Kalamaki

"Kalamaki: either you love it, or you turn around straight away and never come back."

This is something many long-standing regular guests and Kalamaki fans say. It is important to know that this coastal village is away from mass tourism and so far cannot be booked as a package holiday. Although Kalamaki has been growing noticeably in recent years, relatively little has changed over the past 30 years compared to other tourist destinations. Kalamaki is still a place with small guesthouses, hotels, and apartment complexes, with a maximum of 3 floors and 25 rooms. The standard and corresponding price-performance level vary greatly. Self-catering guests can find everything they need in the small mini-markets. There is now also a cash machine in the Village. Holiday accommodations are family-run, as are the local tavernas and cafés. The hospitality and friendliness of the residents, for which Cretans are famous, define Kalamaki's character. 

Administratively, Kalamaki belongs to the district of Festos in the prefecture of Heraklion and is located in the centre of Crete's south coast. It belongs to the municipality of Kamilari, 2.5 kilometers away, where the famous Minoan palace of Festos is also located. Since the 1980s, the village has slowly developed into a pleasant little seaside resort for independent travelers seeking peace and quiet. 
The kilometer-long sandy beach is the continuation of Komos Beach to the south and, further north behind the former military airfield, is called Afrathias and Pachia Ammos. Along the roughly 1 km promenade, traditional Greek tavernas and cafés stand side by side and offer their visitors sunbeds and umbrellas free of charge. 
Kalamaki has been accessible by a good asphalt road since the 1990s. Unfortunately, there is still no reliable regular bus connection. Some seasons there is a bus for the summer months (June – August) but this is not fix. Attempts have been made from time to time, but so far they have not been profitable.  

KALAMAKI HOLIDAYS therefore offers rental cars from the airport and port. A taxi transfer can also be organized. A rental car is highly recommended, as the village's central location makes it an ideal starting point for interesting excursions across the island. 

On site there are a few small souvenir shops, a swimming pool and, of course, many different tavernas where you can eat well and inexpensively. A very varied breakfast is also offered there, so you can be fully catered for if you would like to treat yourself. Kalamaki is a very quiet place. Anyone looking for a little more hustle and bustle can go to one of the neighboring villages such as Agia Galini or Matala for a change. 
Many guests also stay in the village to enjoy the wonderful sunset away from all the rush and then spend the evening directly on the beach in one of the lovely tavernas. 
Kalamaki is a simple place, with nice locals for families and people who love peace and friendliness.