Dear guests,
Thank you for choosing Kefalonia as your destination this year, and thank you for trusting us and choosing Rouchotas Apartments.
Did you know that Kefalonia is ranked fourth in the TOP 5 most idyllic places to live in Europe? Why Kefalonia and why is it magical?
If you ask the famous poet Lord Byron, who spent part of his life on this picturesque island, he says in his verses “I became such a poet thanks to the Greek air”. In addition to Lord Byron’s recommendation, here are a few more reasons why a holiday in Kefalonia is one of those that will remain etched in your memory for all time:
- Pure nature, Mediterranean climate and healthy food;
- Some of the officially most beautiful beaches in the world;
- Beautiful towns and villages like from fairy tales;
- Breathtaking natural attractions and sights;
- Numerous activities for lovers of active holidays!
Kefalonia has 40 GeoCities and we are sure you’re going to have a great time exploring Kefalonia special places and beautiful beaches.
In order to make your discovery of the island easier we have divided it into 8 regions:
- Erissos (Fiskardo)
- Pylaros ( Agia Efimia)
- Paliki (Lixuri)
- Argostoli
- Sami
- Omala (Mount Ainos )
- Leivathos (Lourdas, Trapezaki)
- Elios Pronnoi (Skala, Poros)
1. Region of Erissos- Fiskardo
The most important places in this region include the colourful village of Fiskardo with its many pre-earthquakes houses and the village of Assos which sits at the edge of an peninsula dominated by a Venetian Castle. The beaches around Fiskardo are also a huge attraction in this area. The isolated and simply stunning Dafnoudi and Emblisi beaches, as well as beautiful Alaties “Salty” beach with Alati all day bar and restaurant (+2674 041685) and impressive Foki beach. Fiskardo at night takes on a cosmopolitan atmosphere, where the guests and celebrities stroll along the port with the colourful anchored boats. The village offers a selection of bars and restaurants where you can take your dinner or just get a drink, have fun or relax!
Close to the Villages of Agrilias and Halikeri is Aghia Jerusalem beach. It is a safe and sheltered bay, ideal for snorkeling. Shade is limited but umbrellas are available to hire.The name of the beach is taken from the name of the ancient stone church of Saint Jerusalem.
Along the east coastline, between Agia Efimia and Fiskardo you can find several bays for swimming though most of them are not accessible from land, only by boat, except Agia Sofia and Horgota beaches (famous for its scene on the Hollywood film Captain Corellis Mandolin).
One great way to explore the Norths beautiful coastline and hidden gem beaches is by Kayak (https://fiskardokayaks.gr/).
Things to See: Lighthouse, Roman Cemetery, The Nautical and Environmental Museum of Fiscardo.
Tips: viewpoint Assos Castle and the garden of Alati all day bar and restaurant (sunset).
2. Region of Pylaros -Agia Efimia
The region of Pylaros is located in the north-central part of the island. The landscape is dominated by a valley formed between two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros that provide a corridor between the amazing coastlines on the East and West.The largest settlement in Pylaros is Agia Efimia located at sea level on the eastern coast.
The valley has many olive trees providing a rich source of oil and olives, a plentiful source of animals and a rural, traditional feel. Traditionally goat and sheep farming were the main income of the area.
You can explore the area in different ways:
- Vessel Romantika daily cruises to Ithaca and Lefkada www.romantikacruises.gr , +30 698 4641753
- Rent a small boat from one of the companies in the harbor to explore the sea yourself, Yellow Boats www.yellowboats-kefalonia.gr +30 693 757 1950, +30 693 230 4289, Boulevard Boats Hire www.kefaloniatravel.net, +30 26740 61800
- Kefalonia Day Trips, semi private, half/full day private cruise www.kefaloniadaytrips.com +30 693 4027000, +44 749 4520800 (UK).
The most beautiful secluded beaches and coves are on the east part of the island of Kefalonia, between Agia Efimia and Fiscardo and only accessible by boat. The largest beach is Agia Paraskevi. If you prefer to see what’s below the surface you can go diving Aquatic Scuba Diving Club (http://www.aquatic.gr, +30 6944 867051).
One of the most stunning beach in Greece, if not of the world, is beautiful and breathtaking Myrtos Beach. Turquoise waters, amazing dramatic coastline, unique scenery, all combined create a magical environment. Zola, Fteri, Amidi beaches, you should not miss while travelling to Kefalonia. In the village Zola and Agia Kiriaki Bay you can rent a small boat to explore the sea yourself Motor Boat Rentals exploring center +30 698 478 9044 or take a Water taxi from Zola beach (https://www.fteriwatertaxi.com, +30 6974 807 153) and enjoy!
Things to do:
They are many walking trails in this area, including Agia Efimia to Themata Monastery and Traces of Old Agia Efimia.
Things to See: Monastery of Themata
Tips: viewpoint Myrtos Beach, the main road; Water taxi excursion
3. Region of Paliki- Lixuri
Paliki region is a peninsula, located in the western part of the island, and is very different from the rest of Kefalonia, with a unique morphology of organised flat farmland, a dramatic dry, rocky west coast with numerous beautiful beaches, some with red sand and clay cliffs, rocky coves and unique sunset views.The major town of Lixouri is situated across the gulf from Argostoli – ferries constantly shuttle between the two towns. Before your visit to this beach you can visit Lixouri Town for a walk or a coffee, the Monastery of Kipouria, offering amazing views. Here you could find some of the most well-known beaches on the island: Xi, Megas Lakos, Petani, Platia Amos, Vatsa, Vrachinari, Mania beah.
Tips: viewpoint Monastery of Kipouria
4. Region of Argostoli
Named after the capital of the island, offers the visitor varied and interesting sights. If you’d like to explore the city in more detail you can take one or more of our proposed Argostoli city walking tours. You can explore the region also by bicycle, quad or scooter.
Argostoli city tour 1:
At the very entrance to Argostoli is the Koutavos Lagoon. It is one of the two wetlands of the island of Kefalonia, which hosts many species of aquatic and migratory birds, as well as remarkable species of fish fauna. Also in the lagoon of Koutavos we can see a small “island” which constitutes a refuge for birds hosted in the lagoon. One of the most important features of the Lagoon is it swimmers, the turtles, Caretta Caretta.
You can explore the lagoon more fully by renting a pedal boat from Argostoli Lagoon Activities (www.kefalonia-activities.com, +30 694 807 7009).
The beautiful De Bosset (Drapano) stone bridge separates the Gulf of Argostoli, with the Lagoon.The world’s longest (680m) stone bridge on a sea water body, was constructed in 1813 by Colonel Charles Philip de Bosset (a Swiss engineer in the employ of the British army) when General Sir Charles James Napier was the Governor of Kefalonia.Take a stroll over it to admire it’s architecture, views of the surrounding area and the stone column Obelisk, which was built by the British to commemorate their stay.
Tips: viewpoint, best time early morning and sunset.
There is a small viewpoint at the junction that faces Argostoli with the lagoon, the Drapano Bridge and the gulf in between. You can walk to the view point taking a stroll over the pedestrianised Drapano Bridge from Argostoli turning right at the road junction up the hill towards the traffic lights – the view point is in front of you.
Continue your walk along the wide, coastal street surrounded by palm trees and paved with interesting mosaics, with many cafes and restaurants. We recommend that you try the cakes at the Kappatos patisserie. Continuing along the coast, you will come across shops with fresh fruits and vegetables. Every day in the morning between 7 and 10 local fishermen come here offering a variety of fresh fish. At the same time, it is an ideal time to meet the Carreta Carreta turtles who come here for their breakfast.
Tips: Οψάριον fish bar, Drakopoulou 2. (+ 30 2671 024030). Sea food meal takeaway.
The road takes you further past the ferry boat station. From there, a ferry departs to the opposite side of the island, the town of Lixuri. In the sequel, you will come across a statue of the poet Nikos Kavadias. He was known as “The Poet of the Sea”. Enjoying the fresh air and the smell of the sea, walking through a pine forest, the road will take you to Katavothres. This is one of the world’s most astonishing geological phenomena. At Katavothres the sea flows and enters sinkholes on the earth that is below sea level. It traveled in underground rivers then mixed with rainwater and finally reached the Melissani Lake almost fifteen kilometers away in its semi-salted form. From there the water flowed into the sea at the village of Karavomilos. Your walk ends a few hundred meters away at Agion Theodoron Lighthouse (Fanari). The view from the Fanari is magnificent as from the front you can see across to the Peninsula of Paliki and the island of Vardianoi. Below, the road leads through a beautiful pine forest all the way to the beaches on Lasi.
Tips: a daily trip.
From the harbour you can take a day trip aboard with one of the vessels such as Lady O (http://www.kefaloniacruise.com, +30693 6152250), wooden boat the Queen Bee (https://kefaloniatrips.com/daily-cruises-argostoli, +30 6945 246431) or Dreamy Cruise (https://www.dreamycruises.gr, +30 6974 948 385). You can also join Captain Makis Glass Bottom (https://www.captainmakis.gr, +30 26710 25775, +30 694 4951786) on his famous beach barbecue along with sizzling souvlaki and famous Kefalonian wine on the stunning beaches.
Argostoli city tour 2:
Just a few minutes’ walk behind our house is the pedestrian zone and Panagis Vallianos Square.The large flat square has recently been refurbished providing an excellent location for relaxing in numerous cafes, bars and restaurants and watching the world go by. A statue of the Kefalonian Panagi Vallianos, who is said the be the father of modern Greek shipping, stands proudly in the square. Not far from the square is a building The Focas-Cosmetatos Foundation (www.focas-cosmetatos.gr, +30 26710-26595/6). The building is a beautiful piece of architecture, preserving the aesthetics of the local architectural tradition. Collections include furniture of the family dating from the beginning of the 20th century, lithographs by Joseph Cartwright (“Views in the Ionian Islands”), Edward Lear and Henry Cook, lithographs of traditional costumes of the Ionian Islands, portraits and paintings, as well as a collection of coins and banknotes circulating in the Ionian Islands during their long history. Since 1998, it has also been developing Kefalonia Botanica (www.focas-cosmetatos.gr/garden), a garden of typical Mediterranean plant.
We warmly recommend to visit the Korgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum (+30 2671 028221). Here we’ll discover fascinating exhibits depicting local folklore and the history of the island from the 16th century until 1953, when an earthquake destroyed a large part of Kefalonia. The Museum, the General National Archives – Archives of Kefalonia which are also housed in this building, and the Corgialenios Library, comprise a significant intellectual and scientific attraction on an international level.
If you want a unique souvenir or gift, we recommend you to visit Harokopio Foundation and Workshop. It is a non-profit organisation whose aims are the preservation of embroidery, lace and needlework traditions in Kefalonia. It was founded over 100 years ago by the Kefalonian Mr. Harokopou with the aim to teach the techniques of traditional Greek embroidery to unemployed women and girls, so as to provide them with an income and a good existence. Their store is located in Litostroto str. There is an open-air cinema nearby Anny Cinema (16.Charokopou Street, +302671025880).
Tips: We’ll then walk along the Lithostroto, a charming pedestrianised shopping street. We’ll take the opportunity to browse the boutiques lining the street and taste some of Kefalonia’s traditional sweets in traditional bakery Sesoulas (www.sesoulas-kefalonia.gr, 0030 26710 22263, 0030 6944263807). The current owners are the 4th generation of the family. They continue to keep the family tradition and high quality and combine them with a modern approaches, bringing them into the 21st century. The name ‘Sesoulas’ literally means a large scoop which is used when buying in bulk, which to this day one can still walk in to the bakery and see, smell and taste the overflowing, freshly, daily, baked goods. These products are continuously replenished throughout the day to welcome their customers. Freshly baked biscuits from all kinds of ingredients create delicious aromas such as ouzo, aniseed, grape, must, vanilla, cinnamon, fresh butter and chocolate. Try their homemade ‘Tsoureki’ made with a combination of machlepi, orange and Masticha. Delicious!
Beaches of Argostoli region:
The beaches in this region are sandy or with small pebbles. They are suitable for families with children. They are mostly organized, with bars, umbrellas, deck chairs, water sports and security guards. If you come in the early and late season or in August, we warmly recommend that you have your own umbrella and deck chairs. Here is a list of beaches and activities on them.
Fanari Beach; Photo spot
Kalamia Beach, Gradakia Beach
Paliostafida Beach; Lassi Rent a Boat www.lassirentaboat.eu, +306986 920 477
Mediterranee beach; Pirate Divers Club www.pirate-divers-club.gr, +30 6940 880 871
Makris Gialos Beach; Taverna Makris Gialos +30 2671 023494
Costa Costa Beach; Kefalonia Water Sports www.kefaloniawatersports.com, +30 6977 819 970
Platis Gialos Beach, Tourkopodaro Beach; Snorkeling
The beautiful sandy beaches near the airport are: Minies Beach, Spasmata Beach, Megali Ammos Beach, Eglina Beach, Ammes Beach.
5. Region of Sami
The region of Sami is located on the central east coast of Kefalonia, and is characterised by lush green mountains, rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and bustling traditional villages. The area is home to many natural phenomena as well as ancient and historical sites which make it an exciting region for adventurous visitors, whilst the beaches also make it attractive to the more sedate traveller. Amongst the highlights of this region you will find the magnificent Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, Karavomylos Lake, and famous Antisamos Beach, where the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was made with Penélope Crus and Nicoas Cage. You can find the book in English in our library. Explore the area with an animal and take a trek with the: Bavarian Horse Riding Stable (www.kephalonia.com), +30 697 753 203 Kefalonia Horse Riding Stable (www.kefaloniashorseridingstable.com), +30 697 407 7382 or the Donkey Trekking Stables (www.donkeytrekkingkefalonia.com), +30 6980 059 630. From Sami you can rent a self-drive boat from Pirates Rent a Boat (www.piratesrentaboat.com) or Kefalonia Compass Rent a Boat (www.kefaloniacompass.gr),+30 693 838 2416 or take or a day trip on the Sami Star (www.samistar.com), +30 26740 23007. Hop over to the neighbouring island of Ithaka for the day using a ferry boat. Water sports are available on Antisamos beach from quiet peddle boats to fast action inflatable rides and water skiing. Join the experienced local guides at Sami Trekking (www.samitrekking.com), +30 697 7315 223, who organise walks, treks, running trails and cycling trails for all levels of fitness and experience. If you want to explore some of the caves, check out Wild Nature Expeditions (www.wildnature-expeditions.gr), +30 697 486 2590. If you would like to dive contact Aquatic Scuba Diving Club (www.aquatic.gr), +30 694 486 7051.
Tips: viewpoint Agrilia Monastery Mother of God
6. Region of Omala & mountain Ainos
At the heart of the island lies the impressive valley community of Omala, which has a very different landscape to the rest of Kefalonia. Hundreds of vineyards are cultivated here and at 700m above sea level, the shadow of Mount Ainos provides the perfect condition for the grapes to grow and produce Kefalonia’s famous Robola wine. Mountain Ainos, located 30 km from Argostoli known as Monte Nero (Black Mountain) during the Venetian period due to thick forestation of the dark Kefalonian Fir tree (Abies Cephalonica), is the tallest mountain of the Ionian islands with an elevation of 1,628 metres (5,341 ft). On clear days, the view includes the NW Peloponnese as well as the islands of Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca. Various sporting and alternative activities take place on Mount Ainos including mountain biking, star gazing, and jeep safaris – take a look at Wild Nature Expeditions (www.wildnature-expeditions.gr), +30 697 486 2590 and Outdoor Kefalonia (www.outdoorkefalonia.com), +30 6979 987 611.You can take an organised tour of several wineries with the experts Kefalonia Wine Tour (www.kefaloniawinetour.com) +30 697 97 097 26, or visit the Robola Cooperative Winery for a tour and wine sampling. The Management Body of Mt. Ainos National Park is responsible for the protection and conservation of the National Park. The offices of the management body are located in the Koutavos Enviromental Centre in Argostoli (www.kefaloniageopark.gr). The personnel of the management body can organize tours in the National Park of Mt. Ainos, thus offering visitors a day full of beautiful experiences in a marvellous Fir forest with many rare and endemic plant species and in a unique Kefalonian natural environment. The religious centre of Kefalonia is undoubtedly Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, patron Saint of the island.
Tips: viewpoint Mountain Ainos various access points from different regions and Church of Holly Virgin of Lamia, Dilinata
7. Region of Leivathos
The region of Livathos lies southwest of Argostoli.There are plenty of things to do and see. The area has a wealth of historical monuments to visit including the Mycenaean tombs at Mazarakata and the impressive Saint Georges Castle in Kastro village that used to be the capital of the island. Take a lunch in Il Borgio restaurant (www.ilborgo.gr),+30 26710 69800. There are as well churches and monasteries, beautiful villages and Byrons Rock at Lakithra. For something a little different you could go with Fishing Tourism in Kefalonia “Michalis” www.michalisfishingtourism.com, +30 6955 588 556 a day out on a boat and lunch. Explore the world of beekeeping with a local beekeeping expert at Dias Organic Apiary (http://www.beekeeping.gr) +30 26710 42166, +30 697 967 9846 in Domata. Honey on Kefalonia is of exceptional quality. Livathos is renowned for having some of the best sandy beaches of the island: Ai Helis, Avithos, Klimatsias, Spartia, Saint Thomas, Trapezaki, Lourdas Beach. They are all attractive and most beaches here are shallow and sandy and very safe for children.
Tips: viewpoint Saint Georges Castle and Kastro Village
8. Region of Elios Pronnoi – Skala, Poros
The main attractions of this region include the long sandy beaches of Mounda and Kaminia, (where the famous turtles Caretta Caretta lay their eggs), the vaulted Mycenaean tombs at Tzanata, the quaint seaside villages and the ancient monasteries. The popular resort of Skala is here, with its long sandy beach and lively tourist area and a wonderfully preserved mosaic floor at the Roman Villa. On the south coast you will find the beautiful seaside village of Katelios. Traditionally a fishing village Katelios sits in a lush valley and the center is nestled in a beautiful bay with wonderful views to Zakynthos. It’s an ideal retreat for nature lovers and couples. The Monastery of Atros, the oldest on the island, built on the 8th century, is a rare example of monastic architecture offering a breathtaking walk and amazing views of Poros. Zoodochos Pigi (life-giving source) monastery, located approximately 4km east of Poros, at an altitude of 1200m is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. If you are lucky you may be surprised by coming across with some of the wild horses of Ainos, coming here to drink water…Take a day trip with Fishing Tourism Kefalonia Dimitris- Efthimia (www.fishingtourismkefalonia.com) +30 6947 667 595 departing from Katelios harbour. Try not to miss the impressive Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Lagouvarda the little village of Markopoulos – every year, from around the 6th until the 15th of August, a mystical phenomenon takes place there as dozens of harmless little snakes fill the Temple of Panagia.
Tips: viewpoint Atros Monastery
This is a map of GeoCities and other Archaeological and Cultural Sites of Kefalonia and Ithaca. Detailed description can be found at https://kefaloniageopark.gr.
We are sure that you will find some places that interest you and that you will enjoy!
So, as you can see, there is many activities to do on the island. The most popular ones are:
- Private tour sightseeing
- Boat tours around the island
- Rent a QUAD Argostoli region www.rentabikekefalonia.gr, +306937 416 644
- Guided Quad tours www.unexplored.gr, +30 693 737 1246
- Rent a bikes or scooter Argostoli region
- Ainos Bikes & Scooters, www.ainosbikes.com, +30 2671 026874
- Diving, Snorkeling and exploring the turquoise water, Water sports on the Makris Gialos, Kayak and canoeing visiting private beaches, Outdoor Kefalonia, Argostoli, www.outdoorkefalonia.com, +30 6979 987 611, (Sea Kayaking, Jeep Safari, Coasteering, Abseiling, Zip Lining, and Special needs ) Unexplored Kefalonia, Skala region, Fiskardo Kayaks +30 6982 871 608, Fiskardo aera, Sea Kayaking Kefalonia, +30 6932 904 360, Trapezaki aera
- Natural Trails, www.alltrails.com, www.wildnature-expeditions.gr +30 697 486 2590
- Water taxi service Zola, www.fteriwatertaxi.com, +30 6974 807 153
- Fishing tourism, Port of Katelios, www.fishingtourismkefalonia.com, +30 6947667595, Port of Agia Pelagia in Svoronata, www.michalisfishingtourism.com, +30 6955 588 556, Port of Agia Kyriaki, Melissa fishing boat,www.kefaloniantours.com,+30 6937 031331
- Tandem paragliding
- Kefalonia Wine Tours (www.kefaloniawinetour.com) +30 697 97 097 26
We believe as well supporting the small local community it is very important.
If you need any additional information feel free to contact us at +30 6947 839 018.
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Thank you!
