Vatsa & Vrachinari, the hidden pearls of Kefalonia

 Fresh sea food, beautiful sandy beaches, brilliant sunsets at the sea side and much more; you can find them all on these hidden gems of Paliki, Kefalonia.

9 km away from Lixouri, in the south part of Paliki peninsula, you will discover 2 fantastic places, Vatsa and Vrachinari.

These beautiful spots have long, sandy beaches and taverns were you will be delighted by the fresh local dishes. Both of them are situated in a quite big bay in Kounopetra region.

Vatsa has a hippy flavor with its newly renovated fish tavern, right on the beachfront. Have a taste of fried calamari and tsipouro while having your feet in the sand. Relax your senses with the waves crashing near by. There are sunbeds, umbrellas and even a new beach bar there.

Go over the small river using the floating bridge and explore the surroundings for fantastic views of the bay on one side and mesmerizing sunsets on the other.

Rent a boat if you feel adventurous and sail to the incredible Platia Ammos. Ask for Evropi, the daughter of the owner, and she will make sure you get all the best plus a friend for life.

Looking for a wide sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing and relaxation? Go to Vrachinari. Enjoy a draft cold beer in the small beach bar or dip into the clear Ionian Sea. Feeling energetic? Gather around some friends and locals and enjoy a game of volleyball on the improvised beach court.

Are you a sunset by the sea side lover as I am? Than here is the best spot for that. Head into Remetzo Restaurant for a delightful dinner with a view. Ask for Fotis, the maitre, and you'll get a friendly face to suggest you the best dishes.

Enjoy a fantastic time under grape vines, taste the local wine and delight yourself with some of the most incredible sunset colors on the island.

While you're in the area go check out Kounopetra rock and the beautiful beaches near by. Head to Lagadakia beach for a refreshing swim and a good snorkeling session. Rent a boat and travel around Vardiani islet, all the way to the buzzing red sand beach, Xi.

Wanna see more? Discover the wild yet magnificent Agia Eleni beach.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi

Hidden beaches of South Paliki, Kefalonia

Long strips of sand, amazing sunset spots, hidden tavernas and villas; all of them plus much more you can find in Kounopetra, Lixouri.

10km south from Lixouri, on the western coast of Kefalonia, Paliki, you can discover a remote area called Kounopetra. Its name comes from the southern point of the peninsula, where after the earthquake of 1953, remained a moving rock. The specialists couldn't find an explanation why it was still moving. Nowadays it stopped. The exact spot is ideal for romantic sunsets with a 360° view of Ainos Mt., Zakynthos Is. in the distance, the Ionian Sea and Kounopetra.

Travel by foot to the right side as you are facing the sea and you'll discover Kymata Bohemian Resort, a beautiful newly refurbished resort that offers all the coziness and comfort a couple could wish for.

On the left side you'll see a small fishing harbor and some private villas. Some of them you can find on AirBnB for great prices even in the summertime. Along the coast Kounopetra beach awaits you with its shallow waters, ideal for families with babies. Meltemi Tavern and beach bar are open mostly all summer. The views are beautiful and the food is always tasty and fresh.

Ionian Sea Hotel and Water Park is the major hotel in the area. Choose to spend your holiday here with your family for a marvelous time on Kefalonia. The water park is open daily from 10am till 6pm, plenty of activities for both adults and kids, provided by the Entertainment Team of the hotel.

Kounopetra beach stretches out all the way to Xi beach. Down from Meltemi tavern there are some sunbeds and umbrellas, 6€ per day, during the high summer season. Travel by foot towards your left side. 7km of beach awaits you to explore it. A few minutes away there is Mania beach, a small piece of sandy beach with shallow water and a windmill on top of the hill.

Everywhere near the beach you will find clay hills, clay that you can soften in the water and put all of your body for better joint flexibility and softer skin. Continue your walk and you'll find plenty of small coves ideal for sunbathing even nude, as almost no one is around all summer long.

For the more adventurous spirits you can walk the rocks and mud path towards Koutala beach. This is my favorite spot, long, sandy and with a dramatic drop of the clay mountain towards the blue Ionian Sea.

Vardiani Islet is close by, you can ask the locals for one day boat trips. From Koutala, turn a bit left as you walk towards the left side of the beach and climb over the hill. You will see a small bay and Xi beach in the distance. Walk towards edge of the southern tip for incredible views.

You walk can continue towards the red sanded Xi beach which provides a wide arrange of sunbeds, bars, restaurants and watersports.

Back on Kounopetra beach you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, spend the day sunbathing on the sandy beach and be mesmerized by the dreamy shades of purple and orange of the sunset.

Want some more adventure by the seaside? Explore the hidden treasures that Agia Eleni beach has to offer.

Looking for relaxation and sunbathing in an ideal spot? Look no further; Vouti beach, near Zola village is perfect for you!

'till next time, take care.

Beldi