Into the wilderness: Lagadakia beach, Kefalonia 2020

Dive into the Ionian blue and relax on another hidden gem of Kefalonia Island, Lagadakia beach. It is a small bay located 40 km west of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, and 10 km away from Lixouri. It is known for its grey pebbles in all shapes and sizes, clear blue water and untouched surroundings.

The beautiful landscape around the beach include mountains in the distance, short grass and brown dust that gives you the impression you are in the wild west and rocky formations around the bay. There is also a lighthouse close by and I'll tell you more details below.

Lagadakia is a remote beach, it is a great place to relax and enjoy some peaceful moments with your friends and family. It gets pretty crowded especially in July and August. Most of the people who come here are locals as this beach is not quite well known. There is some space above the beach that works as a parking, pretty dusty though.

If you are looking for deep and clean waters to practice some snorkeling, the pebbly seafloor of Lagadakia is a great choice. As the beach is not very popular, it provides no facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas. Instead, the rocky outcrops act as natural shaded areas for the tourists. They are also advised to carry plenty of water.

Lagadakia beach offers a hidden surprise at the back of the hill on the right hand side as you reach it by car. Take the little trail which climbs up the hill on your right and walk for few minutes to find another more impressive cove. 

If you want to reach it directly you can find the rural road that guides you just above it and just walk down the trail by GPS. This secluded beach is even more private and has natural shades in the caves formed on its left and right.

Lagadakia is also known for having some of the clearest and coldest water. Special shoes are requiered as the beach and the seabed are rocky.

For a day trip you can also walk to the desert-like, interesting landscape of Gero Gobos Lighthouse, 2km away or visit Kipoureon Monastery and Platia Ammos for an incredible sunset view.

Originally built in 1907, Gero Gombos lighthouse was destroyed by the German troops and rebuild in 1947. The altitude of the tower is 13 metres and the height of focal plane is 58 metres.

Gero Gombos lighthouse is just that, a lighthouse on a road to nowhere. The views are breathtaking and you can take some stunning photos but that's it. You cannot enter the lighthouse, which I was hoping to do and there is a big 'Do not enter sign' at the gate. Otherwise you can drive into the parking lot anyway and walk around for a bit.

While visiting Paliki it is a must to spend quality time at Agia Eleni beach, a hidden gem that will blow your mind with its fascinating landscape. Also you will be mesmerized by the beautiful views and sunsets over Petani beach.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi

Wild paradise, mesmerizing views and sunsets: Platia Ammos beach, Kefalonia

Leave behind the daily routine and immerse yourself in a place of wonder. Platia Ammos is a breath taking spot, wild and pristine where one can get in touch with nature at its best.

On the western peninsula of Kefalonia, Paliki, you can find this amazing corner of heaven. 20-25 minutes car drive from Lixouri, Platia Ammos remains a hidden gem for the usual tourist. You can choose the road that passes through Kaminarata or Chavriata villages and find your way using the coordinates on your GPS.

If you choose the later, as I usually do, you will pass the Monastery of Kipourion. It has been constructed on top of a rock, 90 meters above the sea. The view to the Ionian Sea and the wild coastline are magnificent, which makes it a sight worth visiting if you are in the area.

The Monastery of Kipoureon was founded in the 17th and its name literally means monastery of the gardens. Inside there is a wonderful collection of ecclesiastical relics and post-Byzantine icons. The natural surrounding of the monastery is lush green and comprises of pine trees and fir trees. From the yard, visitors can enjoy a wonderful sunset to the Ionian Sea.

A few hundreds of meters away turn left on an off road. Park your car there as it is a very broken piece of road, with stones and cracks, and then continue on foot. Follow the path for around 15 minutes and you will get to the old parking on top of Platia Ammos. The views are spectacular. The waves kiss the pebble beach at the bottom of an impressively steep mountain.

Before the earthquakes of 2014 there were 280 steps that led you all the way down to the beach. Nowadays only few remain. The adventurous explorers still take their chances and go down by foot. Others visit the beach by boat. I stop on top of it, at the edge, to enjoy the views.

This beach amazes every visitor with its natural beauty, which landscape is quite similar to this of Myrtos and Petani but far more unspoiled and peaceful. The beach offers no facilities such as beach bars, taverns, sunbeds or umbrellas. It is surrounded by huge cliffs that create a fascinating backdrop. The area is an ideal place for relaxation. The water needs extra caution since it is very deep.

The sunsets offer some of the most spectacular views of Ionian Sea. Be sure to bring your camera with full battery. Don't forget to bring drinks and snacks with you as you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere, far away from any shops.

In case I tickled your imagination take a look at another hidden gem that Kefalonia has to offer: Kato Lagadi beach, near Poros.

Not a fan of the wild beaches?! Try Petani, the ideal mix of commercial and unspoiled place.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi