Kefalos holidays

How to reach Kefalos

Flight time: Flights to Antimachia take around 4 hours from London and other major UK airports.

Transfer time: From Kos International Airport, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive to Kefalos. If you take the public bus, add 10 minutes to that.

Price: Taxiing from Kos Airport to Kefalos costs around €30–€40; the bus fare is €2.90.

Best time to visit Kefalos

The right time for your Kefalos holidays depends on the Greek getaway you have in mind.

• May to June is a sweet spot: low rainfall, average temperatures ranging from 27 to 32°C and 10 to 11 hours of daily sunshine; better yet, you’ll be ahead of the crowds.

• July to August is perfect for sun chasers, with up to 12 hours of daily sunshine, consistent temperatures in the mid-30s and little to no rainfall.

• September to October sees temperatures ease to between 31 and 26°C, around 10 to 8 hours of daily sunshine and some short showers (more so in October). These are quieter, more relaxed months with schools and universities back in session.

• November to March is the wettest time of year (rainfall peaks at 163mm in December) but mild, with temperatures ranging from 21°C in November to 15°C in January and 16 to 18°C in February and March. Kefalos has a small year-round population, meaning it won’t be a ghost town, but you’ll have a limited choice of accommodation and restaurants.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: Kefalos is relatively small, so getting around on foot is easy, but you can always opt for a taxi if you’d prefer not to walk. Hiring a car or scooter is a popular option if you want to explore further afield. Local buses connect Kefalos with Kos Town. Single tickets start around €3 and can be purchased at kiosks or on the bus.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Extreme weather: Greece has experienced summer wildfires on the mainland and some islands. There is no official warning against travelling to Greece but check for updates.

• Time zone: Greece runs on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Kefalos

Picturesquely sited on Kos’ southwest tip, Kefalos has loads to offer, from golden beaches to fascinating historical sites, guaranteeing there’s something for every traveller to enjoy during their Kefalos holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kefalos Windmill: High in the hills above Kefalos, you can see straight over the bay to Kastri Island from this vantage point.

• Kefalos Viewpoint: Located on Mount Zini, it’s an adventure to get up here, but the lookout lives up to its name, providing uninterrupted views over Kefalos and the sea beyond.

The best districts

• Kefalos Village: Perched on the hillside above Kamari, the old village is something of a time capsule, with its landmark windmill and narrow, sloping alleys squeezed with traditional white-washed houses.

• Kamari: Chalk to Kefalos Village’s cheese, modern Kamari hugs the shoreline, a loose string of low-rise shops, bars, tavernas, hotels and apartments.

Parks and gardens

• Plaka Forest: A 15- to 20-minute drive away, this shady woodland is the perfect antidote to beach fatigue.

Museums

• Traditional House of Kefalos: Part heritage museum, part café, this century-old house brims with yesteryear charm and all sorts of odds and ends.

Historical monuments

• Castle of Kefalos: Situated on a rocky outcrop, this is one of those places that looks more impressive from a distance. Up close, the medieval fortress is little more than a ruin. On the upside, the views are phenomenal.

• Basilica of Agios Stefanos: Edging onto Kamari Bay, there’s just enough left of the early Christian basilica – some standing columns, low walls and mosaic floor – to give your imagination a good workout.

Day trips in the area

• Kos Town: Less than an hour’s drive from Kefalos, the island’s port town capital is chock-a-block with must-see sites, from the impressive Castle of the Knights to the Ancient Agora and the Tree of Hippocrates, where the father of medicine is said to have taught.

• Palio Pili: Bang in the middle of the island (a 40- to 50-minute drive), crowned by a crumbly Byzantine Castle with drool-worthy views, this abandoned mountain village is one of the most spellbinding locations on Kos.

Activities for families in Kefalos

Holidays to Kefalos are all about enjoying the great outdoors.

• Family-friendly beaches: The beaches around Kefalos are family-friendly, with shallow waters and soft sand. Paradise Beach is a top pick for families, offering water sports, boat rides and an inflatable water park.

• Playgrounds: There’s a public playground with all the usuals across the road from the supermarket behind Kefalos Beach.

• Water parks: Aquatica Water Park in Kardamena is a half-hour drive away. It has tubes, slides and a lazy river and is suitable for all ages.

• Boat tours: Boat excursions are fun for all the family. Most tours include stops for swimming and snorkelling.

• Geocaching: If the kids are at a loose end, you won’t go far wrong with a scavenger hunt.

Free things to do in Kefalos

With age-old ruins to explore and a string of sandy beaches tailor-made for beach hopping, you can have a great time on your Kefalos holidays without straining your wallet.

• Beaches: Kefalos is home to several stunning beaches. From bubbly Paradise Beach to Agios Stefanos Beach, you can spend the day sunbathing, swimming and exploring without spending a penny (provided you can resist the allure of a sunbed and brolly).

• Annual festivals: If you visit in the summer, you may catch one of the local festivals, such as Kefalos’ Fish Festival. These events often include live music, traditional dancing and food.

• Free events: During the daytime, look for posters and blackboards promoting upcoming events, such as live music and traditional dance performances.

• Historical monuments: The castle and the basilica aren’t the only ruins in the area; with some searching, you’ll find an ancient Greek theatre in the foothills outside the village.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The hills around Kefalos are perfect for hiking. Trails lead through olive groves, past ancient ruins and up to scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea. One popular route is the White Stone Cave (Aspri Petra) hike. The cave isn’t all that exciting, but the views are to die for.

• Parasailing: If the prospect of gliding tens of metres above the water floats your boat, Paradise Watersports has a station on Paradise Beach.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: The clear waters around Kefalos are great for snorkelling and scuba diving. Local operators, including Scuba Diving Kos on Agios Stefanos Beach, offer courses and dive packages.

• Windsurfing and SUP: The cross-offshore winds, light in the morning (perfect for beginners) and stronger in the afternoon, picking up the further you get from shore, provide ideal flat water conditions for slalomers, freestylers and paddleboarders. Kefalos Windsurfing offers lessons and more boards than you can shake a stick at.

Beaches in Kefalos

Kefalos boasts some of the most stunning beaches on the island of Kos, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for holidaymakers. Whether you’re looking for tranquil spots or lively beach activities, the area has a variety of options to suit every preference.

• Agios Stefanos Beach: This picturesque beach is known for its unique blend of golden sands and shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. What makes Agios Stefanos particularly special is the ancient ruins of a basilica right on the beach, offering a combination of history and natural beauty.

• Paradise Beach: True to its name, Paradise Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kefalos, known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts, with plenty of activities like jet skiing, banana boats, and snorkelling available.

• Camel Beach: For those looking for a more peaceful spot, Camel Beach offers a more secluded experience, nestled between cliffs with fewer crowds. The calm waters make it ideal for a quiet day of sunbathing and swimming, away from the busier tourist spots.

• Kamari Bay Beach: Located near the village of Kefalos, Kamari Bay Beach is lined with beach bars and restaurants, offering a more vibrant atmosphere. With sunbeds and water sports available, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenic views across the bay.

Whether you're after relaxation or adventure, the beaches of Kefalos promise a memorable holiday by the sea.

Local dishes in Kefalos

Kos has a reputation for the quality of its fresh produce, meat, fish and seafood, so whether you're dining at a traditional taverna in the old village or one of Kamari’s beachfront eateries, one thing is for sure: you’ll eat well on holidays to Kefalos.

Some typical dishes

• Pitaridia: Kos’ traditional pasta is typically cooked in meat stock and served with butter and a sprinkle of grated cheese or a simple ragu.

• Katimeria: If you’re holidaying during Carnival, these soft cheese, honey and cinnamon pasties are a must-try.

Meze dishes

• Dolmadakia: This small plate consists of vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

• Chtapodokeftedes: Herby, fried octopus balls are an island speciality – they’re not served everywhere, so don’t hesitate to order if you spot them on a menu.

Meat dishes

• Moussaka: Served in tavernas across Greece, this layered aubergine and ground meat béchamel-topped casserole is a bona fide crowd-pleaser.

• Pligouri: An island speciality, this dish pairs bulgur wheat with pork.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chtapodi sti Schara: The Greek islands on a plate, tender, chargrilled octopus served with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of oregano.

• Tsipoura: Known for its clean, meaty taste, sea bream comes either oven-baked or grilled to perfection.

Street food

• Crepes: Greeks know their way around a crepe pan. Slightly heavier than their French cousins and smothered with all sorts of sweet and savoury fillings, in a word, yum.

• Souvlaki: Possibly Greece’s most popular fast food item, bite-size grilled pork, chicken, lamb or beef on a stick. Souvlaki usually comes with pitta bread, fresh salad and Tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Glyko tou Koutaliou: Greece’s spoon sweets (fruit preserves served on a spoon) can be made from almost any fruit, but Kos’ speciality is cherry tomatoes.

• Finikia (Melomakarona): Flavoured with orange zest, cinnamon and cloves and topped with walnuts, these soft honey-dipped cookies are just as moreish as they sound.

Typical drinks

• Ouzo: Greece’s most ubiquitous tipple needs no introduction; just remember to sip, not down it in one.

• Kanelada: Kos’ signature non-alcoholic beverage is made from sugar, water, cinnamon and cloves.