About 15 km from the village of Fira on the southeastern end of Santorini, Greece is the 7 km-long Perissa Beach, one of the most beautiful on this side of Santorini. Like most Santorini beaches, it is covered by black volcanic sand created by millennia of wave action against the dark volcanic rocks that shadow the beach.

The sand gets very hot during the day, but it keeps the waters of the Aegean Sea crystal clear – great for swimming and snorkeling.

The beach is dominated by the looming, almost vertical slopes of Mesa Vouno.

The mountain is great for exploring since it is home to the ruins of the ancient town of Thira.

There is a narrow path you can hike or ride along on a donkey. Perissa is also known as a party beach that is popular with backpackers.

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