Perissa is a seaside settlement, lying in a distance of 15km from the capital of Fira. The village is newly built, so the architecture differentiates from the other villages, which are more traditional. It is populated only during the tourist period (April to October). It offers all the necessary facilities, few good hotels, plenty of rooms to let, taverns, cafes, beach bars and night-clubs. Worth to visit is the church dedicated to the Holy Cross and the chapel of Saint Irene dating from the late 16th century. It is said that Saint Irene died here while in exile in 304 AD.
Perissa has one of Santorini’s best beaches. It is an endless dark sand beach with clear – crystal waters and the rocky bulk of Mesa Vouno, rising east of the village, offering an impressive landscape. The beach of Perissa along with Kamari are the most frequented on the island. Also it is the best protected beach from the summer Aegean winds (called "Meltemia" in Greek). Perissa lies right next to Profitis Ilias mountain, totally protected from the North. A small path crosses the mountain and leads to the ruins of Ancient Thera. Excursions can be made by foot or riding donkeys.