Kamari Bay
Kamari Bay is situated at the south-western end of the Greek island of Kos. It is overlooked by the ancient cliff-top village of Kefalos (Greek: Κέφαλος) and it is often referred to as Kefalos Bay. Kefalos (sometimes spelled Kephalos) village was once the capital of the island, but after a devastating earthquake, in about 400BC, a new capital was established at Kos Town, situated at the other end of the island.
Starting at the western end of the bay is the deep-water harbour, which is overlooked by steep cliffs of a volcanic Rhyolitic Dome, called Mount Zini (362 metres) and topped by a communications mast. The mount is a geologically recent structure formed in the Quarternary Period [1]; it is separated from the harbour by a sandy beach overlooked by a café. From the harbour a steep road leads up to the west end of Kefalos village.
From the harbour eastwards, a promenade, with steps down to the sea, extends along about a third of the length of the bay to a roundabout with a large car park off of it. Here the road turns briefly northwards before turning back and following the direction of the coast towards Kos Town. This road, in the opposite direction, leads up the steep climb to the east end of Kefalos village. All along the promenade and the road are many apartments, restaurants, tavernas, shops, supermarkets and vehicle & bike-hire outlets.
From the promenade roundabout, a beach now appears below a small road leading to a wide pathway and another parking area. Off of the path are situated many restaurants and tavernas, some of which offer beach sun-loungers and umbrellas for sun-worshippers; at several points along the path, free showers are provided for post-bathing use. As the path continues, the small volcanic island of Kastri is approached. On Kastri is the small church of Agios Nikolaos with its typical Greek blue roof - you can even arrange to be married here (see Kastri Island-Kefalos)! It is possible to wade/swim to the island from the beach. Along the beach are sport facilities offering sail-board hire (with tuition), boat hire and motor-boat trips.
The path now moves on to the beach and continues towards a rock promontory where the remains of a Roman, Christian church is situated - Agios Stefanos. Here the mosaic floors can be examined inside the remnants of the walls and columns. The retail outlets are now left behind and the beach and bay continue towards cliffs of volcanic Ignimbrite, formed in the Miocene Period [2] over 5 million years ago. Here are found the remains, hardly weathered in this tough rock, of Greek (Hellenic) [3] quarrying activity for obtaining building stone.
Looking back towards Mount Zini, beyond the harbour, can be seen the Pliocene Period [4] peak of Mount Latra (426 metres) towering above. From the bay, out to sea southwards, can be seen the volcano island of Nisyros, with Pergoussa and Pachia to its west and Gyali (or Yiali) and Strongyli in between. To the east can be seen the Datça peninsular of Turkey. On Kos Island eastwards, can be seen the heights of Mount Dikeos (846 metres), beyond the airport.
STAYING IN KAMARI BAY:
Kamari Bay is considered to be a quieter destination on Kos Island, with none of the hustle and bustle of livelier places such as Kardamena and the environs of Kos Town. The warm sea is calm and the water is extremely clear (as clear as a swimming pool) on the gently sloping sea-bed off the beach. Unlike the island's northern shores, where the sea is usually rougher and less clear, due to the shallow sandy sea-bed, there is no drifted seaweed spoiling the beach. A breeze, which comes from the north on most summer days, tempers the heat so it is not so oppressive.
Most of the bay area is flat; in geologically recent times it was part of the seabed! There are many apartments and hotels which attract good reviews and some of the hotels have good-sized swimming pools. Hotels are mainly towards the eastern end of the bay with some off a lane running parallel with, and a very short distance from, the main road. No accommodation is far from a supermarket, grocers, bar or restaurant. When eating out the visitor has a wide range of venues to choose from including steak bars, restaurants offering English breakfast and dinners, Italian cuisine, Indian and Chinese meals as well as a host of traditional Greek tavernas. There are several music venues and some places feature occasional live music. Kos Island is one of the cheapest Greek destinations to dine out, but if self-catering bear in mind that most products are imported and tend to be expensive. Local produce is cheaper but is restricted mainly to bakery products, meats, fruit and vegetables.
The bay area is served by a bus service to Kefalos village, via the harbour, and towards Kos Town, via the main road using the eastern road from Kefalos village. Buses to Kos Town go via the airport & Antimachia, Mastichari and Zipari. There are stops each end of the promenade and along the main road. There are several hire companies operating in the bay area which offer rental of cars, motor bikes, scooters, quad-bikes and the like, as well as even bicycles!
There are occasional boat trips (normally twice weekly) from the harbour to the island of Nisyros. Angling is popular especially in the deep water of the harbour area and its adjoining beach, where there are fewer swimmers. Local fishing boats also land their catches at the harbour and sell their produce to the local restaurants and up in Kefalos village near the bank.
Kamari Bay has two bank cash dispensers but for the main bank, a visit to Kefalos village (at the top of the east road) is required. Nearby in the village there are chemists, with a good range of medicines and perfumes, stationery supplies and a pottery as well as the usual bars, tavernas and shops - and a wonderful view of the bay and beyond.
The bay area is very popular with British tourists and many holiday here on an annual basis, some more than once a year! Many of the locals speak good English, and some of them are even ex-pats. Other visitors include Dutch, Italians, Germans and a sprinkling of Russians.
Coordinates: 36°44′N 26°59′E / 36.74°N 26.98°E
- ↑ Francalanci et al., 2005; Allen et al., 2009
- ↑ Allen et al., 2009; Keller, 1982
- ↑ Chiotis, E and Papadimitriou, G., 1993, 'Quarrying of dimensional stones in the Hellenic period at Kefalos Bay on Kos island', ASMOSIA -1993 Conference, p.13.
- ↑ Allen et al., 2009; Dalabakis, 1987; Keller et al., 1990