AUTHENTIC GREECE
Explore the villages of Kefalonia
KEFALONIA
5 August, 2020
Unsplash, Shutterstock With the legend saying that Kefalonia has as many villages as the days of the year, the island demonstrates its traditional beauty in mountain and sea alike.
Aghia Euphemia (Aghia Efimia) / Traditional and picturesque, this village by the sea is full of little houses, yards filled with flowers and island aromas from the fish taverns, while its blue-green waters makes it a beloved cosmopolitan destination. Plus: It was one of the island locations where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed.
Aghia Irini / Verdant landscapes, streams from the fast-flowing waters of the Mount Ainos, rivers and springs with burbling, cool water, you will see one of the rarest island images. The mountainous village, full of trees, offers a great opportunity to take a walk in nature, while with its proximity to Skala and Poros combines easily mountain and sea landscapes.
Assos / Proud for the rumor that is the most beautiful village of the island, it combines its traditional “nature” with a sense of romanticism, since its picturesque narrow streets are full of multi-coloured houses and fragrant flowers, while its sea character is evident both in the pristine beaches and the Venetian Castle.
Dilinata / Situated on the slope of Mount Eumorphia at about 400 meters height, it offers infinite view on Argostoli and the Ionian Sea, and its must-see monuments are the church of Panaghia Lamia, the Venetian bridge of Marinos, the house of Anninos, nobleman of the island, and the old oil press.
Faraklata / Just 5km from Argostoli, the mountainous village with its colourful tile-roofed houses stands out for the 42m-high bell tower of the church of St. Demetrios and the Annunciation, while, being one of the first Greek settlements with electric power, it has also an interesting Museum of Electricity.
Fiscardo / One of the few villages that survived the disastrous earthquake of 1953, the famous preserved settlement with the multi-coloured houses, the blue-green waters and the verdant scenery offers one of the most characteristic images of Kefalonia. Must visit: The Maritime and Environment Museum dedicated to the naval history of the island.
Alex Blăjan / Unsplash / Sh
THE ISLAND HAS TWELVE VILLAGES WITH MORE THAN 500 RESIDENTS
KEFALONIA IS BY EXTENSION THE FIFTH LARGEST ISLAND IN GREECE, THUS HAVING AN ABUNDANCE OF VILLAGES. MOST OF THEM WERE DESTROYED BY THE EARTHQUARE OF 1953 EXCEPT FOR FISCARDO.
Katelios / Split in to settlements, the southest village of the island offers tranquility in the traditional Ano Katelios, while in Kato Katelios the sea-dives whet the appetite for fresh fish in the picturesque taverns. Tip: The tranquil atmosphere and the verdant landscape are recommended for hikers.
Komitata / The mountainous village with the picturesque settlements is one of the smallest in the island, stands at 564 meter above sea level and offers beautiful view on the west coasts of Ithaka, while the green-blue waters of the beach Horgotas –also a location that hosted the Hollywood contributors of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin– is enchanting.
Kourkoumelata / With a history going back to the 15th c., the mountainous village was totally destroyed by the earthquake in 1953, it was fully restored by ship owner Georgios Vergotis and today it maintains its neoclassical character, while lush gardens, elegant buildings and imposing churches are making it an architectural jewel.
Poros / With daily connection with the mainland and the nearby islands, the famous port is surrounded by the blue of the Ionian and the green of the verdant mountainous slopes, while its organised pebbled beach is recommended for family vacation. Don’t miss: The sunrise from Atrou, the oldest monastery of the island.
Pyrgi / Here nature and the beautiful landscapes have the first say. Build on the base of Ainos and filled with Kefalonian firs, the verdant village in Sami is consisted of three settlements and promises carelessness and relaxation. Short by, lake Abythos looks like a fairy tale scenery.
Valsamata / The biggest village of the valley of Omala, surrounded by the imposing Ainos and the Robola vineyards, is recommended for hiking and trekking, while the annual Robola Festival lasts for two days, with celebrations echoing traditional rhythms, local delicacies and of course the renowned Kefalonian wine.
