Blue Waves

Blue Waves Hotel occupies a spot on Makedonias Street in Kamari, one of the east-coast villages of Santorini, with the black-sand shoreline of Kamari Beach just 30 metres from the front of the property. That proximity to the beach, combined with a recently renovated interior of ten units — seven suites and three apartments — and a 4.7-star rating across more than 300 Google reviews, makes it one of the more consistently praised small hotels on this side of the island.

The design draws on traditional Cycladic architecture: whitewashed walls, clean lines, and a restrained palette that keeps rooms feeling cool even in summer. The hotel positions itself at the quieter, more residential end of Kamari's accommodation options, away from the louder strip closer to the village centre, while still putting you within easy reach of the tavernas and cafes that line the beachfront road.

At ten units total, Blue Waves is a genuinely small property, which shapes the experience in practical ways: staff-to-guest ratios stay favourable, and repeat visitors often cite the attentiveness of the team as a standout. The hotel has received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, reflecting its track record of positive guest feedback over multiple seasons.

What to Expect

Every room — whether one of the suites or one of the three apartments — comes with a private balcony. Views face toward the Aegean Sea, and on clear evenings the western sky produces the caldera-area sunsets that Santorini is known for, visible from the east coast as a glow beyond the island's ridge. Rooms are equipped with modern facilities and free Wi-Fi throughout.

The distinction between the suites and apartments is worth understanding before you book. The apartments offer more space and are suited to guests wanting a self-catering option or a bit more separation between sleeping and living areas. The suites lean toward a boutique-hotel experience with a more curated finish. Check the hotel's own website for current configurations, as the property has undergone recent renovation and room layouts may have been updated.

The Cycladic-minimal decoration keeps things uncluttered. You won't find a large resort pool complex or an on-site restaurant — this is a small hotel that focuses on well-appointed rooms, a calm atmosphere, and a location that does the heavy lifting. The beach, with its distinctive dark volcanic sand and clear water, is a short walk across the road.

Kamari itself has a full range of services along its main beachfront street: seafood restaurants, casual cafes, a supermarket, a pharmacy, and water-sports rental outfits operating through the summer season.

How to Get There

Blue Waves Hotel is located on Makedonias Street in Kamari, approximately 5 km from Santorini International Airport (JTR) — roughly a 10-minute taxi ride. The port at Athinios is around 10 km away, and Fira, the island's main town, is about 8 km to the northwest.

Taxis from the airport are straightforward and relatively inexpensive given the short distance. If you're arriving by ferry at Athinios, pre-arranged transfers or a taxi from the port are the most practical options; the port road is steep and not walkable with luggage. KTEL buses connect Fira to Kamari on a regular schedule during the main season, stopping in the village centre a short walk from the hotel.

If you're renting a car or scooter — common on Santorini — street parking is generally available in Kamari. The hotel's address on Makedonias Street is easy to locate using GPS coordinates (36.3713515, 25.4808465) or by searching for the property directly on Google Maps.

Best Time to Visit

Kamari operates as a full resort village from late April through October, with peak activity in July and August. During peak summer, temperatures regularly exceed 30°C and the beach fills by mid-morning. Booking well in advance is essential for July and August stays.

Late May, June, and September are widely considered the best months to visit Kamari: temperatures are warm, the sea is swimmable, and the village is active without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of high summer. The Meltemi winds — the north-northwesterly that sweeps across the Aegean in summer — can pick up on the east coast in July and August, occasionally making sunbathing on the beach less comfortable for a day or two at a stretch.

The hotel notes it is among Santorini's year-round destinations, but services in Kamari reduce significantly from November through March. If you're planning an off-season trip, confirm directly with the hotel that it will be open during your intended dates.

Tips for Visiting

• Book early for summer. With only ten units, the hotel fills quickly for July and August. If those are your target dates, booking three to four months ahead is not excessive.
• Contact the hotel directly for the best rates. The official website (bluewaveshotel.gr) lists a direct booking option. Direct reservations sometimes include benefits not available through third-party platforms.
• Ask about room type differences. The distinction between a suite and an apartment matters depending on your needs. The hotel's email ([email protected]) or phone (+30 2286 031935) can clarify layouts before you commit.
• Bring beach shoes. Kamari's volcanic black sand heats up dramatically in midday sun, and the dark pebbles at the waterline can be sharp underfoot. Water shoes make the entry and exit easier.
• Use the hotel as a base for day trips. Fira is 8 km away and reachable by bus or taxi. Oia, the village most associated with Santorini's iconic blue-domed churches, is around 18 km northwest. Both are easily done as day excursions from Kamari.
• The beach is busiest 11:00–16:00. If you want a quieter stretch of sand, arriving before 10:00 or in the late afternoon gives you a noticeably different experience.
• Kamari has a reliable ATM and pharmacy. If you're coming from the airport directly, there's no need to stop in Fira for basics — the village has everything for day-to-day needs.
• Check Eco Friendly Houses. The hotel's website references eco-friendly house options on Santorini; if sustainability matters to your stay, ask about these when making a reservation.

Facilities and Location

The property has ten units in total across two room categories: seven suites and three apartments. All rooms include a private balcony, modern in-room facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The recent renovation aligns the interiors with contemporary Cycladic design standards while keeping the traditional aesthetic intact.

Kamari Beach — one of the island's most organised beaches, with sunbeds, tavernas, and water-sports operators along its length — is 30 metres from the hotel entrance. The village centre is walkable, and the beachfront promenade has enough dining options to cover breakfast through late-night meals without needing a car.

For guests who want to explore beyond Kamari, the airport proximity (5 km) makes early departures or late arrivals less logistically stressful than from hotels in Fira or Oia. The rental car agencies in Kamari are a practical alternative to taxis for guests planning multi-day exploration of the island.