Kamari Beach Santorini
Kamari Beach: Santorini's vibrant black sand shore with lively dining, free sunbeds, and family-friendly waters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Kamari Beach Santorini
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kamari Beach: Santorini's vibrant black sand shore with lively dining, free sunbeds, and family-friendly waters.
"This lively black-sand-&-pebble beach features swimming, rental umbrellas & restaurants/bars."
Hot Sand Alert! 🥵
The black pebbles get scorching hot. Wear sandals or use the boardwalks provided.
Free Sunbeds with Purchase 🌞
Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Striking Black Sand
Kamari Beach
Unique volcanic pebbles and sand create a dramatic, dark shoreline against the Aegean Sea.

Beachfront Dining & Sunbeds
Kamari Beach Promenade
Enjoy meals and drinks with a view; many spots offer free sunbeds with your order.
Sunrise Spectacle
Kamari Beach
Catch a serene sunrise over the Aegean, a peaceful start to the day away from crowds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Black Sand
Timing is Key for Sunbeds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hot Sand Alert! 🥵
The black pebbles get scorching hot. Wear sandals or use the boardwalks provided.
Free Sunbeds with Purchase 🌞
Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks.
Arrive Early for Spots 👌
Prime sunbeds fill up quickly, especially after 10 AM.
Water Taxi to Perissa 👉
A fun and easy way to explore nearby Perissa beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
Hot Sand Alert! 🥵
The black pebbles get scorching hot. Wear sandals or use the boardwalks provided.
Free Sunbeds with Purchase 🌞
Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks.
Arrive Early for Spots 👌
Prime sunbeds fill up quickly, especially after 10 AM.
Water Taxi to Perissa 👉
A fun and easy way to explore nearby Perissa beach.
Escape the Crowds 🌊
Kamari offers a more relaxed vibe in the evenings compared to Oia or Fira.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kamari Beach is celebrated for its unique black volcanic sand and lively promenade, offering a great mix of relaxation and amenities. Visitors appreciate the free sunbeds with food purchases and the family-friendly atmosphere. Some find the pebbles hot and the water choppy, and it can get crowded, but overall it's a highly recommended and convenient beach experience on Santorini.
"Really cool volcanic beach. Pebbles instead of sand that are all dark (and scorching hot in July). Tons of umbrellas and chairs for rent and some beach restaurants will even give you them for free if you eat/drink with them. Water is clear but was choppy when we were there. Overall really good experience."
Alessandro Pedicelli
"Didn't get the opportunity to jump in the water due to the weather but the beach was amazing with plenty of shopping and good food in tbe immediate area. The beach is right over the airport runway sonit was very cool seeing the planes fly overhead on there approach to the airport."
Danny Torres
"One of the popular beaches in Santorini. The restaurants and bars offer free sunbeds for their customers. Great vibes and lively! Overall its a beautiful beach 👌"
Shristi G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Kamari Beach from Fira is by public bus. Buses run frequently and are quite affordable. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or rent a car for more flexibility. If arriving by cruise ship, be aware of potential long queues for transport up the cliff, so getting off early is advised.Yes, Kamari Beach is accessible by car, with parking available along the promenade and in nearby streets. However, during peak season, parking can be challenging to find.
You can take a bus from Oia to Fira, and then transfer to a bus heading to Kamari. This is a common and budget-friendly option for exploring the island.
Public buses are the most economical way to reach Kamari from other parts of Santorini. If you prefer more direct travel, taxis are readily available, though more expensive.
Yes, cruise ship passengers face challenges due to the steep cliff. Options include long cable car queues, donkey rides (which some find questionable), or walking. Getting off the ship early is highly recommended to avoid the longest waits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kamari Beach itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can access the beach freely.
While you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, many beachfront restaurants offer them for free if you purchase food or drinks from their establishment.
If renting separately, prices can vary but expect to pay a few euros.Most restaurants and shops along the Kamari Beach promenade are open from morning until late evening, typically from around 9 AM to 11 PM or later during the summer season.
You don't need to book anything for the beach itself. However, if you plan to dine at popular restaurants like Captain's Corner, booking in advance, even in person, is recommended.
No specific tickets are required for general beach activities. If you plan to take a boat trip or use water sports equipment, those will have separate costs and booking procedures.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
Kamari Beach is famous for its unique black volcanic sand and pebbles, which can get very hot under the sun.
Yes, Kamari Beach is generally good for swimming. The water is clear, though it can sometimes be choppy.
It's also noted as being family-friendly with shallow waters.Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy watersports, explore the promenade with its shops and restaurants, and take a water taxi to nearby Perissa beach.
Catching the sunrise is also a popular activity.While not traditional 'beach clubs' in the party sense, many beachfront restaurants offer a lounge-like atmosphere with sunbeds and service, providing a similar experience.
Absolutely! Kamari Beach is considered very family-friendly due to its calm, shallow waters and the soft black sand that kids love to play in.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Travelers recommend Captain's Corner for its great meals and Prince for decent prices and good food.
Almira is also highlighted for its location on Kamari Beach.Yes, many restaurants and bars are located directly on the promenade behind the beach, offering service to your sunbed.
Compared to some other parts of Santorini, Kamari offers more reasonably priced dining options. Prince is mentioned as having decent prices.
You can expect a variety of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, including fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and casual options like gyros.
For popular spots like Captain's Corner, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure a table.
📸 📸 Photography
The contrast of the black sand against the blue Aegean Sea is a stunning photographic subject. Look for shots with the umbrellas, the cliffside views, and the planes flying overhead near the airport.
Sunrise offers a serene and beautifully lit scene, perfect for capturing the beach without crowds.
Late afternoon also provides golden hour light for warm, inviting photos.The proximity to the airport means you can capture dramatic shots of planes on their approach.
The unique black volcanic pebbles also make for interesting close-up shots.Be cautious when reaching into the water, as there can be sharp volcanic rocks or pebbles that could cause cuts.
While Kamari faces east and is known for its sunrises, you can still enjoy beautiful evening light and vibrant skies. For iconic Santorini sunsets, you'd typically head to the caldera side of the island (Oia, Fira).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Black Sand Beaches
This dark sand also contributes to the water's clarity, as it doesn't cloud the sea as much as finer sands might. The contrast between the dark beach, the clear blue Aegean Sea, and the whitewashed buildings of the town creates a picturesque scene. While some might miss the feel of soft sand between their toes, the unique texture and visual impact of Kamari's beach are a major draw for many visitors seeking a different kind of beach experience.
Dining and Relaxation: The Beachfront Experience
Travelers often praise the quality of food and the friendly service available. Restaurants like Captain's Corner and Prince are frequently recommended for their delicious offerings and good value. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a refreshing drink, or a romantic dinner with a sea view, the beachfront dining options at Kamari cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. It’s advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure the best sunbed locations, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Exploring Beyond Kamari: Day Trips and Nearby Gems
For beach enthusiasts, a short water taxi ride to Perissa Beach offers another stretch of black sand with a slightly different vibe. Other notable beaches include the dramatic Red Beach and the unique, lunar-like landscape of Vlychada Beach. Exploring ancient history is also an option with a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, often referred to as the 'Minoan Pompeii'. These excursions provide a well-rounded experience of Santorini's diverse attractions beyond the immediate beach area.
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