Kalamaki Resort

Resorts in Zante

         
Lynne H          10/10

We are staying at Venus hotel again end of May to early June, this is our third visit in four years. The Hotel is excellent, very friendly owners and staff. We like it's position - a short stroll to the beach in the morning, and close to the restaurants in the evening but far enough away not to be bothered by noise.     Our favourite place to eat last year was Mermaids (five minute stroll). The food is excellent, plenty of choice and large portions, owners and staff very friendly.

Kerry B

 

Hi to the world of kalamaki lovers,can't wait to visit again in september,everyone at costa's take care. bEEN BEFORE FAULTLESS BEAUTIFUL HIGHLY REGARDED WITH ME AND MY PARTNER A MUST FOR EVERYONE!

Sharon B           

Hi Emma

I think that you have done the right thing in choosing Kalamaki as where to stay in zante.
Night flights are not allowed on Zante due to the loggerhead turtles that breed here, so I dont think that the noise will bother you too much.
The weather during May is lovely but the nights can get a bit chilly so bring a light jacket with you. 
I really hope that you enjoy your time in Kalamaki.  Why not pay me a visit at my snack and pool bar - LONG STORY -  a free drink will be given to you.
 
Take care and enjoy Kalamaki
 
Kind regards
 
Sharon

Dave T           

emma......these apartments are not to close to airport you be pleased to know.

as for airplane noise you can hardly hear them at all, somke times on the beach 1 may fly over but it more of a sight then a noise. kalamaki is a beautiful resort with plenty of bars / restaurants and a few shops (zantetown) is best for shopping for clothes if you wanted too.
 
best way to see the island is either a bike or car ( with air con ) you can hire them from merlis car/bike rentals in main kalamaki road petrol is dirty cheap compared to uk just get a map and go....you can not get lost it impossible always head to zante town and away you go.
 
you are spoilt for beaches in kalamaki there is crystal beach and all the way down on the right of crystal beach is a nudist beach.....keep walking b4 you get on crystal beach to the left and you come to kalamaki beach all beaches are clean and tide and have pedalo's and canoes....best way to see turtles.....
 
if you want to book any trips do not use the rep's at all.....it alot cheaper to use the agents you will see on most corners and as for the beer night's the reps set up you better doin a pub crawl yourself....you get a free drink in 99% of all the bars.....hope you enjoy your holiday in kalamaki 

Emma B           

Hello

My bf and me are going to Zante for the 1st time in may 2007, staying in Costas apartments inKalamaki. We have heard lots of good things about Kalamaki but we'd love to know how close we are to the airport and if it will be noisy coz we've heard different things.
 
Thanx

Jana H           

perfect resort on the island.got everything u need.we went for dinner at bbq steak house most of the time and it was great.we were at siroco hotel which was really nice.

Soph N           

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hello, went to zante in august this year and we loved it. the weather was great! hotel sorroco was very basic but the staff were very friendly and it was clean. The best place to eat for breakfast is mustang saloon. great english breakfast. about a 10 minuite walk but it worth it. best place to eat at night would be either paris, mermaids or mikaloes. Laganas has the main nightlife, but ther is sum great bars in kalamki, would have to say the best one is the down under. If you go try a flat liner shot, sambuca or tequila slammer. The fish bowls are great as well. all the drinks are cheap and the bar staff are great. the only bad thing would have to be the airport, very small. But besides that its a great place and i would recomend it to anyone. thers sumthing for everyone! youl love it  wish we wer back ther, missin everyone xxxx

Lucy B           

me and my boyfriend have just returned from kalamaki and we had a good time, as a young couple it was a little quiet for us at this time of year, but we made the most of it, getting a convertable and exploring the island. kalamaki is cheap, especially compared to neighbouring Laganas. there are loads of places to eat and the fire bar was where we liked to end up at night. the beach was cleaned but we found nicer beaches 10-15mins drive away!

Louise W           

Have Just returned from Kalamaki,  we stayed at the Two Brothers. It was excellent it's small but friendly the staff are really nice.Our rep Stef was brilliant and have got to say she was the best rep we have ever had. We are going back next year and are going to stay at the Two Brothers again, I would recommend it.

Val G           

Just got back today and the weather has been lovely and hot for the past two weeks .

Just wanted to stay and not come home as for eating places they are all pretty good but the Tesoro in the main street next to the guru is the best place to eat and when you go in there say hello to Spiros the owner from us Godden family we have been going for years there . I wouldnt go to the guru  to eat as it is not so good and you get ripped off . Also the Escape eating place is  a super place to eat its just off the main road  down from  Dennis supermarket its worth a try hope this helps have fun wish i was back there never mind theres always next year . regards Val

John J

could anyone please give me anymore information on athina appartments or eating out many thanks

Alan M           

Rebecca, just returned on Sunday from Kalamaki.   You will not find much change in the weather in October, still warm during the day but cooler at night so take a jumper.   Not much rain at this time as far as the locals are concerned.   Not so sure about the availability of the boats at the blue caves or the shipwreck.   The season for the locals usually runs to about the 28th October but the tourists have generally dried up before then.   Your best bet is to go on the website for the Golden Sun Hotel in Kalamaki and send an email addressed to Anastasia who is an excellent girl on reception and who is a local in the village.   She will help you no end with information.   Give her our love.  

Alan and Heather McKenzie

Tracy C           

We liked Kalamaki. The Beach was 2 minutes walk away from our hotel. We hired pedlo's 4 times during our two week stay and on three occasions saw the turtles swimming in the bay.  On two of these occasions our children snorkled with them; They were so chuffed to have done that.

There are plenty of restaurants to chose from and were reasonably priced although we avoided those that served roast dinners!!!

Ian S           

Thanks Lyn. We were in Rhodes one year, near enough at the bottom of the runway and it was terrible. so, you have put my mind at rest!

Lyn            

The Athina Apartmens is just off the main street.the airport is not to far away you will get some noise but the airport has to close at night because of the loggerhead turtles.some days are very quite.sunday is a busy day for flights.most of the planes landing and take off  to the right of were you are staying.hope i have been of some help.

lyn

Ian S           

I’m heading to Kalamaki in a couple of weeks to the Athina apartments but I am starting to worry a bit that the airport noise is going to spoil things. Any need to worry?

Lyn B           

I have been to Kalamki 5 years running.as I recall the Garden of eden is a long way from the resort centre and the beech.I think you may be best to rent a car.and take a jumper for the evenings plus a torch.we are going out also in sept.

hope this is some help to you.
lyn.

Sarah W           

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i got sum pics ere from da best holiday iv evr had...in kalamaki....miss u all sooooooo much paul debbie stacey richie nd evry1 else =(

Sarah W           

i got back from zante 2day nd i loved evry minute ov it!!!!! really gutted i had 2 c*m ome nd i cant wait 2 get bak!!!! best bar has gotta b soda plus so evry1 go ther!! lol we went there nearly evrynite nd it got a bit ov evrythin nd da ppl ther r luvly =) missin em alredy!!! i stayed in athina hotel bt my frends wer in the exotica, so i used tha pool in there!! fab ppl there aswel n lotsa stuff 2 do!!! miss all da peeps from there aswel =( bookin 4 nxt yr asap!!!! luv sal xxx

Michael C           

What a lovely place to stay. We will definetly go back to this resort an ideal locatation .

Carol P           

Poaitively our favourite place to stay. A huge choice of places to eat or drink with something for all age groups. 

Wayne H           

Hi great place to stay, places to drink and eat where very good, best bars where the White Rose pub run by local lad just a good laugh and Sofie`s bar  loads of tv`s for sports fans, pool for kids too  and acts on at night  on the main road, and Claude`s bar run by a yorkshire couple, best breakfast on island got to be Deppys next to Claude`s bar which opens from 0730-1500hrs which is at the older end on the main road leading to the beach try it and they even do you a beach packed lunch with cool bag brill if you got kids. We will be going back best holiday for years so chilled. Didn`t try all the bars but try them also loads of pools just walk in any of them no problems just buy a drink. We stayed at costas nice place try the greek night but stay to the end. Hope this helps you .  

 
Wayne,Julie

Gary E           

FAO Jenny

Been to Tsilivi and Kalamaki with my daughter she is just 5 now and we just got back from Kalamaki, I would recommend either with kids, Both are family resorts

Gary E           

Just got back from Kalamaki and totally enjoyed it, It's one of those resorts that hasn't lost it's charm yet, We normally stay in Tsilivi we hadn't been for 2 years and went for the day but sad to say it has lost it's charm now and is a small Laganas.

Kim C           

hiya! this is just a warning to poeple if u eva diss kalamaki ur an idiot its great, we have been like 6 times, and it never gets boring, i just came back yesturday and we are going again in august to the rosland hotel wich is a mega hotel, but the mustang saloon is the best place to drink at night!

Shannon L           

 hey, we love kalamaki, we have been 6 times, and we're going in august, i suggest the mustang saloon bar is the bast ever! in september (the first time we went) was sooo cool, because you could watch the lightning every night! buit may is the best time to go because you can swim with the turtles! kalamki rules and no one should knock it KALMAKI IS THE BEST EVA!

Val G           

  Hello david in answer to you going in Oct . We have been going in oct for years the weather has always been kind to us not over hot but nice to sit in and swim in the pool .

We go on the last weeks of the season which is nice but you will see some shops and eating places shutting  up its ok as there is plenty there . Hope this helps you and im sure you  will enjoy the place as much as we do.We are going  in sept for 2 weeks for a change .Wink

Chris C           

There are always plenty of taxis waiting, the ride is about ten minutes and it should cost you no more than 10 euros. Agree the fare before you get in!

Val G           

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Well what can i say Yes the Goddens return yet again We as a family of 12  mums dad s grandparents uncles and aunts etc have been going about 24 times we love the people and the place it is still has a bit of greek charm and the night life is just right not too much if you want all that sort of thing then lagana is the place for that . We have noticed changes in kalamki but thank fully they are not ruining the place .

We always stay at the Athina apartments and find it great there as we know the owners well and they are lovely people . We go in may and oct but this year we are going in September .Food is fantastic and yes you can get english food but we prefer the greek food which is always very good if you want pie and chips then stay at home !!!!     The place as far as us Goddens are concernd is FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOOK FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!    IN FACT I CRY WHEN WE LEAVE

Analise H           

 
Just got back from Kalamaki where we stayed at the Caretta Beach Hotel. The accomodation was very basic but generally clean and it was still fairly quiet. To be honest, very disappointed with the resort. If you are looking for a taste of Greece, I wouldn't bother visiting Kalamaki as it seems to be a purpose built tourist trap catered entirely for the British. The only Greek people you will meet are the workers so you do not get a true feel of the country, the resort largely consists of one main strip that resembles southend-on-sea and the roads are a death trap. There are some nice restaurants in the resort but again they are all geared towards the Brits. ( Virtually everything comes with chips ) On the plus side, I found the beach to be very nice and did not notice any rubbish or fag butts as mentioned before and the weather was fab. I suppose if you are looking for a holiday where you do nothing except lie by the pool and sunbathe then it is a perfect place to go but it just wasn't for me unfortunately.

Alan J           

We stayed at the Roseland hotel. It was clean, tidy and quiet, except for the odd aeroplane but we didnt really notice. Loads of good bars 2min walk away, especially mermaids restaurant and plus soda, service and food was excellent(huge portions). Bar staff were always giving out free shots to us when we sat at the bar so if u like your drink then saty by the bar. Most people in resort speak excellent english, they are friendly and polite. Definatley go back again, maybe a few weeks later though cos it started getting busier day or two before we flew home (may 15th). Definately recommend the boat trips to c loggerhead turtles, very cheap only cost around £7 each. Didn see any jellyfish in sea(always a good thing) and it was one of the cleanest ive ever seen!

Chris C           

Hi Melanie, there are more reviews on the Athina on their review page, and if you want to join the site messageboard there is all the info you will need on the resort, and the members on it are glad to help. Also you will find some of the regulars have stayed there and so will give you their opinions...I know one of the Moderators always stops there. Just click on the Kalamaki Messageboard link on the site`s main page

Jackie R           

Stayed at Athina Apartments last October very basic (no microwaves!) but very clean, lovely friendly staff. Weather was brilliant .Did have one or two thunderstorms but they were at night, spectacular to watch! Yes you can use other apartments pools Melanie with no charge for sunbeds. Vanessa Pool bar across the road from Athina very friendly Denis and Demitri are fun and sell the cheapest beer during Happy Hour! Food is good value aswell. Rainbow apartments have a good restaurant with lovely food, well worth the walk off the main Kalamaki Road. One thing you must know this part of Greece is prone to earthquakes.There was one big one on 19th October 6 on richter scale and it was very frightening but our two daughters are 14 and 16 so were not too bothered by it , younger children were a little upset . On the whole a lovely place good value for money not too much nightlife in October depends what you want.

May O           

Just looking at forums and there seems to be some negative postings about Kalamaki, I love Zante, and we as a family have been going for the past 3 yrs.  We stay at the Caretta Beach, the owners are so kind to everyone, staff, girls who keep our rooms tidy are so nice to us even if they only speak a little english we manage to have a conversation and a laugh.  In the 3yrs we have gone, we did the Athens trip twice,it was brill.  The island all day boat trip is a bit long for small children but theres half day trips which might suit.  Lots of lovely eateries, the best i think is Micheloes,also the steak house at the end of the resort towards the cave bar is good too,plus others,its fun trying them.  The people are so friendly and nothing is too much to ask,this is my own personal opinion and if anyone is not happy with anything speak to your hotel manager they are very helpful,esp Serena the new manager at the Caretta Beach.  Enjoy your holiday wherever you go in Greece this year.

Sarah M           

 We really enjoyed our stay in Kalamaki, everyone is really friendly and make you feel very welcome  all of the family enjoyed the nightlife there with there variaty of karioke, greek nights, quizes and just fun. We enjoyed going to down under as all age groups in the family enjoyed it there was quizes for the adult the bar staff always put on a show and theres a man dressed as a Kangeroo to entertain the children. There is plenty of very good resterants with really good meals and great kids menus as well. the shops are the usual souvernier jobs but all youreally need for your family hol.

Bob            

 
"Kalamaki for its rustic feel"!  I am not sure that Kalamaki has a rustic feel, if its a rustic feel you want I would recommend Crete, Hydra, Spetses or the mainland etc.  Kalamaki as nice as it is or once was has lost what charm it had and is fast becoming a Laganas Annex.
 
Afraid to say it Val but Kalamaki is as near to Laganas, both geographically and aesthetically, as anything could be.  Maybe your 18 years of visiting Kalamaki are a factor that you have yet to appreciaite!  Go on, try somewhere else!

Val G           

   cant understand last comment we as a family have been going for years .we choose kalamaki for its rustic feel if you want all the white marbel ae nd super dooper night life try the costas in spain becouse thats where id love to see all these brits who want all non stop getting rat a**ed and un ruley behaivour!!! we love it as  takes you back to earth who wants all high tech tv !!

yes i agree the rubbish along the roads was a bit of a mess and as for the driving just watch out thats all if the dogs can keep safe then so can we ! we drove there last week and found it ok . we as a family of 15 have been going every year for 18 years and have made very good friends out there. and we will still go as long as they dont turn it in to lagana! and also what do you expect it was the last week that the island is open to us brits so things will be closing up they restraunts and bars will not stay open if there's only a handful around any way we love it like that !!! so please dont change kalamaki if you want southend stay at home .

Nicky Y           

Spent a week covering half term in Kalamaki and was a little disappointed at the lack of charm.  Evenings were spent seeing which bar had shut that day.  Mermaids restaurant and Plus Soda were excellent with Nick turning on the foam machine for the kids.  Greek night is a 2 hr riot.  Zakfari trip a real blast of adrenilin and wortth it.  The best takeaway in town is Tazie's and the owners are fantastic - we were told how to make dishes and welcomed back like friends.   Unfortunately the beach has so many fag buts washed up it is a shame for the turtles when they do hatch.  Kalamaki is the little sister of Lagana (18-30's) and aspires to be her.  

Our hotel Klelia, whilst very clean, was empty so it felt like our very own villa for a while.  The buffet there for half board is a bit too basic in the morning so we headed across to YoYo's which was heaven and so friendly.  In the summer the hotel is at the far end of Kalamaki so would be a quieter base.  The pool in October was ice-cold, but the sea was just right and we had excellent weather most days so the sand did get very hot.

A bit disappointed at the amount of rubbish allowed to build up everywhere - fridges and junk along the roadside.

Also they had an earthquake before we arrived - a good ice-breaker conversation and we experienced 7 more tremors.

Not sure if we would go back, but the people were really lovely - maybe we would try a different town.

Tracy C           

just returned from 2 weeks at kalamaki, and are very dissappointed. the night life was non existent, unless you class karaoke and bingo as entertainment. there was only one bar on the resort that we enjoyed visiting called the safari bar, they held a halloween party just before we left and the kids were always well looked after there, with a good selection of toys always readily available.

the resort was not very clean many of the bins spilling over into the road. i was terrified whilst walking out with the children as there are very little pavements, and the locals drive like maniacs.
for anyone going to kalamaki i would strongly recommend that you avoid bookin trips with SPRING TOURS they took 70 euros for a island tour, and didnt bother turning up, when we returned to the shop, there were about 16 other people who they had also ripped off, none of us got our money back.
kalamaki is ideal for couples who like to do nothing but lay by the pool all day, but i would def not reccomend it to anyone with young children, we had an earthquake whilst there, and although the locals said it was the biggest in 8 yrs, this was no comfort to our 3 kids, who screamed every time there was an aftershock (and there were plenty)
personally, we would never return
 
 

Sharon W           

My husband and I (I sound like the Queen!) go to a Greek Island every year.  On first sight Kalamaki seemed great.  We stayed at the Cronulla Hotel and although the accommodation is pretty basic (as is most of Greece) it made up for it by having a brilliant swimming pool - best in the area - and no sunbed bagging. at least not whilst we were there.  There are absolutely massess of restaurants and bars in Kalamaki, all along one main road.  However towards the end of the second week we began to tire of them and realised that you don't really get the feel of real Greece here - it is more like Southend with sun.  Little Greek tavernas where you sit and eat and then drink with the locals were not in existence and all the restaurants seemed to go at quite a speed to get through the vast amount of people wanting to eat, with the exception of the Italian restaurant, Buon Amici, which is unhurried and does fantastic food, highly recommended.  Out of all the bars we went in, and we went in plenty, Down Under was the most fun.  Although most of the people there were younger than us we must be young at heart coz we managed to out-dance and out-last and out-stay a hell of a lot of them.  The juggling behind the bar is great, as is the fire show - well done Kim and Buss.  Don't be put off going to Kalamaki but don't expect to get a true sense of a Greek Island.  And the airport - well, the best thing to say is that it can only get better - can't it????

Tracy+dean G           

kalamaki well what can i say its a gorgeous place to stay the beach is lovely plenty of places to eat all serving great food plenty of bars all with a friendly atmosphere children are welcome all over the resort .plenty of trips you can do the island trip is a must its a long day but deff a must the sights are out of this world with plenty of stops for a swin take a snorkle its a must .TongueTongueTongue

 

Andrew S           

Absolutely loved the place and its charm - the small allotment ares less than 25 metres from the main street and sheep grazing at the side of the road were brilliant.

Michaelo's restaurant must be one of the best we have visited anywhere and it does great credit to Dennis (the owner) who is briilliant, and if he reads this, our condolences again on your loss.
 
The only drawback was the airport on return - the planes overhead daily weren't as bad as expected but the airport is appalling with sandwiches (virtually the only food) 3 times as expensive as in town and even dearer when you have gone through immigration (and 28 euros for 2 x G&T & 2 lagers is extortion)
 
The beaches as well are fantastic and the walk to them may be longer than they say but is a nice walk.
 
Also like the local ordnance regarding music cannot be played outside after midnight - the places stay open and anyone wanting a quiet drink outside can do so.
 
Finally, we had an earth tremor (evidently a regular occurence) one evining while we there - I have never been present at a place before where the earth moved for so many women at one time !!
 
Thanks again for a great holiday

Debbie W           

Hi just like to say that i agree with everyone kalamaki is a fantastic place. my husband and i came here last year for the first time we had a brilliant time. so we came back this year again and we have booked up to come back next year in june. and we cant wait. we absolutly love the place.
 
The restuarants and bars are great as are the the staff who work in them and the the locals are brilliant they make you so so welcome.
 
We stay at dennys in and it was like coming home again this year they are fab. And the same goes for danny and nick in spaggetti o mania. which is our favourite restaurants along with bbq steak house and mermaids. However we are going to try a few more next year. Down under is the best bar in kalamaki its brilliant.
 
see you next year

Natalie P           

i worked in kalamaki for two seasons and i think it is the best greek island i have bein to. The locals go out there way to make you feel welcome. For food i stronly recommend MERMAIDS there friendly staff really make you feel welcome.EMMA MIRI CON ADELE SAM  MARIA and all the rest { miss you all} Bizaro palace is a great hotel very relaxed, u can see the planes and a litle aircraft noise but it doesnt disturb wat ur doin and the great thing about this place is the airport shuts at about 8/9 because of the turtles. Lagana isnt far it is a 25/ 30 min walk along the beach. If you like doing excursions i think the ship wrech is the one to do, you cant go to this island without going there, the water is like u are in the maldives you cant believe how blue it is, but you dont just have to go by boat there is a small platform you can go on to look down either way it is breathe taking.. When i went on holiday  this year i went to kelfalonia,  wouldnt go again it is a very long day on a coach, the locals arent as nice and eveywhere is spead out so it is not like zante where you can walk to the next resort..

will be going again maybe next year

Ken W           

A comprehensive, truthful and forthright appraisal Lia. I commend your honesty and admire your ability to write such a post in an unoffensive way.

I  feel that places such as Zakanoh recieve unfair criticism by some as they are not trying to compete with the likes of Mermaids. They are totally different types of restaurant catering for different clientel. There are other ways of judging restaurants other than how big the portion is, and not everybody wants each course of a meal served NOW as if on a conveyor belt.
 
We're off to kalamaki yet again in two weeks time. We'll visit Zakanoh at least once, Bon Amicci several times, Hera, maybe Paulos and any other we can fit in.
 
On a different topic, why do the weather forecasts here on Just Zante always appear to be a little more optimistic than the reality when comparing with Wunderland.com or BBC and the likes?
 
 

Lia F           

We visited Zakynthos in the last week in August; first week in September, 2005. It was quite obviously the tail end of the season. Airport's not as large as say, Heraklion, but was fine, and our reps managed the return journey well, no complaints there. Weather was wonderful: 34 degrees every day.

Very peaceful on Kalamaki beach, thanks to the turtle conservation program. (No thanks to the odd hungover, vociferous, catty tourist with children they clearly don't love, but then the world is full of them!) Yes, it costs 8 euro now for a day on supplied sunbeds. (You lie on them & a guy comes along eventually to be paid, OK?) But inflatable lilos are 3 euros or less to buy, and you can bring them instead, you can even buy sun umbrellas for a few euro & fight all week over whose turn it is to carry it down & back again!

As on all Greek islands we've been to, velvety sand, blue, blue waters, beautiful views, reliable sunshine all day, refreshing breeze. I saw not one spider in two weeks. Nor did I see any snakes. I saw a gorgeous lizard, but he/she was shy & hid. And the turtles eat the jellyfish, good for them! We did see one dead one and that was it in a fortnight, I suppose it depends on the tides. We certainly weren't stung by any, nor did we see or hear of anyone who was. They seemed as rare as the turtles. The great thing was that there are no noisy tavernas on the beach and they won't build any - they are all one field back from the beach, and even the fishing boats have changed their routes to avoid alarming the turtles. No power boats, no jet skis skating over your head, you can swim all day in peace.

The best way to see the island is by car or even better, by boat, as the trips we took (Thanks, Liana, Pelagos tours!) were right on time, via air-conditioned coach, monitored by a clear-spoken, bright Rep. who ushered us carefully onto a boat with so much room on board that we could lie full-length on the upper decks & get a tan! No hanging around, no awful kareoke, no drunks, a clear informative, witty commentary, plenty of swim time. Yes, bring your own food - all small ferries are like that.

We did spend a day in Zante town, that wasn't as nice; ok for a morning in the fleamarket, which is cheap, but I suppose we really wanted to get away from towns. It was murder trying to get a taxi back along the seafront after 8, it seemed to be a free-for-all back & forth across the road.

If we ever go back, however, we would stay at the Crystal Beach hotel. Right across from Zepo's, up the road from Stani's, good food, quiet, right on the beach. We had a good night in both places & went there a lot.

Where we were was too noisy & touristy.

The shops vary in price, and if you are there for a week & a drunken week at that you won't notice. Shop around! They have nice leather workshops - we bought totally comfortable sandals for a quarter of Dublin prices & fashionable enough to wear in cities. I love how they take the time to take the price label off & giftwrap things for you, even the most Woolworth's-style fridge magnets. Some of the pottery is lovely, and the little ceramic pots of perfume look great as gifts. I forgot to check who liked which perfume. And cigarettes are so cheap there that smokers will be very relaxed!

Would never go back to Sofia apartments. The first apartment we had was scruffy. The safe didn't work, all the handles were so bent that you had to wrestle with them. The safe didn't work. The shower flooded. We aren't obsessed with Elvis at full volume, & like to sleep at night & not have to remake our beds & eat junk food, but each to their own. We'd booked a last-minute sun holiday, in fairness. Apparently the 1-2 beds are on the ground floor; it might not be as bad for a family on the first floor. It was well worth paying for air-conditioning for the two weeks; though the price was a lot higher than we had expected. The central garden courtyard is lovely, and the supermarket onsite is convenient. They even exchange books, one for one, so that was really appreciated, since otherwise their secondhand books sell at the retail price when new: 11 euro most often. Bring beach reads & swap them as you go. The pool is OK until 6 pm, when you come back from the beach to be told you can't use it until early the next morning.

So we asked to be moved, had to wait a couple of days, wasted a day waiting for the others to move out, cleaners to clean, moving our stuff including 'fridge contents into new better apt. at the back. Having gotten up at 4 am to fly there, we hoped to have an early night the first night. No such thing. At 9 pm, a DJ turned up the volume at the pool bar so that the walls of all blocks shook. He was exhorting a bunch of drunken tuneless people to sing. This went on until shortly after midnight. You try sharing an apartment with someone who is grinding their teeth and groaning & saying "They have to stop soon" every ten minutes! I went out to ask if they could lower the volume, but Reception had gone home at 6 pm (can't blame them) and the others were too busy selling drinks & hoping to attract passing trade with their sudden deafening 'atmosphere'.

There were three tables of people receivng the full blast of sound. To listen to it from the road, you would think they had all of Wembley stadium in the bar. Oh & after midnight, the drunks drifted back, suddenly bereft of 'entertainment', and opened cans & sat out shouting at each other, fighting and smashing glasses (& oddly, dragging furniture around) until 2 pm. The next day we were woken very early by a girl shrieking "Laura! LawreH!" through the walls of the apartment block. In some places it's more usual to speak to someone after knocking on the front door and being invited in; clearly she wasn't used to such formality. Anyway she did this for a week, whenever the unlucky Laura had something; toothpaste, money, soap, that she urgently needed, it was only a matter of standing outside the block and roaring. I can't tell you how tired we were of hearing this poor girl's name! Why can't Laura tell her to cop herself on & learn to pack?! Not the fault of Sofia's.

One of the great things about the pool bar was the fact that there was a big colourful sign overhead advertising three flavours of milkshakes. I love milkshakes, and last year it was really hard to get them anywhere in Malta, and when it's that hot, I am really happy to see them on the menu! I tried asking the friendly barman for one - once.

He moaned & groaned as though his mammy had asked him to clean up his room, asked me if I really hated him that much, tried to get someone else to do it ... and served it up with a lecture on why he shouldn't really have to do this, and I couldn't really have another one. OK, Ben, when people spend two weeks eating out elsewhere, drinking elsewhere, this is why. Maybe they are thirsty and like service with a smile instead of a tantrum.

This apart from the fact that you couldn't use the pool in the evenings, and they only sold frozen junk food. Lots of other local places didn't mind you using their pool & were happy to serve food, so that's where we went with our euros <g>.

At the welcome meeting the next morning, the rep asked people to let the maid know if they had soiled their beds in the night. Apparently people get so drunk that they do this, and then the mattress needs changing. Yes, well, lovely!

The guests were the worst. If the problem is that the place is too foreign, I have to say their own life as announced at 3 am doesn't sound so great either. We got to hear "exacly" why lots of people don't like their family/friends/boyfriend. It was really sad that they thought "the reps" were brilliant for just not being as sad as they are! My sister hopes that they all got bitten fiercely by mosquitos. I hope they get bitten on the tongue! I am sick being kept awake by drunken sagas!

OK, so we went out a lot, as you can imagine! I'd read the postings for Dias, and the food was fine, but it was completely packed out but for two tables on a Monday night! And the waiter barely had time to take our order, or even breathe. He rushed back and forth, no time to discuss options, just get the menu off one, give it quickly to another, get order, dump on table, smile, sprint. I am not going to mention our favourite place if that's what praising it on this site does to the ambiance! Dias is fine but way too popular even now.

Paulo's is nice; very child-friendly - oh, they all are, though, but Paulo's has an iguana called Tom, and the food was fine & good value.

Zakanoh's is lovely, great for a romantic meal. Also, the garden layout is such that the children get to explore through an archway & go off to the playground & have a good time & the adults can talk & relax. And the layout feels like you are in a pleasant garden nook, not in a canteen with tables all around you. I didn't think it was expensive, average Dublin prices to be honest! Yes, for Zakynthos, it is dear, and they clearly make quite a profit on the wine list. We met a few people who didn't usually eat out in restaurants who were uneasy there. Three older men especially who spoke against it seemed to deeply grudge their wife spending "good money" on a meal out when they could eat fast food and spend their money on drink instead. They didn't like Zakanoh's and felt the waiters were too formal. We did like it, the Chicken Zakynthos was so good I will be looking for the recipe for the rest of my life online! Dessert was delicious. The waiter was not attentive, but so what! We weren't in a hurry, the wine was good, plus we didn't have to listen to any cheapskate alcoholic bullying their wife all evening! Judge for yourselves, there's no dress code!

Cave Bar is a great cocktail bar! We had a fun evening there. Eat first, then take the electric car up from the beach road; only room for 3 at a time but they go up & down all evening. Two things about the Cave Bar, though - when you go up to the turret, *do not* wave your hands around, as a girl rushed up on the narrow path as I was coming down & I stepped aside to let her pass & put my hand on one of those cacti that plants 20 fine needles into your skin in one breath - ouch, Ouch, damn! It took four Sea Breezes to kill the stinging, and I was not about to hold hands with anyone that evening! If you are going there, please ask them to keep a tweezers & magnifying glass at the bar! It isn't funny when it's you! (My sister thought it was hilarious, but then she's an engineer.) Lovely bar staff, fun trip, great view, and brilliant for a group, it's on split levels.

And the Drunk Corner is a friendly bar too.

I would say that if you are meeting people later elsewhere, ask for the bill about 40 minutes before the dessert! ("ee logar eeasmo, karisto") They will honestly keep the restaurant open all night & sit chatting to you & never seem concerned. We thought at first that we should just wait politely & they would bring it over, but no such thing! No matter how quick the service is, there always seemed to be this polite ignoring of the fact that we were going to pay and leave, as though they wanted to overlook this rude fact. It was charming, but did delay us madly a few times before we decided to pronounce the word!

I do think though that if you go anywhere for a week, there is little time to shop around as you would at home. Reading the postings here, and having made the best of a rather loud main street, it is astonishing how many people only go there to get drunk & find the heat too hot, are surprised at seeing mosquitos and ants abroad - if you spray yourselves with insect repellant in the evenings, they don't bite you. 

Everywhere we went, the Greeks were really friendly & obliging, & welcoming, delighted to see tourists & had time to explain everything & chat. It was a relaxing break, given time to get our bearings & find ways around any small problems.  It's a great place to bring children, sunbathe, swim, eat out.

Karen M           

 we have just got back from 2 weeks in kalamaki and we loved it, our 10 year old luke was the kareoke kid of the venue bar, and he absoloutly adored the waiters at the parthenon restaurant,( hey yannis & yannis lule say's hi ) everybody was so kind, helpful and friendly we couldnt ask to stay in a better place.We stayed in the kaledonio studio's which were spotless and the pool was great.We are definitly going back next year,I'm booking up later this month. 

Gillian W           

I have only a few words to say to anyone thinking of visiting Zakynthos...stay in Kalamaki!  Great food, great people, great nightlife and best of all its cheaper than the Canaries and Spain.  You hardly hear any of the planes that land at the airport, so don't listen to your travel agent, and the beach is lovely, crystal clear waters.  Will definately be going back there!  Roll on June 2006!

Chris C           

for anyone going to Kalamaki it is a beautiful resort with the warmest people I`ve ever met. If you want to join in the chat about the resort come over to the JustZante messageboard, or if you need any advice everyone is glad to help on there.

 
One word of caution, there is a restaurant/bar etc for EVERYONE`s tastes in kalamaki. On some reviews there are derogatory comments made by competitors under assumed names or people who have been asked by competitors to make negative reviews of their `opposition`, so try places for yourslef, you will see why places are popular as repeat trade is high in Kalamaki to places providing good standards of food/drinks or service!
 
have a great time!

Nicki B           

I have just got back from hols this weekend, this is the 3rd year my family and I have been to Kalamaki. we always stay at the hotel Exotica. The hotel staff are friedly and make the holiday extra special. We were really disappointed with Thomson this year. Not only did they loose our all our luggage ( 6 cases) the reps were really not bothered in tracking them down. It took 4 days for them to be retireved and sent out to the resort, not much fun when you have 3 children with you and have to try and shop in the souvenir shops for all the bare essentials. I think the the thomson reps have forgotten what customer service is all about because they were more interested in selling trips ! Sorry to be harsh but it's true.
 
The entertianment at our hotel had declined from last year, Come on Thomson sort it ot otherwise your reagualrs at the hotel Exotcia are going to go elsewhere which would be a shame because the kids reps and Sevi, Sia and Efi work so hard...Alex keep up the football practise!
 
Kalamaki town is a fantistic place to take the family, you can eat well, drink well or just chill out. The beach is clean and the waters crystal clear. The Olive Tree and The Steak House are our fav restuarants.

Kirsty M           

I have been comming to kalamaki for over nine years now with my mum and dad and i think that kalamaki is the best place that you could go on holiday to and chill. I stay at Dennys Inn hotel which is near the beach. The beach is excellent, It offers crystal clear waters and safe sand for kids. Kalamaki is a great resort for anything and of people of any age group. There is lots of things to do. It also offers lots of great resturants and tavernas. If you are staying at kalamaki then i suggest that you go to the cave bar at sun-set. It is one of the most nicest things that i have ever seen. I wish that i was there now 

see you all next year---------------kirsty macfadden from Burnley (aged 14)

Jackie T           

We have just got back from Kalamaki and are trying to book for next year already. The resort is not too commercialised and all the restaurants on the main road in Kalamaki are generally still very personal (except Mermaids) and give you a very welcoming and friendly meal. Try Milo's or The Olive Tree, we loved the staff threre and the food was fantastic.

Ken W           

Hi Jo

 
We walk to Laganas from Kalamaki most days. Well, more of a stroll really along the beach.
 
If you wanted to visit for a night out, I'd strongly advise you take a taxi (they're cheap enough). At night, I feel the road is too dangerous to walk along as the standard of driving isn't the greatest generally, and lots of "young bucks" out to impress. Because of the turtles, the beach is out of bounds at night.

Jo A           

Me and my best friend are due to go out to Kalamaki Mid Sept. Both really looking forward to it as it's our first hol for years and our first one ever without the rents! Wondered if Laganas is walking distance?? Feel it's only fair we drop in and check the difference in party life style a couple of times!!

 
Jo

Natalie ;           

Kalamaki is the best place to visit in Greece as it is not to lively and is not rough!!

I love this place to bits i will never go a different place!! it is too good kalamaki..it is really friendly and i obviously know my way round and know most peple there and they are all fantastic!! you couldnt put a bad name too Kalamaki as it is brillant!
Missin every1!!

Suzanne M           

Got back from Kalamaki 25th july, and we had a great time, we stayed at the Cavo Do'ro, and had a fabulous time, we met some wonderful people. Alison and Akios were great, they made us feel welcome the first night we were there. Marie was also great with the entertainment she provided us with, i dont think Richard (Trick Dicky) has ever got over singing on Karoke. Were definatly going back there in a couple of years, and we'll be staying at the same hotel, so be warned. If you do stop there, look above the bar where the slush machine is as we left a pair of boxers . We went on a day cruise with our tour operator and it was great the only sad thing is we didnt get to see any turtles, other than that it was a fab day out and great way of seeing the island and all the beautiful landmarks, highlight for me was, smugglers cove and seeing where part og the goonies was filmed, also the blue caves. The food is great and everything is so cheap, i was gobsmacked. We ate at mermaids a few times, very nice, basically all over, but the place we loved the most was the panorama roof top restaurant.Everyone is just so friendly, and they never forget a face, they always say hi, when you walk past, you can relax and feel safe and not have to worry about what might be round the corner.

I think thats it for now, but i'll be back,  it was my first holiday abroad without my family and with my boyfriend for the first time, and i couldnt have picked a better place to have visited. 

Neil N           

Our hotel was in Tsilivi, but we hired a car for 4 days and visited Kalamaki 3 times. We liked the resort and Crystal Beach is great. Will probably stay at this resort next time in Zante.

Jo            

Kalamaki was a very nice resort with a lovely beach and some nice restaurants and bars, the resort would be great for families and young couples like ourselves, the people are friendly and it has low key night life, good if you want a quieter holiday with nightlife not far away in Lagana, but be warned that Lagana is apparantley very wild!

Kimberley C           

have just got bk from zante and it is the best place eva and carnt wait 2 go bk 2 kalamaki thanx 2 every one at diaz especially labros,nickos,takis and co thanx for a lovley holiday and c u next year if you eva go 2 kalamaki u will really enjoy it 

Philip S           

click to enlarge

We have been to Kalamaki 7 times so far and will be going back this August.  The people are great and very friendly, especialy all our great friends at Dias, Labros and his family and all the waiters and not forgeting Nikos, also the brothers and Shelly at the Oasis bar. 

Lisa M           

Just back from Kalamaki, and really enjoyed it! The people were really friendly and the place was lovely! Any1 who goes will enjoy it!

Kate H           

Ray,

i just got back from staying at the Two Brothers apartments which is next door to The White House. They seem really nice all i know is that you had to use The Two Brothers apartments pool and bar as they didnt have one. About 7min walk and your on the main strip with all the bars and restaurants
 
hope you have a great time and your rep Victoria is ace
 
Kate

Kate H           

We just back from kalamaki last week aftewr a fortnight. It was my first time to Greece but i absolutely loved it i would go back tomorrow if i could. We ate in mermaids some nights but went to many restaurants.

There is this brilliant traditional taverna called Petrino's (just down a street at "down under" bar area of main strip) food was cheap, and local residents came and sang traditional songs----one of our highlights of our holiday.
 
The only downfall is the size of Zante airport and we had to wait 95minutes for our luggage to arrive as there is only one baggage carousel but the next time we go the new arrivals terminal should be open.
 
Boat trips around the island are great only about 12euros each all day but dont expect to see turtles or dolphins (as when we went too cloudy so we didnt see any) but we did go on another trip for 3hours and saw turtles..
 
If you go The FIre Club have a great elvis night (and also cheap drinks) but in general all bars over there were fab (about £1.40 for a cocktail approx)
 
Anyway enough about me and i hope you find this information handy
 
 

Kim B           

This was our first visit to Kalamaki.  We both enjoyed ourselves very much.  Lots to do if you want and plenty of room for peace and quiet. The beach was nice [although we are not beach people].  Views were stunning.  The permanent residents of Kalamaki are very friendly and helpful.

Will certainly be returning!! 

Anne O           

 Kalamaki is a great place to go.  Kalamaki itselfs is much quiter than Laganas which is only in the road a bit so you have a choice of a mad hectic night or a geart night out with your friends.  Kalamaki is very cheap and we couldn't belive the difference in price from Laganas with is much more expensive.  I also have to mention the SAFARI BAR where he had some great nights with Pat and Chris.  Kalamaki is defo recommended.

Vicky S           

Been to Kalamaki on my holidays for the past 7 years to the same place, same hotel, same restaurants, with the same people every year. An I love it. Close enough to the night life to get a quick taxi ride, which doesn't cost much, unless you want to visit the strip of bars and restaurants on the main strip whch is walking distance. Not many places are from the beach. It's just a great place to say, after being out at night, if you go somwhere loud, you can come back to the hotel and actually sleep, without screams and noise. You also feel safe, with a friendly enviroment, most Greeks, are so pleasant and try and help in most cases. The first time I holidayed in Zante, it was the first holiday abroad my single and very nervous mum had gone on with me, an after the first day, she felt totally relaxed, as it's just that kind of place. I'd really recommend it to anyone, of any age group. Theres something there for everyone.Flew back about 2 weeks agao and  I'll be back there in a few days again!!! I can't wait!

Paul & Mandy           

We just came back at the weekend after two weeks in Kalamaki and had a great time. We stayed at the Cavo D'Ora, and everyone from the reception through to the bar staff and cleaners were friendly and genuinely very welcoming. Would definately recommend Harry's Bar (especially Sunday Greek night), Mustang's for cocktails, Mermaids for great food and huuuge variety, Cavo D'Ora supermarket for long opening hours and very friendly staff, Merlis car rental for friendly service and good value. Actually everywhere we went we had good food apart from the Buffet Chinese/Indian restaurant which wasn't particularly hot. For all the teens/twenties, I suppose you have to get a 5 minute cab ride to Laganas for tons of bars/clubs, though they all had pretty much the same to offer to everyone (ie free shots with drinks!). Only disppointment was that we didn't get to see a turtle...

Julie I           

Hey Ray....check out White House Studios on this site under apartments ..Kalamaki!

Scroll down to the bottom and they are there...Hope this helps!!!
 
 
     JOOLZ

Ray H           

Me and a freind are going to the white house appartments on 16.06.05can anyone give us any feed back on the place as apart from the brochure we cannot find any info, many thanks

 
Ray 

Lisa M           

Gdgd we were quite worried about it, but a few people have also sed that they didn't feel it so it shouldn't be that bad!

 
 
 
 
11 days!!!!!!!!

Jet            

yes there was a tremor when we were there - but wasnt bad coz slept thro it.

you will have a great time.
 
jet

Lisa M           

Jet, it may seem a stupid question, but did u experience any earth tremors wen u were there? Some people i know said they did!

Sarah R           

Sound like a good place. Ill look forward to my holiday even more now! 

Thanks for the info

Jet            

The hotel is in a good location, maybe 5 mins to start of bars and restaurants and prob bout 15mins to Kalamaki beach.

 
Its located on the road to Laganas so its at the other end from 'old' kalamaki strip.
 
From wot i remember theres not that much round about it so would b quiet at nite and when round the pool.
 
Maybe when you arrive you will think its a bit rural but its ok once you get your bearings.
 
It caught my eye because it looked so nice and clean.
 
 

Sarah R           

Thanks Jet. Can you tell me if it is close by to other places, if you can remember? I think its a fair bit away from the beach but as long as its not out in the middle of nowhere I dont mind that.

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