Kalamaki: Sandy Beach and Turtle Nests

Kalamaki is considered a peaceful coastal village, whose character is shaped by its sandy beach, clear water, and views of the Paximadia Islands and Gavdos. The beach, water sports, and a seasonal nature feature are part of the picture, along with local food at tavernas and cafés right by the sea. When choosing a holiday destination, the focus is clearly on the coast and sea, complemented by nature and local cuisine.

A long sandy beach with different access points

Kalamaki's sandy beach stretches for about 2.5 kilometres from Kokkinos Pyrgos to Kommos. The water is clear. In some places, shallow, slippery rock slabs lie at the water's edge, so take care when entering the sea. The sandy character of the beach and the locally varying access points together shape the swimming conditions.

Nature and water sports by the sea

The loggerhead sea turtle lays its eggs on Kalamaki beach. Fenced-off areas mark nests where the eggs incubate in the hot sand. Egg-laying is seasonal; the marked areas make this natural feature visible on the beach. Those interested in wildlife can see this stretch of coast from a different perspective than when swimming or taking part in water sports.

Canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing are suitable water sports on the beach. Canoeing and kayaking focus on paddling, while windsurfing offers a different kind of activity on the water. This lets you plan around the water sport you prefer. Check local conditions before taking part.

From Kalamaki, the view reaches the Paximadia Islands and Gavdos. Alongside activity on the water, this adds a scenic perspective to choosing the village: if you enjoy alternating between activity and quieter contemplation by the sea, this view is one of the area's defining features.

A newer village and an ancient landmark

The village of Kalamaki was built around 1970. Nearby, south of Kalamaki, is Kommos, the ancient harbour of Phaistos and now a protected archaeological site. These two points offer a span of time from the newer village to the ancient harbour. For travellers interested in history, Kommos is a distinct historical landmark in the area around the coastal village.

The character of the village and choice of accommodation

The settlement has rooms for rent, traditional tavernas, and cafés serving local food right by the sea. If local cuisine by the sea is important to your stay, these tavernas and cafés are a tangible part of the village's character. Individual businesses and availability may change, so check specific offers before planning your trip.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether Kalamaki's peaceful coastal character and focus on the beach and water activities suit your vacation. If you would also like to include a historical element, Kommos offers a different point of interest from the beach itself. This lets you choose a destination based on your own interests without combining the beach, nature, and history into a single holiday itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Lendas, Kato Loutraki, Skalani, Agioi Deka, Malia, Timbakion, Episkopi, Kamilari

For the broader travel overview: Heraklion.