Forget high cliffs and quiet luxury for a moment-Kamari is where Santorini delivers its dreamy dose of beach life. Offering the island's best combination of sun, swimming, and nightlife, making it a 10/10 choice for families and friends who want a swanky getaway.
Why do people love going on holidays to Kamari?
The Black Sand is Stun: The famous black volcanic sand and pebbles make the beach a sight to behold, plus the water is clean, clear, and easy to slip into for a much-needed dip.
A Proper Promenade: A long, pedestrianised strip runs right along the beach, lined with top-notch bars and heavenly restaurants that spill out onto the sand.
Family-Friendly Fun: Unlike the cliff-side villages, Kamari is flat, easily walkable, and offers excellent facilities and shallow areas perfect for the kiddos.
Easy Access to Attractions: While you're on the chill side of the island, Fira and the caldera views are easily reached via the regular and cheap local bus service.
What is the best time to visit Kamari?
Deciding when to book your Kamari holidays is a straight choice between hitting the peak summer heat or enjoying the calmer atmosphere of the shoulder seasons. Santorini's sun is waiting for you all year round, so the question is whether you want the beach resort popping off with people or a slightly more relaxed pace for your swanky break.
Spring
Weather Vibe: The air is warming up quickly, offering pleasant temperatures around 20-23°C-more than ideal for comfortable sunbathing and exploring the town.
Holiday Vibe: The resort is gearing up for the season; the vibe is fresh and lively, but the huge crowds haven't arrived, meaning you get top-tier service no matter what.
Jolly Focus: Perfect for walking the long beach promenade and enjoying the calm, clear sea, often with great deals on posh accommodation before the summer price hike.
Foodie Focus: Finding a tasty beachside taverna and sampling the early seasonal produce, often served with a proper traditional Greek welcome.
Summer
Weather Vibe: Get ready for piping-hot heat, with temperatures easily reaching 28-30°C and higher; the sun is as strong as the final night holiday selfie, and the sea is wonderfully warm.
Holiday Vibe: This is peak season! The beach is buzzing, the water is warm, and the promenade bars are popping off all day and night with great energy.
Jolly Focus: Primarily dedicated to beach time, water sports, and enjoying the lively nightlife-it’s all about maximum fun and minimal effort with the kiddos.
Foodie Focus: Enjoying late, mahoosive dinners right on the sand and cooling off with ice-cold drinks, perhaps sipping on a Fanta Lemon or local beer.
Autumn
Weather Vibe: The flaming thing in the sky calms down a bit, settling into a comfortable 23-26°C; the sea holds on to the glaring summer sun for a while, making it 10/10 for swimming.
Holiday Vibe: A glorious time for a snazzy, fancy getaway; the massive summer crowds have gone, but the weather is still spot-on for all beach activities.
Jolly Focus: Ideal for couples or friends who want top-tier sun without the summer fuss, allowing for leisurely days and easy breezy exploration of the area.
Foodie Focus: Taking advantage of the lovely evenings for relaxed, late dinners, and enjoying the local seafood that is so delish at this time of year. It's a must!
Winter
Weather Vibe: Cooler and generally quiet, with average daily highs around 14-17°C; you'll probably need a cardi or two, but the days are often bright, offering a tranquil break.
Holiday Vibe: The quietest time to visit, offering a truly local feel; many beach bars are taking a break, but the central town still provides a cosy, authentic atmosphere.
Jolly Focus: Perfect for quiet mooches along the dramatic black sand and using the resort as a calm base for exploring the more accessible historical sites.
Foodie Focus: Finding a cosy, welcoming spot for a hot drink or a whopper traditional Greek meal to keep you warm after a day spent outside.
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.
Things to do on your Kamari holidays?
While Kamari is the ultimate destination for pure sun and sea relaxation, there’s a bunch of activities that are packing some fun around the corner. Your Kamari holidays can be filled with exploring ancient history, enjoying the nightlife, and making the most of the swanky promenade.
Relax on the Promenade: Spend your evenings strolling along strip, browsing shops, and enjoying a cheeky drink at a beaut beachfront bar.
Take a Boat Taxi to Perissa: Jump on the fun little boat shuttle that connects Kamari to its neighbour, Perissa, for a change of scene and a fresh beach experience.
Visit the Ancient Thera Ruins: Take a gorge but challenging walk or a gentle drive up to the historical site for stunning views and ancient history.
Try Out Water Sports: The calm waters are ideal for jet-skiing, paddle boarding, and various inflatables-a proper fun activity for the kiddos and adults alike.
Go for a Wine Tasting: Visit a local vineyard on the eastern side of the island to sample the unique, volcanic white wines-what a perfect, boujee afternoon.
Take the Bus to Fira: Easily hop on the local bus to the capital for a shopping trip or to experience the famous caldera views without needing a car. Dead cheap too!
