Kamari Beach and the Black Sands of Santorini

by on January 9, 2015 in Beach

“I am taking a beach day,” are not often words spoken by many visitors to Santorini. The island is about the truly breath-taking views (from its beauty and the steep climbs), staying luxurious, and those special Santorini sunsets.

Then, what about Santorini’s beaches?

the view from a tiki hut on the black sand beach of Kamari in Santorini, Greece

Well, the island’s beaches are not known to be the most idyllic or the most famous of the Greek islands, but they are certainly worth a visit.

Kamari Beach, Santorini

walking on the black sand beach of Kamari in Santorini, Greece

the long seaside boardwalk on the black sand beach of Kamari in Santorini, Greece

On the east side of the island, a few minutes by bus or taxi from Thira (the main town on the island) visitors can find the most popular beach town of Kamari. Santorini certainly isn’t cheap, but the Kamari is not expensive. The town itself offers a long stretch (2 kilometers) of competing and reasonable seaside restaurants plus plenty of access to lounge chairs (at times offered by cafes if you dine with them or) for purchase. They are a good idea since the sand, although unique, can also be a bit rocky at times.

The beach retreat also offers a chance to take a swim in the crystal clear water. It is certainly refreshing to not just look at the water (such as from the cliffs on the west side of the island) but also dive into the cool, crisp, water and enjoy it.

swimming at the black sand beach of Kamari in Santorini, Greece

the waves and sand from the black sand beach of Kamari in Santorini, Greece

notice the black sand's contrast against the one white stone

sun bathing on the rocks at the black sand beach of Kamari in Santorini, Greece

not everyone uses the lounge chairs

And then there is the famous black volcanic sand. It may not always be perfectly smooth, but it certainly impresses at the water’s edge. If you haven’t seen or experienced black sand in places such as Bali or the beaches of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, definitely make sure you visit Kamari when in Santorini for that alone.

Stay Adventurous Travel Tip:

When traveling to the beach from Thira and crossing the island, plan a stop along the way and visit one of the local wineries. I visited the award winning Estate Argyros (best to call ahead and reserve a time) and fell in love with the Assyrtiko grape. It became the perfect compliment to celebrate Santotrini’s Bucket list sunset.

Stay adventurous, Craig

 this post is part of the 2015 winter Escape and Beach Thursday Series.

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  • Lazy Travelers

    loving these pictures, craig! wouldnt mind posting up at one of those beach side restaurants for a cocktail or two…

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      plenty of cocktails to be had in Santorini…. no doubt. Stay Drinking, Craig

  • Raul (@ilivetotravel)

    Love the tip about visiting the wineries. I didn’t make it to Santorini when I went over there but it is on my list. Great pix!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Wineries are a must visit on Santorini, more on that soon. So much changed for Greek Wine in the last ten years and the grapes native to Santorini were just simply divine…. Stay VinoDrinking, Craig

  • Francesca

    Fingers crossed, I’ll be in Santorini later this year. I’ll be sure to visit Kamari Beach and hit the wineries along the way!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      giddy up, definitely make that happen, I can offer so much advice too, I spent nearly two magical weeks there… simply amazing. Stay Santorini, Craig

  • TripsByLance

    Good advice. We have thought about Greece for a couple of years now. We are thinking for us to actually make it happen we will have to include our son, so knowing about the beach options is good. If we get serious about this trip in the coming months (for October) I’ll definitely be hitting you up.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Lance, Greece is a must, it is a life changing destination and bringing your son is a great idea… And it’s not “if you get serious,” but “when” you get serious – ping me.
      Stay Advocating for Greece, Craig

  • Jessica

    This is so cool! I had no idea it even existed. I’m even more desperate to go to Santorini now. And thanks for the winery tip – you can never go to too many wineries! :)

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Jessica, definitely visit a winery or at least drink the local wine on Santorini… it will certainly surprise you….

      Stay discovering, Craig

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