Perissa
South Aegean, Greece — Excellent water quality
Located 6.0 km from Thira Municipal Unit along the coast road, Perissa is a beach in South Aegean, Greece. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The award is renewed annually by…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Perissa
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Perissa?
Located 6.0 km from Thira Municipal Unit along the coast road, Perissa is a beach in South Aegean, Greece. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The award is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The beach operates throughout its designated season. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. Potable drinking water is available on-site.
April, May, and June offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months. Plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in South Aegean, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Perissa faces E toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Perissa is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.5°C in July.
How crowded does Perissa get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Perissa sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Perissa open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Perissa
Is Perissa safe to swim?Perissa is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Perissa?Peak water temperature at Perissa reaches around <span class="inline-stat">23.5°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.5°C.
What is the beach like at Perissa?Perissa on the South Aegean coast of Greece. The beach operates throughout its designated season. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. Potable drinking water is available on-site.
Does Perissa have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Perissa meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Perissa sits on the Aegean Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Perissa
How do I get to Perissa by car?Perissa is approximately 6.0 km from Thira Municipal Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Perissa?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 114.7 km away.
Can I get to Perissa by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Thira Municipal Unit.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.3455°N, 25.4644°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Perissa FAQ
Is Perissa suitable for children?
Perissa is a Blue Flag certified beach in South Aegean, Greece. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Perissa free to access?
Yes, access to Perissa is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Perissa?
The best time to visit Perissa is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 23.5°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 26.5°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Perissa?
Perissa is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Perissa?
Perissa is located in South Aegean, Greece. It is approximately 6.0 km from Thira Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 114.7 km away. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
More Blue Flag Beaches in Greece
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
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