The coastal village of Kamari features the beaches and ruins that are typical of Greek islands, but also boasts unusual attractions like an open-air cinema. Stray from the black pebble shores and head up to the site of Ancient Thira, where the stone remains of houses, markets, baths and temples will impress you with their size and structure. Kamari has (or seems to have) more hotels than Perissa, whilst Perissa seems to have more SC accommodation. Last time I was in Kamari, we took the boat to Perissa and spent most of the day there. I found it to be a little shabby and in need of a lick of paint here and there.
a VirtualTourist member from Houston asked on Aug 21, 2007
Kamari or Perissa??
I want to stay on a beach in Santorini. Which one is best? Kamari or Perissa. Or is it better to stay in Fria? How far are the beaches from Fria? I plan on going in the summer time.
6 Answers
i loved staying in Fira. I went to Kamari and Perissa as daytrip, both were fine, but nothing special (nice beach towns, as many other nice beaches). But staying in Fira over the Caldera rim, to have breakfast every day in front of the amazing views, and enjoying the sunsets at the end on a long sightseing day around the island, make the stay unforgettable. However, I guess Fira is not a good location if your main interest is beaching (beaches are about 1 hour away by bus)
Kamari is more organised and the sea is much cleaner and accessible. Perissa has a nice free atmosphere. If you plan to spend time on the beach it is better to stay in Kamari and take the bus in the afternoon for Fira and Oia or other places. That what I did.
The beach in kamari is more organized and has showers and changing boots every few meters and the atmosphere is different - in Perissa is kind of more space near the beach as the Tavernas don't cover both sides of the promenade - any way it is a feeling I got..
You can enjoy a great hike from Perissa to ancient Thera ;-)
Roulette Studio A Kamari E Perissa Bar
There is a road from the Kamari side and only a path from Perissa.
Roulette Studio A Kamari E Perissa Hotel
I have been several times in Santorini and for me the best option would be to stay in Fira and then to move around during the day with the bus to kamari or to Perissa or to any other part of the island. I you are not having a rented car, to commutte from one place to the other of the island, is much cheaper and interesting to do it by bus during the day than by taxi at nights. If you do not want to stay in Fira, then I would choose Kamari which in my opinion is nicer than Perissa. No matter which place you choose, enjoy your holidays over there! Santorini is magic!
Return to Santorini Island travel answers