Kefalonia – Cephalonia
is an island you can return to again and again, and still discover something new.
A paradise for nature lovers, this lush island has a special kind of fir which grows only here and nowhere else in the world. There are wild horses on the mountainside, and goats and rabbits with golden teeth because of the minerals in the ground. In the sea swims the turtle Caretta Caretta, dolphins and the monk seal Monachus Monachus, and the waters of the island are considered amongst the cleanest in the world.
Marvelous beaches, an underground cave and lake, the tomb of Odysseus, the fishing village Fiscardo, the Robola wine, Lord Byron’s view…Kefalonia – Cephalonia is truly an island of much variety, and anyone who enjoyed Louis de Bernier’s “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” and wants to see what the island is really like will not be disappointed.
It is an island of many miracles: on the day of the Virgin Mary, the 15th of August snakes come into the village Markopoulo, blessing the Church of Our Lady with their presence.There is a flower on the island that only blossoms on this day. The patron saint Gerasimos’ well preserved body is sometimes said to have seaweed on his feet – local folklore has it that he visits his friends St. Spyridon and Nectarios on the neighbouring island Zakynthos (Zante) and Corfu. The sea water that disappears under the ground at Katavothres and pours out on the other side of the island.
In Argostoli you have most of the nightlife, cafes, the cinema, banks, bus station and harbour. Lixouri and Sami are quite large places, and here you will find many bars and taverns as well. Fiscardo offers the perfect idyll, it is small and very cozy, and so is Ag Efimia, Skala and Poros. There are many more places to stay but they won’t all fit in here.
Getting There :
By Air
Flights from/to:
- Athens, running whole year, 1 time/day in winter, 2-3 times/day in summer
- Corfu, running whole year, 2 or 3 times/week
- Zakynthos (Zante), running whole year, 2 or 3times/week
- Preveza,running whole year, 2 or 3times/week
- Milan, running from April to October, 3 times/week
- Pisa, running from April to October, 2 times/week
- UK, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff Luton etc, running from April to October
- Vienna, running from May to September, 2 times/week
- Others, Slovenia,Chech Republic,Switzerland,Norway, Russia etc
Airport Information
International Code Name Of Airport: EFL
National / International:INTL
Length Of Runway:2.430m
Biggest a/c Accepted:ALL
Stands Available:6 large aircrafts
Distance To/From:Airport:Argostoli: 8km / 10min, Sami: 37km / 40min, Poros: 40km / 50min, Fiscardo: 58km / 75min
By Sea
Ferry Connection from/to:
- Killini – Poros, running whole year, 4-8 times/day
- Patra – Sami, expected for summer 2018
- Astakos – Sami, running whole year, 1 time/day
- Zakynthos – Pessada, running from May to September, 2 times/day
- Lefkas(Vasiliki) – Fiscardo, running from May to September, 3 times/day
- Lefkas(Vasiliki) – Sami, running from May to September, 3 times/day
Please contact us for further information and bookings
History :
Kefalonia – Cephalonia is already mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. He called the island Deuchalion, and said it then belonged to the kingdom of Odysseus and that it sent warriors to fight in Troy. We do not know for sure why the island has its name. It is either because it is the largest island in the Ionian archipelago, Cephali means “head” in Greek, or it got its name after the first king, who according to mythology was called Cephalus.
There have been paleolithic findings around the island dating 50 000 years back in time. Kefalonia – Cephalonia was united with Ithaca and the mainland at that time, and you can still see from the shape of the two islands that they once were one.
During Mycenaean time the island of Kefalonia seems to have been very rich . Later on the men of the island are mentioned in wars against the Persians (5th cent. BC) and there were alliances with several other city-states like Athens, Corinth and Sparta. In 188BC the Romans conquered Cephalonia and they sold its inhabitants as slaves and looted the island. The island also suffered pirate attacks many times through history.
At the end of the 12th century AD the Francs conquered the Ionian islands, and were to stay until the Turks defeated them in the 15th century. Then followed Venetian rule from AD 1500 to 1797. Cephalonia was to suffer several Turkish attacks, and in 1797 Napoleons army invaded the island. A year later the British help the Russian/Turkish army take over. In 1807 the French came back, and two years later the British seized power.
In 1864 the island was finally liberated, but was to be occupied by Italian and German military during the second world war.
In 1953 there was a terrible earthquake which destroyed most buildings on the island, and killed many. Only the northern village of Kefalonia- Cephalonia ,Fiscardo ,was saved and is today the only village on the island with older architecture.
What to See :
Most island tours include the cave Drogarati and the underground lake Melissani, the monastery of Ag (St.) Gerasimos, the picturesque Fiscardo and a view of the amazing Myrtos bay.
You should also try to visit the Venetian Castle of Kefalonia, nunnery of Ag (St.) Andreas,Robola wine factory, the plaque of Lord Byron with its wonderful view, as well as the perfectly built Kourkoumelata village which has been rebuilt almost as it was before the earthquake.
In Argostoli there is an archaeological museum as well as a folklore museum. Just outside Argostoli is Katavothres where the water disappears under the island, only to come out on the other side.
In the beautiful little village Assos you can visit a Venetian Citadel, and enjoy a nice meal in the tiny harbour. Assos is also called the Honeymoon village, since Charles and Diana made a stop here with their yacht when newly wed.
In Skala are the remains of a Roman villa with a beautiful mosaic floor.
From the island there are daytrips to the neighbouring islands Ithaka, Lefkas and Zakynthos (Zante), and to Ancient Olympia on the Peloponnese.
What to Do:
You can enjoy water sports at many beaches, for example Makrys Gialos, Platys Gialos and in Skala. In Skala there is also horse riding. In Ag Efimia there is a diving school.
Kefalonia – Cephalonia Beaches :
Two of the best sand beaches are to be found in Lassi and are called Makrys Gialos and Platys Gialos. They are suitable for children, but can get quite busy during high season. Myrtos is probably the most photographed beach in Greece but the road down to it is so steep and winding that no bus can take you there, so you’ll have to either walk all the way or rent your own vehicle. It is a pebble beach and the sea quickly gets deep, so it is not an ideal place for small children. In Skala there is another long sand beach. In Fiscardo you will have to get into the sea from rocks, but the water is crystal clear. Petani is also a nice pebble beach. You should also try to get to the paradise beach Antisami, which is outside Sami. There are many more beaches and they are all special in one way or the other. Namely some of them are, Vouti beach, Lourdas beach, Fteri beach, Avythos beach, Ammes beach, Kaminia beach, Platia Ammos beach, Xi beach, Emblyssi beach, Agia Kyriaki, Horgota beach, Dafnoudi beach, Vatsa beach, Koroni beach, Aghia Sofia beach and more.
Nightlife:
Most of the clubs and bars of Cephalonia are in and around Argostoli. There are also places in Sami, Lixouri, Skala, Poros and Fiscardo, but they do not get as busy as in Argostoli. Kefalonia – Cephalonia is not a party island, but the nightlife is quite good anyway, and during high season you will think you have ended up in somewhere in Italy because of the many Italian holidaymakers. There are usually really good beach parties organized as well.
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Some places of interest
Melissani Lake
The cave lake of Melissani is one of the most enchanting and well known attractions of Kefalonia as well as being a site of great historical interest. Located at Karavomilo, very near Sami, it was rediscovered in 1951 by famed Greek speleologist G. Petrocheilos and opened to the public following extensive access works. A large section of the cave roof has collapsed, allowing sunlight to filter through the overhead vegetation and giving the water a brilliant turquoise colour.
In antiquity the lake was a place of worship for the god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi. According to the myth, Melissanthi drowned herself in the lake over her unrequited love of Pan. Another version tells of a shepherdess called Melissanthi who accidentally fell into the lake and drowned while searching for a lost sheep. In the lake lies a small isle on which the archaeologist S. Marinatos discovered a shrine dedicated to Pan. The finds, which are now displayed at the Argostoli Archaeological Museum, include a clay figurine of Pan, a plate depicting dancing nymphs, a clay tablet depicting a procession of nymphs and a small tablet with a relief carving of a female figure.
The cave lake is the result of geological process called karstification, in which the limestone bedrock is dissolved by groundwater creating subterranean caverns. The existence of a karstic network across the island was proven in a 1963 experiment, in which green dye dumped into sinkholes on the other side of the island (Katavothres) resurfaced 14 days later in Melissani lake.
Today, visitors can take a guided tour of Melissani cave lake in small rowing boats and enjoy the magical spectacle of its stalactites and sunlit turquoise waters.
Drogarati Cave
Drogarati Cave was discovered over 300 years ago following a strong earthquake. The caves are 60 metres below ground and these eerie caves stay a cool 18 oC with a moisture level of 90%.
It is said that the caves are over 100 million years old. The formation of stalactites is due to the movement of rainwater travelling up through the rocks, soaking up the rocks’ minerals. Among others are iron, copper, salt and calcium. The water then reaches the end of a stalactite as droplets and dropping slowly from the tip, they help it to grow very slowly. A stalactite takes thousands of years to reach the stage you see today, as the creation of just one centimetre takes about 100 years.
The cave which is about 900 metres square has excellent acoustics and classical and pop concerts have been performed there.
Speleologists searching the cave, found an extension cave, but could not complete their investigations due to the large amount of mud. They have no doubt that there are more caves linked to Drogarati caves.
Since 1963 Drogarati has been open to the public and is known throughout Greece for its unique features
Sami.
Sami is a beautiful town built by the seafront and one of the four major cities
comprising the four-state Kefallinia, was well-known from Homer’s epic poetry.
When Homer referred to the island, he called it ‘Sami’. Sami remained known in
history from its resistence to Romans. It is the second major port of Kefalonia
connecting it with Italy and one of the most important touristic sea resorts.
In 2001 Captain Corelli’s mandolin was filming at Sami.
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St. Gerasimos Monastery
This is the Kefalonia’s patron saint and his relics are kept in the monastery’ s smaller church in a silver sarcophagus which is opened during services for the congregation to kiss his feet .Set in the Omala valley ,known for its robola vineyards,the monastery is the island’s largest and more majestic ,with a splendid bell-tower build in the architectural style peculiar to the Ionian Islands.A small hole in the church floor leads down to an underground chamber where the saint lived as a hermit. As a sign of respect visitors should ensure the wear suitable clothing for visiting the church – a sarong is deal to cover up arms and legs.
Myrtos Beach
The most beautiful beach on the Kefalonia island and one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with snow white sand, a paradise on earth is protected by high rocks while the sea offers sublime combinations with colours ranging from blue green to deep blue.
Cosmopolitan Fiskardo
Fiscardo is located on the northern tip of Kefalonia in an area so beautiful that the Greek government has protected it by law. Around Fiscardo, dense forests reach down to innumerable small coves where pebble beaches are lapped by crystal clear water.
Uniquely in Kefalonia, Fiscardo retains the architecture and ambience of a by-gone era – a time when the Venetians ruled Kefalonia. The picturesque harbour is surrounded by Venetian-style houses painted in pastel colours, in summer the harbour is filled with vessels from small sailing boats to large yachts all nestled together a few feet from pavement restaurants and cafes specialising in traditional Greek cuisine.
Kefalonia is the largest of the seven Ionian Islands and Fiscardo is one of 365 villages on the island. Exploring the island by sea and land is a journey of endless discovery – remember this is Greece where you can turn a corner and find yourself in front of an ancient temple.
So, on behalf of all our village, welcome to Fiscardo and enjoy your stay on this beautiful, exceptionally safe and sheltered harbour.
Assos Peninsula and Venetian Fortress
Much of Assos history revolves around the castle during the Medieval period when Kefalonia was under the Venetian dominion.
Plans to built the castle at Assos commenced in 1584 when the Kefalonian council sent a delegation to Venice, asking for the creation of a new fortress to protect the people from Turkish and piratical raids. In the event of a war or imminent pirate attack, the villagers would then be able to seek refuge within the fortress compound.
The Venetian’s aim was to create a powerful fortress-city,inside which a population of the community would permanently reside.
Agios Georgios was the only castle in the island at the time,but it didn’t provide adequate defence for the island , and so it was that the Assos peninsula was chosen as the location of the new castle. It was considered that the sheer cliff drops of the peninsula with aheight of 155 metres made the area naturally fort-like and virtually unconquerable. Contraction started in 1593 and the fortress was rapidly completed soon after 1595. Shortly after the castle was built. Assos became the capital of the northern Kefalonia for a few years.
Ainos (Aenos) Mountain
As if rising from the infinite blue sea, standing tall and solid, mount Ainos features a National Park of unique beauty and rarity. The National Park of Ainos in Kefalonia is close to Argostoli and Sami and it is the smallest national park in Greece.
Ainos National Park was established in 1962 in order to protect the indigenous specimen of elati (Abies Cephalonica), which covers a ground of 1973 hectares.
In the fir forest appear various specimens of bushes such as gortsies, krategi, etc. Northwest of Ainos in Roudi mountain, lush vegetation of bushes covers a ground of 46 hectares and is a separate part inside the park. Τhe fir forests of Mt. Ainos are so dark green looking almost black, that the Venetians called the mountain Monte Nero (‘Black Moun¬tain’).
In the highest rocky areas prevail briar genistas. Αpart from the rich flora of the park, its fauna is also of high importance. Mammals such as fox, beech marten, hare and others, as well as rare birds and serpents (petroperdika and fidaetos) shelter here.
Inside the Park shelter the famous wild horses of Ainos. Some claim these are descendants of the wild horses of Thessaly, one of three ancient Greek breeds now extinct, since their similarity to ancient horse sculptures is really impressive. Others reckon they are descended from escaped or released livestock. Most likely they are escaped / released horses descended from Pindos ponies, which were captured, broken and traded at horse fairs in Aitoloakarnania (the Greek mainland opposite Kefalonia, north of the Gulf of Corinth) and Arta.
They managed to survive in the wild nature in scant of number herds. Today only a few dozens have remained in the slopes of Ainos.
The park is a paradise for hikers, especially on its East side, which is more savage. The flora is rich of indangered species in danger like endemic varieties of orchids. The fauna is very interesting too, with rapaces, reptiles and little mammals (foxes by instance), wich are very rare elsewhere on Cephalonia or on other islands.
During a long hike more surprises are to come. Uncharted trails, mysterious lakes and caves of unrivalled beauty await you to explore!
As if rising from the infinite blue sea, standing tall and solid, mount Ainos features a National Park of unique beauty and rarity. The National Park of Ainos in Kefalonia is close to Argostoli and Sami and it is the smallest national park in Greece.
Ainos National Park was established in 1962 in order to protect the indigenous specimen of elati (Abies Cephalonica), which covers a ground of 1973 hectares.
In the fir forest appear various specimens of bushes such as gortsies, krategi, etc. Northwest of Ainos in Roudi mountain, lush vegetation of bushes covers a ground of 46 hectares and is a separate part inside the park. Τhe fir forests of Mt. Ainos are so dark green looking almost black, that the Venetians called the mountain Monte Nero (‘Black Moun¬tain’).
In the highest rocky areas prevail briar genistas. Αpart from the rich flora of the park, its fauna is also of high importance. Mammals such as fox, beech marten, hare and others, as well as rare birds and serpents (petroperdika and fidaetos) shelter here.
Inside the Park shelter the famous wild horses of Ainos. Some claim these are descendants of the wild horses of Thessaly, one of three ancient Greek breeds now extinct, since their similarity to ancient horse sculptures is really impressive. Others reckon they are descended from escaped or released livestock. Most likely they are escaped / released horses descended from Pindos ponies, which were captured, broken and traded at horse fairs in Aitoloakarnania (the Greek mainland opposite Kefalonia, north of the Gulf of Corinth) and Arta.
They managed to survive in the wild nature in scant of number herds. Today only a few dozens have remained in the slopes of Ainos.
The park is a paradise for hikers, especially on its East side, which is more savage. The flora is rich of indangered species in danger like endemic varieties of orchids. The fauna is very interesting too, with rapaces, reptiles and little mammals (foxes by instance), wich are very rare elsewhere on Cephalonia or on other islands.
During a long hike more surprises are to come. Uncharted trails, mysterious lakes and caves of unrivalled beauty await you to explore!
Argostoli
Argostoli is the island’s capital since 1757. It is located in the south part of Kefalonia and it is inhabited since archaic times. In the same location to the current town was built ancient Krini, one of the most powerful towns in ancient Kefalonia. During the 1953 earthquakes, Argostoli suffered a lot of catastrophes. Most of the mansions, imposing buildings, churches and bell towers, were ruined by the strong processions.
Argostoli was built from the start. Today it is a modern town, keeping many of its traditional elements, as the new buildings, which were structured according to the Ionian architectonic style. The town is built amphitheatrically with a panoramic view to Koutavos’ lagoon.
It is the biggest town of the island and the trade and administrative center of Kefalonia. Here is the biggest port in the whole island with the biggest tourist movement.
A stroll is not enough to know Argostoli, as the town has many places worth visiting and a beautiful shopping center that will open your appetite for shopping.
The heart of the town beats around the central square and between Lithostroto and Siteboron Street with many shops, coffeehouses and bars.
It is worth taking a stroll along the coastal road Antonis Tritsis, with pebbles that create beautiful patterns. It is ideal for night walks under the moonlight.
In Argostoli you will see some of the most important sites of the island. Kabana square is connected to an important chapter of the island’s history. Kefalonites burnt there Libro d’ Oro, the bible of aristocrats, after the arrival of French in the island. In the same square is also the church of Saint Spyridonas with the famous clock and golden chancel screen.
Don’t miss visiting the archaeological museum that hosts remarkable findings from excavations in Korjalenio Library, roofed under a traditional building and has a rare collection of old editions and manuscripts.
It is worth visiting the bridge of Devosetos, which connects the town with the other end of Koutavos’ lagoon. It was named after the Swiss military governor De Bosset, who gave the order to make it. At first the bridge was wooden, but later became stony with arches and a sill. It was completed in 1812 and has the sane feature since then.
Close to Koutavos’ lagoon are also the remains of the ancient town Krani. You can only see part of the walls, the famous Cyclops walls. You will also see the remains of a Doric temple, dedicated to goddess Dimitra.
You can swim in the organized beach of EOT. In close distance are the beaches of Platis, Makris Gialos, Gradakia and Kamaroules.
The cosmopolitan Argostoli is ideal for staying. Here you will find hotels of all categories and complexes of rooms to let. Nightlife is high and satisfies all tastes. Holidays in Argostoli will be unforgettable.
Skala
Skala is a picturesque village located in the municipal unit of Eleios-Pronnoi, some 39 km south from the island’s main town of Argostoli and 14 km SW of Poros, in the south of Cephalonia, one of the Ionian Islands of Greece.
During the summer, Skala becomes a popular holiday destination and has a growing number of apartments, hotels, tavernas, bars and gift shops, together with the all year round supermarkets, bakery and pharmacy. Additionally, there are two cash machines.
Skala’s ‘blue flag’ beach is a three kilometre stretch of sand with a shingle foreshore with a backdrop of pine trees. It is a large sandy beach with crystal clear blue waters. It is one of the most beautiful and crowded beaches of Kefalonia. The beach has a very steep entry into the sea, elderly or infirm will struggle to exit the sea. Although the beach is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, there is still plenty of space to escape the crowds. There are watersports available for the energetic. Near the beach you can find many cafes, taverns and restaurants to relax and enjoy great traditional tastes.
The tourist resort of Skala offers great choices for your stay and your entertainment. You can find many hotels, apartments, bars and gift shops. It is worth exploring the whole region, as you will discover more beautiful beaches and picturesque villages.
The beach of Skala is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kefalonia with crystal turquoise waters and it is an ideal destination for swimming and relaxing in your holidays in the island.
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Agia Efimia
Agia Effimia was the seat of the Pylaros municipality of Kefalonia (also spelled Cephalonia) in Greece. The small town is based around a traditional fishing village centred on a small harbour. It contains a number of taverns, bars and shops as well as tourist accommodation and local residences. The main activity in the village is now centred on tourism. The harbour is popular with sailing holidays, and is the home to flotilla sailing groups. Many of the old buildings in Agia Efimia were destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, although a few original buildings survive.
Antisamos
This fantastic scenic horseshoe bay, lies just around the coast from Sami and can be first viewed from high up on your approach from Sami. The beach of Antisamos is one of the best known beaches of Kefalonia with a beautiful and attractive pebble beach and turquoise waters, surrounded by impressive fertile hills. Real untamed beauty. The natural outstanding beauty of the place is absolutely breathtaking!
Along the cliff top road people park their vehicles in order to capture the best views of this beach. The crescent sweep of sand , shingle and pebbles form a neat bed for people to rest and take in the scenery or slope off into the glorious clear waters. The stunning tree covered mountains sit majestically behind the bay and your eyes become dazzled by the enormality (sic) of dark green lushness that interrupts the blueness which is all around.
There is no shade on this Blue Flag beach, however there are beds and sunshades to rent. The facilities are limited, no watersports on offer here however there is a beach bar for refreshments and snacks.
Antisamos is the most popular beach of the north east coast of the island and is used by tourists staying in nearby Sami. In high summer the beach does get very busy and the car parking area tends to fill up so you may have to park further along the beach.
The beach was used as the Italian encampment in the film of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Before this film was shot the winding track which leads down to the beach was very rough, but it was resurfaced and is now much better for vehicles
Lassi
Lassi is located only 1 km from Argostoli and is one of the most popular areas of Kefalonia. Its natural beauty, its intense nightlife and tourism infrastructure makes it an ideal place to stay. You can visit two of the most popular and organized beaches of the island, Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos.
The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore is one of the most famous attractions of Lassi, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. It distinguishes among other lighthouses, due to its particular architecture. Another important attraction that is worth visiting on your holidays is Katavothres.
The resort of Lassi is an organized area and welcomes a lot of tourists during the summer months. You can find many hotels and apartments that will satisfy every requirement of yours. It offers many bars and cafes where you can have fun and enjoy your walk. Also, there are many restaurants and taverns, where you can taste the unique flavors of local and international cuisine.
Those who will select the resort of Lassi for holidays will have unforgettable moments.
Lixouri
Lixouri is the main town on the peninsula of Paliki in the island of Kefalonia, one of the Ionian Islands of western Greece. Lixouri is the second largest community in Kefalonia after Argostoli and before Sami and is the capital of the small peninsula. It is located south of Fiskardo, west of Argostoli.
The city was founded when citizens of Pale/Pali found a new location for a town. The old city was abandoned completely by the 16th century. The oldest document which contains the name “Lixouri” was sent in 1534 by local authorities to the Senate of Venice. In the 19th century Lixouri was a popular tourist destination; Richard Strauss visited the town. Many houses were destroyed in the earthquakes on January 23, 1867 and in August 1953. In the early 1950s the Royal Family of Greece sent their children some times for summer holidays to Lixouri. In the 1990s Lixouri became again a popular tourist destination and some larger hotels were built south of the town near the beaches
Poros
Poros is a picturesque village with a lovely port, and a population of about 1100 inhabitants. It serves the harbour of Patras and the port of Killini (in the Peloponnese). It is on a small rise and has a lovely main square full of taverns, shops and traditional cafes. The dense and verdant vegetation along with the crystal blue sea make this village one of the most beautiful areas of the island.
Robola Winery
Our winery and vineyards are set amongst the rolling hills in the picturesque Omala Valley in the Robola Zone. We’re located a leisurely 20 min drive from Argostoli, capital of Cephalonia.
We are open to the public every weekday (including Good Friday, but except Christmas and New Years Days) for free tastings and purchase, 9am till 3pm. From May 1st to October 30th we open 7 days a week from 9am to 8pm
Makris Gialos Beach, Lassi
Situated a short walk down from the main road in Lassi. It is probably the most popular beach along this coastline as it has gently shelving sands, crystal clear waters an excellent selection of water sports and one of the most modern beach bars on the island. It is extremely busy during the high season and is the place where the young and beautiful of Kefalonia love to hang out. Costa Costa is the main place to be seen on the beach as it offers an excellent standard of beach furniture, long cooling drinks and a wide choice of snacks and relaxing music during the day. By night it is a great chill out place to head to. As the waters are very shallow this is a perfect place for families with small children. (Blue Flag.)
Platis Gialos Beach, Lassi
This beach is very similar to Makris Gialos in that it is a lovely stretch of golden sand with crystal clear shallow waters. It is approached down the long winding pathway just before the White Rocks Hotel. It does tend to be a lot quieter than its neighbouring beach and is often frequented by families from Argostoli. There is a nice snack bar at one of the beach with showers and changing rooms. There is an inviting small stretch of sand backed by rocks that juts out to sea which is known as Tourkopodaro which forms part of the White Rocks Hotel and is for use by residents only.
Spartia
Spartia village is a pretty tradition sleepy Greek village which sits on a hillside above the beach. The village has pretty whitewashed houses with an abundance of attractive plants and colourful flowers decorate the gardens The village has a small village square surrounded with a few tavernas and a small shop close by. Spartia has a large church which seems to dominate the village. This quaint little village enjoys several wonderful tavernas, cafes and a mini-market.
Kefalonia’s more lively resort of Lassi is close to hand if you would like to see a little more nightlife.
The area around the village is very fertile with copious amounts of olive groves, grapevines, and fruit trees .Most holiday accommodation is set amongst the pretty natural countryside. Spartia is an ideal base for those who enjoy sailing and windsurfing.
To avoid pirate attacks many many years ago its narrow streets where laid out in a maize type fashion and high walls with tiny windows surrounded its houses. Sadly like practically all of Kefalonia the village was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1953, the village was rebuilt as it is seen now, it still has those familiar narrow streets but its homes are now open and pleasant with gardens of many colourful flowers.
In the village a charming museum dedicated to owls and hedgehogs can be a nice change of venue if you like wildlife. Here you will be informed about the way of life of both animals and learn how to protect them in the natural world. You will be able to see examples of art from ancient to modern times depicting owls and hedgehogs as well as sculptures of these animals in ceramic, wood and bronze. There are likenesses of owls and hedgehogs on crockery, tiles and jewellery and children can learn how to make a hedgehog out of paper. The village council “To Sparto” plays host to many festivals and activities held throughout the year. Whilst during the summer months one can find a selection of tourist facilities including hotel accommodation along side the bars and restaurants of the village.
Trapezaki
Trapezaki means small table in greek. In fact, this name is currently given to the part of the beach which is on the right side of the small fishing port.
Traditionnally, below the chapel of the Madonna and its pine trees, the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, Mousata, Poriarata and Afrato are been coming here to swim. On the other side, there are three very long beaches called Kaminia (do not confuse with the one having the same name in Ratzakli and famous for its turtles which come to lay in the sand), Kanali and Lithero. The beach joins another small fishing port, Lithero, and then the beach of Lourdas. Places with parasols and deck-chairs (daily rental) alternate with other places not at all crowded. You’re sure to find a quiet corner, even in August.
Trapezaki is a really nice beach for kids, because there aren’t any currents and its shallow bottom extends for several meters away from the coast. The beach is not equipped for watersports, except an old pedal-boat, but this is part of its familiar charm too. However the Municipality organizes sports matches among young people in the summer.
Finally there is a tavern and two refreshment stalls, the first one on Trapezaki itself and the other one on the beach of Kaminia.
Svoronata
Svoronata is a pretty sleepy village in the Livathos region of Kefalonia. Located in the Southwest of the island, close to both the capital Argostoli and the International Airport.
Do not let the fact that the airport is close by dissuade you from holidaying here as you may experience some aircraft noise, although infrequent as Kefalonia airport is not busy and there are no night-time flights (between midnight and six am). The airport is only busy on certain days of the week, on other days it looks closed.
A peaceful area which is flat and easy to get around. Flat roads and streets making it idea for people with pushchairs and the less mobile of folk who find hills and slopes a problem. The surrounding olive and orange groves, fruit orchards and fields full of flowers in early summer gives the location a rural feel.
Svoronata area has some lovely sandy beaches, well suited for families with children Ammes, Avithos (not so sandy at the present) and Ai Helis are all within easy reach. If you fancy walking to either one of them it will take you around half an hour to an hour depending on how fast you walk and where your accommodation is situated.
Lakithra
Lakithra is one of a network of small villages and hamlets strung along a hillside clothed in olive and lemon trees overlooking the west coast. Not just a tourist village, although there are a couple of small hotels and a few villas but home to many and thus a thriving village. It’s just a ten minute drive into Argostoli, so an evening in the island capital, strolling along the waterfront, shopping or enjoying a meal at one of the many tavernas in its wide tree lined streets can be followed by a short return taxi ride.
You’ll more than likely fall into the daily routine of making a visit to the baker in the mornings, packing up a picnic and heading off for the day as there’s no shortage of tempting sandy beaches within a few minutes drive of the village. The long stretches of sand at Makri- and Plati-Gialos, near Argostoli, well supplied with sun beds and the quieter beaches of Ammes and Ai Helis are all within a few minutes drive. It’s a similar distance to pretty Avithos beach from where, if you choose, you can walk over the rocky headland to little Megalipetra where a picnic is essential as there’s no taverna but you can leave your swimming costume at home. Within 10 mins drive is pretty Lourdas.
Kateleios
Katelios, on the south-west coast of Kefalonia, was little more than a hamlet until about twenty years ago, when tourists first discovered the beauty and tranquillity offered by the sandy beach and flat farming land in the plain behind. A couple of tavernas and a small collection of fishermen’s huts were dotted about behind the tiny harbour area, known as Kato Katelios, while the local population, such as it was, lived in Ano Katelios, a small settlement at the foot of the hill, or in the nearby hill villages surrounding the wide valley.
Popular among the more mobile citizens of Argostoli for the quality of its seafood, Katelios has quietly grown over the last two decades as more people discover its delights and return year after year.
Karavados
Karavados village is located 10km from Argostoli. It is built in a beautiful location ideal for a quiet staying. Being very close to the capital and the marvelous beach of Agios Thomas, create all the appropriate conditions for its tourist development.
Pessada
The village of Pessada is a small traditional Greek village, situated on the south coast of Kefalonia with a small ferry port and fishing harbour. The village hosts an impressive slouhette of Saint Georges Castle which is a local landmark and there is excellent views of the Livatho coastline and the sandy beach of nearby Lourdas. In Pessada you will find tavernas, mini markets, bakery and the very popular Divino winery which is open to the public for viewing with guided tours and wine tasting on offer. Pessada is also famous on the island for its seafaring traditions which brought its prosperity and small secluded coves can be found nearby for a bit of fishing. The village of Lourdas is less than 10 minutes drive, where several excellent tavernas overlook the shingle/sand beach and for the more adventurous, you can hire speed boats to explore the beautiful southern coast of Kefalonia. On the southern coast, Pessada has a ferry port that provides the only connection to the island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, for additional sight-seeing.
Karavomylos
Karavomilos is a picturesque fish village in the west part of Sami and 1 km from the harbor.
The village is a pole of attraction for the visitors, as very close to it, are some of the most famous natural sights in Kefalonia. The cave of Drogarates and the lake of Melissani.
Karavomilos has a small circular lake, with lush vegetation and fresh water which flows into the sea.
The surrounding area has quaint geological phenomenons. Really impressive is the cave of Drogarati with rare stalagmites and stalactites. The interior can easily host a concert. The acoustic of the cave is similar to this of the ancient theaters.
Very close to the cave is the underground lake of Melissani, which was discovered in 1951 by the speleologist Yiannis Petrohelos.
Big part of the roof has fallen making it easy for exploration. This lake is a really impressive sight, not to be missed. In order to reach the lake, you will pass through an underground arcade enjoying an unforgettable row in the cold waters of the lake
Kourkoumelata
One of the prettiest villages of the area and Kefalonia in general is Kourkoumelata village in Livatho. It was completely destroyed in 1953 and was built again with the assistance of ship-owner George Vergotis. The reconstruction was done according to aesthetics and correct planning and resulted in creating a real jewel for the area full of green gardens beautiful buildings and notable churches. At the centre of the village there is a traditional coffee shop usually chosen by those who want to enjoy their coffee along with the wonderful view.
Minies
Minies is not really a resort in the true sense of the word. Rather it is a quiet, totally uncommercialised location with an unspoilt beach and a small fishing harbour – the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds.
In addition to its own little beach, just a few kilometres away at Ammes there is another fantastic but much larger beach with a beach bar and sunbeds. There are also several other lovely beaches in the area, each just a short drive away.
For shopping, wining and dining – the beautiful little village of Sovranata has a good selection of restaurants, tavernas and shops and is easily accessible from Minies.
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