Updated: February 19, 2025
Greece › Santorini › Kamari Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Staying in Kamari
Kamari is a wonderful, family-friendly beach town on the island’s east coast – the opposite side of the island from the caldera. Santorini hotels with caldera views are all on the west side of the island. Kamari has a pedestrian beachfront walkway, many bars and restaurants, great swimming from its pebble-and-sand beach, and an easygoing vibe. It’s a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Kamari to Fira, so day trips to the cliffside towns are not difficult (to get to Oia, change buses once you get to Fira.) In summer there are late buses running from Fira to Kamari – the last one will leave Fira after midnight, sometimes as late as 3:30 am. A taxi from Fira to Kamari will be about €15. Taxi from Oia to Kamari is €20 to €25. Kamari is also where you’ll find the fantastic Open Air Cinema, which is a must.
Perissa and Perivolos are the other main beach towns in Santorini. The beaches there have nicer sand and the town has a little more laid-back charm (it feels less resorty and more like a California beach town). But it’s much faster and easier to get to Fira (or Oia) from Kamari than from Perissa.
The best hotel in Kamari that’s right on the beach is Sigalas – the other hotels listed below are either across a pedestrian road from the beach or back a few streets – which isn’t a big deal, but at Sigalas you can walk straight from your room or the pool to the sea.
Map of Kamari
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. Like Costa Grand above, this hotel is also near the airport, but it has great sound insulation.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.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 just 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.
Summary: Our 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 small team and I provide 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.