Thinking of booking a trip to Kalami on Corfu but wondering what it’s like? Here’s what to expect from this small and scenic beach resort.
Where is it?
Kalami is on Corfu’s north-east coast, located north of Nissaki and Agni and south of Kassiopi.
What’s the vibe like?
Kalami is a small and picturesque beach village located in Corfu’s Serenee NE Coast, and it’s famous for its association with the Durrells.
Whereas some of the villages along this stretch of coast consist of nothing more than a cove with a few tavernas (such as neighbouring Agni), Kalami has a small scattering of amenities – a few mini-markets, beach cafes, and laid-back tavernas.
That said, the beach at Kalami gets fairly busy for its size due to the presence of the large San Antonio Resort Hotel and daytrippers.
The vibe is a mix of upmarket but unpretentious with a hint of package tourism, and the hotel tends to attract younger couples. There are several beach bars and tavernas right on the beach which bring a genial and lively vibe all day long.
Surrounding scenery is lush and beautiful – little wonder Lawrence Durrell chose to live here in the White House which is now a villa and restaurant overlooking the bay.
A short walk along the coast to the north is Kouloura, a pretty bay which is home to a popular taverna that has its own small harbour.
It’s worth noting that the main road is a long walk up from the beach. A car is desirable for exploring this part of Corfu.
What’s the beach like?
Kalami is east-facing and the beach is mostly large white pebbles and shingle. The sea is crystal clear and there’s excellent snorkelling along the coast but best bring water shoes for the rocky bottom.
There are several jetties for small motor boats.
Most of the beach is packed with sun-loungers but the southern end is less crowded.
Quieter still is the unorganised Houhulio beach at Kouloura, a 15-minute walk to the north, or Gialiskari to the south.
Activities and amenities
Lazy days are the name of the game in Kalami and the north-east coast in general. The seas here are excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
Private motorboat rentals will take you north around the coast or south to Corfu Town.
You may find low-key watersports including paddleboards.
For diving, head south to the Apollo Scuba Diving Centre at Nissaki.
The energetic can hike up Pantokrator, the highest peak on Corfu.
There are enough restaurants and tavernas to keep you going for a week, plus a few small mini-markets, travel agencies, tourist shops and bars. For a wider range of amenities head north to Kassiopi.
Transport and Accessibility
From the airport:
Kalami is a 1-hour drive from Corfu Airport and just over an hour on the bus from Corfu Town.
A private transfer from the airport is around €50-65. Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
Kalami is located on the main coastal road running north from Corfu Town to Kassiopi which can be used for easy exploration of the area. The majority of the main road is flat and easy to drive but side roads down to the beaches and villas are often steep and gravelly.
Public transport:
Kalami is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system, routes A4 (for Kassiopi) and A5. There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town.
The bus stops along the main road outside the San Antonio Resort Hotel, it’s a 10-20-minute walk down to Kalami depending on your route. The bus stop is in the middle of a popular route so at busy times you may find it difficult to get a seat in both directions.
Buses run hourly and are better suited to day-trips than heading out for the evening.
For more information read: How to Get Around Corfu By Bus
There are some badly-signposted coastal footpaths in the area, but most visitors rent a car for explorations (or take a boat or water taxi).
Accessibility:
Kalami is located in a hilly area and the roads are steep and often roughly paved. There are car parks at both ends of the beach.
There is no Seatrac for wheelchair access.
Prices
Accommodation-wise, Kalami has a mix of expensive villas and traditional studios/hotels. Restaurant prices are around average, maybe on the higher end.
Where to stay
This part of Corfu is villa territory, especially in the hills to either side and behind Kalami. However it does have wider range of accommodation than the smaller places along the NE coast.
The main hotel here is the adults-only 4-star San Antonio Resort which occupies a hillside from the main road down to the sea. Rooms are fresh and neutral, and there’s a small pool with an incredible panoramic view.
It’s also possible to stay in the The Durrell White House villa (4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms).
You’ll find a a few traditional-style hotels with studios in the block behind the beach:
And are a few villas/whole homes right on the beach too, including The Pink House.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
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