Greece: Perissa, a Seaside Village on the Island of Santorini (Part One)

Going to Perissa was like going home. Since it was not tourist season, mostly everything in Perissa was closed. The absence of tourists allowed us to enjoy the village as if we weren’t visitors. Even a local dog, Luna, adopted us. She followed us around and welcomed us even if we did not have treats to spare. Of course, it looked like she had her share of treats. She was very loving. 

We stayed at the Irigeneia Hotel which was located about the same distance from the beach as our house. Even though it was called a hotel and had many rooms like a hotel, it really was the home of a very sweet couple and their three year old twins. I would say it was more like a bed and breakfast, except you weren’t staying in the main house. 

Once you entered the “lobby”, you could feel the warmth of a home. It was very spacious with several sitting areas. It was decorated with pictures of people smiling in various places. I discovered later that a local photographer took these photos of Greek people he met. There were also toys neatly put away in various corners of the room. A guitar rested in another sitting area. It was clean and orderly, yet it had that lived in feeling. It felt like home. 

Kiki and her husband were very helpful with arranging a shuttle to the airport, giving us a map, bus schedule, and other recommendations. They even lent us an umbrella just in case it started to rain. The breakfast in the morning had a variety of choices: fruit, Greek yogurt 😋, 3-4 different types of bread (including croissants & tiny pain au chocolate rolls), cheeses, bacon, tiny hot dogs, delicious quiche, two types of cereal, coffee, tea, milk, and juices. I am sure I left out a couple of items. Everything was tasty. We did not start our day out hungry, that is for sure. 

I forgot to ask about the symbol and its significance. I am thinking there are waves, but I am not sure about the arched image. Is it a mermaid? Hmmm…

It is difficult to see in my photo, but the oleanders were pruned to create an archway. Also, the hibiscus (below photo) was absolutely gorgeous.

The grounds were spacious, too. Each area had a courtyard. 

If you have children, there is plenty of room for them to play. 

The stretch of beach along the Aegean Sea was made up of black lava sand. It looked so peaceful. I could hear the waves whispering to me as the dark sea water lapped gently against the shore. She was reminding me that I needed to relax and breathe in the salty air. Luckily, our room had a balcony where we could enjoy coffee or tea and take in the fresh, clean air. 

More about Perissa in my next blog. There is always so much to say when you love it! 🥰