Epavlis

Epavlis Hotel sits in Kamari on Santorini's eastern coast, looking directly out over Kamari bay. It's a 4-star property with two swimming pools — one of which is heated — a spa and wellness centre, a restaurant, and a mini gym. With a rating of 4.1 across 380 reviews, it holds a consistent track record among guests staying on this side of the island.

Kamari is the largest beach resort on Santorini's east coast, home to a long stretch of black volcanic sand backed by cafes, tavernas, and shops. Epavlis positions itself above the bustle, offering bay views from several room categories while keeping guests within easy reach of the beach, water sports operators, and the road network that connects to Fira, the Akrotiri archaeological site, and the airport.

The hotel markets itself under the Epavlis Hotel and Spa banner, and the spa facilities, heated pool, and jet tub room options clearly target guests who want resort-style comfort rather than a simple base for island-hopping.

What to Expect

Epavlis offers seven distinct room types, ranging from compact Standard doubles up to a generous 45 m² Family room that accommodates up to five guests. The room design across categories uses an understated palette — light wood fittings, neutral tones — aimed at a calm, modern look rather than the blue-and-white Cycladic aesthetic that dominates many Santorini properties.

Several categories include a private outdoor terrace. Superior rooms come with a terrace with seating and a sofa bed for a third guest. The Jet Tub rooms open onto a private terrace with seating and a jet tub enclosed in teak. The Jet Tub Sea View variant adds a panoramic view of Kamari bay to that setup.

For guests who prioritise the view, both Deluxe Sea View and Superior Sea View rooms have balcony doors leading to a private terrace facing the water. The distinction between these two categories is primarily in furnishing configuration — one offers a double bed setup, the other can be arranged with single or double beds.

The two pools — one standard outdoor, one heated — are a practical advantage over smaller Kamari properties, particularly during the shoulder season when temperatures drop enough to make an unheated pool unappealing. The on-site restaurant rounds out the offer for guests who prefer not to leave the property for every meal, and the wellness area covers spa treatments alongside the small gym.

The hotel's Instagram presence highlights a "Truly Greek" breakfast offering, suggesting the morning meal goes beyond the standard continental spread — worth asking about when booking.

How to Get There

Kamari is roughly 10 km southeast of Fira, Santorini's main town. By car or ATV — the most common way to get around Santorini — the drive from Fira takes about 15 minutes via the main road through Messaria and Vothonas. From Santorini Airport (JTR), which sits just north of Kamari, the drive is under 10 minutes, making Epavlis one of the more conveniently airport-adjacent options on the island.

Public buses connect Kamari to Fira's central bus station several times daily during the high season. The Kamari bus stop is near the beach road, and the hotel is within the Kamari settlement, so the walk from the stop is short. Taxis from the airport or Fira port are readily available, though fares from Athinios port (the main ferry port) are higher given the roughly 20 km distance.

Parking is available in and around the Kamari area. Guests arriving by rental car should confirm on-site parking availability directly with the hotel.

Best Time to Visit

Santorini's main tourist season runs from late April through October. July and August are the peak months — Kamari beach fills up, accommodation prices are at their highest, and the hotel's two pools and shaded terraces become genuine assets rather than optional extras. Temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, and the Meltemi wind from the north provides some relief on the island's eastern coast.

For a quieter stay at lower rates, late May, June, and September offer warm sea temperatures, fewer crowds on the beach, and more relaxed service across the island. October is increasingly popular with travellers who want the warmth without the midsummer congestion. The heated pool extends the usable season into spring and autumn when the unheated outdoor pool may be too cold for comfortable swimming.

Kamari's black sand retains heat intensely — a practical point to keep in mind for afternoon visits to the beach in July and August. Good footwear is advisable.

Tips for Visiting

• Book sea-view rooms early. The Deluxe Sea View, Superior Sea View, and Jet Tub Sea View categories are the hotel's most requested. In July and August, these fill weeks in advance.
• Ask about the heated pool schedule. Confirm whether the heated pool operates year-round or only during shoulder months, as this is a deciding factor for spring and autumn trips.
• The airport is close. If you have an early departure or a late arrival, Epavlis's position near Santorini Airport is a genuine practical convenience — far less travel stress than properties in Oia or Imerovigli.
• Kamari beach is walkable. The hotel is within the Kamari settlement, meaning the black sand beach, beach bars, and the beachfront promenade of tavernas are accessible on foot.
• Jet tub rooms suit couples seeking privacy. The enclosed teak terrace setup with a jet tub is a more secluded option than shared pool access — worth the category upgrade if that matters to you.
• Bring beach shoes. Kamari's black volcanic sand gets extremely hot in direct afternoon sun. Waterproof sandals or reef shoes are practical for the beach and also useful in the water, where the entry is pebbly.
• Fira and Oia are day trips from here. Kamari is not the caldera side of the island. The views from the hotel face the bay and Aegean, not the famous caldera sunset. If the caldera sunset is your priority, factor in a half-day trip to Oia or Fira.
• Contact the hotel directly for current rates and availability. The website at epavlishotel.com appears to handle direct bookings; booking direct sometimes yields better rates or room upgrade consideration compared to third-party platforms.

Facilities and Location

Epavlis Hotel offers the following confirmed facilities based on available information:

• Two swimming pools, including one heated pool
• Spa and wellness centre
• On-site restaurant
• Mini gym
• Private terraces across multiple room categories
• Jet tubs in dedicated room types
• Sea views from upper-category rooms and terraces

The hotel sits within the Kamari 847 00 postal area on Santorini's east coast. Its coordinates (36.3702° N, 25.4784° E) place it in the main Kamari resort zone, within the band of accommodation that runs parallel to the beach road. The hotel's address and contact details are publicly listed, and the property can be reached by phone at +30 2286 034292 or by email at [email protected].

The combination of a spa, two pools, multiple room tiers, and a restaurant positions Epavlis as a full-service resort hotel rather than a simple rooms-only guesthouse — appropriate for guests who want on-site amenities and prefer Santorini's calmer, beach-oriented eastern side over the cliff-top crowds of the caldera villages.