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

Cape Sounion and dinner with a view

The summer is now a memory. Back from Kefalonia to Athens, it's a full circle. I was here back in June and here I am once again. It is 27th of September, a sunny day, ideal for a road trip.

It is Sunday and it's World Heritage Weekend so I decided to drive to Cape Sounion and visit the Temple of Poseidon. 

Approximately 70km from Athens lies this perfect blend between a man-made wonder and nature. The road is wonderful, beautiful beaches on the right side and hills and mountains on the left. It takes us almost an hour and a half to get there. The Athenian Riviera offers a bit for everyone, restaurants and bars, long, sandy beaches, amazing sea views and wonderful marinas.

I have first visited the Temple 5 years ago. It is a wonderful sight with an extraordinary 360 view. It is part of the Sacred Triangle in Greece. 

"These temples are the Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina. When seen on a map, these three temples seem to form an isosceles triangle. Even more interestingly, all 3 temples were built within a few years of each other, adding to the theory their positioning formed part of a grander design. 

Some suggest that the temples were positioned on points of natural energy. Others, that they perhaps mapped the stars above. If they were built according to a grander design, it’s possible we will never know their true purpose." (greekmythologytours.com)

"The earliest literary reference to Sounion is in Homer's Odyssey (III. 278–285). The story recounts that as the various Greek commanders sailed back from Troy, the helmsman of the ship of King Menelaus of Sparta died at his post while rounding "Holy Sounion, Cape of Athens". Menelaus landed at Sounion to give his companion full funeral honours (i.e., cremation on a funeral pyre on the beach). Archaeological finds on the site date from as early as 700 BC. Herodotus (VI.87) mentions that in sixth century BC, the Athenians celebrated a quinquennial festival at Sounion, which involved Athens' leaders sailing to the cape in a sacred boat.

The Temple of Poseidon is perched above the sea at a height of almost 60 meters. Only some columns of the Sounion temple stand today, but when intact it would have closely resembled the contemporary and well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus beneath the Acropolis, which may have been designed by the same architect. The columns are of the Doric Order. They were made of locally quarried white marble.

Cape Sounino is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, with the sunset over the Aegean Sea, as viewed from the ruins, a sought-after sight since the first development of modern tourism in the early 19th century. Cape Sounion itself is located between the villages of Kato Sounio and Legrena. 

Forming the southeastern endpoint of the Athens Riviera, Sounio is now an upscale summer home location for Athenians. Construction of villas across the bay northwest of Cape Sounio flourished in the 1960s to 1970s. The Grecotel Cape Sounio luxury resort was built in 1973. The project Arrangement of the Archaeological Site of Sounion (2011–2013) was co-financed by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports and the European Union (ERDF)." (Wikipedia)

After wondering around the ruins we went down to Sounion beach. It is the first time I experience such an amazing feeling to swim next to the ancient ruins of such a beautiful temple.

On the way back we passed Lake Vouliagmeni and we decided to have dinner by the sea side. We chose Γαλήνη Restaurant, in Palaia Fokaia. A well deserved dinner by the sea side and admiring a wonderful sunset are all I need after such a long yet exciting day.

You want to discover more amazing places to visit in Athens? Look no further: HERE they are!

Otherwise delight your eyes with some of the most breath taking beaches in Kefalonia: Petani and Agia Eleni. 

'till next time, take care.

Beldi

Kefalonia 2020 - a must see guide to an unforgettable holiday

Looking for an experience to remember on the biggest greek island of the Ionian Sea? Look no further. Here are the best places to visit on this corner of paradise.

Myrtos beach

6 summers on the island, 2 years of working and travelling, discovering beautiful hidden gems, being amazed by the breathtaking views and making memories to last a lifetime; this is how I can summarize my experiences on Kefalonia.

Here are couple of "must see" gems that the island has to offer.

1. Myrtos and Assos

Assos

The most instagrammable places on the island must be these ones. The view from the top of Myrtos beach is to die for, turquoise waters and white pebbles. Doing paragliding above Myrtos is a must do activity. Assos is a small fishing village with colorful houses. The venetian ruins offer an unforgettable view.

2. Fiskardo and the beaches near by

Fiskardo

The northest village on the island is one of the few that remained intact after the 1953 earthquake. Hundreds of boats and yachts, colorful houses and roman vestiges are awaiting you in this corner of paradise. You might even bump into a movie star on the narrow streets. The beaches near by are some of the most beautiful on the island. All are surrounded by green, lush vegetation, with white pebbles and clear blue water. Emplisi, Foki, Kimilia and Dafnoudi are perfect for snorkeling and sun bathing.

3. Agia Efimia and Ithaka

Agia Efimia & Ithaka

In Agia Efimia are so many cozy restaurants with delicious greek cuisine and not only. Rent a boat and explore the small beaches on the north of the village for a piece of tranquility. Book a trip to the island of Ulysses, Itaka. Explore Kouni and Vathi and follow the steps of the greek mythology. 

4. The caves

Melissani Cave

Melissani is probably the most well known with its boat ride on the underground lake. Few know that close by are another 2 small caves worth visiting, Zervati, free of charge. Drogarati has great acoustics, Maria Callas was so impressed that she had to have a concert there. 

5. Antisamos and the ruins of the Old Same

Antisamos

Another beautiful beach surrounded by lush vegetation, this time more commercial, is Antisamos. Cool down the summer heat with a mojito at one of the newest restaurants, while swinging in a hammock. Go up and discover the ruins of the old city of Same with fortifications, massive stone walls and churches. Explore the green hills through the olive groves.

6. Mount Ainos and St. George's Castle

View over Zkynthos from Ainos Mt.

Drive all the way up to the peak of the highest mountain of the Ionian Islands for a 360 view of Zakynthos, Lefkada and the mainland. Go hiking through the pine forest and, if you are lucky, you will spot the wild horses. Take a walk on the history lane while exploring the old capital city of the island, St George's Castle offers beautiful views over the Lassi area and Ainos Mt..

7. Lassi and Pessada

Makri Gialos beach

Feeling sociable, go to Lassi, probably the most commercial part of the island. It combines crowded, sandy beaches, Makri Gialos, and a diverse palette of bars and restaurants with more calm places, ideal for a relaxing swim, Gradakia. Walk to Saint Theodore Lighthouse for a beautiful sunset. Drive to the small harbor of Pessada and discover the beach where you can walk on only barefoot. Continue your adventure by taking the ferry to Zakynthos.

8. Poros and Skala

Skala Beach

Commercial areas where nature has plenty of secrets to unfold. Have your lunch between rocks at Remetzo restaurant in Poros and explore the bottomless lake close by. Suntan on the wide and long beach of Skala and grab dinner at one of the fancy restaurants near by. Book a one day boat trip to Koutsopia beach to recharge your batteries.

8. Argostoli and Lixouri

Saint Theodore Lighthouse, near Argostoli

Visit the capital city, Argostoli, to see the Caretta Caretta turtles in the harbor and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many tavernas. Enjoy a frappe on the recently renovated main square. Explore the city center with so many souvenir shops and architectural gems. Take the 30 minutes ride with the ferry to Lixouri. Walk the colorful streets and lay in the sun on Lepeda beach.

9. Petani and Agia Eleni

Sunset seen from Petani Bay Hotel

Feeling adventurous? A 20 minutes drive from Lixouri and couple of steep curbs, there is Petani beach. A gem with both sand and pebbles, Petani is well known for the resemblance it has with Myrtos. Watch the sunset from Petani Bay Hotel. Agia Eleni is not so popular because is a bit harder to find, especially if you are on the island for the first time, but believe me, the locals know why they don't want the tourists to find it. It is absolutely stunning, a retreat for couples and those who just want to be in the middle of nature, away from civilization.

10. South of Paliki

Platia Ammos view point

The southern part of the western peninsula is sprinkled with so many small gems. Watch the sunset on Vrachinari beach and enjoy fresh sea food on Vatsa. Go for a swim on Lagadakia beach and explore Chavdata and Chavriata villages. Visit Kipoureon Monastery and walk to Platia Ammos view point for an incredible picture perfect shot. Choose a mud bath on Kounopetra and do water sports on the red sand beach Xi. Book a sea taxi from Zola to Fteri beach or hike in the mountains. Find the perfect spot for relaxation on Atheras or enjoy the sound of waves on Vouti beach.

Vouti beach

There are so many other amazing places on the island and so many experiences a tourist can have. Personally I love it because of the kindness of the locals, the fresh food and the fact that the island is not so touristic. 

Pessada

The views are spectacular and yes, the roads can be sometimes dangerous, but nothing I've seen in my 11 summers on Greece can equal the memories I've made on Kefalonia. 

I would like to add the monasteries, the wineries, the crazy lovely goats that are everywhere, climbing trees and rocks, the sunsets on the sea side and so many more; but for that you can also check out the articles below.

My 5th summer on Kefalonia

Best places to see the sunset on Kefalonia

10 Reasons why to visit Kefalonia

Check out more pictures in my recent interview with Kefalonia Press.

What is your favorite greek island and why? Would you consider having your 2020 holiday on Kefalonia?

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Have a great day, travelers!