Kefalos Holidays

In Kefalos, the secretive village clings precariously to a hillside. And the white beach overlooks wide blue paint-strokes of sea. It’s got everything the Greek islands are famous for, from cosy tavernas selling feta cheese-heavy salads to a long beach that’s ready for sun-worshippers.

If you like your beach holidays with a hearty serving of ancient history, Kamari, at the western end of Kefalos’ 12 kilometres of beach, is the place for you. The ruins of a 5th century basilica share the sand with sun-worshippers. Today its only inhabitants are the paper-dry lizards that skitter across the remaining relics.

Swim out to little Kastri, a rocky islet that’s home to a blue-and-white church. Give its bell a good ring, it’s said to bring good luck. The seawater’s so shallow you can practically walk over from the beach. Or make more of an adventure of it and hire a speed-boat or pedalo.

Less than an hour’s drive from shy Kefalos is its wild big sister, Kos Town. Let your hair down on a night out by leapfrogging from one bar to another down ‘bar street’. Forget quiet drinks under the stars – we’re talking dancing on the tables and partaking in a shot or two of ouzo.