With its miles of black sand beaches, lively promenade and array of hotels and restaurants, Kamari brings a wonderful blend of resort amenities alongside natural Aegean beauty.
Kamari beach – Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
How To Get to Kamari Beach
Kamari lies only 10 kilometers from Santorini Airport heading north along the island’s east coast.
There’s no direct bus from the Santorini airport yo Kamari. If you want to use the bus, you’ll need to go to the central bus station in Fira and change there for Kamari.
Taxis from the airport take just 15 minutes travel time.
From Fira, the public bus ride lasts 25 minutes winding scenically around Santorini’s rugged coastal roads before arriving at Kamari terminal.
Kamari beach – black sand, with Mesa Vouno mountain in the background – Image by eartner from Pixabay
About Kamari Beach
Kamari brings visitors three kilometers of glistening black sand beaches lined with beach bars and cafes making it easy to stay refreshed while enjoying the revitalizing Aegean waves.
The sand and the landscape are very similar to the ones you’ll find on Perissa Beach. The two beaches are separated by Mesa Vouno, the mountain where Ancient Thera sits.
The crescent moon curve of Kamari’s beach allows glorious sunrise vistas over the glittering water and unique views back to Santorini’s imposing sea cliffs.
Beachgoers can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas to relax under while the energetic take advantage of watersports rentals like jet skis, kayaks and standup paddleboards available right from Kamari’s shores.
Kamari Beach – the black sand makes a nice contrast to the golden light of late afternoon
Kamari Accommodations
Kamari offers a nice range of hotel and apartment options given its extensive tourism infrastructure.
Luxury five-star resorts like Santorini Kastelli Resort have incredible caldera cliff settings slightly set back from the beach yet still overlooking the water.
For prime beachfront locations on a budget, beachside apartment rentals and low-cost hotels align conveniently along Kamari’s dark sand.
Beware, though, Kamari tends to be very crowded in season. Perissa is much better from this point of view.
Dining in Kamari
Kamari’s long promenade street stretches the length of town providing visitors their choice of dining spots. Beachfront tavernas serve fresh Greek cuisine paired with local wines that can be enjoyed while watching sublime Aegean sunsets over the sea for a perfect finish.
The adjacent pedestrian street also lights up after dark with a wide selection of international restaurants and buzzing open-air cocktail bars that stay lively well into the night.
The beachfront promenade in Kamari – perfect for evening walks
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Nearby attractions within easy day reach of Kamari Beach stays make it a wonderful central homebase on Santorini. Must-see sites inlcude Ancient Thera only 10 minutes drive away or a short bus trip followed by cable car ride to the mountaintop ruins.
Winery visits through Santorini’s wine region are also easily accessible from Kamari.
For great contrast just 15 minutes north, black sand gets swapped for red beach sands at popular Red Beach near Akrotiri village. That’s 15 minutes away only if you drive or take a cab. Public buses require changing the line in Fira, and therefore take way more time.
With so many options just a quick ride away, Kamari BEACH delivers the perfect Santorini destination.