Kalamaki

Quieter Zakynthos beach resort on a loggerhead turtle nesting shore south of the airport.

Kalamaki sits on the southern coast of Zakynthos, a quieter alternative to the party strip of neighbouring Laganas. The beach here is part of the nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, which means sunbeds are cleared at dusk and lights are kept low at night — a rule that keeps the resort pleasantly low-key.

The long sandy beach is the main draw, backed by olive groves and low hills rather than high-rise development. The airport is close enough that you will hear planes on approach, but flights are infrequent enough that it is more a novelty than a nuisance. For families and anyone wanting a relaxed base on Zakynthos without the noise of Laganas, Kalamaki is a solid choice.

The village itself is small — a few streets of tavernas, small hotels, and rental agencies — but everything you need is within walking distance of the beach. Zakynthos Town is about 10 km north and worth a day trip for its Venetian architecture and the excellent Byzantine Museum. The Kalamaki Beach is one of the better-regulated stretches of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, and you can sometimes see turtles from the shore in early morning before the beach fills up.

Guide

Beaches

Kalamaki's own beach is the main draw — a long arc of sand that is calm, safe, and part of the turtle nesting zone. Day trips by hired car or scooter open up the rest of Zakynthos's remarkable coastline, from the white-pebble coves of Navagio on the northwest coast to the quieter beaches around Porto Koukla to the south.

Guide

Getting There

Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) is about 3 km from Kalamaki — close enough to hear arriving planes. Flights operate from most major European cities during the summer season (May–October), with charter flights dominating. Year-round flights from Athens connect the island to the mainland.

From the airport to Kalamaki is a five-minute taxi ride. There are also seasonal buses from Zakynthos Town (about 10 km north), but for exploring the island independently a hire car or scooter is strongly recommended.

Guide

Things to Do

Kalamaki's pleasures are simple: the beach, the turtles, and day trips around Zakynthos. The village itself is a base rather than a destination — the island's real attractions are spread across the wider Zakynthos coast.

Guide

When to Go

The summer season runs from May to October, with peak crowds in July and August. The turtle nesting season is June to August, when beach rules are most strictly enforced and the chance of spotting a turtle is highest. September and October are the best months for a quieter visit — the weather is still warm and clear, the sea is at its warmest, and prices drop significantly.

Outside the summer season, most restaurants and accommodation in Kalamaki close. Zakynthos Town and the island's northern villages remain open year-round.