Perivolos Beach

Perivolos is where Santorini does the beach club day properly. It is the southern continuation of the long black sand that starts at Perissa, but the mood shifts as you walk down the shore. The relaxed tavernas give way to a run of polished clubs with crisp day beds, attentive service and a soundtrack that builds through the afternoon. If your idea of a perfect day is a lounger, a cold cocktail and a DJ, this is the right beach.

We will be honest about what that means. Almost the entire front is organised, so there is little of the wild, free, lay your towel anywhere feeling here. You come for the scene, and the scene is well run, with names such as SeaSide by Notos, JoJo Beach Bar and Wet Stories anchoring the strip. Exactly which clubs are open, the music nights and any minimum spend shift from season to season, so we mark those details as to be confirmed and suggest checking before you commit.

The sand and sea match Perissa next door. The volcanic surface is striking and gets hot at midday, the water is clear, and the seabed drops quickly into proper swimming depth, so it suits confident swimmers more than paddling toddlers. Between dips the clubs keep you fed and shaded, which is the whole appeal of paying for a day bed on a hot island.

Who it suits: couples and groups who want a stylish club day, sunset cocktails by the water and an easy walk back to Perissa for dinner.

Who should skip it: anyone seeking a quiet natural beach should try Vlychada, and families with small children wanting shallow calm water are better served at Monolithos.