Santorini's most organised beach resort -- Kamari has a long promenade of restaurants and bars, a Blue Flag pebble-and-sand shoreline, and one of the only open-air cinemas in the Cyclades, all tucked beneath the dramatic cliff of Mesa Vouno.
In this guide
Kamari is on Santorini's east coast, directly across Mesa Vouno from Perissa. Where Perissa has a younger, backpacker-friendly vibe, Kamari is slightly more polished -- a proper resort strip with hotels, shops, and a wide pedestrianised promenade along the seafront. It's one of the most popular beach destinations on the island, especially for families and couples who want beach access without the isolation of the south coast.
The beach itself is a mix of black sand and volcanic pebbles (the ratio varies along its length), with clear water and a gentle entry that's good for swimming. The Mesa Vouno rock face towers over the northern end, giving the beach a dramatic backdrop you won't find at any Mediterranean resort.
How Do You Get to Kamari?
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By bus | KTEL Santorini buses from Fira run frequently in summer. About 15-20 minutes, 2.50 EUR. The bus station is at the entrance to Kamari village on the main road. |
| By car or ATV | About 10 km from Fira, 15 minutes' drive. Parking is available on the streets behind the promenade, though it fills up in summer. |
| By taxi | Around 15-20 EUR from Fira. |
Kamari is also connected to Perissa by a small seasonal boat service that goes around the headland of Mesa Vouno (about 10 minutes). The road connecting the two beaches via Fira is 20+ km, so the boat saves significant time.
What Is the Beach Like?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Beach type | Dark volcanic pebbles and black sand (mixed) |
| Length | About 2.5 km |
| Water | Blue Flag certified. Clear, calm in most conditions. |
| Sunbeds and umbrellas | Widely available. Prices range from 10-40 EUR per set depending on position and season. |
| Facilities | Full resort facilities -- restaurants, bars, shops, showers, changing rooms, water sports |
| Lifeguards | Present during summer season |
The pebbles are smoother than at some Santorini beaches, but water shoes still help. The seabed is pebbly near the shore and sandy further out.
Kamari's sunbed pricing has become a sore point with visitors. In August, the prime spots near the restaurants can cost 30-40 EUR per sunbed. Walk south along the beach and prices drop. Or bring your own towel and sit on the free section at either end.
What Can You Do?
Swimming and Sunbathing
The main activity. The water is clean and warm from June to October. The beach is long enough that even at peak capacity, you can find a less crowded stretch by walking away from the central promenade area.
CineKamari Open-Air Cinema
One of the best-kept secrets on Santorini. CineKamari is an open-air cinema at the entrance to Kamari, showing recent Hollywood films in English with Greek subtitles. Screenings start after dark (usually 21:00-21:30) under the stars. A beer, popcorn, and a movie on a warm Aegean evening -- it's a perfect break from beaches and sunsets.
Water Sports
Jet skis, paddleboards, banana boats, and parasailing are all available from operators along the beach. Scuba diving centres are based in Kamari too.
The Promenade
The pedestrianised seafront promenade is the social centre of Kamari. Restaurants, cafes, and bars line the walkway, most with outdoor seating facing the sea. It's pleasant for an evening stroll and there's enough variety to find everything from pizza to fresh fish.
Ancient Thera
The ruins of Ancient Thera sit on top of Mesa Vouno, the mountain looming over the beach. The access road starts from the Kamari side (a steep, winding road -- drive or take a taxi/bus). The archaeological site has Dorian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine remains with views across both Kamari and Perissa. Entry 6 EUR.
Kamari vs Perissa -- Which Should You Choose?
Both are black-sand beaches on opposite sides of the same mountain. Here's the quick comparison:
| Kamari | Perissa | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | More polished, family-friendly | More relaxed, younger crowd |
| Beach | Pebblier, shorter | Sandier, longer (4 km) |
| Facilities | More restaurants, shops, cinema | More beach bars, nightlife |
| Accommodation | More mid-range and upmarket | More budget options |
| Crowds | Busy, especially near promenade | Busy near bus stop, quieter further south |
The honest answer: visit both. The boat between them takes 10 minutes. Spend a morning at one and an afternoon at the other.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Sunbed prices are high in peak season. Budget 20-40 EUR per day for two sunbeds and an umbrella. Or bring your own towel and use the free sections.
- The beach is pebblier than Perissa. Water shoes make the walk to the water more comfortable.
- Parking fills up by mid-morning in summer. Arrive before 10:00 or take the bus.
- The promenade restaurants are convenient but not cheap. You're paying for the beachfront location. For better-value food, walk one block inland.
- CineKamari is seasonal (roughly June-September). Check locally for screening times.
- The beach faces east, so you get morning sun directly on the water. By late afternoon, Mesa Vouno casts a shadow over the northern end. For all-day sun, position yourself in the middle or southern section.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
June and September -- Warm, swimmable, manageable crowds, reasonable sunbed availability.
July-August -- Hot and very busy. Sunbed wars are real. Arrive early.
May and October -- Pleasant temperatures. Some facilities may be opening/closing for the season.
CineKamari is a summer-only experience (approximately June-September).
Kamari is 10 km east of Fira, about 15 minutes by bus (2.50 EUR). Blue Flag beach with full resort facilities and the CineKamari open-air cinema.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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