Myrtos, Assos, Antisamos - A day to remember on Kefalonia

Myrtos, Assos and Antisamos are 3 of the most popular and beautiful places on the island of Kefalonia, Greece. I've been many times to these places and now, after 7 summers on Kefalonia, I can honestly say I will never get enough of them.

I remember first time I've seen Myrtos back in 2013, I was on an island tour with the clients from the hotel where I was working. The first gaze upon the marvelous beach was from above, window seat in the bus. I was so impressed by the blue shades of the sea and the steep mountain cliffs around it.

This summer I arrived on the white pebble beach in the middle of July. Despite the pandemic it was quite busy. The bar was open, many cars parked near by and couple of touristic busses coming and going.

The water was as light blue as I remember it. The waves were pretty small compared to other days. Many youngsters were having a cold beer or a snack in the shade provided by the cave at the far left side of Myrtos.

After spending couple of hours in the sun I left the impressive Myrtos behing and decided to head to the picturesque village of Assos. The coastal road offers incredible views of the island and the Ionian Sea.

20 minutes later I was already walking on the beautiful streets of Assos. Colorful houses on the left and right, souvenir and coffee shops, green trees and blue sea, this is Assos in a shell. I took a short walk to the northern part of the village climbing between the private villas, to enjoy a moment of solitude.

Hopefully next summer this wonderful village and for that matter also Myrtos would have fully recovered after Ianos Medicane hit in the middle of September destroying roads and houses.

Next up on the list was Antisamos beach. Situated on the opposite side of Myrtos, this amazing place is surrounded by green hills. The beach itself is a white pebble one with crystal clear water, ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Antisamos is situated near Sami village. On the hills near by one can find remains of The Ancient Acropolis of Sami, a powerful fortified town inhabited from the Paleolithic Times. Several references of Ancient Sami are found in Homer's poems (Heliad, Odyssey) when Sami fought in the Trojan War.

In the recent years Antisamos became very popular especially among youngsters. Various bars and restaurants were established along the beach with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. 

Unfortunately just like the other 2 places that I was telling you about before Antisamos took a big hit during the big storm. Only time will tell if the bar owners will have the budget to fix and reopen their establishments during the summer of 2021.

In conclusion you can visit these 3 gems in one day and enjoy the sun, the views and the fresh air. They are some of the most popular places on the island, so in case you are looking for secluded beaches, peace and quiet, I recommend you Agia Eleni, Kato Lagadi , Dafnoudi or Kimilia.

Be sure to have a look at my FREE DOWNLOADABLE 2021 Kefalonia Calendar.

'till next time, take care, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Beldi

A gift for you: 2021 Kefalonia Calendar - FREE DOWNLOAD

 As holidays almost knock on our doors I thought to make them even sweeter. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you already know about the love that I have for Kefalonia, Greece. I've spent 7 summers there working, making new friends, traveling and indulging myself into the local experiences.

So I've gathered some of my favorite pics from last summer in order to create this 2021 Kefalonia Calendar for you. Did I mention you can download it for free?! You heard it right. 12 pictures of beautiful places worth exploring, plus front and back covers, that you can print and have as your own 2021 Calendar or give as a present to your friends and loved ones.

Let's break them down for you.

For the cover photo I chose Kato Lagadi, a remote splendid cove situated close to Poros. How to get there and much more, read all the details HERE.

For January I chose Kimilia beach, a beautiful hidden gem in the northern part of the island. With its crystal clear water and lush greenery it is one of the ideal spots for snorkeling. Read all about it HERE.

February comes with a picture of this wild, pristine beach, situated between Kounopetra and Xi, Koutala. Discover it and many other ones in THIS ARTICLE.

Dafnoudi is the place I chose to represent March. This lovely beach is another beautiful spot where you can cool off the summer heat while exploring Erissos. More details HERE.

For April I chose Galini, one of my favorite gems in Lassi. Put it on your bucket list together with all these other not so well known places that you can visit next summer.

May, June and July present you 3 of the most well known places on Kefalonia: Antisamos beach with its wonderful panoramic views, the picturesque village of Assos and the most praised Myrtos beach. Need more reasons to visit Kefalonia?! READ all about it!

For August and September I chose Agia Eleni and Petani, two of the most magical beaches on the western coast of Paliki. Spoil yourself with unforgettable moments on these places.

The last 3 months of the year bring you a bunch of brilliant places one must see while exploring the south coast of Paliki. Lagadakia is known for its crystal clear water and rock formations.

Platia Ammos is the wildest, not so easy accessible yet magnificent point of view, especially for sunsets. Vrachinari with its sandy golden arms invite you to indulge yourself into local cuisine while watching the sun going down in the Ionian Sea.

These being said you can DOWNLOAD FOR FREE your 2021 KEFALONIA CALENDAR and print it in your own terms. I hope this makes your holidays a bit better. I can't wait to be back on my favorite greek island. 

'till then, 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?

Be sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

Have a great day, travelers! 

Kefalonia 2017 Calendar - A Christmas present

Hello travellers. It's that time of the year when wishes and presents are taking a first row seat on your priorities' show. I thought to surprise you with a Kefalonia 2017 Calendar. I took these photos last summer and I'm happy to share them with you.

Playing with rocks on the long, quiet beach of Skala.

Red sand Xi beach is waiting for the next summer.

Skala again, this time in front of this amazing 5* hotel, Regina Dell' Aqua.

The picturesque village of Assos is a burst of colours and sounds.

Fiskardo remains a wonderful colourful village where you can always be surprised to meet different stars walking by the sea side.

Makri Gialos/Costa Costa beach is the greatest place for youngsters, water sports and beach sports.

Are you up for an adventure?! Try to get to Platia Ammos beach. I recommend you to choose to go there by boat.

Emblisi beach is a delight for the eyes. Situated close to Fiskardo, the white beach and the light blue water are mesmerising.

Antisamos is my favourite beach. I had an amazing time doing water sports there. The area is surrounded my green forests and the view over Sami from the Acropolis of Same, situated very close to the beach, is breath taking.

Feel free to discover secluded beautiful beaches such as this one, close to Kipoureon monastery on Paliki peninsula.

There is nothing better for me than a sunset at the seaside. There are plenty of amazing spots on the island where you can be amazed by the beauty of the landscape but this one did it for me last summer, Petani Bay Hotel with its infinity pool - 7 stars.

Sometimes it also rains on the island. We were surprised that at the end of June we had such a day on Petani beach. But you can turn the situation around taking a picture of a storm while enjoying a cold beer in a taverna on the beach.

Aenos Mt. offers great panoramic views to Zante, Lefkada, Ithaka and even mainland. A breath of fresh air while hiking in this protected area is always welcomed in the middle of the melting summer below.

Bonus for you: the emblematic Myrtos beach, the most well known spot on Kefalonia, a must see on the island.

There are many other beautiful places to see all around the island and you can discover them below.

Click on this message to check out my Kefalonia 2016 Calendar.

Or press HERE for the Kefalonia 2015 Calendar.

Be sure to have a look on my "10 Reasons why to visit Kefalonia" list.

Until next time have yourselves a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Beldi