Hotel Kalafati

We've stayed at the Kalafati before, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit this time, as we did previously. It's well situated very close to the sea, a short walk into Itea itself, or you can hop in the car and spread your wings far and wide from Amfissa, Thermopiles, Mornos Reservoir, Galaxeidi, Delphi of course, Arachova, Antikirra, and Parnassos. Watch out though as there's a tricky little speed camera just as you come out of Galexeidi, where the speed changes to 50km/h with a couple of metres of the camera, as you head towards Itea. It's SO easy to miss. That side of the bay, between Galaxedi and Itea has got very scruffy with bauxite ore tainting everything. This is not a good thing. However, the Kalafati is away at the other end of Itea, on the border between Itea and Kirra which run together along the coast. Breakfasts are good and plentiful, though I was rather surprised to see some members of a Greek coach party wrapping bread, cheese, and ham into their paper napkins and shoving them into their handbags at breakfast, clearly for their lunch later on? There are usually scrambled eggs and little frankfurther sausages (a guilty pleasure), hot teas (green, herbal, black) and coffee, and a continental spread of cheese, ham, feta, cucumber, tomato, croissants, pain au chocolat,, and so on. You can always get tea, hot or iced coffee at the (full bar) throughout the day. Housekeeping is daily, and sheets changed pretty much every other day. Towels daily. There is a lift that services every floor. There was a new AC unit in our room this year, and it was wonderful. There were a couple of days where the heat rose to 37C, and we headed for the hills, but had to come back down eventually. The sea is very clean, and the beaches are all Blue Flag. I wondered about this, as sometimes there's debris in the sea, but it turns out this is from the sea grass beds off shore. We found the water to be clearer in the morning, as by lunchtime a wind gets up most days, and churns the sea up a bit. (still clean, just not so clear). What more to say? Lovely clean hotel with friendly staff and helpful owners (Nikos, and your father, that's you!), well situated for all that this part of mainland Greece has to offer. Good value too. Oh and lots of free parking.

Ah, it was so good to return to the Kalafati Hotel, and to say "Γεια σας " once again to the two κύριοι Καλαφάτη! This is an older hotel, but well maintained, and spotlessly clean. The staff work extremely hard, yet are always ready with a smile and a willingness to assist. Daily housekeeping, large and well prepared breakfasts, together marvellous views over the Gulf of Corinth and the north coast of the Peloponnese make this a great place to stay. The Kalafati has easy access to the shore (about 1 minute's walk), and a short walk (5 minutes) along the front will provide you with all the restaurants, supermarkets, 2 good gift shops, and a variety of shops catering to the residents, that you could need. The port is full of interesting boats, and the people who own them. There is a further small boat marina and beaches further round the headland of Itea where you will find that a lot of the locals go to swim. The ancient olive groves stretch from behind Itea up to Delphi and onto Amfissa. They are well worth a stroll through. Take care not to start a fire, the place gets tinder dry and these groves are an irreplaceable piece of Greek history. Whether you prefer to lounge on the beach, take in the history of Delphi - the centre of the Classical world, travel through the mountain uplands of Parnassos with their alpine meadows, pine forests and crisp air, or to amble through the streets of Chrissos, Arachova, or Galaxeidi; the Kalafati is at the centre of it all. We are looking forward to next year already!

I really recommend this hotel; we had a thoroughly nice time staying here for 10 days and would definitely stay here again. Comfortable beds, spotlessly clean rooms and bathrooms, daily housekeeping, friendly amd helpful staff, and an excellent buffet breakfast. A quiet location almost on the beach, and within very easy walking distance along the sea-front to the town centre with its restaurants and shops, harbour, churches and bus station etc. It's also very easy to get in and out of Itea by road from the Kalafati Hotel; it's about 20 minutes easy driving up to Delphi with its archaeological sites, through the mountains to Thermopylae, over to Amifassa, Galixidi, Arachova etc. Nikos and his father pull off the difficult trick of running a tight ship that operates efficiently whilst being both relaxed and friendly, and always willing and able to help. There is free on street parking and free wi-fi too! There are tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms, and the wonderful mountain tea (ironwort) and delicious freddo (iced) espresso/cappucino can be obtained in the lobby (ask at Reception). The level of service from the owners and staff of this hotel is better than most 5* hotels. it epitomises the best of Greece and Greek hospitality.

Older, well-maintained hotel, still open during low season. We stayed for 1 night enroute to Delphi, and it seemed there was only 1 other person staying here at the time. Staff was guarded, not very friendly, and they could not initially find the booking I had made on ***********- but eventually did. Beds were uncomfortable, but our room had a nice patio and view. Only 1 electric outlet for the entire room, not convenient for charging phones, etc. We had a good dinner at a nearby taverna on the waterfront. Staff at breakfast were unfriendly and not very forthcoming with explaining what was available. My friend was served eggs and meat and cheese and bread and yogurt, but when I said I was gluten free and didn’t eat meat, the man said “if you don’t eat meat or gluten you don’t travel” (!) I replied that I travel all over the world and eat well except for here :) Overall, ok for 1 night passing through, but definitely not recommended for vegans and gluten free folks.

I was impressed about hospitality of this hotel. I stayed for 8 days at the end of April. Although it is an old hotel it is very well maintained for its age. It is very clean with daily cleaning of the rooms and change of towels. The maintenance of the very good level all facilities I think is due to the very familiar with the hotel issues, owner Andreas Kalafatis and his son who must be an expert of the kind. The rooms overlooking the sea have a very good view of the Corinthian gulf. Therefore, prefer rooms from the third, fourth and fifth floor. Parking is convenient on the outside outside of the hotel. WiFi is free and very good in all areas of the hotel. The beach for swimming is only 100 meters from the hotel and with several picturesque fish tavern one near it. Overall I was very happy with my stay. This can be seen from the constant visit to this hotel of the racing crews of the Acropolis International Rally, where this hotel collects the foam of the WRC drivers. It's a hotel I would recommend!

We stayed overnight here after our visit to Delphi. The location is great - a quick jaunt to the walkway by the beach - and we really liked the hotel staff. Our room was clean, the balcony was nice, and breakfast was a good spread. The bed was very firm, which is either positive or negative depending on personal preference. We would definitely recommend this hotel and would stay here again if we ever make it back to the area.