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

Agia Eleni beach, Kefalonia, Greece 2020 - an oasis of tranquility

First time I tried to get to this beach I got lost. The GPS took me and my friends in front of a huge private villa above Petani beach. But we didn't give up and we got to this oasis where we were pleasantly surprised by the sights.

Agia Eleni (38.260250, 20.367158) is a small hidden beach, south from Petani, on the western coast of Paliki, Kefalonia. It is located 14km by car from Lixouri (25 - 30min). On the way you will pass by small villages such as Monopolata and Damoulianata.

We found out about Agia Eleni from locals. Usually there are just a few people on the beach, but during the weekends of July and especially August there will be a bit more.

The road down is very narrow and twisty, so definitely not for nervous drivers, but it’s fine for most if you take your time. Just before the last curve towards the left side there is a small place where you can park for a few minutes. Walk 15 meters to the right side and get ready for a different, exciting view over Petani.

Once you get to Agia Eleni beach limestone and fine shingle await you. The water gets deep quite quickly to a depth of 6-10m across width of bay. The big rocks around the bay are the tips of large stacks that go straight down to the bottom. This is the best beach for snorkeling in Kefalonia. 

Several of the rock formations have mini caves/tunnels you can swim under and through, leading to the other side or into caves in the center of the rocks, open to sunlight from above. Perfect for providing even inexperienced snorkelers with an adventurous experience which is completely safe.

If you're feeling adventurous, like me, you can climb the rocks on the left side of the beach or swim. A whole new beach is hidden on that side, surrounded by huge rock drops. The views are quite spectacular.

Be sure to bring with you an umbrella and refreshments as this is a wild beach quite far from any restaurant or kioski. It is a pebble beach so special shoes might be requiered.

After we spent all day sunbathing and swimming it is time for a well deserved dinner. Another great tip we got from the locals is about Ladokolla stin Plagia restaurant. It is located in the village of Damoulianata, on our way back from Agia Eleni.

The chairs are colorful and with different messages painted on them. The waiters are super friendly and the food...the food was quite fantastic. It was the first time in Greece when I've tasted such great and fresh dishes.

 

My favorites are grilled cheese with home marmalade (I was not sure what to think about it but I was so glad I ordered it), baked pork meat on the stick with beer and honey and pieces of chicken with a sweat mustard dip and rice with vegetables. The quality/price ratio is great and you will not regret it.

These being said I totally recommend you to have this one day trip. It is so worthy. You can see also the hidden beach on the left side of Agia Eleni below.

Otherwise you can choose Agia Eleni's bigger sister, PETANI BEACH. 

Off to discover another corner of paradise on Kefalonia? KATO LAGADI will swipe you off your feet.

'till next time, take care!

Beldi