By Wendy Byard
Travel Advisor for solo women travellers
A Gentle Santorini Beach Stay
The softer, calmer side of the island.
Santorini doesn’t always have to mean steep steps, crowds, or busy sunsets. Staying in Perissa offers a softer, calmer side of the island — one where days feel unhurried and the sea is always close by.
Why this feels like a Gentle Escape
This is Santorini at a pace that feels manageable. Perissa is flatter, easier to walk around, and far less busy than the famous cliff-top towns. It’s ideal if you want sunshine, sea air, and gentle days without feeling overwhelmed.
Everything you need is close at hand, and there’s no pressure to be constantly on the go.
What your days might feel like
Mornings might begin with breakfast outdoors, followed by a slow stroll to the beach. Perissa’s black sand shoreline is long and spacious, with plenty of room to sit, read, or simply watch the waves. You can swim, linger over lunch at a beachfront taverna, or head back for a rest without feeling you’re missing out.
If you feel like exploring, local buses make it easy to visit other parts of Santorini — or you can stay put and enjoy the reassuring rhythm of familiar surroundings.
Evenings are gentle and sociable. Restaurants are welcoming, dining alone never feels awkward, and there’s a calm, lived-in feel to the village as the day cools.
Some highlights along the way include:
500m from the beach
600m from Perissa resort centre.
Approximate transfer time to resort 1 hour 10 minutes
Outdoor pool (freshwater)
Pool facilities include whirlpool
Peaceful and relaxing setting
Great pool area
Comfortable rooms
Small and Welcoming
Friendly and welcoming atmosphere
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
The Artemis Perissa is a small, friendly hotel with a relaxed atmosphere and a genuinely welcoming feel. It’s close to the beach and village life, making it easy to come and go at your own rhythm. Staff are used to solo travellers and couples alike, and the hotel feels comfortable rather than formal — the sort of place where you can quietly settle in.
A few reassuring details
Flights, transfers, and support are all taken care of, so the journey feels straightforward from start to finish.
The area is safe, well-lit, and easy to navigate. You can be as independent or as restful as you like — both feel equally natural here.
Final Thoughts
This is a lovely way to enjoy Santorini without the intensity — sunshine, sea, and space to breathe. A quietly confidence-building escape where you can go gently, feel comfortable, and let the days unfold just as they please