Santorini
Perissa & Perivolos
Artem Beliaikin / Unsplash
The black sand beaches — better value, actual beach life, and a different side of Santorini.
Perissa and Perivolos on Santorini's southeastern coast offer a completely different island experience: the famous black volcanic sand beaches, budget accommodation at a fraction of caldera-view prices, beach bars, and a resort-style atmosphere. There's no caldera view from here — the island's volcanic ridge blocks it — but the beach life is genuine and the prices are significantly lower. Ancient Thera is accessible by road from here.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑The most swimable beaches on Santorini — the black sand gets hot but the water access is far better than the caldera
- ↑Best value accommodation on the island; beach-adjacent rooms at a fraction of Oia prices
- ↑Ancient Thera ruins accessible by road: genuinely remarkable Hellenistic city with almost no other tourists
What you sacrifice
- ↓No caldera view: the visual drama of Santorini is absent from this side of the island
- ↓A bus or taxi ride from Fira for most activities; the beach strip is self-contained
- ↓The black sand gets extremely hot in summer — shoes essential for beach access mid-afternoon
Best for
Avoid if
Other Santorini neighbourhoods
Santorini's capital and transport hub — more affordable than Oia, with caldera views and a real town.
The quieter caldera village between Fira and Oia — higher, calmer, and arguably the best views.
The sunset village — the most photographed caldera view on earth, and the most crowded.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Santorini →