Kamari - Table of Contents
Kamari is a small town located in the south-eastern part of the island, 3 km from the airport and 7 km from the island’s capital Fira. On the south side, Kamari is bounded by the slope of Mesa Vouno mountain.
Kamari belongs to the administrative unit of south Aegean, regional unit (municipality) of Thira.
The village of Kamari is one of the larger on the island and has 1300 permanent inhabitants (according to the 2011 census).
The name of the village derives from the word “kamara” (αμάρα) meaning arch in Greek, and specifically from the arch that is a remnant of the sanctuary of Poseidon, located in the northern slope of Mesa Vouno, at the southern end of Kamari beach (currently there is a small terrace and viewpoint).
Attractions of Kamari
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera in Santorini was an ancient city that was located in the south-eastern part of the island on a rocky mountain called Mesa Vouno, over 360 meters above sea level. Currently, this place is adjacent to two very popular towns on the opposite sides of the mountain – Kamari and Perissa.
Kamari Necropolis (Thombs)
Above the village of Kamari, below the Sellada Pass (separating the massifs of Profitis Ilias and Mesa Vouno), south of the cave and church of Zoodochos Pigi, we find the remains of an ancient necropolis – the former cemetery of ancient Thera.
Panagia Episkopi Church
The oldest Byzantine church on the island of Santorini, the Panagia Episkopi is a special place for many Greeks. Continuously since the 12th century, it has been a place of
Wine Museum Koutsoyannopoulos
The Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum on Santorini is certainly unique. It shows the history of the famous Santorini wine and how it was produced between 1660 and 1970. Here you can
Zoodochos Pigi Cave
On the eastern slope of Profitis Ilias there is a small cave and a church called Zoodchos Pigi. A steep staircase leads to it from Kamari, running along a rock wall used as a climbing area. Inside the cave there are nice dripstone formations and a drinking water source.
Zoodochos Pigi Cave II
Above the village of Kamari, not far from the Zoodochos Pigi cave and the church, there is a second cave not open to tourists called Zoodochos Pigi II.
Beaches near Kamari
Kamari Beach
Kamari is one of the most popular places on Santorini. It is located on the southeast coast of the island. The long, black, volcanic beach is definitely the main attraction here, perfect for walks along the seashore. The Kamari Beach in Santorini is made of tiny dark pebbles and is about two kilometers long.
Monolithos Beach
Monolithos Beach can be recommended for families with children, as the water here is quite shallow. The sandy beach has a dark volcanic colour. The beach is located right next to the airport but we didn’t find the noise to be a problem, especially that the Santorini airport is nothing like a big city aerodrome.
Tourism in Kamari
Kamari is famous primarily for its beautiful beach, which is the second longest beach after the one located in Perissa. Anyway, both towns and their beaches are separated only by the Mesa Vuono mountain. The nature of both beaches is very similar. As in Perissa, in Kamari there is a wide, gently descending to the sea sandy beach covered with dark volcanic sand.
Kamari Beach is very well prepared in terms of tourist infrastructure. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available (some belong to hotels, others to restaurants, still others can be rented for a fee). Showers and changing rooms are available. Safety on the beach is guarded by lifeguards watching at designated points. The beach in Kamari is very clean, repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag.
Kamari has a wide offer primarily for scuba diving enthusiasts. In designated places, both experienced scuba-divers and novices can enjoy it in designated areas and can receive appropriate training. On the beach there are also numerous equipment rentals for various other water sports.
Along the beach stretches a promenade of about 1.5 km with numerous taverns, cafes and shops with souvenirs and beach equipment. In the village you will also find many other attractions such as mini-golf or summer cinema.
The most famous and worth visiting place in the vicinity of Kamari is Ancient Thera located on the top of Mesa Vuono. Designated hiking trails and an asphalt road lead to it (during the opening hours of the archaeological site it is inaccessible to private cars). The most attractive walking path leads past the climbing rock, the Zoodochos Pigi cave and the ancient cemetery located on the slope of Sellada. From the top of Mesa Vouno there is a beautiful panorama of the Aegean Sea. At night, the rocky hill is illuminated, which gives it a unique charm.
Spending your holidays in Kamari, you must go to the nearby village of Vothonas, where there is a unique Wine Museum. In the winery we can taste the most popular varieties of local wine. The most interesting, however, are the underground cellars, which stretch for 300 m, housing an interesting museum exhibition, bringing closer the individual stages of wine making to visitors.
Kamari is a very good base for exploring the whole of Santorini. You can use public transport (the cheapest option), rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.
Accommodation and catering in Kamari
Although Kamari is a small town, the tourist base is very well developed here. There are several hotels of various categories and many apartments and private accommodation for tourists.
For accommodation for two people in the season you will pay from 50 to 400 Euro, in the off-season prices start from 30 Euro for 2 people.
Both near the beach and throughout the village of Kamari there are many dining options, serving mainly Greek cuisine. In the restaurant, a good dinner for two people costs on average from 30 to 50 €. In fast food, the dish can be ordered from 3.5 €.
History of Kamari
- Ancient times – in the vicinity of the modern town of Kamari there was a port, ancient city of Oia (now under water…)
- After the earthquake in 1956 – the expansion of the village, many residents from the nearby Episkopi Gonia also settled here.
