Perissa combines a stretch of black-sand coastline and water sports with the early Byzantine Basilica of Agia Irini.
Black Sand and Water Sports
Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios together form a five-kilometer stretch of black sand and beach bars. The five kilometers refers to the combined stretch of the three beaches; Perissa is one of them. Water sports are available at Perissa Beach. Water skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving are possible along the combined stretch, and diving centers operate in Perissa.
Agia Irini and the History of Santorini
Agia Irini is considered Santorini’s most significant early Byzantine monument. The basilica was probably first built in the 6th century AD, with three aisles, a wooden roof, and galleries. The island’s name is also linked to it: Agia Irini gave the island its name; Thera became Santa Irini, now Santorini. Its architecture and naming history offer different points of interest for anyone interested in historical context as well as the coast.
Santorini in the Wider Travel Context
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. The caldera was formed by a massive eruption around 1600 BC; the island group is characterized by a landscape of active volcanoes. Vlychada also has a distinctive coastal landscape: its wild, pale cliffs form a characteristic lunar landscape.
One of the hiking options on Santorini is a trail along the caldera rim from Imerovigli to Oia, offering views of the sea, the caldera, and the volcano. Other hiking trails connect Pyrgos with Profitis Ilias, Emporio, and Ancient Thera. The flight from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport takes 50 minutes; check the flight schedule and duration before your trip.
Santorini’s cultural sites also offer their own points of interest. Akrotiri preserves remarkably well-preserved Minoan frescoes and buildings that were buried beneath volcanic ash. Pyrgos was designated a protected settlement in 1995. The ecclesiastical collection in Pyrgos opened as a permanent exhibition in August 1997. On Santorini, the Ifestia Festival takes place on the third Saturday in September; it depicts the volcanic eruption with fireworks. Check the dates for the relevant year before your trip.
Regional Cuisine on Santorini
Santorini fava is a PDO product made from the cotyledons of the legume Lathyrus clymenum L., which grows exclusively in the volcanic soil of Thera. The Santorini tomato is also a PDO product and has been cultivated since the beginning of the 19th century. The white Santorini eggplant has a sweet aroma and juicy flesh that does not absorb oil when fried. Chloro is a creamy goat’s cheese made in very limited quantities on Santorini. Local chefs prepare tomato fritters called tomatokeftedes with PDO cherry tomatoes.
Discover more destinations: Kamari, Mesariá, Vothonas, Mylopotas, Ano Meria, Thira, Imerovigli, Vlychada.
For the main travel overview: Santorini.
