Kamari Beach, Santorini - Man walking on black sand beach
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Kamari Beach Santorini

4.4
·5k reviews·, Greece

Kamari Beach: Santorini's vibrant black sand shore with lively dining, free sunbeds, and family-friendly waters.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
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Kamari Beach, Santorini - Man walking on black sand beach

Kamari Beach Santorini

Best Time

Early Mornings

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kamari Beach: Santorini's vibrant black sand shore with lively dining, free sunbeds, and family-friendly waters.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"This lively black-sand-&-pebble beach features swimming, rental umbrellas & restaurants/bars."

Vertical photo
TIP

Hot Sand Alert! 🥵

The black pebbles get scorching hot. Wear sandals or use the boardwalks provided.

Free Sunbeds with Purchase 🌞

Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Striking Black Sand

The Striking Black Sand

Kamari Beach

Unique volcanic pebbles and sand create a dramatic, dark shoreline against the Aegean Sea.

Beachfront Dining & Sunbeds

Beachfront Dining & Sunbeds

Kamari Beach Promenade

Enjoy meals and drinks with a view; many spots offer free sunbeds with your order.

Sunrise Spectacle

Sunrise Spectacle

Kamari Beach

Catch a serene sunrise over the Aegean, a peaceful start to the day away from crowds.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Black Sand

Kamari Beach boasts unique black volcanic sand and pebbles. It gets incredibly hot, so wear sandals or use the provided boardwalks. Many beachfront restaurants offer free sunbeds with a purchase, a great tip from travelers! Reddit+1

Timing is Key for Sunbeds

This popular spot fills up fast! Arrive early, especially if you want free sunbeds from restaurants. After 10 AM, they can be hard to come by. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

one of the best days ever 🥹✨ truly magical #travel #traveltiktok #traveltok #santorini #santorinigreece #santorinioia #santorinihotel #besthotels #luxurytravel #luxuryhotels #luxurylifestyle #travelbucketlist #bucketlisttravel #mustvisit #santorinisunset #caritravels #plungepool #hotelrooms #insanehotel
@carielizabethh
124.6K likes • 830.4K views

Hot Sand Alert! 🥵

The black pebbles get scorching hot. Wear sandals or use the boardwalks provided. Reddit

Free Sunbeds with Purchase 🌞

Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks. Reddit+1

I crashed out AGAIN but this time in Santorini 😞 if you’re ever wondering. What it’s like to visit Santorini via cruise ship…my advice? Get off the boat EARLY to avoid these problems 😭 #santorini #greecetravel #travelfail #eurosummer
@nylah.akua
20.3K likes • 475.4K views
Beautiful Kamari Sunrise 🌅 I got the 7.15am bus from Fira to Kamari a few mornings ago to catch the sunrise - something I’ve never done before and it didn’t disappoint. Just myself, a few runners and many cats… So beautiful 📍Kamari Black Sand Beach, Santorini - Greece #santorini #greece #santorinisunset #sunset #octoberingreece #kamari #kamarisunrise
clairegoeswhere_
17 likes • 1.8K views

Arrive Early for Spots 👌

Prime sunbeds fill up quickly, especially after 10 AM. Reddit

Water Taxi to Perissa 👉

A fun and easy way to explore nearby Perissa beach. Reddit

Santorini restaurant recommendation on Kamari beach!🥰🦞🫶🏻🌊 📍 Almira, Kamari Beach, let me know if you liked it🙌 #santorini #traveltips #restaurantreview #greeceholidays #travel #greece #santoriniisland #santorinisunset #santorini🇬🇷 #santorini #santorinivibes #SantoriniVibes #santoriniview Via TT: whereto_travelnext
santiaki.travel
414 likes • 40.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Hot Sand Alert! 🥵

The black pebbles get scorching hot. Wear sandals or use the boardwalks provided. Reddit

Free Sunbeds with Purchase 🌞

Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks. Reddit+1

Arrive Early for Spots 👌

Prime sunbeds fill up quickly, especially after 10 AM. Reddit

Water Taxi to Perissa 👉

A fun and easy way to explore nearby Perissa beach. Reddit

Escape the Crowds 🌊

Kamari offers a more relaxed vibe in the evenings compared to Oia or Fira. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kamari Beach is celebrated for its unique black volcanic sand and lively promenade, offering a great mix of relaxation and amenities. Visitors appreciate the free sunbeds with food purchases and the family-friendly atmosphere. Some find the pebbles hot and the water choppy, and it can get crowded, but overall it's a highly recommended and convenient beach experience on Santorini.

"Really cool volcanic beach. Pebbles instead of sand that are all dark (and scorching hot in July). Tons of umbrellas and chairs for rent and some beach restaurants will even give you them for free if you eat/drink with them. Water is clear but was choppy when we were there. Overall really good experience."

Alessandro Pedicelli

"Didn't get the opportunity to jump in the water due to the weather but the beach was amazing with plenty of shopping and good food in tbe immediate area. The beach is right over the airport runway sonit was very cool seeing the planes fly overhead on there approach to the airport."

Danny Torres

"One of the popular beaches in Santorini. The restaurants and bars offer free sunbeds for their customers. Great vibes and lively! Overall its a beautiful beach 👌"

Shristi G

What People Like

Unique black sand
Free sunbeds with purchase
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Hot pebbles
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Kamari Beach from Fira is by public bus. Buses run frequently and are quite affordable. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes. Reddit Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or rent a car for more flexibility. If arriving by cruise ship, be aware of potential long queues for transport up the cliff, so getting off early is advised. TikTok

Yes, Kamari Beach is accessible by car, with parking available along the promenade and in nearby streets. However, during peak season, parking can be challenging to find. Reddit

You can take a bus from Oia to Fira, and then transfer to a bus heading to Kamari. This is a common and budget-friendly option for exploring the island. Reddit

Public buses are the most economical way to reach Kamari from other parts of Santorini. If you prefer more direct travel, taxis are readily available, though more expensive. Reddit

Yes, cruise ship passengers face challenges due to the steep cliff. Options include long cable car queues, donkey rides (which some find questionable), or walking. Getting off the ship early is highly recommended to avoid the longest waits. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Kamari Beach itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can access the beach freely. Reddit

While you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, many beachfront restaurants offer them for free if you purchase food or drinks from their establishment. Reddit+1 If renting separately, prices can vary but expect to pay a few euros. Reddit

Most restaurants and shops along the Kamari Beach promenade are open from morning until late evening, typically from around 9 AM to 11 PM or later during the summer season. Reddit

You don't need to book anything for the beach itself. However, if you plan to dine at popular restaurants like Captain's Corner, booking in advance, even in person, is recommended. Reddit

No specific tickets are required for general beach activities. If you plan to take a boat trip or use water sports equipment, those will have separate costs and booking procedures. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities

Kamari Beach is famous for its unique black volcanic sand and pebbles, which can get very hot under the sun. Reddit

Yes, Kamari Beach is generally good for swimming. The water is clear, though it can sometimes be choppy. Reddit It's also noted as being family-friendly with shallow waters. Instagram

Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy watersports, explore the promenade with its shops and restaurants, and take a water taxi to nearby Perissa beach. Reddit Catching the sunrise is also a popular activity. Instagram

While not traditional 'beach clubs' in the party sense, many beachfront restaurants offer a lounge-like atmosphere with sunbeds and service, providing a similar experience. Reddit

Absolutely! Kamari Beach is considered very family-friendly due to its calm, shallow waters and the soft black sand that kids love to play in. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Travelers recommend Captain's Corner for its great meals and Prince for decent prices and good food. Reddit Almira is also highlighted for its location on Kamari Beach. Instagram

Yes, many restaurants and bars are located directly on the promenade behind the beach, offering service to your sunbed. Reddit+1

Compared to some other parts of Santorini, Kamari offers more reasonably priced dining options. Prince is mentioned as having decent prices. Reddit

You can expect a variety of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, including fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and casual options like gyros. TikTok

For popular spots like Captain's Corner, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure a table. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The contrast of the black sand against the blue Aegean Sea is a stunning photographic subject. Look for shots with the umbrellas, the cliffside views, and the planes flying overhead near the airport. TikTokInstagram

Sunrise offers a serene and beautifully lit scene, perfect for capturing the beach without crowds. Instagram Late afternoon also provides golden hour light for warm, inviting photos. TikTok

The proximity to the airport means you can capture dramatic shots of planes on their approach. TikTok The unique black volcanic pebbles also make for interesting close-up shots. Reddit

Be cautious when reaching into the water, as there can be sharp volcanic rocks or pebbles that could cause cuts. Reddit

While Kamari faces east and is known for its sunrises, you can still enjoy beautiful evening light and vibrant skies. For iconic Santorini sunsets, you'd typically head to the caldera side of the island (Oia, Fira). TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kamari Beach is a top choice for families visiting Santorini. Its calm, shallow waters make it incredibly safe for children to swim and play without constant worry. Instagram The black volcanic sand and pebbles are also a source of endless fun for little ones building sandcastles or exploring the shoreline. Reddit The promenade offers plenty of family-friendly restaurants with diverse menus, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Instagram Many hotels in Kamari are also geared towards families, offering amenities like pools and kid-friendly activities. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Kamari Beach is a great option for budget-conscious travelers in Santorini. The public beach access is free, and you can often secure free sunbeds and umbrellas by simply ordering from a beachfront restaurant. Reddit+1 Public buses are an affordable way to get around the island, connecting Kamari to Fira and other key locations. Reddit Dining options along the promenade offer a range of prices, with many places providing good value for money, especially compared to the more exclusive caldera-view restaurants. Reddit

couples

For couples seeking a blend of relaxation and vibrant evenings, Kamari Beach offers a charming experience. Enjoy romantic dinners with sea views along the promenade, with many restaurants offering a lovely ambiance. TikTok While not as famously romantic as Oia's sunsets, the peaceful sunrises can be incredibly intimate and beautiful. Instagram The beach itself provides a relaxed setting for daytime lounging, and the lively evening atmosphere offers opportunities for strolls and enjoying local nightlife.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Black Sand Beaches

Kamari Beach is renowned for its distinctive black volcanic sand and pebbles. This unique geological feature, a result of ancient volcanic activity on Santorini, creates a dramatic and visually striking shoreline. Unlike fine white sand, these dark particles can get incredibly hot under the Mediterranean sun, a fact that travelers often note. Reddit To navigate this, many visitors appreciate the small boardwalks that have been constructed, offering a cooler path to the water's edge. Reddit

This dark sand also contributes to the water's clarity, as it doesn't cloud the sea as much as finer sands might. The contrast between the dark beach, the clear blue Aegean Sea, and the whitewashed buildings of the town creates a picturesque scene. Instagram While some might miss the feel of soft sand between their toes, the unique texture and visual impact of Kamari's beach are a major draw for many visitors seeking a different kind of beach experience. Reddit

Dining and Relaxation: The Beachfront Experience

The promenade running alongside Kamari Beach is the heart of its social and culinary scene. Lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, it offers a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings. TikTok A key tip for visitors is that many of these establishments provide free sunbeds and umbrellas to their customers. Reddit+1 This means you can enjoy a full day of relaxation by the sea, simply by ordering your meals and drinks from a chosen spot. It's a fantastic way to save money while still having access to comfortable beach amenities. Reddit

Travelers often praise the quality of food and the friendly service available. Restaurants like Captain's Corner and Prince are frequently recommended for their delicious offerings and good value. Reddit Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a refreshing drink, or a romantic dinner with a sea view, the beachfront dining options at Kamari cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Instagram It’s advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure the best sunbed locations, as they tend to fill up quickly. Reddit

Exploring Beyond Kamari: Day Trips and Nearby Gems

While Kamari Beach offers a fantastic base, Santorini has much more to explore. For those looking to venture out, boat trips to the Volcano and hot springs are highly recommended for a unique geological and therapeutic experience. Reddit The iconic blue domes of Oia and Fira are must-sees for their breathtaking caldera views and charming architecture, though they can be quite crowded. Reddit

For beach enthusiasts, a short water taxi ride to Perissa Beach offers another stretch of black sand with a slightly different vibe. Reddit Other notable beaches include the dramatic Red Beach and the unique, lunar-like landscape of Vlychada Beach. Reddit Exploring ancient history is also an option with a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, often referred to as the 'Minoan Pompeii'. Reddit These excursions provide a well-rounded experience of Santorini's diverse attractions beyond the immediate beach area.

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