Perissa
Perissa is a coastal village of Santorini, located on its southeastern edge, 13 km from Fira. Some researchers believe that Perissa is located on the site of the ancient city of Eleusis, which is reported by Claudius Ptolemy the Geographer as one of the cities of Santorini. Findings proving that there was an ancient city in Perissa have been excavated since 1836. On the ruins of this ancient city was built during Byzantine times another city, which must have been very rich, as proven by the existence of ruins of a large three-aisled basilica dedicated to Saint Irene. You can find the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Irene, which the island was presumably named after, at the foot of the mountain.
The beautiful beach of Perissa is located at the base of Mesa Vouno mountain that separates Perissa from Kamari.
Mesa Vouno is nothing like the volcanic rocks we find in most of Santorini. It is one of the oldest peaks of Aegida that remained above the sea surface when the Aegean Sea was created and therefore has been standing there since before the Volcano erupted and Santorini was formed.
At the top of the mountain you can visit the famous archeological site of ancient Thira and on the slopes, built on an enormous rock, is the tiny, white washed chapel of Panagia Katefiani, from where you can enjoy a breath taking view.
Perissa beach, known forits black volcanic sand and crystal clear waters,measures about 7 km in length and is thus the largest beach of Santorini, connecting with Perivolos and Ai Giorgis. Most visitors come to Perissa to enjoy the extraordinary beach, which is fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, many nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes.
In addition, there are water sports facilities, diving centers and a beach volleyball court so that you and your family can enjoy carefree and fun times.
In the village you can find a mini market and many other shops selling clothes, souvenirs and anything else you may need. At the central square of Perissa is the church of the Holy Cross, one of the largest churches in Santorini. The original church was built between 1835 and 1840, but was destroyed by the 1956 earthquake and rebuilt.