Visit this old hillside village on the western coast of Kos to tour its narrow streets, explore ancient ruins and relax on nearby beaches.
Kefalos is the former capital of the island, a charming hillside village of traditional Greek houses painted in white and blue. Below the old settlement is a marina and a clutch of attractive beaches.
Wander through the narrow streets admiring the architecture of houses that are tightly packed together. Visit the folk museum and see the ruins of an old castle. You can also browse a variety of shops and relax in the village square.
Kamari Bay is the principle reason why tourists come to Kefalos. Relax on the beach and participate in a variety of watersports, including waterskiing, jet skiing and surfing. Take a short boat trip over to the rocky islet of Kastri, which features a small church.
Stroll through the attractive marina and enjoy beautiful sea views from your table at a restaurant lining the beach. Walk over to the ruins of Agios Stefanos, a Christian basilica dating back to the fifth century.
Travel a short way down the coast for even more history. Less than 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) south of Kefalos is Palatia where you can see the ruins of temples and a theater from the Hellenistic period. The views from here of Kefalos and the Aegean Sea are stunning. Further along the coast is Aspri Tripa, a cave where a number of relics from Neolithic times were discovered.
If you are in the mood for a party, visit Kefalos in July and August when a number of local festivals take place. They include July’s festival honoring Saint Paraskevi and the festival dedicated to Saint John at the end of August.
Kefalos is situated on the west side of the island and is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Kos Town. Arrive by bus from the capital or make the 50-minute drive by taxi or rental car.
