Updated: February 11, 2026
Greece › Santorini › Kamari Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Staying in Kamari
Kamari is a lively, family-friendly resort town on the east coast of Santorini. It offers a completely different experience than the caldera: instead of steep cliffs and sunset views, you get easy access to the water and a flat, walkable layout that is perfect for families, seniors, or anyone with mobility concerns. The town is anchored by a long, pedestrian-only beachfront promenade lined with dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. It has a relaxed, fun holiday vibe that is distinct from the romantic intensity of Oia or Fira.
The Beach: The beach is composed of black volcanic pebbles and coarse sand. It is beautiful but gets extremely hot in the afternoon sun; water shoes are a must for walking around on the sand – anything more than a quick dash to the sea. Most beachfront restaurants offer sunbeds and umbrellas for a daily fee (usually €15 to €30) or for “free” with a minimum spend on food and drinks. Just walk along the promenade and you will see signs or can ask the staff about their specific deal for the day.
Transportation: Getting around is straightforward. Kamari is the closest beach town to the capital, Fira (a 15-minute bus or taxi ride). Buses run frequently, and in the high season (June to September), “night buses” run until after midnight. A taxi from Fira to Kamari costs roughly €30 to €40. A taxi from Oia to Kamari is €45+. Kamari is also home to the island’s best nightlife outside of Fira and the famous Open Air Cinema, which is one of the best evening activities on the island.
My boys swimming in Kamari.
Dining in Kamari: While the promenade is lined with dozens of choices, I recommend heading a block or two back from the water for some of the best food. To Pinakio is fantastic for authentic Greek mezedes. If you want a traditional taverna feel right on the water, Arauzana and Alexander are great choices for classic Greek dishes. For something a little more modern and upscale, try Fistikies or Alismari, which serves creative Mediterranean cuisine. Koralli is excellent for fresh seafood with a view of the sea, while Elias and Amelia are wonderful, family-run spots known for their friendly service and traditional recipes. For basic essentials like groceries, the main supermarket is located near the central bus stop.
Ancient Thera and Hiking: One of the highlights of staying here is the proximity to Mesa Vouno, the mountain at the south end of the beach. At the summit lie the ruins of Ancient Thera. You can drive or bus up the winding road, but there is also a steep hiking trail that starts at the edge of town. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top. I highly recommend doing this early in the morning (around 8:00 or 9:00 AM) because there is no shade and the afternoon heat is punishing. Views are incredible. For a full day adventure, descend the opposite side to Perissa, then water taxi back.
Airport Noise: It is important for first-timers to know that Kamari is located directly under the flight path for the Santorini airport. You will see (and hear) planes landing and taking off throughout the day. I think it’s a thrill to watch them come in low over the water, but if you are a light sleeper, you should choose a hotel with good soundproofing or stay at the south end of the village which is slightly further from the runway.
Kamari vs. Perissa: Perissa (and Perivolos) generally has finer sand and a younger, backpacker-style charm. However, Kamari is much more convenient if you plan to visit Fira and the caldera villages often. It feels more “organized” and resort-like than Perissa. A fun water taxi boat connects the two beaches, running frequently in summer around the base of the mountain.
Beachfront Hotels: Most hotels in Kamari are separated from the sand by the pedestrian promenade. The standout exceptions are Sigalas and Costa Grand Resort & Spa. At these two, you can walk straight from the pool deck onto the beach without crossing a public walkway.
Hotels on Map: Sigalas • La Bellezza Eco • Hotel 28 • Viva Nove • Costa Grand • Radisson Blu Zaffron • Acqua Vatos • Santellini • Anassa • Zephyros • Santorini Kastelli • Sandblu • Santorini Crystal Blue • Bellonias Villas • Hotel Matina • Cavo Bianco • Tamarix Del Mar • Blue Waves
5 Best Hotels in Kamari
1. Santorini Kastelli Resort
Gorgeous, 5-star resort with 7 pools (4 for all guests and 3 semi-private), a full-service salon and spa, and a tennis court. Their restaurant serves a complimentary American champagne breakfast daily and delicious Greek-Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. Rooms are on the cozy side, most sleeping a maximum of 2, though the maisonette and 1-bedroom suites are larger and sleep 4. Executive Rooms and Suites boast private pools. Though the resort’s sprawling layout and walled gardens make it feel secluded, Santorini Kastelli is just a stone’s throw to restaurants, boutiques, and the beach.2. Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort
Swanky adults-only (ages 13 and up) just a five-minute walk from the beach and its own private beach space there. Facilities include two large heated pools served by an all-day snack bar, a holistic wellness center, and an upscale Mediterranean restaurant. Rooms, suites, and villas at this romantic, seaside resort all feature private terraces or balconies, many with private jacuzzis or plunge pools. The largest one and two-bedroom villas sleep up to four guests. A total of five (two suites and three superior rooms) are wheelchair accessible. A rich and varied buffet breakfast is always included. Excellent location in the heart of Kamari village, just steps from dining, shopping, and the bus stop to Fira. The Open Air Cinema is just a 15-minute walk away.3. Sigalas
A family-run, beachfront hotel in Kamari, Sigalas offers a private beach area, wonderful restaurant, and a pool. Rooms, suites, and apartments are spacious and clean with traditional decor and private terraces. Studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, and 3-bedroom/2-bathroom maisonettes all offer kitchenettes; maisonettes sleep up to 7. Peaceful location at the north end of Kamari, though the hotel is near the airport along the flight path, so there is some airplane noise periodically.4. La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel
Delightful hotel with a pool, wonderful pool bar, and a strong eco-focus (solar power, rain collection, organic bedding, bicycles for guests). Suites and 2-bedroom apartments are spacious, from 36 to 86 sqm, sleeping up to 6. Suites all have private, outdoor jacuzzis, while apartments all have private pools with hydrotherapy jets. Located at the north end of Kamari, just a short walk to the beach.5. Cavo Bianco
5-star hotel with 2 dazzling pools, a full-service spa, casual Greek restaurant, and an excellent pool bar. Rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, all with private terraces. A few suites add indoor or outdoor jacuzzis or private pools. Cavo Bianco sits near several restaurants and just a 4-minute walk to the beach.
The Kamari to Perissa water taxi runs frequently in summer and makes for a fun excursion.
More Great Kamari Hotels
Sandblu Resort
Brand new family-friendly 5-star resort offering rooms, suites, and villas that sleep up to 5 guests. Two restaurants, a wine bar, bakery, and luxury shopping are on site, plus a kids’ club for ages 4-12. In addition to the private pools in many guest suites and villas, the resort has two pool decks (one infinity-style) and complimentary shuttle service to their private sun beds at Kamari Beach.
Acqua Vatos Santorini Hotel
Family-friendly, boutique hotel with a large pool, 2 great bars, and a vineyard (guests can help themselves to grapes and figs through the season and help harvest in August). Rooms and 1-bedroom suites sleep 2 to 4 guests, all with private balconies. Great location just 2 minutes’ walk to the beach and a 9-minute walk to the Open Air Cinema.
Santellini Hotel
Charming, affordable hotel with a pool and bar less than a 1-minute walk to Kamari Beach. Rooms and Maisonette Suites (lofts) are sunny and spotlessly clean, all with private terraces. All maisonettes are suitable for families of up to 4; upgraded Honeymoon Maisonettes are the largest and include special perks, such as a welcome bottle of local wine and fresh fruits. Fantastic location near restaurants and next to the bus stop to Fira, making island exploration a breeze.
Anassa Deluxe Suites
Friendly, luxury, boutique hotel with a pool, cafe, and bar. Rooms and suites are spacious, all with kitchenettes and private terraces, some with sea views. The largest maisonettes (lofts) and 2-bedroom suites sleep up to 4; there is also 1 wheelchair-accessible studio suite. A delicious Greek buffet breakfast is included. Wonderful location just a 2-minute walk to the beach, near several restaurants, beach bars, and shops.
Zephyros
Welcoming, budget hotel with a pool, bar, and complimentary buffet breakfasts. Rooms are cozy, sleeping up to 3; most include private balconies. Deluxe Suites offer private, outdoor jacuzzis. Great location just a 9-minute walk to the Open Air Cinema and a 6-minute walk to Kamari Beach; guests of Zephyros have access to the private beach area of their sister hotel Elixir Studios.
Santorini Crystal Blue
Small, luxury hotel across from Kamari Beach with spacious suites and a villa, a pool with jacuzzi jets, and a private beach area. All suites include fully equipped kitchenettes and private terraces, most with sea views. The VIP Suite adds a private, outdoor jacuzzi, while the 1-bedroom Beach House adds a full kitchen, a 2-person indoor jetted bath, and a huge sea-view patio. Wonderful food onsite, including a complimentary Greek breakfast buffet.
Tamarix Del Mar Suites
Upscale, family-friendly boutique hotel with 2 pools (1 outdoor, 1 indoor), a kids’ pool, playroom, and a casual restaurant and pool bar. This all-suite property offers a range of traditional-style junior, 1-bedroom, and maisonette suites for up to 5, many with private outdoor jacuzzis. One Junior Suite is wheelchair-accessible. The hotel sits at the lovely south end of Kamari near several restaurants, just 2 minutes’ walk to the beach and 5 minutes’ walk to the base of Mesa Vouno and the water taxi to Perissa Beach. • Full Review of Tamarix Del Mar Suites.
Blue Waves Hotel
Boutique hotel with a infinity pool, pool bar, and a sea-view patio. The hotel offers a wide range of spacious suites uo to 2-bedroom apartments all with kitchenettes and many with outdoor private jacuzzis or pools with sea views. Great location surrounded by restaurants at the south end of Kamari, a 2-minute walk to the beach, and a 4-minute walk to the base of Mesa Vouno and the water taxi to Perissa Beach.
Hotel 28
Romantic, adults-only, boutique hotel with cozy rooms for 2, a pool with jacuzzi jets, and an all-day bar and restaurant. Contemporary, Cycladic-style rooms all feature private balconies with pool or mountain views. The pool bar offers light bites and great cocktails. The hotel sits just a 5-minute walk from Kamari Beach, though guests can also opt to use the private beach (with lounge chairs and umbrellas) at their sister hotel Bellonias Villas, a 15-minute walk away.
Bellonias Villas
Contemporary, luxury hotel across from Kamari Beach. All rooms and suites feature fully equipped kitchenettes and private terraces. Honeymoon Suites feature outdoor jacuzzis, while 1-bedroom Apartment Suites are the largest and sleep up to 5. Facilities include a stylish pool and jacuzzi, an award-winning restaurant, private beach area, and a small wellness center. Ideal location just steps from dining and shopping.
Costa Grand Resort & Spa
New, luxury, hotel with 5 pools, 1 kids’ pool, a full-service spa, and an all-day Greek restaurant. The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites with private balconies, most with sea or beachfront views. Studios include kitchenettes, Lofts sleep up to 4 (their best, largest option for families), and Deluxe Beachfront rooms offer private pools (best for couples). Beautiful location at the north end of Kamari, but light sleepers be advised that you may hear airplanes through the night, as the hotel is along the flight path.
Viva Nove
All-suite boutique hotel with a pool. Junior Suites enjoy direct access from their private patios to the main pool, while all other suites have their own private outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. Facilities include an all-day pool bar and complimentary a la carte breakfast served daily. Great location at the north end of Kamari, just a 5-minute walk to a quiet stretch of beach and just a little farther to lively beach clubs, restaurants, and the open-air cinema.
Hotel Matina
Family-run, boutique, budget hotel with a pool and bar. Rooms, suites, and apartments all have private terraces; apartments have up to 2 bedrooms and include kitchenettes. The hotel is surrounded by wonderful restaurants and is only a 5-minute walk to the beach.
My Favorite Beach Hotels
• Kamari: Kastelli
• Perissa: Aqua Blue
• Perivolos: Istoria
• Kamari for Families: Kastelli
• Kamari for Couples: Radisson Blu Zaffron
• Kamari Midrange: Sigalas
• Kamari Cheap: Zephyros
About Santorini Dave