two main pools, a children’s pool, and a beach area for guests. Larger room categories work well for families, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops within a short walk.Anastasia Princess Hotel – Perissa
Adults-only hotel a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, with two pools and suites, apartments, and studios. Many rooms have kitchenettes, and some suites add private outdoor hot tubs or plunge pools. Breakfast and the pool bar are both very good.
Black Rose Beach Suites – Perivolos
Small luxury hotel set in large gardens just across from Perivolos Beach. There are only seven suites, six with private pools or Jacuzzis, plus a large shared pool. Guests also get reserved sunbeds on the beach. Breakfast is served at your suite. Quiet, spacious, and especially good for couples who want more privacy than a typical beachfront hotel.
Sea Sound White Katikies – Exomitis
Cycladic-style houses and suites with a pool, gardens, and direct beach access in quiet Exomitis. Accommodations have kitchenettes and sea views, and the largest villa sleeps up to eight. You’ll want a car here; the isolation is part of the appeal.
Atlantis Beach Villa – Perivolos
Beachfront hotel with a pool, children’s pool, and beach area for guests. Rooms and studios have private balconies, and studios include kitchenettes. The location is the main draw: right in Perivolos with restaurants and beach clubs close by.Smaragdi Hotel – Perivolos
My favorite budget hotel in Perissa and Perivolos. Smaragdi is just off the beach, with a good pool, hot tub, and pool bar. Rooms and suites are simple but comfortable, and the location is excellent for the price, with restaurants, bars, and a small supermarket nearby.Staying at Perissa and Perivolos Beaches: Things to Know
The beach road runs along both Perissa and Perivolos, with hotels and restaurants on the inland side and the beach directly across the road.
Many restaurants have dining areas on both sides of the beach road, including tables directly beside the sand.
Perissa and Perivolos join to form Santorini’s longest continuous beach area.
The black sand gets extremely hot in summer. Boardwalks help, but bring sandals or water shoes.
Natural shade is limited. Most visitors use the sunbeds and umbrellas run by hotels, tavernas, and beach clubs.
Perivolos has a good selection of water sports.
Santorini Dive Center in Perissa.
Bus stop on the beach road in Perivolos.
Public parking is much easier to find here than in Santorini’s caldera towns, though the busiest beachfront areas fill up in summer.
The pool at Istoria Hotel on Perivolos Beach.
About Santorini Dave