As one of Greece’s most-visited islands, many travelers associate Santorini with its beautiful blue-domed churches, white-washed villages, and stunning sunsets. Most first-time tourists find themselves exploring popular tourist hubs like Oia and Fira. While these areas are certainly beautiful and postcard-worthy, they’re often overcrowded with tourists looking to capture the perfect photoshoots.
On my recent visit to Santorini, I visited a lesser-known spot on the southeastern end of the island: Perissa Beach. This volcanic black sand beach has a quieter, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect if you want an escape from the hectic city streets of Fira.
Santorini’s underrated beach
Located just a short taxi ride away from the cruise port lies Perissa Beach, an area with black sand that resulted from the island’s volcanic activity. A quick Google search for things to do in Santorini will tell you to head to check out all the popular tourist sites, such as the scenic hike from Fira to Oia and the Castle of Oia. Yet not enough people are talking about this quiet and relaxing beach. Perissa neighbors another beach, Perivolos, which collectively spans over 4 miles.
The beach is free to access, perfect for enjoying a relaxing, peaceful day away from crowded, narrow streets that can leave you feeling claustrophobic. Sun loungers and umbrellas that line the beach are available for rent, too, so you can truly make a whole day out of a visit to this volcanic beach.
As an East Coast native with access to some of the best beaches right at home, it takes a lot to impress me. I wouldn’t even consider myself a true “beach” person, yet my time spent here stood out as one of the best parts of my visit to Santorini. The sand here isn’t like the normal sand you’d see on a beach in the U.S. Instead, it has more of a pebble-like consistency (and it looks super cool).
Tips for visiting Perissa Beach
A day trip to Perissa Beach is pretty easy to navigate for first-timers. I recommend bringing water shoes when visiting this beach, as the pebbles in the sand can get hot and sharp.
Where to eat
There are dozens of restaurants along the beach area that offer both indoor and outdoor seating. This area can get pretty windy at times, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on eating outdoors. The “Greek beach” atmosphere includes lots of Greek restaurants to choose from — and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. I chose to eat at A for Akteon to try the viral fried feta cheese with honey (and it was so delicious). I really like that you can just grab food & drinks just steps away from the beach (without having to move all of your stuff to get lunch or snacks).
When to visit
If you’re visiting Santorini during the warmer months in high season (July and August), you can expect it to be pretty hot and slightly busier at this beach. Visiting April through June & September through October is ideal for the weather and minimal crowds. November through April can get too cold for swimming, but still a great time to walk the beach area and dine at some of the restaurants along the strip. Head to the beach earlier during busier times of the year for a quieter atmosphere or later for a more lively vibe.
How to get there
From the Fira area, the easiest way to access the beach is by taking a taxi or Uber (20-25 minutes) or by driving, if you have a rental car.
Don’t skip Santorini’s beaches
All in all, Santorini will always remain best known for its blue-domed churches. If you’re a big beach-goer (and have never seen a volcanic beach before), you may just find this hidden gem more enjoyable for your trip to Santorini.
