"With a traditional 'old town' and a purpose-built beach resort next door, Kefalos brings together the best of ancient and modern Greece."
Technically, Kefalos is the traditional white-washed town you always see with its ancient windmills that sits on a hillside. But the name has come to be used for beachside Kamari too, essentially a self-contained purpose-built resort with a laid back atmosphere and a reasonable selection of bars, restaurants, discos. Famous for its watersports, Kamari's beach is a pleasant stretch of sand and shingle with good swimming. However, if you're looking for more of a picture-postcard stretch of sand, the aptly named Paradise Beach just down the road will fit the bill. The 'old town' of Kefalos is the place for sightseeing, though. There's a lovely Byzantine church, built amidst the ruins of an ancient temple, the remains of an amphitheatre, as well as another temple, built during the Hellenistic period. And when you need a break, you can stop off for a coffee in a 'kafenion', and maybe have a game of backgammon with the locals. If you really want to get away from it all, hire a bicycle or a car and travel the few miles north to Limnionas. This is the only north facing beach in the western part of Kos, and after a dip in the sea, there's a taverna where you can tuck in to some delicious grilled mullet or swordfish. Alternatively, take to the water for a boat trip to the volcanic island of Nissyros. A peaceful place, with a picturesque harbour, quaint villages and some beautiful landscapes, this is most definitely the life.
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Kefalos hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Kefalos include Anthoula Hotel, Kordistos, Sacallis Inn, Villa Popi and Zeus Hotel.
More Kos holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Kos? Our Kos holiday destinations include Agios Fokas, Kardamena, Kefalos, Kos Town, Lambi, Marmari, Mastichari, Psalidi and Tingaki.
Beaches
Kefalos has a gently sloping, sand-and-pebble beach that's ideal for sunbathing, and just 5km away is Paradise Beach, which is all sand and great for children. When you feel more active, try one of the watersports available or take a small boat from the harbour to one of the beaches hidden around the headland.
Eating out
Most meals are served in simple tavernas offering traditional Greek food and limited international dishes. Seafood is often the dish of the day. Pasta is an integral part of Greek cuisine and most menus boast tempting variations. Perhaps the most common is 'hilopettes' - rich egg pasta, boiled with butter and tossed with soft cheese or strained yoghurt. Order a Greek side salad drenched in olive oil, crumbly feta and succulent olives for a delicious taste of Kos.
Nightlife
Kefalos' nightlife is low-key, focused on its friendly bars and tavernas playing Greek music, although there are a couple of bars for those with energy to burn.
Shopping
There are a limited range of shops in Kefalos but if you're looking for souvenirs, the area is famous for thyme, honey and delicious cheeses. These can be found in abundance and are good value for money. Kos Town has greater choice - leather, jewellery and natural sponges being specialities and there is also a line of smart boutiques in the harbour area to be enticed by.
Local information
Kefalos boasts the ruins of the 'Castle of the Knights', where according to legend, Hippocrates' daughter was transformed into a dragon, banished to live in this castle and is still waiting for a knight to kiss her back to humanity. The nearby beaches of Paradise, Hawaii and Magic Beach, located just south of Kefalos, are regarded as the best on the island and are well worth a visit. Alternatively, hire a car and explore the archeological site of Asklepeion or the hot springs near Agios Fokas just outside Kos Town.
Location
45km from Kos Town
Transfer time
30 minutes
Recommended
Luxury
