Kamari Holidays

Kamari is where Santorini swaps clifftop drama for proper beach life. With black volcanic sand, a buzzing promenade, and enough tavernas to keep you fed and happy for a fortnight, Kamari is a 10/10 choice for families and friends who want a swanky getaway.

Highlights of your holidays to Kamari

• Black Sand Beach – The famous dark volcanic beach stretches for over a kilometre, backed by the dramatic Mesa Vouno headland that makes every photo look like a film set (also because it's black, it get's hotter than golden sand, which is a blessing in shoulder seasons, but in peak summer bring flip flops!)

• The Promenade – A long, pedestrianised strip right along the waterfront, lined with restaurants, cocktail bars, and shops that spill out onto the sand come evening.

• Flat and Walkable – Unlike the clifftop villages, Kamari is completely flat, making it genuinely easy to get around with a buggy, little legs, or just flip-flops and zero effort.

• Ancient Thera – The ruins of a Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine city sit on the hilltop directly above Kamari, with panoramic views across the east coast and out to the islands.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Weather – Kamari gets scorching summers with highs regularly hitting 30°C and beyond from June to September, with barely a drop of rain. Spring and autumn sit around 20–25°C and are gorgeous for sightseeing.

• 💶 Money – It's one of the best value spots in Santorini. A gyros wrap costs around €5, a sit-down meal for two with wine runs €40–€60, and a beer on the promenade is €4–€5.

• 🌋 Fun Fact – Kamari's jet-black sand comes from the eruption of the volcano that formed Santorini's caldera around 3,600 years ago. The same eruption buried the Minoan city at Akrotiri, sometimes called "the Greek Pompeii".

What are the best beaches/areas to visit on your Kamari holidays?

The star of your Kamari holidays is undoubtedly the wham black beach right on your doorstep. However, being on the east coast, you're perfectly positioned to explore the other famous island stunners and lively resort areas of Santorini's coastline.

• Kamari Black Beach: The massive, famous stretch of black volcanic sand, known for its superb sunbeds, swanky bars, and easy access to the clear, deep blue sea.

• Perissa Black Beach: Just a short boat taxi away, this is a whopper continuation of the black sand coastline, offering a slightly more relaxed, youthful vibe.

• Ancient Thera: Hike up the hill behind Kamari to explore the ruins of this historic city, offering 10/10 views over the entire eastern side of the island.

• Monolithos Beach: A quieter, more natural beach with shallower water and fine black sand, perfect for the kiddos and anyone seeking a low-key afternoon.

🏨 Hotels

See all hotels in Kamari or browse our top picks below...

💑 Couples

• La Mer Deluxe Spa Resort. A five-star adults-only resort a short stroll from the beach, with a gourmet restaurant, full spa, and fitness centre. The go-to if you want Santorini luxury without the caldera price tag.

• Antinea Suites and Spa. Traditional Cycladic-style suites with a sauna and massage studio, a short walk from the beachfront. The kind of place where the styling alone makes you feel like you've spent more than you have.

• Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort. The five-star anchor in Kamari, with a wellness spa, beach bar, and an outdoor pool. Consistently strong guest reviews on TripAdvisor and the kind of property that makes the east coast feel properly premium.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Afroditi Venus. Right by the beach with its own beach bar, an on-site spa, and two big swimming pools. A solid reputation as Kamari's reliable family go to.

• RK Beach. A four-star beachfront hotel that does the family basics well: pool, restaurant, and a location that means the kiddos can be on the sand in under a minute.

• Zephyros Hotel. A well-reviewed three-star near the quieter Monolithos end, where the beach is shallower and calmer. Great value for families who want a less busy stretch.

🎉 Groups

• Costa Grand Resort & Spa. A five-star right on the volcanic beach with suites big enough to spread out in, a beachfront Greek restaurant, and the promenade bars on your doorstep. The suites with separate living areas make it a strong pick for groups who want space without splitting across multiple rooms.

• Aegean Plaza. A renovated beachfront four-star with a pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre, and studios with kitchenettes. The tennis court and pool bar give groups something to do between beach sessions, and the self-catering studios are ideal for mates who want independence.

• Kamari Beach Hotel. Over 40 years on the beachfront, with a large pool, gym, and BBQ nights with Greek folk dancing. Not the slickest property on the strip, but the communal vibe and big-group facilities earn it a spot.

💰 Value

• Beach Boutique Hotel. A budget-friendly three-star right on the beachside strip. No frills, but the location alone earns it a spot, you're steps from the sand and the promenade bars.

• Iris Boutique Hotel. Another solid three-star option right in central Kamari, with clean rooms and a pool. Does the job without pretending to be something it isn't.

• Atlas Boutique Hotel. A small, traditionally styled hotel close to the beach, with a pool and terrace. If you're after somewhere cheap, cheerful, and central, this is the one.

👉 All hotels in Kamari

Local Lingo

Greek is the language, and while English is widely spoken across Kamari's tourist strip, having a few phrases ready always goes down well. A confident "yassas" at the taverna door gets you a genuine smile every time.

• Yassas, YAH-sahs (Γειά σας), Hello / Goodbye (polite)

• Efharisto, ef-hah-ree-STOH (Ευχαριστώ), Thank you

• Parakalo, pah-rah-kah-LOH (Παρακαλώ), Please / You're welcome

• Stin iyia mas, stin ee-YAH mahs (Στην υγειά μας), Cheers (literally "to our health")

• To logariasmo, toh loh-gah-ree-ah-SMOH (Το λογαριασμό), The bill, please

Kamari Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Ancient Thera – Hike (or drive) up the hill behind Kamari to the ruins of a Hellenistic and Roman city with panoramic views. The trail is steep but manageable for older kids, and the payoff is spectacular.

• Cine Kamari – An open-air cinema that screens films under the stars with popcorn and cocktails. One of the best family evenings on the island and something the kiddos will genuinely remember.

• Tomato Industrial Museum – Near Vlychada, this converted tomato-processing factory tells the story of how Santorini's tiny cherry tomatoes powered the island's economy. Kids love the underground tunnels.

• Boat taxi to Perissa – A short, fun ride around the base of Mesa Vouno to the beach on the other side. Different sand, different vibe, and the boat ride itself is half the adventure for small ones.

💑 Couples

• Sunset catamaran cruise – Most include wine, a barbecue dinner, and swimming stops at the hot springs and Red Beach. The single best couples' experience on Santorini.

• Wine tasting at Santo Wines or Venetsanos – Sip Assyrtiko white wine with caldera views stretched out below you. A proper afternoon that feels worth every euro.

• Fira to Oia caldera trail – A 10km clifftop hike along the caldera rim with views the entire way. Start early, bring water, and finish in Oia for a sunset dinner.

• Akrotiri archaeological site – The excavated Minoan city buried by the volcanic eruption, with frescoes, streets, and three-storey buildings still standing. A combined ticket covers multiple sites for €15.

🎉 Groups

• Beach bar crawl – Kamari's promenade has enough cocktail bars to fill an evening without repeating yourself. Start at the north end and work south, the vibe gets louder as you go.

• Quad bike hire – Rent ATVs for the day (around €30–€45) and explore the island's backroads, wineries, and quiet villages at your own pace. The freedom is the whole point.

• Bus to Fira – The local KTEL bus costs around €2 each way and runs regularly. Fira has the island's best nightlife, concentrated around the caldera edge with cocktail bars and clubs open late.

• Watersports on Kamari Beach – Jet skis, paddleboards, and inflatable rides are all available on the main beach. The calm east-coast water makes it ideal for beginners.

More Destinations

• Santorini – The whole island, from caldera sunsets and blue-domed churches to volcanic beaches, world-class wine, and one of the most photographed landscapes on the planet.

• Fira – Santorini's capital, perched on the caldera rim with the island's best shopping, nightlife, and a front-row seat to that famous sunset. The beating heart of the island.

• Oia – Whitewashed lanes, blue domes, cave hotels carved into volcanic rock, and the most famous sunset viewpoint in Europe. The ultimate Santorini splurge.

• Imerovigli – Known as the Balcony of the Aegean, this is the quietest of the caldera villages, with boutique hotels, private pools, and Skaros Rock right on your doorstep.

• Crete – The biggest Greek island and a proper all-rounder: waterparks, all-inclusive megaresorts, stunning gorges, and some of the best food in the country.

• Rhodes – Medieval Old Town, golden beaches at Faliraki, the clifftop village of Lindos, and enough variety to fill a fortnight without repeating yourself.

• Kos – Flat, laid-back, and brilliant value. Miles of sandy beaches, easy cycling, and a chilled-out atmosphere that makes it one of the most relaxed Greek islands going.

• Greece – The full picture: from Santorini's cliffs and Crete's gorges to Rhodes' medieval walls, Corfu's green hills, and the mainland's ancient ruins. Whatever kind of holiday you're after, it's somewhere on this list.