Greece › Santorini › Perissa Hotels
Updated: April 27, 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 that continues south toward Agios Georgios. Perissa is the northern section, closest to Mesa Vouno mountain, with a casual village feel, affordable tavernas, beach bars, and a dive center. Perivolos, farther south, is a little more spread out and beach-club focused, with more stylish restaurants, sunbeds, and water sports.
The two beaches flow into each other with no obvious border, so most visitors experience them as one long beach area. The sand here is generally finer and easier underfoot than the pebblier beach at Kamari, making Perissa and Perivolos better for long beach days, swimming, and walking along the water. 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 can also get deep quickly, so families with young children should stay close to the shoreline.
The trade-off: Perissa and Perivolos are farther from Fira, Oia, and the caldera-view villages than Kamari is. By bus, you need to go through Fira to reach most other parts of the island (the main exception is Pyrgos, which is served by the Perissa–Fira bus route). Choose Perissa if you want a relaxed beach holiday, better hotel value, and long days by the sea. Choose Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia if caldera views hotels and easy sightseeing matter more than the beach.
My Top Tips for Perissa and Perivolos
1. Arrival logistics are easier by transfer or taxi
Perissa and Perivolos are not difficult places to stay, but they are not the easiest places to reach by public bus when you first arrive. From both the ferry port and the airport, buses require a change in Fira. That is manageable if you are traveling light, but it can be slow and awkward with luggage, especially in summer. For arrival day, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is worth it. Once you are settled, the bus works fine for trips into Fira and other parts of the island.
If you plan to rent a car, Perissa and Perivolos are among the easiest places on Santorini to have one. Parking is far simpler here than in Fira, Oia, or the caldera villages. Just be careful with beachfront parking in summer, when parts of the coastal road become pedestrian-only in the evening.
2. Use the water taxi to visit Kamari
Mesa Vouno mountain separates Perissa from Kamari, so the two beaches look close on a map but are not walkable along the coast. Driving or taking the bus between them requires going around the mountain. The more enjoyable option is the seasonal water taxi from the small pier at the north end of Perissa Beach to Kamari. It is quick, scenic, and one of the easiest ways to compare Santorini’s two main beach resorts in the same day.
3. Hike to Ancient Thera early
One of the best things to do from Perissa is the hike up to Ancient Thera, the ruins on the ridge above the beach. Start early, before the heat builds. The climb is steep but rewarding, with great views down over both Perissa and Kamari. A good plan is to hike up from Perissa, explore the ruins, descend toward Kamari, have lunch on the beach, then return to Perissa by water taxi.
4. Perissa is practical; Perivolos is more beach-club focused
Perissa has more of the everyday essentials: casual tavernas, small shops, budget-friendly hotels, and easy access to the bus stop. Perivolos feels more spread out and a little more polished, with stylish beach clubs, better sunbed setups, and most of the area’s water sports. For cheaper supplies, use the supermarkets on the main road rather than the mini-markets directly on the beach.
Sunbeds line most of the coast. In Perissa, many tavernas offer sunbeds if you order food or drinks. In Perivolos, expect more paid loungers, cabanas, and beach-club service, especially at the more fashionable spots.
5. Where to eat
There are many casual tavernas and beach restaurants along the coast, but a few places stand out. Seaside by Notos in Perivolos is the best choice for a stylish beach-club lunch or dinner. Tranquilo in Perissa is great for a relaxed, bohemian beach hangout and vegetarian-friendly food. Savvas Popeye in Agios Georgios is a good option for classic Greek dishes in a more traditional setting. For a quick cheap meal, the gyro shops near the Perissa bus stop and Holy Cross Church are usually the best value.
Perissa vs Kamari, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Kamari: Kamari is more compact, a little more polished, and closer to the airport and Fira. Perissa and Perivolos have a longer, wider beach, and a more relaxed feel. Kamari is the easier beach base for first-time visitors without a car; Perissa/Perivolos is better if you want more space, beach clubs, and a slower holiday rhythm.
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Fira: Fira is the best base for buses, nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and caldera views. Perissa and Perivolos are better for beach time, swimming, beach bars, and lower hotel prices. Stay in Fira if you want to explore the island easily; stay in Perissa/Perivolos if you want a simpler beach vacation and are happy to use buses, taxis, or a rental car for sightseeing.
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Firostefani: Firostefani is a calm caldera village within walking distance of Fira, with great views and a quieter feel than the island’s main town. Perissa and Perivolos are far from the caldera but better if you want a beach on your doorstep. Firostefani is the better compromise for sightseeing and views; Perissa is better for swimming, sand, and a laid-back resort feel.
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Imerovigli: Imerovigli is quieter, more romantic, and has some of Santorini’s best caldera views, but (like all the caldera towns) it has no beach and is much more expensive. Perissa and Perivolos are more casual, more affordable, and better for long days by the sea. Choose Imerovigli for views and honeymoon atmosphere; choose Perissa for beach life and better value.
- Perissa/Perivolos vs Oia: Oia is prettier, more romantic, and famous for sunsets, luxury hotels, and postcard views. Perissa and Perivolos are more relaxed, less expensive, and far better for beach days. Stay in Oia if this is a once-in-a-lifetime caldera trip and views matter most; stay in Perissa/Perivolos if you want a more affordable Santorini stay beside the island’s best long beach.
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.
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