It is situated on a peninsula, also known as Kefalos, at the south-west side of the island.

The town is built on a stone height, dominated by the imposing windmill of Papavasilis and is home to 2,329 inhabitants (2021 census).

Beneath the old town of Kefalos is the Bay of Kamari, where the beach resorts of Kamari, Kampos and Onia follow the curve of the bay for approximately 2 kilometres.

Kefalos town and these smaller beach settlements form together a local community (δημοτική κοινότητα), also called Kefalos (population 2021: 2,713), which is part of the municipal unit of Irakleides and of the Kos municipality.

There are several facilities for visitors (taverns, bars, music, boat trips), but shops are limited; for other than daily purchases, people can go to either the neighbouring Kardamaina or to Kos Town on the other end of the island.