As the weather heats up, seaside destinations become increasingly seductive. There’s no need to venture far from Attica for a rich experience with ample time both in and beside the water, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere. One of our top recommendations is to visit the beaches of the Corinthian Gulf, particularly Kamari, the first settlement past Xylokastro when coming from Athens. It is a village of about 1,000 permanent residents that swells three to four times over in summer as both natives and numerous vacationers visit. To meet this demand, Kamari has in recent years seen the establishment of several notable accommodations.
Together with charming beachside tavernas, a close proximity to Athens, and attractive pricing, this coastal village in Corinthia is an outstanding choice for a day at the sea or even for a family vacation spanning several days. Especially since the pandemic, mainland destinations, particularly those within a short distance of the Attica Basin, are experiencing a renaissance of tourism, reminiscent of the bygone glory of the 1980s and 1990s. Anyone who visited any of the southern shores of the Corinthian Gulf last summer would have noted this. And because Xylokastro can become overly bustling, particularly on weekends during peak season, Kamari stands out as an excellent option.
The beach in Kamari spans two to three kilometers in length and is mostly pebbled, with numerous tamarisk trees providing natural shade. Like much of the southern Corinthian coast, the waters are exceptionally clear and deepen swiftly. Generally sheltered from the winds, these features make Kamari a splendid choice if you are among those who enjoy spending extended periods in the water.
Trees That Reach Across Greece
Kamari is renowned not only among residents and those who enjoy vacationing along the Corinthian Gulf but also among those engaged in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of fruit-bearing trees. Here, numerous nurseries supply olive, citrus, and pistachio saplings to cultivators throughout Greece. This specialization passed down from generation to generation, began many years ago. Today, nearly half of the families permanently residing in Kamari are professionally linked to these nurseries.
This activity paints a beautiful picture of the settlement, as the well-maintained nurseries create the impression of expansive gardens for visitors. The area is also famed for its lemons.
In Kamari, you’ll also find a Folklore Museum, which houses exhibits related to traditional occupations of past eras. A notable and well-known building in the village is the stone mansion where former Prime Minister Panagis Tsaldaris was born and raised. Standing for nearly 200 years, it features characteristic tiles, wooden windows, and a courtyard gate typical of the era it was constructed. Beside the house stands a bust of Panagis Tsaldaris. Tsaldaris was a prime minister during the interwar period and the most significant political opponent of Eleftherios Venizelos following the Asia Minor Catastrophe. However, this did not prevent him from maintaining a high level of political ethics during one of the most politically tense periods in Greek history.
Stunning Views from Above
It’s also worth visiting the Monastery of Panagia Korfis. While accessible by car, it is recommended you hike there. The ascent is steep, and it’s best to cross it in the early morning or late afternoon during summer to avoid the intense heat. You’ll enjoy the stunning views of the Corinthian Gulf, Patras, the opposite shores of Central Greece, and the Corinth Canal. From the monastery’s balcony at an elevation of 730 meters, the view is like one you would see from an airplane window. Particularly, the sunset from this spot is among the most outstanding in Greece.
How to Get There
Kamari is five kilometers from Xylokastro, 130 kilometers from Athens, 30 kilometers from Trikala Corinthias, 90 kilometers from Patra, and about 70 kilometers from Kalavryta. From Athens, it takes approximately an hour and a half to drive there, while from Patra, it takes about 70 minutes.
