My partner and i stayed at this hotel for one week last September.
We were trying to get a last minute deal and stumbled across the Cronulla while browsing the web.
Although it was less than a fortnight before we were due to stay the hotel still had availability, although i would say we were lucky.
We booked our flight through ThomsonFly and we paid €12 for a taxi from the airport to the hotel ( fixed price).
On arrival of the hotel you may not be wowed by a luxurious lobby or reception but the friendliness of the staff and the fact it is clean was a good enough start.
The room we had was very large and clean. The bathroom was basic and be aware there are no shower curtain or shower tray, just a plug in the floor. No big problem, just make sure your flip flops are at hand for when you finish.
Toilet bins were emptied every day.
We had a room on the back of the hotel, which disappointed me at first, however looking back it was perfect, we didn't go on holiday to sit on a balcony all day and it was very quiet as the hotel bar does play music until late.
As this is self catering we ate breakfast every morning in the hotel, great choice and homemade, if you fancy something that isn't on the menu then Dia will do her best to make it!!!
Pool was fantastic. Clean and although the hotel was very busy i only ever had to wait once for a sun lounger. We later found out that other holiday-makers come to use this pool as it is the 2nd largest on the island!!! Please dont let this put you off, it really wasn't a problem.
The bar was always open and very friendly, you can tell this is a place where people return year after year, and this speaks volumes.
It has ample seating and large screen TV;s that shows news and Uk football matches. Great for the other half whilst i sunbathed round the pool.
Kalamaki has one of the nicest beaches i have been too. We still cant believe how clear, clean and warm the sea was. Although i am not a great sea lover - i was constantly running in and out!!
Whilst on the beach you must try the fresh fruit salad from the lasy who walks the beach - cold melon, apple, grapes and orange. Very refreshing. Dont worry about taking food to the beach, there is a great little take-away hut making fresh sandwiches and selling snacks.
Two tips - buy a big bottle of frozen water from the street shops and keep it in a insulated bag, it will last you all day. Dont spend €8 a day for two sunbeds, a table and parasol. We took 2 beach towels and then bought an extra one for €4 euros and then a parasol for €6 that we took to the beach everyday and saved money. We also had the choice of lying where we wanted too instead of having to lie with everyone else.
Incase your not aware Kalamaki beach is used by the cute little turtles to lay their eggs. The beach is monitored by who i call the Turtle Police. These ladies will come and ask you to move if you are too close the nests. Its not a problem, you just have to remember to to plonk yourself at least 3 meters from the waters edge, which for us was great. They will give you a leaflet advising you that this is the turtles natural environment and that they are helping to conserve them. Infact these turtles pretty much rule the island!!
We also took a day trip whilst on holiday. You will see plenty of advertisments for boat trips but we paid the extra to go with Captain Spiros. And every extra Euro was worth it.
Captain Spiros has a much smaller boat than the the larger companies which allows you to go right inside the caves to see the fantastic colours.
Captain Spiros also lets the women on the boat drive for a short while.
This is a full day trip leaving from Tsvili at 8am and arriving back approx 5pm. You will need to get a taxi there as the buses wont be operational but the bus will be there to take you back.
We stopped off for lunch in a traditional Greek cafe on the harbour of St Nicholas and also visited the beautiful Shipwreck cove.
You need to book direct but if you google Spiros boat trip you should find it. Book before you go, he is very busy.
Another tip. Get a bus timetable, if you plan to travel around and dont fancy hiring a car then this is a great way to travel around.
Eating in Kalamaki is a great. We really enjoyed the Olive Tree ( enought to go back 3 times) and if you fancy a Chinese or Indian meal then i would recommed the Mahraja. All restaurants can be found on the main road. Have a wonder along and see what takes your fancy.
Overall, we had a fantastic holiday, Kalamki is a quiet village, but with enough bars and restaurants to spend lazy nights and a fantastic beach for lazy days.
Go and enjoy!!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
