Welcome to Perissa & Perivolos - Agios Georgios |
| Perissa is a seaside village on the
south east coast of Santorini with several kilometers of black
sand beach. Towering over the beach on the north side is the
mountain of Mesa Vouno, site of Ancient Thira. Perissa connects
with Perivolos, and the collective area is longest stretch of
beach on the island. Both beaches are organized. Perivolos in
particular is a more up-market clubbing scene, an extension
of Santorini’s nightlife by day. |
| Church of Timiou Stavrou |
| One of the largest churches on the
island, Timiou Stavrou can be found in Perissa square. The original
church, built during the period 1835 up till 1840, was destroyed
by the 1956 earthquake and was later rebuilt. |
| Photo : Klearchos Kapoutsis |
| Early Christianity : The Basilica
of Agia Irini (Saint Irene) |
At the base of the mountain of
Mesa Vouno, one can find the ruins of the Basilica of Agia
Irini. The building dates back to the 5th century, while evidence
of a second construction period during the second half of
the 6th century was discovered in 1992. The completion of
the excavation of the site, whose floor reaches to a depth
of two meters, will take several more years.
For many years it was thought that Santorini
was given its name by the Venetians in the 13th century.
Nowadays there is strong evidence that the Basilica of Agia
Irini gave Santorini its name.
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| Photo : Klearchos Kapoutsis |
| Panagia Katefiani |
| Two hundred meters up on the slopes
of Mesa Vouno is the tiny chapel of the Genethlion of Theotokou
otherwise known as Panagia Katefiani. The name Katefiani comes
from the word 'katefio' = refuge or hideaway. The local inhabitants
use to go there for protection in times of hostile attacks.
Many took refuge there during the 'Time of Evil', the volcanic
eruption of the Kolumbo submarine crater in 1650. |
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Archaeological Discoveries : |
| There is a theory that Perissa stands on
the site on the ancient city of Elevsina, referred to
by Ptolelmaios, geographer, mathematician and astronomer
of the 2nd Century AC, as one of the cities of Santorini.
The port of Ancient Elevsina is thought to be near to
the Akrotiri of Exomiti. Findings proving Perissa at one
time was an ancient city were discovered in 1836. During
the Byzantine years, a second city of considerable riches
was built over the original one. It is estimated that
the city fell into a decline during the reign of the Emperor
Leontas the 3rd of Isavrou.
Perissa is home to the Museum of Fossils & Minerals. |
| Fira town : 13 kilometers |
| Restaurants, taverns, supermarkets, cafes,
beach bars, summer 'happenings', beach volleyball, water
sports, Perissa camping site |
| You can catch the bus from Fira, just below
the main square. Return buses leaving from Perissa and
Perivolos have pick up points on corners of side roads
that run vertically to the beach area. They circle around
Perissa square and take the return route back to Fira. |
| Blue Flag Award |
|
Perissa Beach has received the exclusive eco-label BLUE FLAG AWARD. |
| Photo : Klearchos Kapoutsis |
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