Kamares Beach

Beach Type & Experience

Kamares Beach is the convenient choice located right at the main port of Sifnos, offering visitors a beautiful cove with fine sand and clear water without requiring any travel from where you land. This sandy beach is a long, wide stretch of golden sand nestled in a sheltered bay surrounded by rugged mountains. Many travellers call this “the best beach in the island” due to its beautiful cove, clear water, and fine sand.​

The beach is the most organized spot on Sifnos with soft sand, warm clear shallow water, and all amenities within easy reach. The beach is backed by a large car park and offers plentiful food options for all tastes. Kamares Beach has been awarded the European Union’s Blue Flag certification annually since 2002, which recognises the cleanliness, organisation, water quality, safety, lifeboats, first aid services, and installations.​

The beach attracts a mix of local and international tourists during the summer season, though it manages to accommodate sun seekers without feeling overly crowded even during mid-July. Families absolutely love this beach for good reason. With soft white sand and shallow waters that extend far out, Kamares is ideal for young children who want to splash about all day without fear. The beach is the shallowest water location on Sifnos, making it perfect for first-time swimmers and water games.​

Disability access is provided through accessible pathways and floating chairs for disabled visitors, making it one of the more inclusive beaches on the island.​

Water Quality & Conditions

The water at Kamares Beach is crystal clear and transparent, offering excellent visibility for swimming and snorkelling. The sea starts very shallow, maintaining depths of about half a metre for quite a distance from the shore, which makes it ideal for water games and families with small children. Clean sand with few stones covers the northern side of the bay.​

Water temperatures are excellent for swimming from June to September when conditions are optimal. In August, the sea reaches a pleasant 24.2 degrees Celsius, which is warm and perfect for relaxing and swimming for long periods. May and October provide cooler but still swimmable conditions. The warm, clear shallow water makes Kamares one of the earliest beaches on the island where first swimming attempts of the year can be taken.​

The waters are protected within the bay, creating calm conditions for swimming and making it suitable for safe swimming despite its proximity to the port. The water is clean and transparent, with no dangerous currents or strong undertows to worry about.​

Accessibility & Getting There

Kamares Beach is extremely accessible with convenient multiple routes to reach it. The beach is located at the port of Sifnos, making it the natural first stop when arriving by ferry. It sits just 5 kilometres from Apollonia, the island’s capital, which is only about a 10-minute drive away.​

Getting to Kamares is straightforward whether you arrive by car, local bus, taxi, or boat. There is a large car park backing the beach, though parking spaces can be limited during peak season in July and August. Free parking is generally available at the entrance, though street parking is also possible nearby.​

The road access is easy and direct without requiring lengthy journeys or special arrangements. Public buses depart from near the port for various locations around the island and coincide with ferry arrivals, making it simple to travel further afield if you wish. Taxis and buses regularly connect Apollonia to Kamares, with rides typically taking 15 to 20 minutes.​

The beach itself is right at the main road of the town, making it exceptionally convenient to reach on foot if you are staying in Kamares. Walking along the beach is pleasant and easy, with excellent paths throughout the coastal area.

Facilities & Amenities

As the port town beach, Kamares is extremely well equipped with facilities and services. Restaurants and tavernas line the beach with tables set directly on the sand, allowing you to eat whilst watching the water and ferries come and go. You will find beach front establishments offering traditional seafood, Greek favourites, and international cuisine to suit all tastes.​

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent at many of the beach restaurants, typically costing between 10 and 12 euros per set for the whole day, with some venues charging up to 20 euros depending on the season and location. The beach is backed by tamarisk trees which provide natural shade for those who prefer to lay down their own towel rather than rent sunbed and umbrella sets. There is plenty of space on the sand or beneath the trees for those seeking a more natural beach experience.​

Changing facilities, showers, and clean public toilets are well-maintained and readily available at the beach. Water is available at a charge if you need fresh supplies. Additional amenities include mini markets, tourist agencies, room and car rentals, shops, ATMs, and cafés throughout Kamares town. Everything you need for a comfortable beach day is within easy walking distance.​

Water Activities & Special Features

Snorkelling opportunities are excellent at Kamares Beach thanks to the crystal clear water and good underwater visibility. The transparent waters allow you to see marine life and underwater features clearly, making it an ideal spot for anyone interested in exploring beneath the surface. The shallow, sheltered waters make snorkelling accessible and safe for families and beginners.​

One of the unique features of Kamares Beach is the entertainment of watching the ferries and boats arriving and departing the port throughout the day. The constant activity in the bay creates an interesting focal point, and the beautiful views of the bay with ferries coming and going make excellent photography opportunities. The beach offers some of the best sunset viewing opportunities on Sifnos, with stunning views as the sun descends over the water.​

Walking along the long sandy beach is excellent, whether in the morning, noon, or night, and the beach is suitable for enjoying quiet walks with stops at beachfront restaurants and bars along the way. Many visitors enjoy evening strolls to watch the sunset, followed by dinner at one of the waterfront establishments.​

Practical Information

The best time to visit Kamares Beach for a peaceful swim is early morning before the crowds arrive. Sunbeds fill up quickly during peak tourist season from mid-July through August, so arriving before 10 AM gives you the best chance of securing a comfortable spot. The afternoon typically sees increased activity and busier conditions.​

Bring plenty of sunscreen as the Mediterranean sun is intense, even when you do not feel particularly warm in the water. The sun’s UV rays reflect off the sand and water, amplifying exposure. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up are also recommended. Bring fresh water and snacks, though plenty of food and drink options are available on the beach.​

Swimming is comfortable without special footwear as the sand is soft and the water entry is gentle. Bare feet are perfectly fine for enjoying this beach, though some visitors prefer water shoes for extra comfort during longer periods in the water.​

Kamares is comfortable to visit from May through October, with June through September offering the warmest conditions. If you are visiting outside the main summer season, you will experience a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with fewer organised facilities in operation.​

Safety & Warnings

Kamares Beach is generally a safe swimming location. The water is clean and transparent with no dangerous currents or strong undertows to worry about. There are no dangerous fish or hazardous marine life to concern swimmers.​

One thing to note is that the beach can be affected by the Meltemi wind, a dry northerly summer wind that can kick up sand and stir the water. On windy days, the water quality near the ferry pier can be affected by ferry traffic. The far end of the beach across from the shops experiences better conditions and is less affected by port activity, making it a more pleasant swimming location on blustery days.​

The intense Mediterranean sun requires protection through sunscreen and appropriate cover-ups, as UV exposure is strong even on cooler-feeling days. The beach lacks some shaded areas in the middle sections, though tamarisk trees provide natural shelter at the edges.​​

Special Attractions & Nearby Points of Interest

Kamares Town itself offers charming wandering opportunities with its collection of traditional tavernas, cafés, and shops. The port village has retained a relaxed, authentic atmosphere whilst providing all modern conveniences for tourists.​

Just 10 minutes away by car sits Apollonia, the island’s capital, a picturesque Cycladic village with traditional white buildings, narrow winding streets, and excellent restaurants. Apollonia sits in the middle of the island and serves as the administrative centre of Sifnos.​

Kastro is a fascinating historic settlement located on the eastern side of the island, built on a steep rock overlooking the Aegean Sea. This medieval village has preserved its ancient structure with narrow stone-paved streets, traditional houses, and defensive towers. The journey from Apollonia to Kastro (about 3.5 kilometres downhill) offers breathtaking views. The settlement houses the Archaeological Museum of Sifnos and often hosts art and photography exhibitions during summer months.​

Ferry services from Kamares connect visitors to other Cycladic islands including Serifos, Folegandros, Kythnos, Milos, Ios, Santorini, and Crete, with multiple daily services during the summer season. These connections make it easy to take day trips to nearby islands for exploration.