Perissa Holidays

Perissa delivers a whopping dose of laid-back seaside charm, famous for its chilled beach bars, and excellent swimming conditions. It's a 10/10 choice for those who appreciate natural wonders, love an active beach strip, and want a proper, swanky base away from the cliff-edge crowds

Why do people love going on holidays to Perissa?

• Volcanic Black Sand: The signature feature is the long, dark, unique sand that absorbs the sun's heat—a gorge natural spectacle that sets the atmosphere for the whole resort.

• Lively Beach Strip: The entire promenade is lined with beach bars, cafes, and restaurants, offering sun loungers and umbrella service right onto the volcanic sand.

• Mesa Vouno Mountain: The dramatic, towering cliff face separates Perissa from Perivolos and provides a stunning, natural backdrop and the perfect photo opp.

• Excellent Value: Compared to the famous villages on the Caldera (like Oia and Fira), Perissa offers much better value for money in accommodation and fancy dining—a huge plus for your pockets!

What is the best time to visit Perissa?

Pinpointing the ideal moment for your Perissa holiday means aligning the brilliant weather with your desired holiday speed. Santorini's sun is reliable, so the choice is between the most intense heat for guaranteed sea time, or the shoulder-season periods that are spot-on for exploring the ancient mountain routes and enjoying the coastal tranquility.

Spring

• Weather Vibe: The air is warming up steadily, offering pleasant temperatures around 18–22°C; the sun is mega, and the famous Cycladic light is crystal clear, making it the one for comfortable treks.

• Holiday Vibe: The resort is quietly prepping for the high season; the atmosphere is calm, the flowers are emerging, and you can enjoy the posh beach clubs and tavernas with a wonderfully peaceful, pre-season vibe.

• Jolly Focus: Renting a bicycle or scooter to explore the quiet backroads of the island, discovering the traditional cave houses and vineyards near the villages of Emporio and Megalochori.

• Foodie Focus: Seeking out a cute, traditional bakaliko (grocery store) in a nearby village to sample authentic cheeses and wines, who doesn't love a cheese board?

Summer

• Weather Vibe: The full Cycladic furnace is switched on! Expect baking intensity, with the heat routinely topping 30°C; the Aegean is beaut, and the midday sun is utterly dazzling (Remember your sunnies).

• Holiday Vibe: The beach is at its peak; every spot is buzzing with energy, with music and high-end chatter filling the air—a proper vibrant, magnetic scene.

• Jolly Focus: Spending the day relaxing on the black sand, followed by a lively evening out at the beach bars that transform into booming nightspots once the sun goes down.

• Foodie Focus: Ordering a whopper platter of ultra-fresh, raw seafood (like ceviche or tartare) at a seaside restaurant, paired perfectly with a cold glass of crisp Greek white wine.

Autumn

• Weather Vibe: The intense summer heat eases off gently, maintaining a warm 22–26°C range; crucially, the Aegean Sea stays lovely and warm, making it 10/10 for long swimming sessions right up until November.

• Holiday Vibe: A golden, sophisticated quiet descends. The crowds have thinned out, transforming the area into an exclusive, boujee haven ideal for couples enjoying leisurely dinners and undisturbed bay views.

• Jolly Focus: Taking a chilled day trip over to Oia, enjoying the iconic views and sunsets without the congestion.

• Foodie Focus: Visiting a traditional inland farm or vineyard for a top-tier tasting of local organic produce and unique Greek wines, far from the coastal buzz.

Winter

• Weather Vibe: Temperatures drop, becoming cooler and generally quiet, with daily high temperatures hovering around 13–16°C; you'll definitely need a warm coat, but the clear days are often bright and surprisingly sunny.

• Holiday Vibe: The tourist facade disappears completely; the area settles into a genuine, working Cycladic community feel, offering an unadulterated glimpse into everyday island life without the resort buzz.

• Jolly Focus: Exploring the quieter, mountainous interior of the island by car or foot, discovering the hidden historic monasteries and secluded viewpoints.

• Foodie Focus: Finding a cosy, intimate tavern to try a slow-cooked, authentic Cycladic speciality like lamb with herbs for a hearty, warming whopper meal to properly fuel up.

What are the best beaches/coves to visit on your Perissa holidays?

The coastline around Perissa is defined by its unique volcanic geology and clear water. Your holidays here are perfectly placed to discover stunning black sand beaches, and the long, open bay is top-drawer for relaxation and water activities.

• Perissa Beach: The resort's main, famous whopper beach of black sand, offering calm, clear water and famously gentle waves—a mahoosive bonus for swimming and easy access to the resort strip.

• Perivolos Beach: A seamless continuation of the black sand south of Perissa, known for its wider stretch and more upscale, swanky beach clubs and bars.

• Vlychada Beach: A short drive away, this beaut beach is famous for its towering, sculpted white volcanic cliffs that look like a moonscape—a truly unique, dramatic setting.

• Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia): Located on the southwest coast, this famous cove features towering red and black cliffs and deep red sand—a short boat ride away and the profile picture potential is oozing

Things to do on your Perissa holidays?

Well, you've clocked the sunsets, now let's talk action: Your Perissa holidays hold the best opportunity to properly get stuck into the island's culture, charming history, and aquatic quests: Get exploring!

• Hike Mesa Vouno: Tackle the path up the enormous cliff face to visit the ruins of Ancient Thera—a mahoosive hike rewarded with stunning panoramic views across the entire island.

• Visit Ancient Thera: Explore the sprawling ruins of the ancient city (founded in the 9th century BC) located high up on the Mesa Vouno mountain, offering a mental look into Santorini's history.

• Take a Boat Trip: Hop on a small ferry from the jetty to explore the nearby beaches, including the famous Red Beach and White Beach, accessible only by sea

• Learn to Dive: The Aegean water here is incredibly clear, and local dive centres offer trips to explore wrecks or underwater rock formations off the volcanic coast.

• Explore the Black Sand: Spend the day relaxing on the dark, warm volcanic sand, enjoying the atmosphere and the cooling effect of the magic Aegean water.

• Wine Tasting in Pyrgos: Take a short trip to the nearby, beautiful village of Pyrgos for some sought after tasting of Santorini’s famous dry white wines and the unique sweet Vinsanto, pairing them with delish local dishes.