Port Kalamos

Kalamos is an island of the Ionian Sea, located Southeast of Lefkada island, between Meganisi on the West Northwest, Kastos on the South Southeast and the coast of Akarnania on the North Northeast. It is ranked 7th in size of the seven major islands of the Ionian Sea (so-called Eptanisos) and 59th of the country’s islands. Kalamos has a longitudinal shape covering an area of 25 square kilometres, making it a small remote island, perfect for secluded getaways. Home to 465 people, the island of is attached administratively to the District of Lefkada.

Here you will encounter one community and two settlements: Kalamos on the northwest side and Episkopi at its northern shore. The main settlement on the island - the port town of Kálamos, is home to 483 inhabitants. Found on the east coast of the island, there is a regular ferry service from the port which connects the island to Mytikas on the mainland. Episkopi, which has only 60 residents, is the only other inhabited village on the island. The village of Kefali, also known by its Venetian name Porto Leone used to be inhabited. However, it was abandoned following the 1953 Ionian earthquake. At that point the water supply was destroyed, but its church is still being used to this day.

The everyday life of the inhabitants of the island has been adapted to the harsh landscape and the sea environment. Livestock farming, olive cultivation, and fisheries were essential economic activities that provided necessities for three villages – Kalamos, Episkopi and Kefali. The elderly inhabitants of the island engage in traditional occupations, while the young people are mostly seamen crossing every day the waters of the Mediterranean and transferring the island’s name and fame worldwide.

The highest point on the island is Vouni summit, of an altitude of 745 m, placed almost at the island’s center and offering breathtaking views of the area surrounding it. Mainly mountainous, with one mountain running through its entire length, Kalamos island’s shores are rocky and mostly harbourless. However, one can encounter two relatively large coves, known for their beauty: Gerolimionas, on their northwestern and The Porto Leone harbor. Close to the southwestern part of the island, you can find the Formikoula skerry, a lovely place to spend the afternoon in.