Black-sand beaches may not photograph well, but they do make for excellent swimming, with crystal-clear water unclouded by fine sands, and Perivolos Beach is no exception. Popular water sports on Perivolos Beach include windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and Jet Ski, not to mention Europe’s favorite: beach volleyball. Safe and well-organized, there are lifeguards, showers, and bathrooms, as well as a range of food and drink options, from funky pool bars to more traditional tavernas.
*The black sand soaks up the sun’s heat, particularly at midday. Wear beach shoes and rent a sun lounger rather than placing your towel directly on the sand. *Most kids will enjoy Perivolos Beach. While the promenade is stroller-friendly, back carriers are a better choice for a family Santorini vacation. *Unlike Fira and Oia, the resort areas at Perivolos and Perissa are flat, and some hotels have accessible rooms and bathrooms. Santorini remains an extremely challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs.
Perivolos Beach sits between Perissa Beach and Agios Georgios Beach on Santorini’s southeast coast, about an 8-mile (13-kilometer) drive from the airport: Together, the three beaches form a 2-mile (3-kilometer) strip of black sand. Public buses from Fira stop at Perissa, not Perivolos, and parking on Santorini is near impossible during high season, so, unless you’re staying in the area, an island tour is the way to go.
Santorini can get extremely crowded during the summer peak in July and August. September and October are great times to enjoy the beaches, when the water is still warm but the crowds have dispersed a little; May and June can also be very pleasant.
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