Argostoli – Italian Monument Acqui Division – Agioi Theodoroi lighthouse – St Andrew Monastery – St George Castle Hill – Saint Gerasimos Monastery – Robola Winery – Agrilia Monastery – Antisamos – Old Vlachata – Melissani cave – Agia Efimia – Myrtos – Argostoli
Argostoli
Argostoli has been the capital of the Kefallonia Region since 1757. It is the island’s commercial and administrative centre, and has beautiful neo-classical buildings. It’s a modern city with a remarkable historic and cultural tradition. Argostoli, built amphitheatrically with a view to the Lagoon of Koutavos, overlooks the fir tree-covered Aenos. Viewing Catavothres which is one of the rarest phenomena: large quantities of seawater penetrate the land at the location of Agii Theodori at Lassi without retrogressing, re-appearing by the village of Karavomylos near Sami.
Continues to Katavothres (the sinks) where seawater enters cracks near the shore and disappears following an underground route across the whole island. Then moving towards the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore where two centuries ago, helped ships approaching the shore, to avoid the rocks.
The tour after continues at the monument of the Italians over the pine-tree covered “round of Lassi”. On top of the hill – a monument of modern history of Kefalonia – was created in honor of the thousands of Italians who have fallen under the fire of the Germans refusing to hand over their weapons to them.
The route continues in the popular area of Lassi, which stands out for its natural beauty, nightlife and tourist infrastructure that meet every requirement – at that area the well organized beaches of Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos are located.
Continuing for Lakithra, where philhellene poet Lord Byron inspired his poems during his stay on the island in 1823, from the location called “Kallithea” the visitor is overlooking the airport, the island of Zeus with the chapel of Our Lady of Diotissa, and the island of Zakynthos.
Driving uphill towards the village of Kourkoumelata we enjoy the panoramic view from the “High Class Area of Kefalonia!” In this village anyone can gaze at the beauty of the houses! The village features beautiful, well maintained and manicured buildings. A special feature of the village is the variety of designs in the construction of houses, which are not located by the road, but follow rules of great urban planning.
Heading towards “Peratata”, we will be visiting the Monastery of St. Andrew. The monastery was founded in the Byzantine era. Within the monastery the Ecclesiastical Museum is located and it is open to public. The nuns involved in weaving, iconography, craftsmanship as well as agricultural crops and gardens. The monastery also operates the maintenance workshop of portable icons.
Our next destination is the Castle of St. George, a remarkable Venetian castle with subsequent interventions mainly Venetian of 16th century. View to Argostoli and Livatho is stunning.
Next stop is the Robola Wine Cooperative of Kefalonia in “Omala” valley. At the winery you can visit the Museum or Robola, and taste free of charge the wines as well as choose and purchase from our wide range of wines.
Next stop on this route is the center of faith in Kefalonia, the Holy Monastery of St. Gerasimos in the “Omala” valley. There, twice a year thousands of believers attending to venerate devoutly Saint Gerasimos relic and to pray. The Saints have been attributed numerous miracles and certainly the landscape is very devout.
We are moving towards Sami and Antisamos beach, the famous beach from the movie “The Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, which reveals the magic of Kefalonian landscape. The route fascinates visitor, as we cross one of the greenest parts of the island with towering pine trees. We will stop at an appropriate place to take some photos. The beach is pebbly with white sand and surrounded by green hills. The waters of the beach are azure crystal. The beach is organized with snack bar, sun loungers, umbrellas and water sports. Always honored with the distinction of a blue flag.
Argilion Monastery
The monastery of Agrilion is located on the road linking Sami and the famous Antisami beach and it is dedicated to the Theotokos Iperaghia.
It was built in the eighteenth century on the site where, in 1722, was found the miraculous icon of Aghia Theotokos.
Continuing along the road, after the monastery, there are the ruins of the ancient Sami, another church and various nature trails to visit the area.
Next we will be visiting the unique cave lake of Melissani, where we meet a rare geological phenomenon. The water enters the limestone rock, erodes the rocks and creates cavities in a process called karstification. The tour of the visitor is by boat and can enjoy the magnificent spectacle of stalactites, crystal clear water and sunlight which are coexisting harmoniously.
Visit the old Vlahata village, to get a unique glimpse into the past, as there you will see what remained after the devastating earthquake of 1953.
We reach the picturesque village of Agia Efimia. It’s a quiet town sporting wide streets and good urban-planning, with a port where numerous yachts from all over the world flock in the summertime.
The tour continues at the famous beach of Myrtos. The view from above Myrtos is magnificent. Myrtos beach is well known for the contrast that makes the white pebble beach with the different shades that the sea water is taking, due to sea currents, and the dark green forests of the region. The beach wins every year the blue flag, and is well organized for every aspect.
Back to Argostoli
* Please note that you can adjust and manage you tour as you wish. You can add or remove destinations etc
* Swim stop
Duration : 7-8 hours
