Kamari

Kamari
Coordinates: 36°22′36.39″N 25°28′54.58″E / 36.3767750°N 25.4818278°E / 36.3767750; 25.4818278
CountryGreece
MunicipalityThira
Population
 (2021)
  Total
1,065

Kamari (Greek: Καμάρι) is a coastal village on the southeastern part of the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of 1,065 according to the 2021 census. It is part of the Municipality of Thira and is situated approximately 8 km away from the island's capital Fira. Kamari was built by residents of the nearby village of Episkopi Gonias, which was almost flattened by a devastating earthquake that hit Santorini in July 1956.

The village got its name from a small arch (Greek: Καμάρα, Kamara) at the south end of its beach and is what remains from an old customs house (Greek: Παλιό Τελωνείο, Palió Teloneío) built between 1537 - 1650. This arch is also the site of annual Ephipany and Blessing of the Water tradition for the area.

Today, it stretches along a beach covered with black pebbles, which is the longest of the island. The beach extends in a northeast to southwest direction from Monolithos to the feet of the Mesa vouno mountain that rises up to a height of approx. 400m, being Santorini's second highest peak. Once an agricultural and fishing village, modern Kamari boasts a thriving tourist industry, offering a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars and night clubs, plus several water sport activities.

In 2002, an archaic sanctuary dedicated to Achilles was discovered in Kamari.