Greece › Santorini › Kamari Hotels
Updated: September 25, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
Staying in Kamari
Kamari is the best beach town on Santorini for families and travelers who want an easy, walkable resort town. There are no caldera views, but the beach, restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels are packed into a flat, compact area. The long pedestrian promenade along the beach is the center of town. Kamari is much easier to get around than Oia, Fira, or the other cliffside villages, especially with young children or for anyone who wants to avoid stairs.
The Beach: Kamari has a long beach of black volcanic pebbles and coarse sand. The surface gets extremely hot in the afternoon, so water shoes are useful. Most beachfront restaurants and beach clubs rent sunbeds and umbrellas or include them with a minimum food and drink spend. Prices and policies vary.
Transportation: Fira is about 15 minutes away by bus or taxi. Buses run regularly between Kamari and Fira, with later service in summer. A rental car is not necessary if you’re staying in Kamari and using buses, tours, and taxis for sightseeing. The Open Air Cinema is just outside the center of town and one of my favorite things to do on Santorini after dark.
My boys swimming in Kamari.
Dining in Kamari: There are dozens of restaurants along the promenade, but some of my favorites are a block or two inland. To Pinakio is one of my top choices for Greek mezedes. Fistikies is a little more polished, with Greek and Mediterranean dishes and a good local wine list. On the waterfront, Alismari is good for seafood and Mediterranean dishes. For something simple and inexpensive, Elias Grill does excellent souvlaki and gyros.
Ancient Thera and Hiking: The ruins of Ancient Thera sit high on Mesa Vouno, the mountain at the south end of Kamari. A steep hiking trail from Kamari takes about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the archaeological site. Go early because there is almost no shade. From April through October, the site currently opens at 8:30 AM and is closed Wednesday. One of my favorite outings is to hike up from Kamari, visit Ancient Thera, descend the other side toward Perissa, then take the seasonal water taxi back to Kamari.
Airport Noise: Kamari is close to Santorini Airport and under the flight path. Planes come in low over the water and aircraft noise is noticeable, especially at the north end of town. I think it’s a thrill to watch them come in, but light sleepers should favor the south end of Kamari.
Beachfront Hotels: Most Kamari hotels are separated from the sand by the pedestrian promenade. Two notable exceptions are Sigalas and Costa Grand Resort & Spa, where the hotel grounds open directly onto the beach.
Kamari vs Perissa, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia
- Kamari vs Perissa/Perivolos Beach: These are Santorini’s two main beach resort areas. Kamari is more compact, with hotels, restaurants, shops, and the beach close together. Perissa and Perivolos have a longer beach and more space, especially as you head south toward Perivolos. Kamari is better for an easy, walkable beach base with quick access to Fira. Perissa and Perivolos are better for long walks along the beach and have more beach clubs.
- Kamari vs Fira: Fira has caldera views, the island’s main bus hub, much more nightlife, and a bigger choice of restaurants and shops. Kamari has the beach, flatter streets, and generally lower hotel prices. Stay in Kamari if swimming and beach time are priorities. Stay in Fira if you want the easiest base for sightseeing, buses, tours, and nightlife.
- Kamari vs Oia: Oia has spectacular caldera views, luxury hotels, and the island’s most beautiful village setting. Kamari is less expensive and has the beach. I prefer Oia for honeymoons, luxury stays, and first-time visitors who put scenery first. Kamari is better for families, longer stays, and travelers who want the beach within an easy walk.
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
My favorite hotel in Kamari. This 5-star resort has four pools, a spa, tennis court, restaurant, and lots of quiet outdoor space. Standard rooms are fairly small and best for couples; larger suites sleep up to 4. Some upgraded suites have swim-up access or outdoor hot tubs. Despite the secluded feel inside the resort, it’s an easy walk to Kamari Beach, restaurants, and shops.2. Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort
Excellent luxury resort for guests age 13 and older, about a 5-minute walk from Kamari Beach with its own private beach area. There are two heated pools, a spa, gym, pool bar, and Mediterranean restaurant. Rooms, suites, and villas all have a balcony or terrace; many add an outdoor whirlpool or private plunge pool. Most larger suites and villas sleep 3, while some Presidential Suites sleep 4. Good central Kamari location near restaurants, shops, and the bus to Fira.3. Sigalas
Family-run hotel directly on the beach at the quiet north end of Kamari, with a pool and restaurant. Rooms, suites, studios, and apartments have private terraces; larger units add kitchenettes and sleep up to 7. One of the best choices in Kamari if you want to step directly from the hotel onto the beach. The tradeoff is location close to the airport flight path, so aircraft noise is noticeable.4. La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel
Small eco-focused hotel with a pool and spacious suites and apartments. The hotel uses solar heating, collects rainwater for the pool, and uses organic and natural bedding materials. Suites and 2-bedroom apartments range from 36 to 86 sqm and sleep up to 6. Suites have outdoor jacuzzis; apartments have private pools with hydrotherapy jets. Quiet north Kamari location, a short walk from the beach.5. Cavo Bianco
Small 5-star hotel with two pools, a spa, restaurant, and pool bar. All rooms and suites have private terraces, and some suites add indoor or outdoor jacuzzis or private pools. Good location at the south end of Kamari, about a 4-minute walk from the beach and close to restaurants.
The seasonal Kamari to Perissa water taxi is a fun way to visit the other side of Mesa Vouno. Service is weather-dependent.
More Great Kamari Hotels
Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Large family-friendly 5-star resort at the foot of Mesa Vouno, with rooms, suites, and villas, many with private pools. Facilities include two outdoor pools, spa, large fitness center, two restaurants, wine bar, bakery, shops, and a kids’ club for ages 4 to 12. The resort’s private section of Kamari Beach is about a 10-minute walk away, with hotel transfers available during the day. Best for families who want a full resort rather than a small beachfront hotel.
Acqua Vatos Santorini Hotel
Affordable boutique hotel with a large pool, two bars, and a vineyard. Rooms and 1-bedroom suites sleep 2 to 4 guests and have private balconies. Central location about 2 minutes’ walk from the beach and 9 minutes from the Open Air Cinema.
Santellini Hotel
Good-value hotel with a pool and bar, less than a minute’s walk from Kamari Beach. Rooms and maisonette suites have private terraces, and the maisonettes sleep families of up to 4. Excellent central location near restaurants and the bus stop to Fira.
Anassa Deluxe Suites
Small upscale hotel with a pool, cafe, and bar. Rooms and suites are spacious, with kitchenettes and private terraces; the largest maisonettes and 2-bedroom suites sleep up to 4. One studio suite is wheelchair accessible. Just a 2-minute walk from the beach and close to restaurants and shops.
Zephyros
One of my favorite budget hotels in Kamari, with a pool, bar, and included buffet breakfast. Rooms sleep up to 3 and most have private balconies; Deluxe Suites add outdoor jacuzzis. About 6 minutes’ walk from Kamari Beach and 9 minutes from the Open Air Cinema. Guests can also use the private beach area at sister property Elixir Studios.
Santorini Crystal Blue
Small upscale hotel across the promenade from Kamari Beach, with a pool and private beach area. Suites have kitchenettes and private terraces, most with sea views. The VIP Suite adds an outdoor jacuzzi, while the 1-bedroom Beach House has a full kitchen and large sea-view patio. A good choice for longer stays when a kitchenette and beachfront location matter.
Tamarix Del Mar Suites
Upscale family hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, a kids’ pool, playroom, restaurant, and pool bar. Junior, 1-bedroom, and maisonette suites sleep up to 5; many have outdoor jacuzzis. One Junior Suite is wheelchair accessible. At the south end of Kamari, about 2 minutes’ walk from the beach and 5 minutes from the base of Mesa Vouno and the water taxi to Perissa.
Blue Waves Hotel
Boutique hotel with an infinity pool, pool bar, and suites and apartments with kitchenettes. Many units have private outdoor jacuzzis or pools, some with sea views. Good south Kamari location surrounded by restaurants, about 2 minutes’ walk from the beach and 4 minutes from Mesa Vouno and the water taxi to Perissa.
Hotel 28
Adults-only boutique hotel with a pool, bar and restaurant, and contemporary rooms for 2 with private balconies. About a 5-minute walk from Kamari Beach. Guests can also use the private beach area at sister property Bellonias Villas, about 15 minutes away on foot.
Bellonias Villas
Upscale hotel across the promenade from Kamari Beach. Rooms and suites have kitchenettes and private terraces; Honeymoon Suites add outdoor jacuzzis, while 1-bedroom Apartment Suites sleep up to 5. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, private beach area, and small wellness center. Excellent beachfront location for travelers who want everything within a short walk.
Costa Grand Resort & Spa
Large 5-star resort directly on the beach at the north end of Kamari, with five pools, a kids’ pool, spa, restaurant, and private beach area. Rooms, studios, and suites have balconies or terraces; several larger units sleep up to 4, while Deluxe Doubles with private pools are best for couples. One of the few Kamari hotels where the grounds open directly onto the beach. The downside is aircraft noise from the nearby airport.
Viva Nove
Small all-suite hotel with a pool and pool bar. Junior Suites have direct access to the main pool from their patios; other suites have private outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. Breakfast is included. At the north end of Kamari, about a 5-minute walk from a quieter stretch of beach.
Hotel Matina
Good-value family-run hotel with a pool and bar. Rooms, suites, and apartments have private terraces; apartments have up to 2 bedrooms and kitchenettes. Quiet location about a 5-minute walk from Kamari Beach and close to restaurants.
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
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Your website is spectacular! Have you heard anything about Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa? We booked a room there with an outdoor hot tub. Too bad I didn’t find your website sooner!
I think it’s a nice 3-star hotel in a convenient central area of Kamari. Lots of restaurants and bars within a short walk. Easy walk to bus stop for Fira. Pebble beach and great swimming just in front of the hotel. As long as your expectations are not super high, I’m sure you’ll love it.
Hi Dave,
Doing research for areas in Santorini, going on a trip with my wife, and my parents (65+). Was at first looking at Imerovigli area, seems beautiful and quiet, and has been recommended to me by others. But I’ve heard it’s steep/has a good amount of stairs. So because of that, I’m now looking at the Kamari area, heard it’s flatter. But I’m sad about giving up the views of the Caldera that I keep reading about. Thoughts? Any hotels/areas in Imerovigli that are flat?
Thanks!
I think Imerovigli has the best sunsets on Santorini, with sweeping views over the whole of the caldera, from Akrotiri to Oia, with the volcanoes and Thirassia Island in between. Its location at the highest point in the caldera is what makes the views so majestic, but this means there is a good deal of stair climbing in many of the hotels built inside the caldera, especially the ones located in the heart of the village. Fortunately, there are a few hotels at the north end of Imerovigli that offer stellar view and fewer stairs than other (though still a handful). In particular, check into Cavo Tagoo and Andronis Concept Wellness. These hotels all offer sea views from all room categories and are only spread over 2 or 3 floors; book a room on the main floor to be at the same level as the pools and restaurants to limit the use of stairs.
If even a few stairs is too many, then I’d recommend Kamari, a charming beachfront village with plenty to see and do and no stairs to navigate. The best hotels in Kamari for those with limited mobility are Santorini Kastelli Resort and Cavo Bianco. Both properties are less than a 2-minute walk to the beach and offer excellent food, pools, and spas.
Looking at staying for 3 nights at the Aegean Plaza Hotel, is this nice? How far to beach and dining?
Yes, nice hotel and pool. Two minute walk to the beach and many bars and restaurants. I like this area.
Hello SD, enjoy reading your tips and tricks! My wife and I will be staying at the Acroterra Rosa in Akrotiri for 4 days Sept 20-24 celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary, and I was wondering what is the best way to get to a couple of beaches if we aren’t renting a car. Cab? ATV’s available for rent?
Thanks Dave!
My thoughts:
-It’s a 15-minute walk to Red Beach or a short drive (ATV). From there you can take the water taxi to two other beaches. Or you can drive to Black Beach as well.
-10 or 15 minutes and 20 euro taxi ride to Fira and Perissa/Perivolos Beaches. From the beaches you can take a water taxi to Kamari. From Fira you can take a bus to Kamari (and then water taxi to Perissa/Perivolos).
We are staying in Santorini for 2 nights. Is the Kayla Suites in Kamari good?
It’s a nice simple hotel a short walk from beach and restaurants. A little farther for the bus stop to Fira. Nothing too fancy but fine for most.
Hi
We are planning a trip next summer which will be a few days on Mykonos, ferry to Santorini for a few days and then a week at The White Palace in Crete (we went there last August and our boys are desperate to go back).
I have a few questions:
Where is the best town to stay in Mykonos that is child friendly (10 & 7) and relaxing but with good food?
Where is the best town to stay in Santorini that will have easy access to things to do, good views, and the ferry port?
It looks like there are multiple sailings between the three islands every day, is that right?
Great website by the way.
Sally
In Mykonos, Ornos is the most kid-friendly town. Great beach, good restaurants, and easy access to Mykonos Town (by bus). In Santorini, Fira is probably the town you want though Firostefani and Oia are also fine choices for a family. Fira is closest to the ferry port (though it’s still a 15/20 minute drive by bus). Usually 2 ferries per day between Crete and Santorini, and 2 to 4 between Mykonos and Santorini (in summer).
We are planning a trip to Santorini 28-Sep through 05-Oct. The first 4 nights we’ll be staying on the Caldera, and the last 3 nights we’ll be staying in Kamari. We’d like to stay close to the beach or on the beach at an affordable price and have narrowed it down to Rose Bay Hotel and The Boat House Hotel. Which would you recommend, or do you recommend something else?
Both are very nice and good choices. The Boat House is right on the waterfront and it’s easier to hop down to the sea for a swim. It also feels more in the thick of things. The Rose Bay is a 2 minute walk away but back from the seafront just a little. The Rose Bay does have a larger nicer pool.
Hi Dave
We are three couples whos husbands are all celebrating their 60th birthdays next year. We are looking at May. We are all foodies and like a good glass of wine. We also like nice views, and us ladies also like dancing. Any suggestion on the best part of the island to stay. Thank you. Karen
Imerovigli has the best food and views in Santorini. Fira is the only town with any significant nightlife and dancing. Dancing starts late on Santorini so it is nice if you’re staying nearby and can walk straight back to your hotel instead of searching for a taxi.
Can you recommend some good Kamari hotels that are less expensive than the hotels above (which look very nice but are above our budget). We need a nice hotel, clean, a pool would be great, in 2 or 3 star category. Thank you.
Good quality hotels in Kamari that are less expensive: Selini Ηotel and Hotel Matina. Both have pools and good central locations.
Hi planning to go in June with my son 8 years and aunt to Santorini. I would like affordable clean exotic place on the beach. One bedroom appartment would be best. Any recommendations? I feel very overwhelmed with the selection and everything looks great.
Diana
The hotels all look great because they are all (generally) of a high quality. It’s rare that you find a hotel on Santorini that isn’t good or better. Booking.com is the best website for booking hotels. Just be sure a hotel has a rating of 8.0 or higher and you’re almost guaranteed to like it. That said, the Kastelli Resort is one of the best in Kamari and has large one-bedroom suites. Not right on the beach but a very short walk away.
Hey!
My boyfriend and I are considering Santorini for two weeks next July! We are 23 and want some nightlife, bars, shopping! But also a little luxury. You seem very helpful so I hope you can point me in the right direction. Never been to Santorini or anywhere in Greece before! Thank you!
Ash
Most of the nightlife, bars, and shopping are in Fira. Kamari and Oia also have shopping and a few bars but not to same extent and I wouldn’t call it nightlife (all of the clubs are in Fira). So Fira is probably where you want to stay. It also has a far great selection of luxury hotels.
Where’s the best night life in Santorini?
Sarah
Kamari does have a few places that stay up late but most of the nightlife/dancing/clubs are in Fira – about a 15 minute bus/taxi ride from Kamari.
Hi. Great website, wish I’d come across it sooner! Frantic looking for a last minute holiday to go this next weekend and REALLY fancy Santorini. However struggling a bit to find something at such short notice AND that’s not silly money. Any suggestions please, really love the sound of Imerovigli and the other west of the island resorts that you so fondly talk about? The views, classy accommodation and trendy areas for night life, perfect!!! Please help, thank you.
Joanne McLoughlin
I agree. Santorini is beautiful and Imerovigli is my favorite town on the island. Try Merovigliosso for a hotel with a great central location (though not really a direct caldera view) and pretty cheap (by Santorini standards).
Hi. I’m looking into the RK Beach Hotel in Kamari. Do you recommend it? Is it better to stay in Caldera?
thanks
Karen Sharabi
Nice hotel with a great location on the Kamari boardwalk. But yes, I would still recommend staying along the caldera – much more special and unique.
We’re thinking of going to the Alia hotel, Kamari the first 2 weeks in June next year is this a good choice as we’ve never been to Santorini before. Any info will be gratefully received, many thanks.
Liz Daw
Alia hotel is very nice and about a 10 minute walk from the main strip of restaurants along Kamari beach. It does feel a little out of the way but perhaps you’ll like the quiet. The pool area is great. With 2 weeks I would definitely recommend spending a few of those days in the much more charismatic towns along the caldera: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia. You won’t regret it.
Looking at Sunshine Hotel in Kamari. Any thoughts?
Nice budget hotel right at the beach with it’s own restaurant (that overlooks the beach) and sun beds. Great location. The hotel itself is across a small pedestrian path from the beach (so not directly on the beach). Bus stop to Fira is a 2 minute walk away. Good pick.
Thank you for all this information! Do you have anything to share on The Boathouse hotel in Kamari? We like that it’s beach front and affordable. If not, we’d go with Kastelli, but fear we’ll regret not having a sea view and beach access directly from the hotel. Amy information would be great. Thanks!
Tim
Both are very nice hotels. The Boathouse is on the beach (the quieter end so you don’t get a lot of loud walk by traffic). The Kastelli is back from the beach but there are more restaurants nearby.
Hi
Any tips on the best part of the island and hotels for families who like good restaurants and luxury hotels?
Thanks
Fiona Murray
Imerovigli probably has the best mix of great hotels and great restaurants.