Kefalos
- Category: Villages
- Published on Monday, 11 June 2012 12:59
- Written by HostPlus ltd
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Kefalos is 40 kilometers south-west of Kos town and it’s a beautiful village built on a hill at the west side of the island. By antiquity it was the first capital city of the island and today it counts some 2.500 permanent residents. The houses here are built so close one to another that the narrow streets created emphasise the
traditional architectural features of most Greek islands, which invite you to make a tour in the history and life of the place. One of the most interesting buildings is the traditional house, a folk museum which includes a representation of the villages’ agricultural life back then and next to it completing the scenery is a traditional windmill. The picture of the old town is completed by the ruins of the old castle, just next to the main village. In Kamari, at a distance of only 1 kilometer on the eastside of Kefalos you can find a marina which provides its services for many yachts and small boats during the summer. In Kamari you can see the Early Christian basilicas of Agios Stefanos, dating back to the 5th century and admire the still preserved parts of the mosaic decoration along with other remnants.
Just across in a short distance, quite close to the coast, lies the islet of Kastri with its small church of Agios Nicolaos, who protects all sailors. In the area of Palatia, 3 kilometres south you can see the ruins of Astipalea, which was the ancient capital of the island, the ruins of the temple of the Goddess of agriculture Dimitra (5th century B.C), one of the temples of Asklipios, along with a later built temple in Doric form and a theatre of the Hellenistic period. On top of the hill you can visit the Panagia Palatiani church dediKos Village Kefalos Paradise Beachcated to the Virgin Mary and enjoy the magnificent view of Kefalos and of the sea below. The church of the Panagia Ziniotisa again with a beautiful view is in Zini 1-2 kilometres south of Palatia. The cave known as “Aspri Tripa” (White Hole) is a little bit further from the church and has findings from the Neolithic period and of more recent times. Just 7 kilometres from Kefalos is the Holy Monastery of Agios Ioannis (St. John) with its main characteristic being the perennial plane tree, which covers almost completely the small church and even reaches up to its bell tower.
11 kilometers to the south you will find the ruins of the small church of Agios Mamantos right next to the homonymous new one while still being able to enjoy the beautiful view at sea. 5 kilometres north from Kefalos, you may visit the small cove of Limnionas, with a small port, a shelter for the small fishing and tourist boats in case of rough sea. 7 kilometers south-west stands the church of Agios Theologos alone, with beautiful small coves and rocky beaches. A minor drawback is the dirt road (about 5 kilometers) but by crossing through it you will see the small church, and also enjoy secluded beaches. There are several accommodation options in Kefalos and the food is good everywhere. You definitely have to try the local sweets, especially those made from the local honey. At the several beautiful beaches at Kamari and the beaches at the Kefalos cove: Chrisi Akti, Polemi, San Beach, Xerokampos, Laggades, Paradise, Camel, you’ll enjoyKos Village Kefalos Port swimming and sun bathing. It’s best to visit Kefalos in July or August, so you won’t miss out on the local festivals on the 26th of July in honour of Agia Paraskevi, on the 15th of August, celebrating the Assumption of Virgin Mary and on the 29th of August in honour of Agios Ioannis (St. John), in October the tour of Kefalos takes place and during the Carnival in February or March, the locals and the few tourists have the chance to party and dance. A Police Station and Medical centre are available in Kefalos. Access from Kos town (40km) is possible by public bus, car and motorbike.


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Kardamena is a modern tourist resort, at a distance of 29 kilometers southwest of Kos town counting around 1800 permanent residents. Houses and other constructions have been built along the beach and the surrounding area is very beautiful, full of cultivations, trees and green.
The area offers many accommodation alternatives and good food at the numerous fish-house taverns, traditional taverns and restaurants with Greek and European cuisine. SwimKos, Kardamena Village Restaurantming, sunbathing and water sports take place on Kardamena’s long sandy beach. There is also an excursion boat, departing daily to Agia Irini, known for its thermal springs and its therapeutic waters that are appropriate also for gynecological related issues. Every summer in Kardamena the “Alasarnia” festival takes place, including many cultural events, theatrical shows, concerts, visual art exhibitions, traditional dances, scientific conferences and speeches, several competitions (cycling, chess etc) and the nautical week.In Kardamena they honour Agio Ioanni (St. John) on the 29th of August and Theotoko on the 8th of September with many festivities. Any medical issues can be taken care of at the local Medical Centre and a drugstore is available in the village.
Mastichari is located 22 kilometers west from Kos town. Its small port links Kos to Kalimnos which is exactly on the opposite side and its beach is now a modern tourist resort. One of its main characteristic features includes the ruins of the old, Early Christian Basilica with its beautiful mosaic floor only a short distance from sea.
Windsurfing fans, will find Mastichari’s waters ideal for the sport, due to its big waves and for those new to the sport there is a windsurfing school available. The local festival takes place on the 29th of August in honour of Agios Ioannis (St. John), an unforgettable event to take back with you once you return from your holidays. Medical emergencies can be looked after at the local Medical Centre of Antimachia, (3-4 kilometres south) where you will also find a Police Station. Access from Kos town is easy (22 kilometres) by public buses, by taxi and by car and motorbike. From Mastichari’s port you may visit Kalimnos, the boats depart regularly every day and if you have a yacht, the small port is available for mooring.
The lovely village of Antimachia lies 23 kilometers south west of Kos town and 4 kilometers south of Mastichari. Its traditional character is completed by its position built on the mid part of a plateau. The village has around 2.200 permanent residents and their main occupation is agriculture and tourism.
In Mastichari you will see the ruins of the Early Christian Basilica, with a very nice mosaic floor. here are several accommodation alternatives not only in Antimachia but also around the area. You will find very good food in the village although the fish taverns close Mastichari are more popular, with really fresh fish and delicious starters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and can also have fun doing all kinds of waterKos Village Antimachia sports at the well organized beach of Mastichari. Antimachia has an ancient history and a beautiful environment to offer to her visitors, but is also famous for the openhearted locals who live up to their reputation of many years ago as being very good dancers and singers. It is important to point out that the village has some of the best folk musicians in Greece. They are also known for their ability to improvise verses, satirical in most cases.
atmosphere. However the highlight of all festivals is the “Giorti tou Meliou” (Honey Festival), taking place in late August and apart from dancing, singing and enjoying oneself, you also have the chance to taste very good honey from the area, along with a variety of different sweets, all honey-based. Another important event which everybody looks forward to is the Wine FeKos Village Antimachia Castlestival which takes place in early September and involves drinking lots of local wine, tasting delicious local plates and enjoying Greek music and dancing until the early morning hours. Any unfortunate medical incidents can be looked after at the local Medical Centre of the village where you will also find a Police Station. Access from Kos town is easy by public buses, running frequently (Kos- Antimachia- Mastichari), by taxi, by car and motorbike. Also from the port of Mastichari (some 4 kilometres northern to Antimachia), you may catch the boat for Kalimnos (boats depart regularly every day) unless you have a yacht then you can make use of the port of Mastichari for mooring.
Marmari is 15 kilometers west of Kos Island town (at the northern coast of the island) and 4 kilometers north of the village Pyli. Its long and sandy beach is very popular and attracts many visitors due to its short distance from Kos town, its beautiful environment and the fact that it is well organized with umbrellas,






