Kamari is a charming seaside resort in Santorini packed with exciting things to discover, from water sports and hikes to wine tastings and more.
Located on the south-east coast of Santorini, the charming village of Kamari is a popular holiday destination that draws thousands of visitors every year thanks to its famous black pebble beach and lively atmosphere.
With its turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery, Kamari offers not only a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, but also plenty of exciting activities to discover during your stay.
In this article, I'll walk you through all the best things to do in Kamari, drawing on my own experience of this charming village, which I've visited several times.
1. Relax on Kamari beach
Kamari's main beach is without doubt one of the village's greatest assets, attracting many holidaymakers every year with its crystal-clear waters and black volcanic pebbles.
Over 3 km long and lined with tavernas, bars and hotels, the beach has every amenity for a relaxing day in the sun. You can lounge on the sunbeds, swim in the clear water and enjoy a delicious lunch with your feet in the sand.
Plenty of water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and jet-skiing are also available to spice up your swim.
In short, Kamari beach is the ideal spot to sunbathe, cool off and make the most of the charms of the Aegean Sea!
2. Try water sports
As well as swimming, plenty of water sports are available on Kamari beach to satisfy your thirst for thrills.
You can go windsurfing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, or even ride your own jet ski to race along the coast at full speed!
You can also try parasailing, a spectacular activity where you're lifted into the air hanging from a parachute towed by a boat. The views over Kamari from up there are breathtaking!
For diving enthusiasts, several centres run boat trips to explore the seabed, ideal for spotting the many species of fish and even ancient wrecks in the surrounding waters.
In short, plenty of ways to enjoy sporting experiences as unique as they are unforgettable!
3. Explore the surroundings by quad or buggy
To discover Kamari's hinterland and its breathtaking scenery, there's nothing like a ride by quad or buggy. ⛰
Many companies rent out these all-terrain vehicles for exploring the winding tracks that snake between vineyards and traditional villages.
You'll ride along the slopes of Mount Messavouno, which towers over Kamari, offering incredible viewpoints over the bay and the volcano. Several routes are available, from a one-hour ride to an expedition of several hours across the island.
A true immersion in the grand, lunar landscapes of Santorini, all with complete freedom aboard your quad or buggy! Thrills guaranteed on these rugged routes among spectacular volcanoes and mountains.
4. Hike up to Ancient Thera
For hiking lovers, I recommend climbing Mount Messavouno to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera.
This climb of just under an hour offers an absolutely stunning 360° panorama over Kamari and the Santorini caldera. The view of the azure bay fringed by volcanic cliffs is truly magnificent!
Once at the top, you can explore the remains of this ancient city founded in the 8th century BC, which was for a long time the capital of the island of Thera (the ancient name of Santorini).
Among other things, you'll discover the ruins of temples, houses, an agora and even an ancient theatre! The site is fairly well preserved and the panoramas all around are impressive.
This hike, punctuated by history and the wild beauty of the landscape, is clearly one of the must-sees in Kamari in my view. Don't forget your walking shoes!
5. Taste local wines
Since Santorini is renowned for its wines (notably the famous Vinsanto), I recommend tasting a few of the region's nectars, for example by visiting the wineries.
Many vineyards are located not far from Kamari, offering tastings of their best vintages, along with a fascinating dive into the world of Santorini winemaking.
You'll learn all about the age-old techniques used by local winemakers, the volcanic terroir so specific to the island, the history of the various endemic grape varieties, and more.
And of course, you can raise a glass of their famous Vinsanto, the amber sweet wine with a unique taste that has been produced in Santorini for centuries!
Santé !
6. Have dinner in a traditional restaurant
After a busy day, I can't recommend enough that you have dinner in a lovely traditional taverna to taste the local specialities.
Most of the restaurants lined up along the beach offer fairly standard international menus for my taste… I prefer the authentic Greek cooking you can enjoy in Kamari's back streets!
Around the corner of an alleyway, you'll stumble upon small, extremely friendly family-run tavernas where you can enjoy moussaka, souvlaki, calamari, tzatziki and other Greek specialities to the sound of traditional music.
To help digestion, you can also order a few shots of ouzo, the fragrant Greek aniseed spirit so typical of evenings with friends in Greece!
Personally, I'm particularly fond of the Aigaion Irish Pub, tucked away from the beachfront bustle, which serves divine beers on its flower-filled terrace. A treat!
In short, expect a wonderful evening savouring Mediterranean flavours in the most charming traditional setting. Opa! 🇬🇷
7. Go out to a lively bar
After that hearty dinner, it'll be time to go out and discover Kamari's festive nightlife!
Along the beach, plenty of beach bars and lounges host wild parties late into the night, ideal for sipping refreshing cocktails while dancing to Greek and international beats.
You'll meet lots of young people who come from all over the Cyclades for these famous beach parties, in an electric, joyful atmosphere that makes you want to party until dawn!
If you prefer something more intimate, I recommend the AMELIA TAVERN bar, set apart on the heights of the village: a trendy spot with lounge music and a wide selection of original cocktails mixed by charismatic bartenders.
Either way, expect moments of pure night-time euphoria in Kamari's enchanting setting!
8. Go to the open-air cinema
Did you know that Kamari is home to one of the few open-air cinemas in Greece? ▶
Just a stone's throw from the beach, Cine Kamari screens mainstream films under the open sky, ideal for a one-of-a-kind cinema experience beneath the Mediterranean stars!
Stretched out on a deckchair with a view of the giant screen and the night sky, you'll have a lovely time watching the year's latest blockbusters in this enchanting setting while sipping a cool drink.
Screenings at 9:30pm every evening from May to October — don't forget to come a little early to pick your seats! A lovely alternative to the usual nights out for film buffs and romantics.
9. Take a day trip to Thirassia
For a complete change of scenery, I suggest a getaway of a day on the neighbouring island of Thirassia, one of the scattered islands of the Santorini archipelago.
Boat trips leave Kamari daily for this small, unspoilt volcanic island of 300 inhabitants, beautiful with its little whitewashed fishing villages, rocky coves and emerald waters.
On the programme: swimming in crystal-clear water, a lunch of grilled fish right by the sea, donkey rides and immersion in a traditional way of life frozen in time… A lovely day out of time! ⛵
10. Visit the wine museum
To learn more about Santorini's winemaking history and discover old methods of wine production, I recommend a visit to the Santorini Wine Museum.
Set a little back from the seafront, this small private museum displays many tools once used for winemaking, including some perfectly preserved 19th-century pressing equipment.
The owner will take you through all the traditional stages of production, from ploughing the vines to bottling the precious nectar, through a very well-designed, intimate exhibition. The visit ends with a tasting of the house products!
That's an overview of the many intriguing activities the village of Kamari in Santorini has to offer! I hope this article has given you a few ideas for making the most of this charming corner of the island on your next stay. Don't hesitate to pay it a visit — it's really worth it.
Bonus: enjoying Kamari on a budget
Fortunately, it's entirely possible to make the most of Kamari without spending too much money!
- Free to access. Just bring your towel and swimsuit to enjoy it!
- Many activities such as swimming, lazing in the sun, walks along the coast or picnics with friends on the sand are therefore within everyone's reach.
- Hikes in the surroundings without spending a cent. The climb on foot to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, for example, offers splendid views for free (entry to the ruins costs €10; the site is closed on Wednesdays).
- For nights out, several beach bars offer parties and discounted happy hours. You can sip a few cocktails with a sea view for a modest sum!
- By choosing to have lunch in the family tavernas of the old village rather than on the tourist promenade, you'll also save a fair amount while enjoying an excellent traditional meal.
- Take advantage of discounts on accommodation, activities and even transport.
All in all, it's entirely possible to have a memorable stay in Kamari on a small budget by opting for free options or deals!
I hope this ultimate guide to Kamari will help you plan your future holiday in Santorini! Feel free to share your discoveries or ask me questions if you'd like more tips.
FAQ — The best things to do in Kamari
Où se trouve Kamari ?
Kamari is located on the south-east coast of the island of Santorini, approximately 8km from Fira and the airport.
When is the best time to visit Kamari?
The summer season, from May to October, is ideal as all activities are available and the weather is at its best. But Kamari is also pleasant in spring or autumn.
Comment se rendre à Kamari?
By bus from Fira or by taxi from the airport. Kamari is also reachable by car in 10–15min from Fira, crossing the island.
What's the must-see photo spot?
The incredible viewpoint over Kamari bay and the cliffs from the archaeological site of Ancient Thera!
Is it easy to explore the surrounding area?
Yes, Kamari's central location between Fira, Perissa and the airport makes it easy to explore the rest of Santorini by car or bus.
Are there ATMs and Wi-Fi?
Yes, Kamari has all the amenities holidaymakers need: Wi-Fi, ATMs, pharmacies, mini-markets, etc.
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