Kalamos and Kastos are two small islands, near Lefkada, that you may not even have heard of. It is time, however, to discover these hidden Ionian paradises with untouched beaches and villages that still keep the rhythms of bygone decades.
If youre looking for a quietplace for a holiday, far from the ordinary and overhyped, where you can truly relax and bask in the sun, the sea and tranquility, then we have two wonderful destinations in the Ionian Sea: the islands of Kalamos and Kastos.
These little Ionian islets, still unknown to many, lie directly opposite the shores of Aetolia-Acarnania, southeast of Lefkada, and will enchant youwith their turquoise beaches, their wonderful nature, their small settlements, and all those simple things that can make your holiday truly carefree and delightful.
Kalamos: The verdant little island with untouchedbeaches
Kalamos is a small island directly opposite the village of Mytikas in Aetolia-Acarnania, which is also its point of access. It belongsadministratively to the Municipality of Lefkada, together with other islets in the area. It is mostly mountainous (the peak of the mountain that dominates the island reaches 745 m.) and boasts distinctive nature, an atmosphere of another era, and small beaches with white pebbles and crystal-clear blue-green waters. The scent of pine and sea salt is everywhere in the air. Take a stroll through the narrow lanes and strike up a conversation with the locals about life on the island. Its worth walking as far as Episkopi through an untouched landscape.
- Dont miss: From Kalamos by bike you can visit the southern tip of the island, the abandoned settlement at Kefali. There youll see ruined houses, old olive presses, stone threshing floors and half-collapsed windmills still standing, as if time had suddenly stopped.
Kastos: The smallest inhabited island in the Ionian
Kastos, the smallest inhabited islet of the Ionian Islands, south of Kalamos, still keeps the rhythms of past decades. Like neighboring Kalamos, it is connected with the Aetolia-Acarnania coast by caiques, to and from the opposite village of Mytikas. The only settlement, with stone houses and cozy tavernas, is built around the harbor. On Kastos you will enjoy nature walks, see pretty little churches, old olive presses and windmills, and swim at untouched beaches - Ambelakia, Fyki, Limni, Kamini, Vrisidi and Agios Emilianos are among the best known.
- Dont miss: On Agios Emilianos beach lies one of the islands main attractions, the Fokotrypa cave, which has a small sandy beach inside.
