Zante Kalamaki

beach report and Zante map

Kalamaki beach Zante

KALAMAKI is considered the 'quiet' end of Laganas beach. The long and deep stretch of sand on Kalamaki beach is separated from its noisier neighbour of Laganas by a pine forest.
Kalamaki beach is also popular with endangered egg-laying Careta Careta turtles. They arrive on the beach at night to lay their eggs in the shallow dunes.
As a result, parts of Kalamki beach are now classed a National Marine park, giving turtles and other wildlife the sort of protection that is a lot more in evidence than at nearby Laganas.
Problems persist, however, with an expansion in nearby hotel and apartment building, a mushrooming of beach-side tavernas and summer cantinas as well as a rise in sunbeds.
It has been known for large turtle nesting grounds to be simply bulldozed away in order to clear more of the beach to lay out a few extra tourist sunbeds.
Kalamaki village has been trying hard to match the perceived delights of its more popular neighbour Laganas. Fast food outlets have been multiplying and bars have imported the latest karaoke machines and big-screen TVs. Bars called Coconut Joe's and the Drunk Corner probably give you the general idea.
Kalamaki beach is a large and long swather of fine, soft sand and the shallow water along the coast makes this a popular resort for families with children.
Watersports have been curbed here in a belated bid to protect the turtles that often circle offshore before coming onto the beach at night to lay their eggs. Visitors are asked to leave the beach at sunset so that they are not disturded.
Kalamaki is only 2km from Zante airport and planes often fly directly over the beach.