Kamari
On the eastern coast of Santorini, where the embrace of the Aegean Sea becomes deeper and the sun rises staining the horizon with...
Updated 7 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Kamari now
The story
The story of Kamari
The Roots of Kamari: Between Catastrophes and Rebirths
The history of Kamari is intrinsically connected to the geological and political events of Santorini. Although the modern settlement is relatively young, the area has been frequented since ancient times as a natural port for the powerful city of Thera. The name itself, 'Kamari', derives from a small arch (a 'kamara') still visible at the southern end of the beach, remnant of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon. However, the decisive turning point came in 1956, when a violent earthquake razed many inland villages to the ground. The displaced decided to settle along the coast, giving life to a planned settlement that was able to transform itself in just a few decades from a humble fishing and farming village into one of the most organized and appreciated tourist destinations in the Cyclades, without losing its connection to Greek traditions.
Ancient Thera: The City Suspended Over Mesa Vouno
Dominating Kamari from its height of 365 meters, the archaeological site of Ancient Thera represents one of the most fascinating testimonies of Doric presence in the Aegean. Founded in the 9th century B.C., this fortress-city offers a surprisingly well-preserved urban layout, with paved streets, agora, theaters overlooking the sea and temples dedicated to Hellenic deities. Walking among its ruins means retracing centuries of history, from the archaic period to the Roman and Byzantine eras. What makes this place special, beyond the remains of the Gymnasium of the Young or the Sanctuary of Artemidorus, is the vertiginous view: from up here the eye spans across almost the entire Cycladic archipelago, allowing one to understand why the ancients chose precisely this rocky spur, impregnable and majestic, as the center of their power.
The Beach of Kamari: The Charm of Black Sand
The beach of Kamari is the pulsing heart of the locality, a stretch of about five kilometers composed of small pebbles and volcanic sand of dark gray and black color. This peculiarity is not merely aesthetic: the black sand retains solar heat, making the bathing experience unique. The waters bathing the coast are deep, limpid and an intense cobalt blue, rewarded multiple times with the Blue Flag for their cleanliness. The waterfront is entirely pedestrian, a rarity for the island, and allows one to stroll among typical tavernas, elegant cafes and small craft shops without the disturbance of cars. It is the ideal place to observe the sunset ritual, when the rock of Mesa Vouno takes on ochre tones and the lights of the village begin to shine reflected on the sea.
Panagia Episkopi: A Byzantine Jewel Just Steps Away
Located at the foot of the mountain, near the village of Episkopi Gonia, stands the church of Panagia Episkopi, considered one of the most important Byzantine monuments in all of Greece. Founded at the end of the 11th century by Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, the church has survived invasions, fires and earthquakes, preserving intact its spiritual charm. Inside it houses precious frescoes and the icon of the iconostasis of the Madonna 'Panagia Glykofilousa', one of the most venerated on the island. The architecture, with its red-tiled roof and white walls, stands harmoniously in the surrounding rural landscape, offering a moment of peace and reflection far from the hustle and bustle of the beach, immersed in the scent of incense and sun-warmed earth.
The Open-Air Cinema: Culture Under the Stars
An unmissable experience for those visiting Kamari is an evening at the Open Air Cinema. Immersed in a lush garden of eucalyptus and jasmine, this open-air cinema is regularly included in the rankings of the most beautiful in the world. Born in 1987, it offers a program of films in original language (with Greek subtitles) in a magical and relaxed atmosphere. Spectators can sip a glass of local wine or a cocktail while enjoying the film under Santorini's starry sky. It is not merely a film screening, but a social ritual that unites tourists and residents, celebrating the Mediterranean lifestyle that valorizes the beauty of sharing and the pleasure of warm summer evenings in the open air.
The Volcanic Landscape and Unspoiled Nature
The landscape surrounding Kamari is dominated by the contrast between the verticality of Mesa Vouno and the horizontality of the sea. The mountain, formed of limestone and schist, is a geological exception on an island that is almost entirely volcanic. For hiking enthusiasts, the trails connecting Kamari to Perissa or climbing towards Ancient Thera offer spectacular views of the distant caldera and the coast below. The local flora is composed of plants resistant to saltwater and drought: vines cultivated in 'kouloura' (basket-shaped to protect clusters from the wind), prickly pears and wild capers that grow spontaneously in the crevices of lava rocks, gifting delicate blooms and intense fragrances that characterize the island's air.
Traditions and Flavors of the Santorinian Table
The cuisine at Kamari reflects the richness of a difficult but generous territory. One cannot leave the village without having tasted the 'tomatokeftedes', fragrant fritters of local cherry tomatoes, onion and mint, or the famous fava of Santorini, a velvety puree of chickling vetch served with olive oil and capers. The volcanic soil gives agricultural products a unique savoriness, which is also found in the wines. Kamari is surrounded by some of the island's finest wineries where Assyrtiko is produced, a mineral and vibrant white, and Vinsanto, the sweet dessert wine obtained from grapes dried in the sun. The tavernas on the waterfront offer very fresh fish, but it is in the small inns inland that one discovers the most authentic flavors of the Cycladic tradition.
Experiences Not to Be Missed in Kamari
- Watch the sunrise from the beach, when the sun rises directly from the sea offering an unforgettable display of lights.
- Walk along the panoramic trail that climbs towards Ancient Thera to enjoy a breathtaking view.
- Participate in a tasting of volcanic wines in one of the historic wineries located in the surroundings of the village.
- Dine in one of the waterfront tavernas enjoying grilled octopus and zero-kilometer typical products.
- Spend a romantic evening at the Open Air Cinema, between the scent of jasmine and arthouse cinema.
- Go snorkeling along the rocks at the foot of Mesa Vouno, where the water is particularly deep and transparent.
When to Visit and How to Experience the Village
The best time to visit Kamari is from May to October. Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the ideal moments: temperatures are pleasant, the archaeological site of Ancient Thera is less crowded and prices are more contained. July and August are months of great liveliness, perfect for those seeking nightlife and entertainment, but require greater tolerance for heat and crowds. To experience Kamari at its best, the advice is to move about on foot within the village and to rent a vehicle only to explore the rest of the island. Remember to always bring reef shoes with you, as the black pebbles can become very hot under the scorching afternoon sun.
FAQ
È necessario noleggiare un'auto a Kamari?
La spiaggia di Kamari è adatta ai bambini?
Come si raggiunge l'Antica Thera da Kamari?
Dove posso parcheggiare a Kamari?
Quanto tempo occorre per visitare Kamari?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Santorini (JTR) - 5 km
- Non presenti sull'isola
- Da Fira seguire le indicazioni per l'aeroporto e poi per Kamari. La strada è ben segnalata e il tragitto dura circa 15 minuti.
- I bus locali (KTEL) partono regolarmente da Fira e arrivano proprio vicino alla spiaggia di Kamari con corse frequenti fino a tarda notte.
Perfect for
Perfetta per chi cerca una spiaggia attrezzata, acque limpide e un lungomare pedonale ricco di servizi.
La vicinanza all'Antica Thera la rende una meta privilegiata per gli appassionati di storia antica e panorami epici.
Un centro eccellente per scoprire i vini vulcanici e la cucina tipica santoriniana in taverne accoglienti.
To see
What to see in Kamari
Routes · Trovido Route
