Kalamaki Beach
1 / 10

Kalamaki Beach

4.1
·3k reviews·Alimos, Greece

Kalamaki Beach offers two Greek gems: Athens' vibrant beach bars and Zakynthos' serene turtle nesting grounds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Kalamaki Beach

Kalamaki Beach

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kalamaki Beach offers two Greek gems: Athens' vibrant beach bars and Zakynthos' serene turtle nesting grounds.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"Nice beach but WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Your Kalamaki

Kalamaki Beach is in both Athens & Zakynthos! Double-check your booking.

Budget for Extras

Entry fees (€8-€10) & sunbeds (€20-€35) add up. Pack snacks!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Caretta Caretta Turtles

Caretta Caretta Turtles

Zakynthos

Witness endangered loggerhead sea turtles nesting on this protected beach. A truly unique and heartwarming experience!

Vibrant Beach Bars

Vibrant Beach Bars

Athens

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with music, cocktails, and delicious food at Kalamaki's popular beach bars like Bolivar.

Golden Sands & Clear Waters

Golden Sands & Clear Waters

Both locations

Relax on soft sands and swim in the inviting, clear waters of the Aegean or Ionian Sea.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Kalamaki Beach: Athens vs. Zakynthos

Kalamaki Beach appears in two popular Greek destinations: Athens and Zakynthos (Zante). The Athens location is known for beach bars and proximity to the city, while Zakynthos offers a more natural setting, famous for turtle nesting. Confirm your destination to plan accordingly!

Budgeting for Beach Day

Entry fees and sunbed rentals can add up quickly at Kalamaki Beach, especially in Athens. Expect to pay around €8-€10 per person for entry, with sunbeds and umbrellas costing an additional €20-€35 for two. Factor in food and drink costs, which can also be pricey.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer people, more chill
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

𝐀𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 Cape Sol Saturday 07 September LIVE - Rack Are you ready ? 📍10 Leoforos Poseidonos, Kalamaki, Greece ☎ 2109824380 & 6974162527 #CapeSol #athens #greece
@capesol_alimos
6.9K likes • 900.7K views

Confirm Your Kalamaki

Kalamaki Beach is in both Athens & Zakynthos! Double-check your booking. Instagram+1

Budget for Extras

Entry fees (€8-€10) & sunbeds (€20-€35) add up. Pack snacks! Reddit

📍 Bolivar beach bar, Alimos One of my favourite places to go in the summer when living in athens. Bolivar is also a night beach club in the summer and its so much fun but also in the day the water is so blue and the food here is so nice. So if your in athens for a few days definitely head down here it is about 20/30 minutes from the city centre 🏝️✨🧿 #bolivar #bolivarbeachclub #nightlife #athens ...
@laila.khalek
6.6K likes • 241.2K views
kalamaki beach in Zante, one of my favourite ever beaches. Perfect for families wanting a chilled, sandy beach with gently shelving waters, non motorised watersports and the opportunity to spot a turtle 🐢 I bloody love it here! If you want to find out more, my latest blog post is now live (link in bio). Save this for your next Zante trip. Follow me for more hidden gems and travel tips ❤️✈️ #...
beckys_travel_life
40 likes • 7.1K views

Turtle Spotting Tips

Visit Zakynthos' Kalamaki for a chance to see Caretta Caretta turtles nesting. Be respectful! Instagram

Athens Beach Bar Vibes

Enjoy music & cocktails at Bolivar Beach Bar in Athens. Great for day or night. TikTokInstagram

📍Kalamaki beach 🏝️ . . Kalamaki is located in Athens. You can get a bus from Athens city and in 30 minutes you can enjoy this beautiful beach. . . Essa praia fica localizada em Atenas! Em 30 minutos da cidade vc chega nela! Amamos conhecer 🇬🇷 . . . #greece #greece🇬🇷 #athens #greekbeaches #kalamakibeach #europe #summer #europeansummer
maritravelbook
40 likes • 3.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Your Kalamaki

Kalamaki Beach is in both Athens & Zakynthos! Double-check your booking. Instagram+1

Budget for Extras

Entry fees (€8-€10) & sunbeds (€20-€35) add up. Pack snacks! Reddit

Turtle Spotting Tips

Visit Zakynthos' Kalamaki for a chance to see Caretta Caretta turtles nesting. Be respectful! Instagram

Athens Beach Bar Vibes

Enjoy music & cocktails at Bolivar Beach Bar in Athens. Great for day or night. TikTokInstagram

Pebbly Sand Alert

The sand is fine but mostly small pebbles. Water shoes might be comfy! Reddit

Early Bird Gets Shade

Arrive early for the best sunbed spots, especially on weekends. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kalamaki Beach offers two distinct experiences: the lively beach bars of Athens and the natural beauty of Zakynthos, famous for turtle nesting. While the Athens location provides a fun atmosphere with music and amenities, it comes with significant costs for entry and services. The Zakynthos site is praised for its natural charm and conservation efforts, though it can be more expensive than other Greek beaches.

"The beach was clean and tidy. Entrance was €10 each person to include bed and shade. Service from the bar provided was excellent and the young lady was excellent. It was very hot today and she was very attentive considering the heat of the sun. My only critic was the volume of the music from the bar. It got louder as the day went on!"

paul carey

"Small nice beach. Door was open and it was no fee for entrance october 3.
Has small showers, changing rooms and toilet. Not clean or super fancy but still something.
October 3 not busy but weather nice and fine to swim."

Natia Tsigriashvili

"Nice beach but WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!

Free parking (worrying about your vehicle getting broken into - priceless)
20€ admission for 2
35€ for 2 sun beds Incl. tip
20€ for 2 coffees & mineral water Incl. tip
40€ for breakfast Incl. tip
7€ Arizona Iced Tea Incl. tip

All in all was OK. Water was clean until around noon when waves kicked up and it wasn’t anymore."

Alex Vatic

What People Like

Beautiful clear waters
Family-friendly atmosphere (Zakynthos)
Lively beach bars (Athens)

What People Dislike

High prices for entry/beds
Loud music volume
Pebbly sand

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Kalamaki Beach in Athens by taking a bus from the city center, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Instagram Taxis or ride-sharing services are also options for a quicker, though more expensive, journey.

Yes, Kalamaki Beach in Zakynthos is generally accessible. Many hotels are located nearby, and local transport options can get you to the beach. Instagram

For Kalamaki Beach in Athens, public transport like buses is a cost-effective option. Instagram If you're heading to Kalamaki in Zakynthos, consider local buses or taxis from your accommodation.

Parking availability can vary. Some reviews mention free parking at the Athens location, but it's advisable to arrive early or consider public transport to avoid issues. Reddit

From Athens International Airport, you can take public transport or a taxi to reach Kalamaki Beach. In Zakynthos, you'll likely need a taxi or pre-booked transfer from the airport to Kalamaki.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, Kalamaki Beach in Athens often has an entrance fee, typically around €8-€10 per person. This usually includes access to facilities like showers and changing rooms. Reddit

Sunbeds and umbrellas are usually an additional cost, ranging from €20-€35 for two people. Some packages might include them with the entrance fee. Reddit

While some areas might offer limited space to lie down without purchasing a sunbed, the main amenities and comfortable spots are typically part of the paid entry. Reddit

Some locations allow you to leave and return within a two-hour window for free, but it's best to confirm this upon arrival. Reddit

Kalamaki Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Beach bars and clubs, particularly in Athens, may have extended hours into the evening. TikTok+1

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

The sand at Kalamaki Beach is often described as fine but composed of small pebbles, which can be comfortable underfoot. Reddit

Yes, Kalamaki Beach is great for families, especially the one in Zakynthos, due to its gentle shelving waters and sandy shores. Instagram The Athens location also offers family-friendly amenities. Reddit

Kalamaki Beach in Zakynthos is a protected nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, offering a unique chance to spot them. Instagram+2

Non-motorized water sports are often available at Kalamaki Beach, particularly in Zakynthos, making it suitable for a variety of activities. Instagram

In Athens, Kalamaki Beach features beach bars that play music, sometimes at a considerable volume, especially as the day progresses. TikTokReddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! Kalamaki Beach, especially the Athens location, is known for its beach bars and restaurants like Bolivar, offering food and drinks. TikTokInstagram

Prices for food and drinks can be on the higher side, with items like coffee and iced tea costing more than expected. Breakfast can also be a significant expense. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the specific rules of the beach or beach club. Bringing some snacks might be a good idea to manage costs. Reddit

Beach bars typically offer a range of options from light snacks and coffees to full meals and cocktails, catering to a relaxed beach day experience. TikTok

Most beach bars have a casual dress code suitable for a beach environment. However, for evening events or clubs, it's wise to check their specific guidelines.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning sunsets over the west-facing coastline in Athens. TikTok In Zakynthos, photos of the Caretta Caretta turtles and the clear blue waters are iconic. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Kalamaki Beach. Instagram

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. Early mornings can also provide softer light and fewer crowds. TikTok

In Athens, the beach bars themselves and the expansive coastline are great subjects. In Zakynthos, the natural beauty and the turtles are the main attractions. Instagram

Yes, but always from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the nesting turtles. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kalamaki Beach in Zakynthos is a fantastic choice for families. Its sandy shores and gently shelving waters make it safe and enjoyable for children to play and swim. The opportunity to potentially spot Caretta caretta turtles adds an educational and exciting element to the visit. Instagram The beach offers non-motorized water sports, providing fun activities for all ages. In Athens, while more geared towards beach clubs, families can still find areas to relax, and the amenities like showers and changing rooms are beneficial. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Kalamaki Beach requires careful planning. While entry fees are unavoidable at the Athens location, consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save on expensive beach bar prices. Reddit Look for areas where you can relax without renting a sunbed if costs are a major concern. In Zakynthos, the focus is more on natural beauty, so you might find more opportunities for a cost-effective beach day, though amenities might be more limited.

🥂 Couples & Nightlife Seekers

The Kalamaki Beach in Athens offers a vibrant scene for couples and those seeking nightlife. Enjoy sunset cocktails at beach bars like Bolivar, which often transform into lively night clubs. TikTokInstagram The Athenian Riviera provides a romantic backdrop, especially during the golden hour. While Zakynthos' Kalamaki is more tranquil, it can still offer a peaceful, romantic escape with its natural beauty.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Kalamaki Beach: Athens vs. Zakynthos

Kalamaki Beach is a name shared by two distinct and popular destinations in Greece, leading to potential confusion for travelers. The Kalamaki Beach in Athens is part of the vibrant Athenian Riviera, known for its lively beach bars and clubs like Bolivar. It's easily accessible from the city center, making it a popular day trip destination for those seeking a beach experience without venturing too far. The atmosphere here is often energetic, with music and a social scene.

In contrast, Kalamaki Beach in Zakynthos offers a more natural and serene environment. This beach is renowned as a protected nesting ground for the endangered Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles). Visitors here are drawn to the pristine sands, clear waters, and the unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures. The focus is on conservation and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ionian Sea. It's crucial for travelers to identify which Kalamaki Beach they intend to visit to manage expectations and plan their trip accordingly. Instagram+3

Navigating Costs and Amenities

Visiting Kalamaki Beach, particularly the Athens location, involves understanding the associated costs. Entry fees are common, typically ranging from €8 to €10 per person. This fee often grants access to basic amenities like showers and changing rooms. However, for a more comfortable experience, renting sunbeds and umbrellas is highly recommended, with prices often set around €20 to €35 for a set of two.

Beyond entry and seating, food and drink prices at the beach bars can be quite high. Reviews indicate that even simple items like coffee or iced tea can cost upwards of €7, and a breakfast for two might reach €40. Reddit While the convenience of having everything on-site is undeniable, budget-conscious travelers might consider bringing their own snacks and water to supplement their purchases. The Athens Kalamaki Beach also features a DJ playing music, which adds to the ambiance but can also contribute to the overall cost if you're looking for a quieter experience. Reddit

The Magic of the Caretta Caretta

For many, the primary draw of Kalamaki Beach in Zakynthos is its status as a vital nesting site for the Caretta caretta sea turtles. This protected status means the beach is managed with conservation in mind, offering a rare glimpse into the life cycle of these magnificent reptiles. Visitors have the chance to see nests marked on the sand and, if they are incredibly fortunate, witness hatchlings making their way to the sea. Instagram+1

It's imperative for visitors to be mindful and respectful of the turtles and their habitat. Strict rules are in place to protect the nesting areas, and disturbing the turtles or their nests is prohibited. This commitment to conservation ensures that Kalamaki Beach remains a sanctuary for the Caretta caretta for generations to come. Observing these ancient creatures in their natural environment is a truly unforgettable experience that highlights the importance of responsible tourism. Instagram+1