Perivolos

Perivolos is a seaside resort on the south-eastern coast of Santorini, famous for its characteristic black volcanic sand and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. What many visitors do not know is that Perivolos is a natural continuation of Perissa Beach, so much so that it is difficult to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. The only perceptible difference is the slightly quieter and less commercial atmosphere compared to its northern ‘sister’.

The long stretch of black sand, which totals over 7 km counting the entire extension from Perissa to Perivolos, creates a spectacular contrast with the deep blue sea that has made this area one of the most photographed on the island. Unlike the more touristy resorts on the Santorini caldera, Perivolos offers a more relaxed bathing experience while retaining all the comforts and services necessary for an enjoyable holiday.

Perivolos is particularly popular with those seeking a balance between daytime relaxation and evening entertainment, with its stylish beach bars and quality restaurants that come alive at sunset with music and cocktails. The presence of young couples and families creates a lively but never overly rowdy atmosphere as in other locations on the island. Its convenient location, just 12 km from Fira and 3 km from Perissa, also makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of Santorini.

Perivolos Beach

The main beach of Perivolos stretches for about 3 km and is recognisable by its fine black sand and crystal-clear waters that have earned it the Blue Flag for environmental quality. The sea slopes gently, making it particularly suitable for families with children and those who enjoy safe swimming.

One of Santorini’s most beautiful beaches, the beach is well organised with numerous bathing establishments offering sunbeds and umbrellas (10-15€ per day per set), showers, changing rooms and Wi-Fi access. Along the shoreline, you will find several beach bars and restaurants serving local and international cuisine directly under the umbrella. Particularly charming is the seafront promenade connecting Perivolos and Perissa, ideal for a pleasant walk at sunset.

The black colour of the sand, of volcanic origin, creates a unique and striking landscape that contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sea. It is important to note that the black sand tends to heat up considerably during the hottest hours of the summer day, so it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear when walking on the beach.

During the high season (June-September), Perivolos beach comes alive with events and parties organised by the beach clubs, creating a festive but never excessive atmosphere. Live music and DJ sets are common, especially in the late afternoon, when many visitors stop for a sunset aperitif.

Water sports enthusiasts will find several entertainment options, with centres offering windsurfing, paddle boarding and jet skiing facilities. Wind conditions in the afternoon are often ideal for windsurfing, while the calm morning waters are perfect for exploring the coast with a paddle board or kayak.

Things to do and do in Perivolos

In addition to the beautiful beach, Perivolos offers numerous activities to enrich your holiday in Santorini. The beach clubs of Perivolos are renowned throughout Santorini for their elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Clubs such as Jojo Beach Bar, Wet Stories and Seaside by Notos offer a complete experience combining beach comfort, fine dining and musical entertainment. These establishments regularly host afternoon DJ sets that create a lively atmosphere without excess.

For culture lovers, a short distance from Perivolos are the ruins of Ancient Thira, a city from the Hellenistic period located on top of Mount Mesa Vouno. Accessible by car or via a hiking trail, this archaeological site offers not only interesting historical artefacts but also spectacular panoramic views of both sides of the island.

Wine enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit the local wine cellars that produce the famous Assyrtiko wine. Just a few minutes’ drive from Perivolos, several estates offer guided tours of the vineyards and tastings of their fine wines, allowing you to discover how the special volcanic soil conditions influence the unique character of Santorini’s wines.

For an unforgettable experience, consider a sunset cruise in the Santorini caldera. Several companies offer boat trips from nearby ports, allowing you to admire the spectacular volcanic cliffs, visit hot springs and enjoy Santorini’s famous sunset from a privileged perspective over the sea.

Where to stay in Perivolos

Perivolos offers a variety of accommodation for all needs and budgets, from the cheapest family pension to luxurious beach resorts.

The main area to stay is along the beachfront of Perivolos, where you will find hotels and flats with direct access to the beach. This area is ideal for those who want to wake up with a view of the sea and have all amenities at their fingertips. Seafront hotels generally offer services such as private pools, restaurants and privileged access to beach establishments.

Slightly set back from the first line, but still only a few minutes’ walk from the beach, is a quieter area with flats and small family hotels. These accommodations generally offer excellent value for money and are perfect for those seeking a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere, while retaining the convenience of easy access to the beach and restaurants.

A significant advantage of staying in Perivolos compared to other more touristy locations in Santorini, such as Oia or Fira, is the much better value for money. Hotel rates are generally 30-40% lower than those of the facilities on the caldera, while offering services of comparable quality. This difference is further accentuated during the high season (July-August), when the most popular resorts reach very high prices.

The Perivolos area is also appreciated for its relaxed and less commercial atmosphere compared to other parts of the island. Here you can enjoy a quiet holiday but still have easy access to all of Santorini’s main attractions, thanks to frequent bus connections to Fira and other localities.

Recommended hotels in Perivolos

We offer a selection of hotels at Perivolos to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Perivolos, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Perivolos

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Perivolos. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Perivolos are in high demand.