There are places
well worth visiting all over the island. We list just a few here .
First is the capital of the island, Argostoli (not far from
the airport), with vegetable, meat and fish markets on the bustling
waterfront, the historic shopping street and the museums - these
should not be missed. The pretty little harbour of Fiskardo is
popular with people on sailing holidays. This town was mostly
unscathed by the 1953 earthquake – the rest of the island was largely
destroyed at this time which explains the lack of old buildings. The
ancient capital of the island, the Kastro is an extremely interesting
site to explore with wonderful views over the island and across the
Ionian Sea to the island of Zakynthos. Assos is another
charming little harbour to visit with its castle towering over it.
There are the island’s vineyards, most famous of all the Robola
Cooperative – and close by this, the Monastery of Agios
Gerassimos who is the patron saint of the island.
Kephalonia has a colourful history and is rich in tradition. It has
many religious festivals and celebrations, including 15th August
(Feast Day of the Virgin Mary, 21st May (Union of the Ionian Islands),
19th and 20th August (Feast of Agios Gerassimos).
A week or two in Kefalonia can only whet the appetite for savouring
the peace and tranquillity of this island’s coast and countryside.
Visitors at The Walnut Tree can soak up the atmosphere of the towns
and villages, feast on Greek food with the many local variations, and
delight in Greece and especially in one of her most fascinating
islands.
(above)
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia –
featured in the film ‘Captain Corelli’s
Mandolin’
The port of Sami, Kefalonia
is about five minutes drive from the villa.
In ancient times
Sami was a fortress town of Kephalonia succoming to the Romans only
after many weeks of siege. It is now its main port with daily
ferries to Patras on the mainland as well as regular ferries to
Italy, Cyprus, Corfu, Zakynthos and of course nearby Ithaca the
island home of Odysseus and Penelope of mythical times. Sami is
small but full of energy and life and there is very little not
available here if you look or ask!
There is also
the very good Sami Beach Hotel, run by the Dorizas family (Spyros’s
family). If any extra accommodation should be needed (grandparents,
extra guests, etc.), there would be no warmer welcome than here at
the Sami Beach Hotel (samibeah@otenet.gr)
above: Sami Harbour,
Kephalonia
(left) The beautiful beach of Antisamos,
Kephalonia
(fifteen minutes drive through Sami).
(right) View towards The
Walnut Tree with Sami Bay
and Ithaca in background
(left) View of the house and
surrounding area from the Castle
