Kalamaki: Beach, Turtle Nests and Kommos

Two different aspects can also help put your stay in context: the loggerhead sea turtle lays its eggs on the beach seasonally, and Kommos, the ancient port of Phaistos and a protected archaeological site, lies south of Kalamaki. The beach, nature, and history are clearly distinct themes.

Beach and entering the sea

Kalamaki Beach is sandy, and the water is clear. In some places, flat, slippery rock slabs lie where you enter the sea. Take particular care at these spots when accessing the water: if you enter the sea there, be cautious. The warning about the slabs does not apply to the entire beach, only to certain areas. This means that the same beach has a sandy shore and, in places, a different surface underfoot. This distinction is useful for your beach day, because a sandy shore does not mean that every entry point is sandy too. So pay attention to the ground at the specific spot when entering the sea. The clarity of the water and the surface at the entry point are two different aspects.

Seasonal turtle nests

The loggerhead sea turtle lays its eggs seasonally on Kalamaki Beach. Fenced-off areas mark the nests, where the eggs hatch in the hot sand. The barriers show where the nests are located. Follow these markers and leave the marked areas undisturbed. Egg-laying is not a constant feature of the beach throughout the year, but a seasonal occurrence. If you are considering Kalamaki partly because of this natural aspect, bear its seasonality in mind rather than planning on seeing nests as an experience available at any time. Sand and clear water characterize the beach regardless; the nests add another dimension to the beach, subject to seasonal timing.

Kommos as an archaeological site

Kommos extends the view beyond the beach. It lies south of Kalamaki in the nearby area, was the ancient port of Phaistos, and is now a protected archaeological site. This adds a distinct historical dimension. While the beach features relate to sand, water, and specific entry points, Kommos represents ancient history and its status as an archaeological site. For travelers who want to include history in their choice of destination as well as a stay by the sea, this nearby place is another consideration. Kommos remains a separate place near Kalamaki, not simply another feature of the beach.

Which aspects matter to you?

Kommos adds a nearby cultural point of interest, without equating the beach with the archaeological site. So when looking for accommodation in Kalamaki, consider whether the beach features, the seasonal natural aspect, or the connection with a historic place matters most to you when choosing your destination. This way, your decision is guided by specific aspects of the place rather than a generalized image of a holiday.

Discover more destinations: Mátala, Choudetsi, Agios Sillas, Lendas, Ano Viannos, Agia Irini, Agios Myron, Tylissos

For the overview of the wider area: Heraklion.