Kamari (Santorini)

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Kamari is, along with Perissa, the largest resort on the island of Santorini. It is a typical place for package tourists like everywhere in Southern Europe.

Our articles about Santorini

Santorini Overview Thira Santorini
Persissa Santorini Kamari Santorini
Oia Santorini Akrotiri Satorini

Like Perissa, Kamari is known for its beach with black volcanic sand. In comparison, Kamari is even more developed. The largely car-free promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants for around one kilometer. The vacationers mostly come from Germany and England. After the capital Thira, Kamari has the second biggest nightlife on Santorini. Kamari is particularly suitable for sun-hungry beach vacationers. Most vacationers are families and couples. Backpackers are more likely to be drawn to Perissa because the guesthouses there are a bit cheaper and there is a youth hostel. The price level is, as everywhere on the island Santorini, slightly higher than on the other Greek islands.

In my opinion, a very good place to stay in Kamari with an excellent price/performance ratio is the Castro Hotel. It is located a few hundred meters from the beach in a quiet area. Depending on the season, rooms with breakfast are available for as little as 30 euros if you book in advance online. The slightly more expensive, very central Hippocampus Hotel has the best reviews. It is only a few meters from the sea. The 3-star hotel pays particular attention to environmental friendliness.

Small video from Youtube 3 min about Kamari

Great Day Tours Santorini

Many tourists take day trips to Santorini. There is a lot to see in and around the volcanic island. We have selected some very good offers for you with a link to the booking website with further information. The following offers have been rated positively by previous participants of the tour.


1. The Santorini classic: tour by boat to hot springs and the neighboring island of Therassia, pick-up from the hotel:  >>> More information and booking

2. Big sailing tour with a catamaran with barbecue and much more:  >>> More information and booking

3. Big tour of Santorini (10 hours) with sunset in Oia:  >>> More information and booking

4. Big luxury boat tour with smaller island, hot springs and dinner etc. (6 hours):  >>> More information and booking

Don’t have a hotel in Kamari on Santorini yet?

There are several hundred hotels on Santorini. In our opinion, the best overview is on Booking.com. Here you can sort the accommodations by price or only display accommodations in a specific part of the island. The hotels can be booked quickly and easily on Booking.com, and there are also many great holiday apartments.

The restaurants and cafes on the waterfront are usually overpriced. The Kiwi Restaurant offers good Asian cuisine (Chinese and Thai). Pipis is one of the best grill restaurants I know. The very good and large gyros pita costs only about 3 euros. Jutta’s beer garden on the main road from Kamari towards the mountain is interesting. In the only German restaurant I know of in the Cyclades, in addition to German beer, there is also Berlin potato soup, curry sausage and meat loaf with fried egg at reasonable prices.

Santorini airport is just a few minutes from Kamari. During the day, buses run from Kamari to Thira about every hour (1.80 euros, beginning of 2024). In summer, you can get to Perissa by excursion boat that goes around the almost 400 meter high Mesa Vouna, which separates the two holiday resorts.

Bus timetable Thira – Kamari 2024 (without guarantee)

Von Thira

Von Kamari

7:15, 8:30, 7:15, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30, 22:00. 7:30, 8:45, 9:30, 10:20, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:20, 12:45, 13:15, 13:45, 14:20, 14:45, 14:50, 15:15, 15:45, 16:20, 16:45, 17:15, 17:45, 18:20, 18:45, 19:20, 19:45, 20:15, 20:45, 21:20, 21:45, 22:20.

The journey time from Thira to Kamari is just under 20 minutes. Outside of peak season, there are slightly fewer buses than in high season. In Thira, you can change to other buses (such as Perissa or Oia). Delays are not uncommon, especially in summer. The information, like all information on this website, is without guarantee.

Map Kamari (Santorini, Cyclades, Greece)

Kamari is in the east of Santorini and can be reached quickly by road from Thira.

It is even closer to the airport. You can even walk there.

Accommodation in Kamari

Many of the houses in Kamari are hotels and holiday apartments, there are many places to stay. Because of the many tourists, you should definitely book accommodation online on Booking.com in advance on Santorini. Our absolute favorite in Kamari is Leonidas Apartments, several great holiday apartments of different sizes, inexpensive.

Old Thira near Kamari

From Kamari, a narrow, winding road leads up the almost 400 meter high mountain Mesa Vouno. At the top is the archaeological site of Old Thira (also known as Old Thera or Ancient Thira). It is the ancient capital of the island. The excavation can be visited daily between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (except Monday). The entrance fee was only 2 euros when we visited a few years ago. The narrow road is only for experienced drivers who don’t suffer from vertigo. When there is oncoming traffic, you have to reverse in many places. Many tourists also climb the mountain on foot from Kamari (a good hour’s walk one way, take enough water with you, strenuous). From the top you have a magnificent view in many directions, e.g. of Kamari and Perissa. A hiking trail also leads from Perissa to Old Thira.

Excursions Santorini

1. The Santorini classic: tour by boat to hot springs and the neighboring island of Therassia, pick-up from the hotel:  >>> More information and booking

2. Big sailing tour with a catamaran with barbecue and much more:  >>> More information and booking

3. Big tour of Santorini (10 hours) with sunset in Oia:  >>> More information and booking

4. Big luxury boat tour with smaller island, hot springs and dinner etc. (6 hours):  >>> More information and booking

What to do on holiday in Kamari Santorini – a few tips

Enjoy the beach

Kamari Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island, with black volcanic sand and crystal clear water. You can sunbathe, swim or try water sports such as paddleboarding or jet skiing.

Stroll along the beach promenade

The Kamari promenade offers numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. It is ideal for a relaxing evening stroll.

Visit Ancient Thera

Above Kamari lies the ancient city of Ancient Thera, which you can reach via a steep hiking trail or by car. There you can explore impressive ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods and enjoy breathtaking views of the island.

Open Air Cinema Kamari

The open-air cinema in Kamari is a real highlight. You can watch films in the open air, often in English, accompanied by a cozy atmosphere and snacks.

Snorkeling and diving

The clear water and volcanic rock formations make Kamari a great place for snorkeling and diving trips. There are local operators who organize diving trips.

Winery trips

Close to Kamari there are some of Santorini’s famous wineries, such as Estate Argyros or Gaia Winery. You can taste local wines, especially Assyrtiko, which is typical of the island.

Day trip to the caldera or volcano

From Kamari you can take boat tours to the caldera, hot springs and Nea Kameni volcano. There are companies that arrange tours from Kamari.

Hiking from Kamari to Perissa via Mesa Vouno

A popular hiking trail goes over the Mesa Vouno mountain, which separates Kamari from Perissa. The hike offers great views and takes you to Ancient Thera.

Enjoy traditional cuisine

Try local specialties such as fava (yellow pea puree), tomato keftedes (tomato fritters) or fresh fish in the tavernas right on the beach.

Experience the sunrise

Since Kamari is on the east side of the island, you can enjoy an impressive sunrise here – ideal for early risers.

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