Kamari Holidays

Kamari is an upmarket town on Santorini’s east coast that combines relaxed sophistication with old-school Greek charm. But what really sets it apart is its dramatic setting, sandwiched between the Aegean Sea and the rugged peaks of Vouno Mountain.

The Blue Flag beach in Kamari is Santorini’s most famous – a two-kilometre sweep of dark volcanic sand and pebbles. It has a watersports portfolio that ticks off everything from knee-boarding to banana boat rides. But really, it’s a laidback affair, with rows of thatched parasols in the sand, and at the far end of the beach an ancient temple to Poseidon.

There’s a traffic-free promenade that runs alongside the beach, lined with old-school tavernas, swanky restaurants and souvenir shops. And when night falls, the tempo goes up a notch, as you get live entertainment and DJs. On the outskirts of town, you’ll find one of Santorini’s best wineries, Canava Roussos, plus Cinema Kamari, which shows films in the open-air.

Directly above the beach is Ancient Thira, a mountain-top settlement that dates back to the 9th century BC. The chalky ruins here include Hellenistic temples, Christian churches, a theatre and an agora, or main square. And the bird’s-eye views of the Cyclades islands from up here are really something.