- Updated on: 2024-04-17
On the southeast coast of Santorini is one of the most famous and popular beaches of our island, the beach of Kamari (Καμαρι παραλια in Greek) with volcanic black sand.
The main feature and uniqueness of this place is unusual for most beaches in color: for five kilometers of the entire beach is covered with dark gray and black sand and small pebbles of the same colours.
In addition, the volcanic beach of Kamari is one of the biggest beaches on the island of Santorini. Here there are no usual landscapes for beach lovers – only the sea and the unusual dark color of the land, which most of the local rocks got because of the volcanic origin of our island.
Black beach in Kamari is one of our favorite beaches on the island of Santorini
Black sand at Kamari beach
The dark gray and black sand that covers the entire beach is formed by the erosion of volcanic rocks. It is almost always found on those shores where there are ancient volcanic rocks and solidified lava.
Black sand beaches can be found in Santorini, the Canary Islands, Hawaii, Iceland, and New Zealand
Obviously, the beaches of volcanic islands, which also include the island of Santorini, have the greatest concentration of such rocks, so for these places it is quite common and regular color.
General characteristics of Kamari beach: the blackest beach in Santorini
- Surface: sand and fine pebbles;
- Color: dark gray and black;
- How to get there: by car, by bus;
- Organization and infrastructure: umbrellas and sun beds – yes, fresh water, showers and toilets – yes;
- Opportunity to buy food/water: yes
- Natural shade: practically none.
Of course, it’s not the only black beach on our island, but it definitely has the blackest sand. I compared 🙂
The black beach of Kamari is well equipped and suitable for both relaxing and active holidays. This beach is also suitable for holidays with children: during the summer season the beaches are equipped with playgrounds, there are cabins for changing, as well as showers with fresh water. For safety there are lifeguards who are on duty on the beach every day. In general we can say that it is one of the most “civilized” and equipped beaches on our island.
There are many sunbeds and umbrellas set up on the beach (all for a fee, usually from 5 to 15 euros). In addition, like on any greek beach, you can sit in any free part of the coast on your towel – and it’s free of charge.
In the southern part of the beach is a high rock, where the braves jump into the water. Both the sea and the beach area are very clean – Kamari black beach annually receives the “Blue Flag” as environmentally friendly and safe.
The path to the water here can be quite steep in some places, and then the depth starts quite quickly. If you go here with small children, it is better to choose another beach, such as the neighboring beach of Perissa, or just be careful in case of choppy sea.
When there are no waves, the sea water is absolutely transparent, and through it you can see the almost completely lifeless seabed. There is no lush marine vegetation, no fish or jellyfish – only black sand, pebbles, rocks and slabs. Occasionally, in very calm weather early in the morning you can see small flocks of fish, but otherwise there is only crystal-clear water and dark, almost black volcanic rock.
Because of the unusual black beach, this place has become very famous over time. Every year this area of the island attracts more and more tourists and many of our guests even decide to make it their main destination during their holidays in Santorini.
Here appeared a wide promenade, along the coastal strip of many taverns, restaurants, cafes and bars. The village itself now abounds with hotels and apartments. In other words, civilization has come here very noticeably 🙂
During the day it’s great to swim and sunbathe, and in the evening you can devote some time to strolling along the promenade or spending time with a glass of local wine, listening to the sound of the sea and watching the moon track with a loved one. This is what the black beach of Kamari looks like in the dark:
Speaking of darkness, Kamari is great for those who like to wake up early and go swimming at dawn. Dawns here are no less beautiful:
Where is the most famous black beach of Santorini is located: we’re going to the east coast and the region of Kamari
Finding the most famous black beach in Santorini is easier than the other beaches: firstly – the airport, secondly – the village and – our hero – the beach of Kamari are located next to each other. They all have the same name, they are all located in the southeast of the island of Santorini.
The distance from Fira to Kamari is only about eight kilometers – by car or motorcycle it can be covered in just ten minutes, while for hikers it will take at least an hour and a half or even two. From Santorini airport to Kamari village is about three kilometers, so that the planes land almost over the beach itself. Black beach of Kamari on a map of Santorini:
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Kamari black beach GPS coordinates: 36.37612, 25.48566
How to get to Kamari beach
Santorini is a very small island, and many distances can be covered even on foot. The black sand beach of Kamari, on the other hand, is so famous that, for example, you can ask a local where the black sand beach is and you will certainly (instantly!) be advised several ways to get there.
The most convenient way to get to Kamari beach is by rented car (read more about car rentals in Santorini), ATV, motorcycle or cab. The most cost-effective way is to get to the black beach by shuttle bus between Thira – Kamari. This is a regular and quite frequent route, especially in summer. Travel time will be about 20 minutes and the fare is from 1.8 euros (more info about this route and buses in Santorini).
You can also take a taxi (more info about taxi in Santorini) and private transfer, which can be booked with us at the Agency in advance.
If you are staying in Oia or Fira and intend to travel around Santorini by car, the most convenient way to Kamari is to take the central road south through Karterados (Καρτεραδος in Greek), Mesaria (Μεσαρια in Greek) and Episkopi Gonias (Επισκοπη Γωνιας in Greek). Don’t worry about parking – there is a large free parking lot at Black beach of Kamari.
