Kalamaki has a lot going on. It’s a bit of an enigma of a resort as in it feels quiet yet there’s always something going on. If you’ve never been and have booked you might be wondering what there is to do. We work so hard for a week or 2 break in the sunshine and we want to be able to make the most of it. Here’s my list of things to do for an amazing holiday that you will never forget.
A Turtle spotting tour
The Loggerhead turtles are a very welcome resident of Kalamaki Beach. I’ve spotted them when out on a pedalo in the sea, others have spotted them when swimming. You are much more likely to spot some if you go on a boat trip though. There are lots and lots of tours all summer to choose from and every tour stand on the strip sells a few variations so you can head out on the one that suits you. Keep in mind that these tours do get very busy in the height of summer and it can be a bit distressing seeing lots of boats surround a turtle or two.
I like to do a tour that includes a stop at Turtle Island (Marathonisi). This small island looks like a turtle in shape and is a part of the Marine parks. A stop here for a break, an ice-cold drink and a snack from the refreshment boat that moors up and a bit of a swim is a nice way to top off your day.
Head over to Cameo Island
Cameo Island is picture-perfect. Hop in a taxi and head down to Laganas and head over to this small but beautiful little island. It’s perfectly instagrammable from the moment you step onto the bridge to head over to the island. If you head over to Marathonisi, look out for the pictures from the seafront, it’s stunning!
Greek Night in Kalamaki
Of all the things you need to do in Kalamaki, make sure that you don’t miss out on a Greek night! There are quite a few places that run Greek nights on various nights of the week. Pandesia restaurant claims to have Greek night every night but on a Tuesday and a Saturday night they bring in the Greek dancers too. Costa’s pool bar also has a great one on a Saturday night. These 2 are very popular and you may need to book depending on how busy it is.
Water Park
There are 3 Waterparks to choose from in Zante. The Caretta Beach Hotel has an onsite park that can be accessed by the public at a charge. It’s not a huge park but there is a good selection of bigger slides and a pool with slides for younger children. Tsilivi Waterpark is the next biggest one, a short taxi ride away from Kalamaki (around 15-20 minutes). Again, a good selection of slides, a few more than the Caretta.
The largest waterpark is Zante Water Village. Marketed as one of the biggest waterparks in Greece, the Zante Water Village has something for all the family. I’d recommend a trip with a bus included though unless you are hiring a car as it’s not in the middle of a resort and getting a taxi home may be a struggle. If you do fancy doing it independently though, you can get a reduced-price ticket if you enter after 2 pm.
Kalamaki Crazy Golf
Our family loves a game of Crazy Golf. It often ends in an argument and someone threatening to hit someone else with a golf club, but that wouldn’t be our family if it didn’t! D&B crazy golf is easy to reach from the main strip, and a bonus is they have an on-site BBQ restaurant and bar for cooling down and relaxing after. There are 2 courses, an easy and a hard course to suit each of you and if you play and eat you do get a slight discount.
Visit Zakynthos Town for the morning
Zante Town is one of my favourite Greek towns. Head over in a taxi, it’s around 10 minutes from Kalamaki and costs around €14 each way. Get dropped off on the harbour and walk along and into the town for a spot of shopping and something to eat. It’s a lovely change and a great place to get all your souvenirs bought.
Vasilikos / Banana Beach
If you’re craving some motorised watersports, head over to Vasilikos and visit Banana Beach. Banana Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach with shallow, crystal-clear waters. A beach club vibe for the whole family and lots of watersports to have a go at. There are big yellow buses that run through Kalamaki taking you to Banana Beach and back. It’s free so the most cost-effective way to get there! If you want a break from the beach, a 30-minute or so walk will take you to the Zante Turtle Rescue Centre in Vasilikos.
Other Notable day trips from Kalamaki
There are loads of other day trips to choose from for your days out. They include the Keri Lighthouse and Blue Caves, the famous Navaggio beach (shipwreck beach), Wine and Olive Plantations and even a day trip to Kefalonia is a feasible option. Pop to one of the tour vendors and check out their selection of great trips.
Have a wonderful holiday in Kalamaki. Make sure that you take the time to check out some of the wonderful bars and restaurants too!
Becky x