Our family
The beach we grew up on
The Kapnakis family comes from Kamilari, the village on the hill just above. Kadiani, who was born there, began hosting guests in Kamilari thirty years ago. Kalamaki was always the family’s beach: whenever there was time for a swim, this is where they came down to the sea.
Seven years ago they opened two apartments here, 50 metres from the water. Irini runs them. She is the one you write to, the one who meets you at the family’s shop on the square, and the one to call if you need anything, in English, Greek or a little French. Her parents don’t speak English, so the conversation is with her.
Something to take home
The family produces olive oil, olives and a quince spoon sweet. Each guest gets a small present from them, and you can buy more for home or as gifts. During the season there are also treats from the family garden, depending on what is ripe.
Every year some of the same faces return, many of them from Germany and France.
The people behind it
Meet the Kapnakis
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Kadiani Kapnaki
Began hosting in Kamilari thirty years ago
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Irini Kapnaki
Runs the Kalamaki apartments; meets you on the square
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Giorgos Kapnakis
Second in command and the heavy lifter
Good to know
Your questions
Anything else? Send Irini a message; she answers every one herself.
Which months are you open?
From April until early November, at the same price throughout.
Where do we get the keys?
At the family’s shop on Kalamaki square. Irini meets you there from 15:00 and walks you to your apartment, about 120 metres away.
What if we arrive late?
No problem, as long as we arrange it before you travel.
What is the minimum stay?
Three nights. Stays of two weeks or longer get 10% off.
When do we check out?
By 11:00 on the day you leave.
Can we pay by card?
No, we take cash only.
Which apartment is better if stairs are hard?
The ground floor: it has only two steps. The first floor is 22 steps up, and its roof terrace another 20.
Is the beach safe for small children?
It suits children, but the water gets deep quickly, so stay close to them. On windy days the waves can be strong.
Do you have a cot for a baby?
No, and no high chair either. The ground floor has a sofa bed for a small child.
Is there a washing machine?
No. The apartments are cleaned, and sheets and towels changed, every three days.
Where do we park?
On the street, or in the free car park of the village.
Can we bring a pet?
Sorry, no pets.
Will we see the turtles?
You will probably see their nests in summer, marked on the beach. If you are lucky, you may see the hatchlings run to the sea at the end of the summer.
What is open early and late in the season?
Kalamaki gets quieter outside high summer, and in winter only one taverna and one café open, at weekends. Kamilari, five minutes up the hill, keeps more open.
Where it all began
Irini Kamilari, thirty years on
The family’s four apartments in the hill village of Kamilari, where Kadiani first welcomed guests.
Visit kamilari-apartments.com