Kalamos, island of the pine trees

Inhabitants:550

The greek island of Kalamos belongs to the island group of the ionian islands. Fortunately the island is still quite unspoilt and there is no mass tourism - the ideal place for individual travellers.

Suitable for:

Islandhoppers, divers, beach, swimming, sailing, dolpin watchers

Size:

Details:

Most of the 550 inhabitans of Kalamos live in the main town, also called Kalamos. Only about 60 people live in the village of Episkopi at the north coast of the island. Kalamos is very close the the greek mainland. Special about the island are the pine trees whicht cover the steep sides of the hills and often reach down to sea level. There is a small street leading steep up from the maintown harbour leads to Episkopi. It suites for hiking as well as there is not much traffic on the island. After all, Kalamos has a very impressing nature and gives you still some idea of unspoilt rurual greek life.

Dolphins:

As so very often, the lokals organise tours to see Dolphins. But differently tho other islands (according to many travellers) you will have a real chance to see Dolphins. So ask the lokal fishermen if they take you out.

History:

There is a small port on Kalamos which is called Porto Leone. This name was given by the Venitians as they have drawn the first map of the island in ancient times. There is a is a ancient stone bridge which show the skills of the old greeks builders. You will find some old churches too, Ayios Ioannis was built in 1648. If you look at the landscape you will see terrasses built by old farmers into the steep hills. Furthermore, there are three windmills which has been used to graind the crops. Today there is no farming on the island any more.

Places to stay:

Places to eat:

Ferries:

The only connection is a ferryboat which connets the island four times a week with the the village of Mitikas on the mainland.

Flights:

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Pos 38°37,2N 020°55,8 E

Text: © inselhuepfen.ch