End of the summer: Castle of Saint George, Argostoli, Ai Helis beach

The end of summer 2020 got me to places that I enjoy when I want to combine history, shopping and relaxation while on Kefalonia, Greece.

On my first stop on this one day trip I drove with my friends all the way from Kounopetra to the Castle of Saint George, next to Argostoli.

The road around the bay from Lixouri to Argostoli is up and down, left and right, with plenty of dangerous curves and steep portions, but the extraordinary views make all of these forgettable.

The Venetian Castle of Saint George in Kefalonia is located 7 km southeast of Argostoli, above the village Peratata. This Castle was originally built in the 12th century by the Byzantines but it was mostly the Venetians who gave it its present form.

The castle is ruined today, mostly because of the earthquake that hit Kefalonia in 1956, and only a few buildings survive. This Castle was the capital of Kefalonia before Argostoli was made the new capital in 1757. Close to a small square in the castle, you will also see the ruins of the Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas.

If you don't feel like visiting the ruins and pay the entrance(3€), which, honestly are not a big deal, you can get to the view point, on the left side of the main gate and enjoy the view. I recommend you to walk around the small streets and discover hidden gems, churches, ruins, souvenir shops and wonderful newly restaurated restaurants.

On the 2nd stop we drove to the capital city of Kefalonia Is., Argostoli. It is located next to a natural bay surrounded by mountains and verdant forests. Its beautiful Venetian buildings were destroyed along with other villages of the island during the major earthquake of 1953. The town has been rebuilt since then, yet no efforts have been made to maintain the traditional architecture and the local color.

A stone bridge of 650 m long called the Drapano Bridge stands at the entrance of the capital. At the center is a small pyramid dedicated from Charles de Bosset, who built the bridge, to the British Empire.

"Argostoli is quite busy during the summer season offering a plethora of interesting features and activities. The beautifully paved coastal road promenade is boarded by palm trees and colorful pebbles from the sea. The road ends at the small ferry quay where boats connect to the town of Lixouri every half an hour and fishing boats moor. 

The central square of the town called Plateia Valianou (Vallianos Square) is a large and pleasant square lined by many restaurants, cafes and bars. During the evenings, the square gets really crowded with locals who are really warm and friendly. In Argostoli, one can notice the traditional way of life.

The pedestrian Lithostroto Street (Cobbled Street) is the main street of the capital filled with all kinds of shops. There one can admire the beautiful church of Saint Spyridon and the interesting clock tower of Campana Square. Around its outskirts are a range of restaurants that cover all tastes and budgets. Right above the square is one of the town's nicest sights, the lush Botanical Garden.

The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore is located a couple of km from Argostoli and was built by the British Governor Napier. A small round building with white Doric columns locally known as Fanari. This beautiful lighthouse it is one of the trademarks of Kefalonia." (greeka.com)

This time around we came just to see the famous Caretta Caretta turtles in the bay and to do some fast shopping. It is past 2pm and the heat is unbearable. Soon we jump back in the car, already sweaty, and we drive towards the airport. Our plan is to cool down on the beach. And that takes us to the 3rd stop of this journey which is Ai Helis beach.

Ai Helis is located in the southwest part of Kefalonia, 11 km from Argostoli and close to the village of Svoronata. It is a wide and long sandy beach with a nice beach bar, sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and two volley courts. The water is crystalline and shallow as you go in which makes it an ideal environment for children.

Ai Helis is surrounded on both sides by rocks and lush greenery that create a beautiful atmosphere. You can observe the rock of Zeus on the left side and the airplanes landing on your right side. During the summers there are great beach parties here, like in 2019. Unfortunately this summer all we can do is become best friends with the DJ in the bar, have some shots and ask him to play some of our favorite songs.

The day comes to an end after having a pita gyros at Ladokolla in Argostoli and a long drive around the bay all the way to Kounopetra. 

In case you want to explore more on Kefalonia, here are some of the most popular places to visit. 

While you are here be sure to check the best sunset spots on the island.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi

Fiskardo, Kefalonia - an ideal blend of colorful houses, yachts and ruins

Fiskardo is what some call Kefalonia's venetian coastal village. Part of the municipal unit of Erisos it is the northernmost port of Kefalonia, a short distance from Ithaca.

Fiskardo is well known for its colorful houses, busy harbor and romantic views. The coast around Fiskardo is mainly rocky with numerous pebble-beached coves. The port serves ferry routes to the ports of Ithaca and Lefkada. Kefalonia International Airport is located 61 km away from Fiskardo, approximately 1 hour 30 min by car.

Fiskardo and the dense forest in the surrounding area have been declared areas of great natural beauty and are protected under Greek law. In recent years a small tourist industry has developed, centered on luxury villas in the area around the village.

Fiskardo has been identified with the ancient town Panormos, mentioned by the 5th-century BC Greek historian Herodotus. Unlike most of Kefalonia, Fiskardo escaped from destruction by the 1953 Ionian earthquake and it has kept its original architecture. This makes it an understandably popular spot for tourists.

And it’s not just an excursion highlight for package tourists, but Fiskardo is one of the most popular places in the Ionian for visiting yachts thanks to its natural harbor. Its winding waterfront is lined with luxury boats, upmarket seafood restaurants and it is home to some of the priciest real estate in all of Greece thanks to the patronage of the rich and the famous who drop by on the megayachts.

Fiskardo is not a quiet village, maybe only in the winter time, otherwise the streets are busy in the summer days with tourists that spend their holiday there or come to visit from all over the island and Lefkada or Ithaka. The village has numerous colorful houses, restaurants and bars by the sea side, a bit pricey compared to the rest of the island.

Also you can visit small hidden gems such as the Roman Cemetery, the ruins of some old houses or the square with the frog statue in its center. There are also few small beaches at the end of Fiskardo, more appropriate for a quick dip at the end of a hot day. But you don’t have to travel far along the coast in either direction to hit some beautiful pebble coves with crystal clear water for swimming. The most famous are Emplisi, Foki, Kimilia and Dafnoudi.

I've personally been to Fiskardo many times during my 7 summers on Kefalonia. This summer I wanted to show to some of my friends the village and few easy hike trails around it. For sure the village was not as busy as it used to be the previous summers, due to the pandemic. We've been around the bay all around 'till we reached the ruins of an early Christian basilica (6th century). From that point we tried to hid from the summer heat under the cypress and olive trees.

Only 2-3 hundred meters away we visited the Lighthouse, which actually you can admire only from outside, and then the ruins of the Venetian Lighthouse. Beautiful boats were anchored in the bay of Fiskardo as we returned to the village.

We've continued our 1 day trip to the beautiful Emplisi beach, which in August was absolutely crowded. So instead we've decided to explore a small beach that I've told you all about in a prevoius post, Kimilia. Afterwards we've spend the late afternoon getting to and exploring the charming Dafnoudi.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi

Kimilia beach, Kefalonia - another hidden corner of heaven

Once a well kept secret and the refuge of locals during the busiest summer months, Kimilia is a corner of paradise.

Located at 2,9 km away from Fiskardo and 47 km from Argostoli it is an oasis of tranquility with crystal clear water and surrounded by greenery. You can also reach Kimilia following a woodland path from Emblisi beach (15min), through the forest. Otherwise while driving north you will turn left in the village of Germenata and pay attention to the road signs.

I've visited Kimilia twice, in 2017 and 2020. This summer I followed the road, past some fields with olive trees and park the car on an off road parking. You will see on your left side a path leading through a forest to the beach. The road is a bit steep but at least you will enjoy the shade. In approximately 10 minutes your sight will be delighted with the amazing shades of blue that the Ionian Sea has to offer.

Before going down to the beach adventure yourself a bit left and right for beautiful views of the small bay. Be sure to bring with you food and drinks as this beach has no facilities. White pebbles cover it so I recommend sport shoes and special ones for swimming.

Kimilia is ideal for sunbathing, relaxing and snorkeling as the water is very clear. The rocks surrounding the beach are a good place for diving even though personally I don't encourage that.

Last summer at the beginning of August it was busy in the middle of the day. As an alternative I chose Dafnoudi, which usually is less crowded. You can find all the details HERE. From Kimilia you can see Lefkada Is..

Off the beaten track explorer, looking for more hidden gems on Kefalonia?! Take a look at Agia Eleni and Kato Lagadi and be sure that they will end up on your bucket list for next summer. 

 'till next time, take care. 

Beldi