'''Kamari''' is a seaside village on the southeast side of Santorini, an island that is part of the Cyclades group of Greek islands. It has a long black sand and shingle beach. Though there are many taverns, bars and clubs Kamari has a far more relaxed atmosphere than Thira. There are all the usual water based activities plus a regular water taxi to take you round the headland to neighboring Perissa.

Get in

The airport is very close about 3km. Most days the noise from landing planes is sporadic and kept to daylight hours. There are exceptions to this.

Get around

If staying in Kamari for a week a rental car, scooter or quad would be advised for about 3 days. Most companies offer discounts for rentals of this period. While scooters and quads are very popular, the vehicle best suited to exploring the island in full is a small 4x4 like the ever-popular convertible Suzuki Jimny. For the even more adventurous there are street-legal beach buggies that seat 2 and look like a lot of fun.

There is ample parking by the beach, with several larger car parks (so don't bother with street parking)

See

Ancient Thira is literally above Kamari. There are busses available to take you to the top but you can walk or drive. The walk takes about an hour and is quite steep. The drive is up a cobble-stone cliff-side twisty road and requires not only confidence behind the wheel but the ability to ignore your scared passengers who are actually looking down. The site is open from 10-1430 most days (closed on mondays).

Do

Buy

Eat

The streets of Kamari are abundant with restaurants and especially so along the beach. Kamari is a great place to while away the afternoons sipping cocktails before heading to a great restaurant for a truly memorable meal. While some places in particular are mentioned below, most of the restaurants offer incredible food at good prices (budget ?40 for a meal for 2 with drinks). If a restaurant is empty or has staff who are overly keen to get you in the door with offers of free wine or discounts, move on.

  • '''Alexander_fs Restaurant'''. Located about 50 meters from the main bus terminal, offers fresh fish, steaks and Macedonian specialties. Very high quality of food and very very tasty.
  • '''No Name tavern'''. Just next to Alexander's Restaurant. Offers a large variety of delicious Greek food.
  • '''Irini's'''. Located at the south end of the beachfront street. Vine leaves stuffed with beef are almost indescribably good.
  • '''El Greco'''. On the beachfront. The seafood in general and calamari in particular are very good.
  • '''Sunshine''' "pasta fresca" sea front restaurant specializing in pasta. Maybe best pasta you ever tasted.
  • Drink

  • '''Hook Bar''' - on the beach promenade in the big rock end of the promenade. Good music.
  • '''Prince bar-restaurant'''-on the center of Kamari (500 parking space) excellent place; the best choice
  • '''Splash Bar - Restaurant''' - On the beautiful beach of Kamari you can find an oasis of refreshment in the form of Splash Cafe-Bar-Restaurant.
  • Sleep

  • '''Hotel Matina''' [http://www.hotel-matina.com]. Built and decorated according to the traditional style of the island. Situated in a tranquil and pleasant garden with a swimming pool, only 2 minutes walk from the beach.
  • '''Kafouros Studios'''. This place will make you feel at home in ways that your own home doesn't even manage to. Small, friendly, family-run with a great pool and bar that's open till late. Handy to the beach and space to park your rental car. Adonis and his family will become friends who you want to return to see.
  • '''Christos Makris''' Large apartments 20 meters from the main beach of Kamari. Located at the center of Kamari.
  • '''Hotel Sunshine''' A small and expensive hotel by the beach promenade. Has very basic standard. Staff not particularly friendly. Many of the "balconies" are so small that for all practical purposes they cannot be used.
  • Kamari has more than 200 hotels and rooms to let lodgings.

    Get out