Beach · Volcanic black-sand beach

Perissa Beach

Updated 2026Checked on footAlong the seafront at the foot of Mesa Vouno

Perissa Beach is the northern end of a continuous ~7 km sweep of black volcanic sand — Santorini's longest beach — running south from the great rock of Mesa Vouno through Perivolos, beneath a line of tavernas, beach bars and sunbeds.

The black volcanic sand of Perissa Beach lined with straw umbrellas below the Mesa Vouno rock and a blue-domed church — Perissa Beach · Volcanic black-sand beach

Period

Volcanic black-sand beach

Location

In the village — the beach is Perissa's seafront

Entry

Free (public beach); charges apply for sunbeds and umbrellas

Hours

Open access; beach bars and sunbed hire mainly May–October

Time Needed

A half or full day

Rating

4.4★ · 4,348 reviews

Hours and prices last checked 2026 — they change, so confirm on the day.

History

How it came to be

The dark sand and pebbles are the legacy of Santorini's volcanic past, the same eruptions that shaped the caldera and buried Akrotiri. The beach sits directly below the ridge of Mesa Vouno, on which the Greco-Roman city of Ancient Thera once stood.

What You’ll See

On a visit

The black sand and clear water, rows of straw umbrellas and loungers, watersports at the southern end, and the sheer face of Mesa Vouno closing off the northern edge of the bay. Note the volcanic sand turns scorching hot underfoot by midday — bring sandals or water shoes.

How to Visit

Flat and walkable throughout the village; KTEL buses run from Fira, and there is parking behind the beach road. The sand gets very hot underfoot in summer, so bring sandals.

Best Time

Morning for the calmest sea, late afternoon as the heat eases

Gallery

Getting There

Location

In the village — the beach is Perissa's seafront · Along the seafront at the foot of Mesa Vouno

Directions

Open in Google Maps

Good to Know

The sand is dark grey to black because it is volcanic — ground-down lava and basalt from Santorini's eruptions, rather than pale shell and coral sand.

Yes, the beach itself is a free public beach. You only pay if you rent a sunbed and umbrella or order from one of the beach bars.

Nearby Landmarks

All 6 landmarks →

Whitewashed church with blue domes

Church of the Holy Cross

The Church of the Holy Cross is the largest church on Santorini — a big whitewashed, four-blue-domed church that marks the entrance to Perissa, with a tall arcaded bell tower that rises above the village.

Rock chapel set into Mesa Vouno

Panagia Katefiani

Panagia Katefiani is a tiny whitewashed chapel built into a hollow in the sheer rock face of Mesa Vouno, high above Perissa with a sweeping view over the village and the sea. Built between 1537 and 1650, its name comes from the word katefygio, meaning a place of refuge — villagers hid up here from pirate raids, and its lofty perch helped it survive. A small cave with a spring, said to have healing waters, lies behind the sanctuary.

Greco-Roman city (Dorian, Hellenistic & Roman)

Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is the ruined Greco-Roman city that crowns the long ridge of Mesa Vouno, its terraces, streets and temple foundations strung out high above Perissa and Kamari with the Aegean on both sides.