Your money is secured in a trust account
Unlike many other travel companies we operate on a trust account model. Once we’ve paid the airline for your flights, the rest of your money is held in a trust account. We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday
We're ATOL protected
All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. So if one of our suppliers fails, you’ll get your money back. If you’re left stranded abroad, a flight home will be arranged at no extra cost. Our ATOL number is 11806
We're ABTA registered
As proud ABTA members we deliver the highest standards when it comes to our holidays. So if you book with us you’re guaranteed the best service. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720.
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Dreamy turquoise water, gentle waves and endless days of deep-blue skies and sunshine. That's just one way to describe summer holidays to Kalamaki, Greece.
One of Zakynthos’ most peaceful and naturally beautiful beach resorts Kalamaki, is tucked away on the island’s southern coast, a few kilometres outside Zante Town. Known for its carefully preserved beach that’s popular with rare nesting turtles, the resort is ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing break with lovely Greek tavernas, markets, and a top waterpark nearby.
This resort is also within easy reach of the airport, so you’ll be relaxing at your hotel before you know it.
Things to do
Even if your holiday is only a few days, you must make time to visit Navagio, an amazing sandy cove with huge cliffs and the remains of a shipwreck. While it can be very busy in the peak season, you can beat the crowds by arriving in the early morning when you'll have more space to relax on the beach before the cruise ships arrive later. You can also see the cove from the viewpoint, 600 feet above the ground, where you'll probably recognise the view from postcards and travel guides.
Another great idea is to find a west-facing viewpoint to watch the sunset, which Zante is renowned for. There are a few restaurants where you can get unspoilt views of the soft evening light, although arrive at least an hour before the sun sets so you can grab a seat and have a drink.
Excellent beaches
Kalamaki has a long, beautiful stretch of golden sand that gently shelves into warm, clear waters making it ideal for families. The shallow sea also means that conditions are perfect for snorkelling. Shade under parasols and recline on sun loungers whilst taking in picturesque views of the coastline. The area is a protected conservation beach as turtles come to nest here. If you’re lucky enough and time your visit perfectly, you may be able to see the baby turtles hatch and make their way out to sea for the first time.
Culture
The area of Kalamaki has a laid-back feel for life and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. It’s located on the western part of the island, with the airport close by, and you can at times hear the planes coming into land.
The small seaside village has been a popular sighting spot for endangered turtles that come to lay their eggs on the soft sandy beaches. This means that some of the beaches in the surrounding area are well conserved. The resort is less busy than its neighbours, which makes it perfect for a tranquil break away.
Nightlife
Out of season Kalamaki is a quieter resort than others in Zante, but still has a variety of bars that are open daily, till the early hours. During high season Kalamaki becomes busier and lively with the same party vibe as that of neighbouring resort, Laganas. Many of the bars are in walking distance from one another and some even sit along the coastline. A popular hotspot is Cave Bar, which is a hidden gem found in a serene setting, among palm trees away from the hustle and bustle of the main strip. Head here to enjoy a night of cocktails and fantastic views of the sun setting on the horizon. To head into the heart of the action, take a short journey to Laganas, where the nightlife is known for being lively and vibrant.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Alykanas | Alykes | Argassi | Athens | Corfu | Crete | Halkidiki | Kalamata | Kefalonia | Kos | Laganas | Lefkas | Lesbos | Mykonos | Olympius Riviera | Parga | Rhodes | Santorini | Skiathos | Skopelos | Thassos | Tsilivi | Zante
Kalamaki enjoys warm, Mediterranean summers and mild winters. Sunshine is almost guaranteed from June to August, and it's often warm enough for a comfortable dip in the sea from around late May until October, or even November.
Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).
Beach lovers: The spotless white sand is the perfect place to relax, with wild beauty and a peaceful atmosphere.
Families: Families of any age will love Kalamaki’s beaches, mini-golf and bike rides, plus one of the island’s best waterparks.
Couples: Explore the peaceful countryside, dine in a seafront taverna, and take a walk along the beach after dark to spot the turtles during your holiday here.
Language: The language spoken is Greek, although you'll find a basic level of English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and other tourist locations. Local people always appreciate any attempt to speak their language, even if it is just a few words, so grab a Greek phrase book or download an app.
Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€).
Local time: Kalamaki is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Zakynthos International Airport. Kalamaki is just 30 minutes away.
Flight time from UK: The flight time to Kalamaki is 3.5 hours.
Tourist information: Further Kalamaki tourist information can be found at www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/ionian_islands/zakynthos
Visa health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Kalamaki.
Holiday destinations related to Kalamaki:
By bike: Kalamaki is a small and reasonably flat resort that is enjoyable to explore on two wheels. Bicycles can be hired from local companies or your hotel, for just the day or longer.
By bus: Zakynthos is well connected by buses, which are a cheap and efficient way of getting around the island. A bus service stops regularly at the resort, on its way to neighbouring resorts like Zante Town.
By taxi: Grabbing a taxi is a quick option for short journeys, including airport transfers, as Zakynthos Airport is just a 10-minute drive away. There's a taxi rank in the centre of Kalamaki, although always remember to agree a fare before you set off.
By car: Hiring a car can give you more flexibility on where you travel to and when during your holiday here. However, Zante is a small island with a good public transport network, so hiring a car is not essential.
Carnival: The favourite event on Zakynthos’ calendar is Carnival, held for two weeks every February to March. Nearly all towns and cities on the island take part, with traditional parades, food and dancing, as well as events like bike rides, concerts, and street theatre. This is a fantastic way to experience a traditional Greek celebration during your Kalamaki holiday.
St. Dionisios celebrations: In August every year, the island’s residents get together to celebrate their patron saint. As well as a large market, there’s a parade through the town where the body of the saint is carried in his golden casket; people suffering from illnesses will lie on the floor so the casket passes over them, as the saint is believed to be capable of performing miracles. The town celebrations end with a spectacular fireworks display.
Temperature: 10-27 (°C)
Explore Kalamaki’s wild countryside in the spring, before the peak crowds have arrived and temperatures hover in the mid-teens (°C). The town’s long, dry summers start in May and run through to September or even October. Average temperatures in the mid-20s make this the ideal time to hit the resort’s famous white sandy beach, but remember to bring sunscreen on your holiday so you can make the most of those lazy days on the beach without burning.
It's not unusual for the thermometer to climb well above 30 (°C) in July and August, although temperatures will still be much cooler than on the Greek mainland. Things start to cool down in autumn, and rain becomes more common by October, but you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm sea water even at this time. Winter in Kalamaki is wet, but still much milder than what you'd expect in northern Europe. Temperatures very rarely drop below 10 (°C) throughout this season.
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