Kamari

Kamari is one of Santorini’s most organised and lively beach resorts, located on the south-eastern coast of the island and famous for its long volcanic black sand beach and excellent pedestrian promenade. Separated from Perissa by the majestic rocky massif of Mesa Vouno, Kamari offers a complete and well-structured holiday experience, ideal for those seeking comfort, modern amenities and a vibrant social life. Unlike the more exclusive resorts on Santorini’s caldera, Kamari maintains more affordable prices while guaranteeing high standards.

The main feature of Kamari is its long pedestrian promenade that stretches for over 5 km along the beach, lined with an uninterrupted sequence of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. This urban layout makes it particularly convenient for families and those who prefer to have everything at their fingertips. The promenade of Kamari is considered one of the most beautiful and functional in the entire Cycladic archipelago.

Kamari’s atmosphere is cosmopolitan and lively without being overly noisy, attracting a diverse international audience ranging from young couples to families with children, from groups of friends to water sports enthusiasts. The resort is particularly appreciated for the quality of its dining and evening entertainment, which is elegant and never vulgar.

Kamari Beach

The main beach of Kamari stretches for about 5 km and is recognised for its fine black sand of volcanic origin, its crystal-clear waters certified with the Blue Flag and the excellent organisation of services. The sea has a gradually sloping seabed, making it particularly safe for families with children and less experienced swimmers.

What distinguishes Kamari from the other beaches of Santorini is the impeccable organisation of the promenade. The pedestrian promenade, with elegant paving that blends harmoniously with the natural environment, offers a scenic promenade protected from vehicular traffic. All along the path are sunbeds and umbrellas from the bathing establishments, equipped with facilities such as showers, changing rooms, free Wi-Fi and refreshment points.

A distinctive feature of Kamari beach is the spectacular landscape backdrop created by the Mesa Vouno massif, which, at 400 metres high, dominates the coastline. On the top of this rock formation are the ruins of the ancient city of Thera, visible from the beach and accessible via an excursion path from the village.

The water quality is excellent, as evidenced by the Blue Flag, and the transparency of the sea allows one to appreciate the interesting volcanic seabed. It is important to note that, like all the volcanic beaches of Santorini, the black sand tends to heat up considerably during the hottest hours of the summer day, so it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear to walk on the sand.

Things to do and do in Kamari

Kamari offers a wide range of activities and attractions that make it a complete destination for any traveller visiting Santorini.

The centre of Kamari is a pretty Cycladic village characterised by its typical white houses with blue shutters, which creates a pleasant contrast with the surrounding volcanic landscape. Strolling through the narrow streets of the village, you will discover small art galleries, local handicraft boutiques and traditional cafes where you can enjoy typical Greek hospitality.

One of the main cultural attractions of Kamari is the access to Ancient Thera, the important archaeological site located on top of Mesa Vouno. An asphalt road leads from Kamari to the parking area at the ruins, making the site more easily accessible than the hiking trail from Perissa. The site contains remains from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, including a theatre, temples, private houses and an agora. The panoramic view from the summit sweeps over both sides of the island, offering a breathtaking glimpse of the Kamari and Perissa coastlines.

A particularly popular activity for families is a visit to the Aqua Park of Santorini, located a few kilometres from Kamari. The aqua park offers attractions for all ages, from children’s pools to large adrenaline slides, providing a pleasant alternative to the beach on hot days.

Boat trips also depart from the small harbour of Kamari, allowing you to explore the coast of the island from a different perspective, with stops for swimming in hidden coves and visits to the nearby volcanic islets of the Santorini caldera.

Where to stay in Kamari

Kamari is one of the areas of Santorini with the widest range of accommodation, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, all offering excellent value for money.

The most popular area is along the beachfront promenade, where hotels and resorts with direct access to the beach are concentrated. These facilities often offer panoramic swimming pools, sea-view restaurants and spa services. The convenience of having restaurants, bars and shops literally right under the hotel makes this area particularly popular with those who prefer not to move around too much during their holidays.

For those looking for cheaper but still comfortable accommodation, the streets parallel to the promenade are home to numerous flats, family pensions and small hotels. These accommodations are generally located a 5-10 minute walk from the beach and offer a more authentic experience of Greek living, often run by local families who dispense valuable advice on places to visit.

A popular feature of Kamari accommodation is the almost universal presence of swimming pools, even in the lower to mid-range establishments. This is a considerable advantage over other areas of Santorini, where swimming pools are usually only available in the more expensive hotels. Pools are particularly welcome considering that the sea water can be cool even in the middle of summer.

Recommended hotels in Kamari

We offer a selection of hotels at Kamari to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Kamari, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Kamari

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Kamari. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Kamari are in high demand.