Located within an easy reach from the coasts of Aitoloakarnania and dotted around Lefkada, you’ll find two small islands – Kastos and Kalamos. These islands, pursued by many, remain elusive and undisclosed. Their significance extends back to ancient times, being points of strategic importance and acting as timeless sanctuaries for pirates and robbers, sheltering within their verdant, pine-forested landscapes. It’s worth highlighting that these diminutive islands were central to significant chapters in Greek history, up until the Revolution of 1821, serving as conduits between Lefkada and the mainland coasts.
Our journey begins with Kalamos, an island that immediately asserts its distinct character. Its mountainous terrain reaches an impressive 800 meters at its highest point, while a vibrant pine forest dominates, contrasting vividly with the surrounding emerald waters. Kalamos has a history of habitation since the days of antiquity, and during the Revolution of 1821, it took on a pivotal role, even providing sanctuary for prominent figures like Kolokotronis (Greek general and the pre-eminent leader of the Greek War of Independence) and Karaiskakis’s (also a leader and general) family.
The voyage to Kalamos requires no elaborate preparations. Simply board a boat from Mytikas and anticipate your arrival at the island’s eponymous capital, Kalamos. Here, you are greeted by a quaint harbor that intermittently plays host to yachts seeking safe anchorage, and small boats ensuring regular connectivity between the island and the mainland. Beyond the capital, Episkopi stands out as another well-known settlement on Kalamos, its houses sporadically spread across the northern part of the island, evoking the nostalgia of the bygone era of Greek cinema.
As we explore the Ionian, how can we overlook the remarkable beauty of the emerald-green waters that define these waters? During your stay on Kalamos, ensure to visit the island’s two main bays, Gerolimionas to the southwest and Porto Leone to the southeast. Notably, near the southwestern part of the island, you will find the islet of Formikoula.
As for Kalamos’ well-known and accessible beaches, Myrtia and Asprogiali, located near the harbour, are popular options. Slightly further south, you’ll find Agriapidia, while Pefkoi and Kefali are other excellent choices. On the island’s western side, the beaches of Kedros, Alexaki, Kipoi, and Trachilos stand out for their beauty.
Now, bidding farewell to Kalamos, travel a few miles to its neighbour, Kastos. Though not as mountainous as Kalamos, Kastos is the smallest inhabited island of the Ionian Islands, with its permanent residents not exceeding 50. Here, forget about cars and traffic – the island’s size is so modest that the boats servicing the island don’t even carry vehicles. Bring only essentials, and book your accommodation early as options on Kastos are limited. Do remember that the island’s accessible beaches are on the eastern side, while the western side beaches are approachable only by boat. For those with a thirst for exploration, make sure to visit Agios Aimilianos beach and see Fokiotrypa, a portal in the rocks that conceals a small sandy beach.
Geographically, these two small islands belong to the broader cluster of the Televoid Islands, a relatively unknown (unless you regularly sail in the area) group of small islands and islets surrounding Lefkada, including uninhabited islets and well-known tourist islands such as Meganisi.
Read also:
Kastos: Ionian Sea’s secret island retreat
Guided Tours Over Land or Sea on the Ionian Island of Lefkada
