Kalamaki

Kalamaki is the perfect alternative for those seeking a relaxing holiday in Zakynthos, away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Laganas. This charming seaside resort, located in the south-eastern part of the island, is characterised by its quiet and homely ambience, while retaining all the necessary comforts for an unforgettable holiday. The fine golden sandy beach and crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea create the ideal setting for families with children and couples seeking relaxation.

Separated from Laganas by a magnificent, lush Mediterranean pine forest, Kalamaki has preserved its authentic character by developing in harmony with its natural surroundings. The village stretches mainly along the main road, where newly built hotels, traditional taverns and souvenir shops blend in perfectly with the hilly landscape that forms the backdrop to the resort.

Kalamaki is part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park and is one of the main nesting areas for the internationally protected Caretta Caretta sea turtles. This gives the locality an exceptional naturalistic value and requires compliance with specific environmental regulations, which help to preserve the area’s marine and terrestrial ecosystem.

The strategic location of the resort, only 6 kilometres from Zakynthos town and 3 kilometres from Laganas, allows one to enjoy the tranquillity of a seaside village while having easy access to the services of the capital and the entertainment of the busiest part of the island.

Beaches in and around Kalamaki

The beach of Kalamaki is a natural extension of the famous beach of Laganas, creating a single sandy expanse with a total length of more than 2 kilometres. The boundary between the two beaches is marked by a WWF kiosk where volunteers provide information on what to do to respect the sea turtle habitat.

Fine, golden sand characterises the entire extent of the shoreline, while the crystal-clear, shallow waters make it ideal for families with children. The seabed slopes very slowly, allowing one to walk in the water for tens of metres from the shore, a feature that ensures safety even for less experienced swimmers.

Kalamaki Beach

The first part of the beach, the one closest to the hotels and services, is perfectly equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and kiosks, but tends to be very busy during the summer months. For those seeking more tranquillity, it is worth taking a walk to the eastern end, where the mountain seems to plunge straight into the sea.

In this wilder area, characterised by imposing rocky stacks hugging the beach, it is possible to find oneself completely alone even during the high season. The waters here are particularly clear and warm, ideal for long swims or safe snorkelling.

Gypsolithos Beach

About two kilometres east of Kalamaki is Gypsolithos (or Ypsolithos) beach, dominated by a large limestone cliff that offers a picturesque setting. This small bay is a good alternative for those wishing to explore less crowded areas while remaining close to the main resort.

Things to do and do in Kalamaki

Kalamaki offers a perfect balance between relaxation and recreation, making it suitable for different types of holidaymakers. The village’s main street comes alive every evening with a succession of lights, live shows and karaoke, creating a lively but never excessive atmosphere, perfect for families and couples.

The walk through the pine forest separating Kalamaki from Laganas is one of the most pleasant experiences in the area. This green lung, which covers most of the area between the two resorts, offers refreshment during the hottest hours and allows one to fully immerse oneself in the Mediterranean nature of the island. The well-trodden paths run through lush vegetation where maritime pines, holm oaks and typical Mediterranean shrubs grow.

For families with children, the Caretta Fun Park is a must-see attraction. This amusement park offers water slides, trampolines and bouncy castles, remaining open from 6 p.m. to midnight to allow them to enjoy the cooler evening temperatures. The park’s location takes into account environmental restrictions in the area, respecting sea turtle protection hours.

The Zakynthos National Marine Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to observe Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat. During the nesting season, which runs from May to October, it is possible to witness the miracle of egg-laying or, in August and September, the hatching of nests and the first voyage to the sea of newly hatched baby turtles.

Where to stay in Kalamaki

The accommodation area of Kalamaki is characterised by the excellent quality of its facilities and its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment. The resort offers a wide range of accommodation, from family-run hotels to self-contained flats, all located within walking distance of the beach and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.

The centre of Kalamaki, developed along the main road, concentrates most of the modern accommodation facilities. The pine forest area, which extends towards Laganas, houses mainly residences and flats surrounded by greenery, perfect for families or groups of friends who want more independence.

The beachfront area concentrates the most exclusive facilities, with luxury hotels and private villas offering direct access to the beach. The privileged location allows you to enjoy the magnificent sunsets over the Gulf of Laganas directly from your accommodation.

Recommended hotels in Kalamaki

We offer a selection of hotels at Kalamaki to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Kalamaki, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Kalamaki

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Kalamaki. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Kalamaki are in high demand.