DISCOVERING KEFALLONIA

OMALA – AENOS MT. – SAINT GERASSIMOS CONVENT

The region of Omala is lying almost in the centre of the island, on the roots of Roudi –the mountain with the abundant fir regeneration- and of the National Forest of the impervious to the sun’s rays Aenos. Fragata and Valsamata are the main villages. The most of their inhabitants are grape-growers -because all the territory is in the V.Q.P.R.D. zone of Robola- and cultivate vineyards with restricted yields per hectare. Don’t forget to visit the sales room and the production and vinification place to taste the excellent Robola.

In the evergreen valley of Omala dominates the Convent of the Patron Saint of the island, Saint Gerasimos, whose memory is honored on August 16th and October 20th with litanies and public participation. His life was a pattern of all virtues and holiness and was connected to many admirable works. His holly relic is kept in the old church of the convent where there is also His underground Skete. This convent is very old -it dates back to the 16th c.- and is built on the roots of Mt. Aenos -or Monte Nero-, the highest mountain of the Ionian Region (1626 m).

Try to go uphill to its peak where there exist many indigenous kinds of the Kefallonian flora. Stroll into the forest of the unique black fir, the well-known Abies Cefallonica. It is worthwhile trying the experience and the view is breathtaking. In its high peak, Megas Soros, it was erected the sanctuary of Aenios Zeus and the fact that Homer used to call the oars in the boat of Ulysses “elati” (e.g. fir-trunk) is not of less importance. Fir-forestry Aenos in conjunction with the sea and the restless mind of the Kefallonians were the reasons that lead the islanders to the four corners of the earth.

Nature has indicated Livatho as place of unforgettable experiences. For centuries it was the centre of Kefallonia because the first capital of the island –until 1757- was the Castle of Saint George. The thing that remains deeply carved into the memory of the visitor is today the breathtaking view from the hill of the Castle and the sightseeing in it, the blissfulness of the magnificent villages and the emerald beaches of Livatho.

The region of Ano (Upper) Livatho combines mountain and sea whereas serenity and nobility prevail in Kato (Lower) Livatho. The residents of Livatho started travelling very early. As a result there was a fleet of 300 ships expanding a large commercial network at the Mediterranean Sea as well as at the Black Sea.

Livatho is a place full of life, cultural and social activities. Numerous festivals and festivities cover all seasons, especially the summer.

Getting around Livatho – Places of Interest

THE CASTLE OF SAINT GEORGE: The old capital of the island housing the Venetian Governor until 1757. It was built before the Byzantine times and was renovated by the Venetians. Visit the internal part of the Castle as well as the Church of Evangelistria, a medieval building with a magnificent belfry. Actually, the one-κλίτοςstep basilica is a museum that contains valuable exhibits of unique icons from several, now ruined, churches of the area. Ascend the hill which overhangs Livatho and you will be rewarded lavishly.

MAZARAKATA: It is worth visiting the Mycenaean tombs -16 post-Mycenaean curved tombs with 83 burials and one vaulted tomb-. The excavation finds are exhibited in the Archaelogical Museum in Argostoli. Also, 55 important excavation finds are kept in Nechatel, the birthplace of the Military Governor of Kefallonia de Bosset who made the excavations (1810-1812).

BUZANTINE MUSEUM: This museum is within the Convent of Saint Andreas of Milapidia. There are many rare exhibits from the 13th c. such as icons, woodcuts, wall paintings.

SISSIA MONASTERY: According to the tradition the monastery was built in the 13th c. by Saint Francisco of Assizi. It was destroyed by the earthquake of 1953. Today it has been rebuilt and the holly icon of Our Lady of Stefano Tzancarolo –c. 1700- is kept in the Historical and Folklore Museum in Argostoli.

THE MONASTERY OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS: The homonymous icon is kept at the Evangelistria Chucrh in Pessada and the holly icon of Our Lady Diotissa –Our Lady of Vlachernes- is kept in the monastery.

DIAS (ZEUS) ISLET – CHRUCH OF OUR LADY DIOTISSA: The islet may be visited by boat as it is not far away from the shore. One hundred steps lead to a 24 m. altitude where is the church built on the ruins of an temple dedicated to Zeus. Near this islet there is a smaller one named Danisti or Myzithris.

KALLIGATA: In the 18th c. church admire the beautiful baroque wooden curved iconostatis and the impressive belfry.

KERAMIES: This is the village of the national benefactors Vallianos and of the ship owning Likiardopoulos family. The Russian rhythm church of Saint Vassilios is of important value.

KOURKOUMELATA: Jewel village. Buildings of fine architecture, modern village planning and elegant gardens compose an idyllic environment and therefore the village is considered the most beautiful in Balkans. It was totally destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and it was reconstructed thanks to the donation of Vergotis family. Saint Gerasimos church is of important value.

LAKYTHRA: This village is streched on the homonymous hill. The view is panoramic. Four post-Myceanean tombs (1250-1150 b.C.) came to light during excavations near the church of Saint Nikolaos. Their finds are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli. In the village is the Rock of Lord Byron, a place used by the famous noble Englishman while composing his poets.

METAXATA: Old Episcopal see of Kefallonia. Archbishop Nikodemos Metaxas (1628-1646) was the man whose name was connected with the important event of the establishing in Kefallonia of the first printing house in the East. In addition, Lord Byron stayed at the house of the doctor of Ali-Pasha, Stravolemos Metaxas, for four months before travelling to Messolonghi. This house and the bust of the famous philellenist poet are in the central square of the village.

DOMATA: You may visit the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary with its fine gold-plated iconostasis made in 1839 from the melting of 12.000 pounds. In the church there is kept the coffin of the hanged by the Turks bishop Gregorios IV. The coffin was saved and brought at Domata in 1821 by the Kefallonian captain George Sclavos.

SVORONATA: Rich village with Kefallonian architecture houses and iron gates samples of the old art of the Kefallonian blacksmiths.

Beaches

LOURDAS: Long, sandy beach with running waters, vegetable and orange-tree gardens, olive-trees as well as tropical plants make this beach unique in Greece.

TRAPEZAKI: Don’t forget to visit the small church on the picturesque hill before the sandy, tranquil beach.

AVITHOS: It considered as the best beach in Livatho. This beach is sandy and well-organized with shallow clear waters appropriate even for surfing.

AGIOS-HELIS (Saint Achilleus): Small, organized beach of grey-colored sand near Svoronata. It’s worth swimming there even though there are many steps.

AGIOS THOMAS: Both, sandy and rocky beach at Karavados. On descending to the beach, drink fresh spring “Karavisianiko” water.

PALIOLINOS: A small beach sometimes with sand, sometimes full of pebbles, past Korianna – Klismata area.

AMMES: Organised sandy beach at Svoronata with the typical crystal clear sea, very common in Livatho area.

KLIMATSIAS: Sandy beach near Spartia for swimming and serenity.

AGIA PELAGIA: The homonymous cape and beach between Agios Helis and Ammes.

LITHERO: A quiet beach within a small distance from Lourdas for all those who like enjoying calm swimming and sunbathing moments.

PESSADA: Beach and small fishing port from where during the summer period there is everyday sea transportation to Zante.

The area of Eleios-Pronni, mythological connected with Eleios and Pronnos or Pronnissos, spreads in the S.E. part of Kefallonia. Eleios-Pronni is plenty of spectacular places, evergreen “corners”, endless beaches and majestic resorts.

The ruins of “Palaiokastro” and of the scattered strongholds in Arginia, Pyrgi and Pyrovouni remain to remind us about the glory of the ancient Thucydidian City-State of Pronnos. During the Frankish period Elios-Pronni was divided in some fiefs and was donated to the nobles. And in 1849 the historical blood-stained uprising of the residents in Scala signaled the end of the British Occupation.

Nature in Eleios-Pronni is generous, thus in the area there are considerable unique nesses. There are caves with wild doves, territories with age-long trees and all the kinds of the Mediterranean vegetation, creeks and springs gushing fresh clear water. You can meet nesting female marine’s turtles on the beach and in the sea you can see Monachus-Monachus seal. In the bottom of the sea near Mavrata there is the shipwreck of the English sub “Perseus” sunk on December 6th, 1941. In Eleios there are extraordinary vineyards and an important winery. Visit it and drink the wines. In Valeriano, a village near Marvrata, the great explorer Juan de Fuca was born.

During the summer many cultural events take place. The most important religious manifestation is in Markopoulo and in Arginia on August 15th, the day of the Holy Mother with the snakes.

Poros, Scala and Kateleios are fully organized. But, wherever you will stay don’t forget that Eleios-Pronni guarantees your conquest.

Getting around Eleios – Pronni / Places of Interest

SCALA: Fascinating resort full of pines with a fantastic long beach.

POROS: Picturesque and attractive village of unique beauty with a long sandy and pebbly beach. The port of Poros is daily connected with Kyllini.

THE CLOUGH OF POROS: Geomorphologic formation of unique, wild and imposing beauty. During the summer the river Vochinas cut across the clough dries though the planes on the banks are green. In the middle of the clough and in a protruding rock there is the “Path of the Evil” or the “Path of Hercules”, mythologically connected with the famous Greek hero.

DRACAINA’S CAVE: Place of excavations in Poros. The finds –pots, utensils, figurines and ornaments- are more than 5.500 years old. It lies at an altitude of 60 m. in an invisible place above Vochinas River.

PALAIOKASTRO: Fortified site over Saint Georgios and Kournelou small settlements. There are ruins of walls and cisterns.

MAVRATA: Vaulted tomb excavated by the archaeologist Marinatos.

BROUTZI TZANNATA: Royal tomb of 6,8 m. diameter dated between 1400-1050 b.C. The gold and glass finds, the copper pots and the engraved stones signal the presence of a strong Mycenaean centre. It came into light in 1991.

SAINT GEORGE IN KAPROS: In this site between Poros and Scala you can visit the ancient temple of Apollo of the 6th c. b.C. On the rocks facing the sea there are traces of an ancient quarry.

ROMAN VILLA: In Scala you can see the well-preserved roman mosaics of the 3rd c. a.C.

ATROS: The monastery of our Lady at Atros, the oldest monastery in Kefallonia is being mentioned from the 13th c. It is at an altitude of 535 m. to the northwest of Poros. Although the earthen road leading to the monastery is long, the view is breathtaking.

OUR LADY WITH THE SNAKES: Many worshippers come in Markopoulo, in Panagia Laggouvarda, on August, 15th to see the small snakes with the sigh of a red cross on their head. It is said that in 1953, in the year of the earthquake, the snakes did not appear.

OUR LADY IN ARGINIA: The same phenomenon as the above happens in the church in Arginia. The harmless snakes appear on August the 6th and disappear after the 15th.

OUR LADY IN ZOODOHOS PIGI: The old monastery was on the S.E. slope of Aenos Mountain. Now, there is a church in the same place. If you are patient you can see from a distance, near the spring, the short-bodied wild horse of Aenos.

WALKING TOURS
The Municipality can provide you with maps and information.

PASTRA-KATELEIOS: Follow the path all along the river and the net of the water-mils of the area. You can see the two Byzantine churches. You can walk on the small wooden bridges. You can rest in some places formed for this purpose.

POROS: From Poros direct to Asprogerakas. You will walk next to some immense stones which do not obey to the law of gravity. You will smell sage and myrtle mixed with the saltiness of the sea. Try sitting under the shade of the cypresses and the planes. Don’t forget to have a look at the ancient fortifications and to drink fresh water from the springs. See the Vochinas River and admire the great Royal vaulted tomb in Tzannata.

Beaches

MOUNTA: Clystal clear deep-blue sea with warm water.

SCALA: Fantastic, organized beach with a Blue Flag award. This beach is very long and is covered with tiny pebbles.

CAMINIA – RATZAKLI: a sandy beach before Scala. In the sea the turtle Caretta-Caretta, dolphins and the seal Monachus-Monachus swim.

POROS: Pebble beach, clear and clean.

ARAGIA: Organized beach, with a Blue Flag award.

AGIA VARVARA KATELEIOS: Nice, picturesque beach where you can sit in a tavern and enjoy fresh fish.

LIMENIA: A long sandy shore with fantastic small bays where the scattered huge rocks in the sea create good conditions for fishing. Between Poros and Scala the seal Monachus-Monachus is reproduced.

The area of Sami takes up the Eastern side of Kefallonia and is the central port of the island. Every day ships connect Sami with Patras, Ithaca, Lefkada, and Astakos, while in summer you can take a ship to Corfu or Italy. Sami is very important not only from historical and archaeological aspect, but mainly from geological, because in the area there is a rare speleological park.
In the recent history of Sami, the Radical Elias Zervos Iakovatos, a famous personality who played an important role at the Liberation of Kefallonia during the English occupation, was born in the village of Zervata and the adjacent village of Mouzakata became a holocaust during the German Possession.
Many scenes of the film “Captain’s Corelli mandolin” ware shot in Sami.
SAMI: On the hill exactly behind Sami there exist many ruins of cyclopean walls (especially of Acropolis Cyatis) dating back to the ancient city-state. Ancient Sami was the only one of the four city-states of Tetrapolis that resisted alone against the Romans until the entire fall (188 b.C.). From the top of the hill you will be able to admire the view and walk among the ruins of the old monastery of Agii Fanentes established in the 2nd a.C. from the gnostic Epiphanis. It is worthwlile visiting the Roman Bath with the mosaic. Some finds from excavations are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli. In the imposing church of Panagia Loutriotissa the holy icon of the throne was donated by the victorious united Christian fleet.
MONASTERY OF VIRGIN MARY IN AGRILIA: On the homonymous hill east of Same is lying the historical monastery that was founded in the 15th c. Try to ascend the hill and admire the picturesque gulf of Sami, as well as the iconostasis of the church and its semi-ruined belfry. On the road to Agrilia you will pass from Tseka, an excavation site plenty of Pre-Mycenaean funeral finds.
GRIZATA: The excavations of the summer of 1997 brought to light extensive remnants of ancient settlements and a lot of ostraca.
POULATA: Don’t forget to visit the marvellous –architectonally- church of Saint Spyridon with its iconostasis of excellent wood-curved techinique and its renaissance-type belfry.
PYRGI: In the semi-mountainous area of Pyrgi there are traces of ancient fortifications (Kastraki) and some villages abandoned after the seismic catastrophe of 1953 (like Staveri or Isaveri with the old church of Archangel). Towards Poros and leaving behind you Harakti, you will see on your left Akoli or Avythos lake – it is considered that it has no bottom- which is one of the most rich in flora and fauna hydrobiotop – hydrobiological place.

Speleological Park
DROGKARATI: A cave of exceptional acoustics, located 4km. S.W. of Same, full with unique red stalagmites and stalactites. Take with you a pullover and get down with attention the steps leading to the central hall, or “Hall of Apotheosis” as it is known. In the 60’s the famous soprano Maria Kallas sang in this hall and nowadays, during the summer take place some musical events.
ΜELISSANI: Two kilometers away from Sami, near the picturesque Karavomilos, is located the deep lacustrine cave of Melissani, one of the dream of the underground world. It is shaped in B form, its total length is more than 150 m., its width is approximately 25 m. and its depth is little more than 36 m. The roof on the southern side has collapsed leaving an opening 50 m. long and 30 m. wide as a result of which, the rays of the midday sun penetrating the aperture and playing with the transparent crystal blue waters create an excellent combination of colours. This phenomenon is visible by those inside the cave as well as by those from the gallery in the wild-vegetation-covered aperture. Formation of 20.000 years old stalactites, in many sizes and abnormal shapes, decorate the precipitous walls of this cauldron. Towards the middle of the lake, where the roof has not collapsed, there is a small island measuring 30 m. in length. It has been created by the fall of the rocks of the stalactites. From its surface rise two tiny hills. From the excavations made in 1951, some finds came into light which are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli. They are made of clay and had been offered to Pan and the Nymphs of the Cave. It is worthwhile getting in a boat and making the round of this fantastic and unique cave.
AGGALAKI: Among the 17 known caverns of the area is Aggalaki, located between Poulata and Karavomylos. It has two rooms –one small and one double in size from the first- which are placed verticaly. Marvellous stalactites of various sizes and forms are mirrored in the crystal waters of the lake.

Beaches
ANTISAMOS: In an evergreen bay N.E. and 4 km away from Sami is hidden a magnificent beach with a Blue Flag award. You have to be careful because the waters of sea deepen somehow abruptly. Before the big turn towards Antisamos, you must stop for a while a little above the cape Mytikas and wander in the old and abandoned village of Dihalia. In addition, a walking trail that begins from the old church of Sami leads to Antisamos (Information at the Municipality).
KARAVOMYLOS: The beach has pebbles and the waters is somehow cold. This is owed to the geological phenomenon that in this territory the sea water from Argostoli –i.e. from Katavothres- comes out after been mixed with the underground waters. Don’t hesitate to walk around the picturesque little pond, feed the ducks, take photos near the iron mill that makes visible the phenomenon of Katavothres. Please watch the direction of the mill: the water from the pond directs to the sea.
BEACHES ALONGSIDE THE ROAD TO AGIA EUFIMIA– AGIA PARASKEVI: Driving towards Agia Eufimia you will meet fantastic small beaches with clear blue waters, sometimes with pebbles, sometimes with white sand. The largest of all is Agia Paraskevi.

Pylaros spreads at the south part of Erissos penninsula. Although it does not extend so far, Pylaros has many idyllic places and a lot of history. Above all, it has one of the most beautiful beaches world-wide: the unique Myrtos.
The name of Pylaros derives from the word “pyli” (the gate). Because of the mountainous of the island, Pylaros served as one of the main entrance in Kefallonia. Due to the fact that many areas of Kefallonia are geographically secluded, the islanders for many centuries had not developed domestic communication. In this occasion the only communication was made through the sea, and the port of Agia Ephfimia – and probably Myrtos in ancient times- answered this purpose.
In Pylaros there are many cyclopean-structure ruins, as well as roman ones. In recent times, Pylaros played an important role in the National Resistance.
Historical churches climb up the rough slopes of the mountains and the Pylaros-dwellers have a very long history in cheese production, thanks to the fact that the cattle-breeding was for centuries the principal income of this area.

Goats with … gold teeth – The traditional cheese production
A very old legend mentions that the goats grazing on the mountains of Pylaros drink no water from October to May. This phenomenon was solved lately. Owing to the presence of great moisture in the air, the goats turn their heads to the blowing wind and breathe the moisture; therefore they don’t need drinking water.
The great Greek philosopher of the 4th century b.C. Aristotle says that, the hare and the goats living in Agia Dynati mountain have … gold teeth. This is owing to the composition of the soil because it contains mica.
Many of the residents in Pylaros who were working in cheese production were very famous. They used to work in their native land or far away bringing with them their knowledge. Today the production is of high quality, the cheese is very pure –as it was in ancient times-, and the taste is always savory and peppery. Don’t forget to eat traditional bread with feta cheese, or kefalotyri, kefalograviera, formano and myzithra.

Around the Pylaros region
AGIA EPHFIMIA: Picturesque village, seat of the former Municipality of Pylareon, with an excellent street-plan laid out in 1878, and a friendly harbour, capable to provide hospitality for many boats. During the summer, ships set sail across the way and in the port many boats find leeward and organized shelter turning Agia Ephfimia into a cosmopolitan centre. If you are interested in hiring boats, you can find some in order to discover the nearby fantastic see-corners.
The name of this provincial town derives from the homonymous church near the harbour, which celebrates on July, 11th. At this day pallikaria (e.g. stout –hearted men) from the area dance Divaratikos and Ballos.
At the edge of the town there are many antiquities –mosaic floor, hydraulic and heating installation in a roman villa-. After about 800 m. towards Siniori-Myrtos, in a site named Palatia, there are the ruins of an ancient building of cyclopean structure.
In the Byzantine Museum in Athens the iconostasis from the church of Agios Nikolaos is exhibited.
POTAMIANATA: At the entrance of the village stands the semi-ruined windmill as a remembrance of the past. Take a photo near the cistern, dated to the 18th c. The whole area was considered as a very effective mylotopos, a place with favourable for the grinding winds. Therefore, many windmills were constructed in Pylaros.
Before the windmill stands the statue of Marinos Antypas –he was born in another village of Pylaros, in Ferentinata-. He lived at the end of the 19th c. and became a hero because his murder (on March, 1907) from the landowners in Thessalia, signaled the beginning of the great agricultural uprising in Kileler.
THE MONASTERY IN THEMATA: An earth- road leads to the very old monastery which links Kefallonia with Byzantium. It is dedicated to Theotokos and its foundation dates back to 1096. Rare manuscripts and holy relics are there housed. The view from the slope of Agia Dynati is fascinating and the monastery stands in the centre of a dense forest of holm-oaks.
TARKASATA: An oblique earth-road before the Monastery of Themata leads to the abandoned village of Tarkasata. It is worthwhile wandering on its paved and weedy lanes. Have a look at the old church, the kiln, the threshing floor and the ruins of the stone houses, the owners of which were famous cheese-makes and cheese merchants.
FERENTINATA: At the entrance of the village you can admire the remnant of the splendid belfry, the height of which is said to be more than 30 m. The Kefallonians who lived in Russia decided to collect money in order to erect this belfry. It was constructed from porous stone brought from Malta, and at its construction worked master builders from Metsovo (Epirus).

Beaches
AGIA EPHFIMIA: Crystal clean beach in front of the harbour.
SMALL BEACHES TOWARDS SAMI: Alongside the road leading to Sami and near Agia Ephfimia, there are many beached induce you to swim. Pay attention during your descent on the slab-shaped rocks. If you decide to swim there, a small beach … of your own will be your reward.
MYRTOS: The paradise in the earth! The delirium of the blue sea! The most beautiful beach in Greece and Europe, and the third beach world-wide. A great musical concert is given at the night of the full moon in August. Eventhough you may feel frighten of the deep and abrupt sea waters, try your descending. You will feel a very unique, strong and unforgettable emotion: the blue expanse of the vastness somewhere between sea and land!

The Area of Erissos covers the north part of the island. Wild beauty, spectacular sea, small forests of thick cypresses, scenery of unequalled physical feature suddenly seen between the cliffs and the balanced on the … chaos goats, villages untouched by the seismic catastrophes, all of them combine the character of this area. You will admire Assos peninsula crowned by the Venetian Castle and with the picturesque settlement down the hill. In addition, all the villages in Erissos have their beauty due to the fact that they did not destroyed by the earthquakes and thus they remain pure samples of the local architectural rhythm. It is more than certain that at the end of the main road the view will recompense you, because … here we are in Fiscardo! And if for your returning you choose the “back” road, you will be able to see fascinating gulfs and Ithaca so … small as you will be in an airplane. Have a look at the islet in the narrow marine passage: it is called Dascalio and is believed as the Homeric Asteris.
Around the Erissos region – Attractions
ASSOS: Small peninsula of unparalleled beauty with a extraordinary littoral settlement hidden among plane and poplar-trees. On the peninsula there are Venetian walls of about 2 km. built in the end of the 16th c. in order to defend the inhabitants from the incursions of different races pirates. If you dare to ascend at the strong fortress, you have to be sure that you will be recompensed. The fortress was inhabited until 1968. Today there are only ruins from the old Venetian buildings, a small church and the newly-built (1930) prisons which were abandoned in 1953 and are now renovated. The sunset as seen from the west side of the fortress is magnificent and unforgettable.
The amphitheatrical settlement on the tip of the peninsula, its idyllic, sheltered port with the fishing-boats and the yachts, the old mansions and the new houses with the oleanders, the jasmines and the boccamvillias, form a special, authentic atmosphere of the past. It is believed that the name Assos derives from the homonymous area in Asia Minor. Near the small square in the village stands the old olive-tree on which Saint Kosmas the Aetolian leaned as he taught.
FISCARDO: The traditional settlement with its cosmopolitan character is a well-known attraction of Erissos and offers a perfect idyllic sensation. Try wandering on the pebble-covered step–shaped narrow streets and along the coastal street. Don’t hesitate to take photos from the traditional 18th c. houses with their tiny balconies and their fantastic yards. During the summer the small port serves abundant yachts and luxury crafts. On Fournias or Htournias peninsula, opposite the village, you can admire the ruins of an early-Christian basilica from the 6th c. which stand possibly on an ancient temple. In 1438 Ioannis Palaeologos stayed there on his way to Florence. Near the ruins of the basilica there are two lighthouses, one of which dates to the Venetian period. This peninsula is the most ancient settlement in the Ionian Islands and the stone pre-historic finds and tools (dated back to 50.000 b.C.) from the Paleolithic Era are exhibited in the Archeological Museum in Argostoli. In Fiscardo an old Roman necropolis came to light and four stone sarcophagi with representations of Artemis were excavated. Also, stone baths named after the locals as “The Trone of the Queen Fiscarda” are found in a curved cavity of 2,3 m. width and 2,4 m. depth near Psilithrias in a territory called Spiliovouno.
The whole area was called Panormos and the Panormios Phoebus Apollo, patron of the sheltered ports, was worshipped. The new name “Fiscardo” derives from the Norman leader Robert Guiscard who died there in 1085 when Kefallonia was the homonymous Nautical Byzantine Thema. Don’t miss the church Our Lady the Platytera, the house of the famous Greek poet of the sea Nikos Kavadias and the old primary school where an educational-environmental exhibition is housed. From this cosy village you can walk until Maggano, or Emplysi.
MONASTERY OF PALIOHERSOU: Between Defaranata and Vary there is the Monastery of Paliohersou, a very old monastery devoted to Our Lady and built in 15th c.
VARY – PANAGIA KOUGIANA: You can visit the Post-Byzantine church with the cross-shaped roof and the wall-paintings which bring into mind scenes from the “Divine Comedy” of Dante.
ANTYPATA: Do admire the unique Russian rhythm church of the Resurrection, built in 1933 from a wealthy Kefallonian living in Russia.

Beaches
PHOKI: Small beach after Fiscardo with many olive-trees reaching the wave.
EMPLYSI: Pebble beach with crystal clear blue-green water, of about a km. before Fiscardo.
ALATIES – AGIA ROUSSALI: In Tzamarelata village the north road leads to a rocky white beach called Alaties. If you follow the road to Halikeri you will reach the pebble beach of Agia Roussali. The local tradition says that once upon a time a pirate lost his son in a fight with the villagers and decided to bury him on the seashore where he built the church of Jerusalem. Now there are only the ruins of the church near the sea.
AGIA SOPHIA: From Komitata the road leads to the picturesque beach of Agia Sophia where there are some small houses near the sea, few fishing-boats and a lot of … loneliness. On your going down to the beach you will meet another beach named Gorgota, where there is still the diving-board from a scene of the film “Corelli’s mandolin”.
HAGIANA: From the village of Neohori the road ends to the beach of Hagiana. You must be careful because the street is narrow and twisted –as the majority of the roads in this area-.

Palliki peninsula spreads out along the western part of Kefallonia and is full of bays and caves. The area has different “color” from the rest of the island. It has soft ground, low hills, lands for cultivation, much agricultural production, ariettas and cantatas and a lot of … satire which is expressed during the Carnival through total popular participation! The capital of Palliki is Lixouri, a place that –according to Laskaratos- was made by God … after the universe and before the other places! From Lixouri there is a ferry to Argostoli which runs every hour until midnight.
In Tetrapolis time, Palliki was the fourth autonomous city-state named Palli. It appears to have been the midway stop on the route between Greece and South Italy – Sicily. 200 inhabitants of Ancient Palli took part in the battle of Platees in 479 b.C. and after their victory against Persia their name “Palleis” was curved on a gold tripod dedicated to Apollo in Delphus. Ancient Palli continued her route in the history of the Byzantine era and the ruins dated back to that period confirm this link. There is no church in Palliki without excellent iconostasis and with no icons painted by famous artists of sacred art (Poulakis, Moschos, e.c.t.). Pure sample is the church of Agios Georgios in Kontogenada.
Many people of the culture were born in Palliki as Vincent Damodos, Elias Miniatis, Andrew Laskaratos, Spyros Marinatos, George Bonanos, Geroulanos, Iakovatos and Typaldos family, Petritsi and Bassia brothers and many others.

Around Paliki – Places of interest
LIXOURI: Modern town with cozy, tree-lines streets, pretty harbour, pleasant squares. Visit the Iakovateios Library to admire the rare manuscripts, the painted ceilings, the antique furniture and the old books. The building housing this unique treasure is a pre-seismic sample of the local bourgeois architectural rhythm (Iakovatos mansion). Have a look at the Philharmonic School, an historical music centre founded in 1836. Take a photo of the opposite mansion of Geroulanos family where there is the room (the Keli) where the local Saint Panagis Basias lived. The Petritsios Public library “Damodos” is another important building with many rare books. The Vallianios Technial School (V.E.S.) was in 20th c. famous throughout Greece and today, two departments of the Techinical Institure of the Seven Islands (T.E.I.) are housed. Outside from Lixouri, in Lepeda, you can visit the 16th c. monastery of Agia Paraskevi where in the old cave the blessed Panagis Kourouklis led a hermit’s life. In Michalitsata you can enjoy the extraordinary view while you are drinking your coffee.
THE CASTLE OF ANCIENT PALLI: Today this area is named Paliokastro or Touri and throughout its extent there are ruins from ancient temples, large parts of walls, pieces from ancient columns, fragments from pots and many tombs curved in rocks.
HAVRIATA: In the church called Yperagia Theotokos is buried the philosopher and the great teacher of the Greek Nation Vincent Damodos.
KIPOURIA MONASTERY – MONASTERY OF TAPHIOS: The monastery was built 100 m. above the sea level and reminds somehow the Athos monasteries. The view is astonishing and the sunset is unbelievable. Before Kipouria is a tree-cover area where there are the ruins of the old monastery of the Agia Paraskevi in Taphios, connected with the mythical inhabitants of the territory named Taphii. The gate of this monastery is of unique craftsmanship.
THE MONASTERY IN KORONATO: Historical monastery of the15th c. The Throne with the icon of Our Lady weeps real tears and is connected with many miracles. In case you decide your stay there is a guest house.
DAMOULIANATA – RIFI: You can admire the marvelous sunset and the stunning old houses saved from the 1953 earthquakes.
THE MONASTERY OF VIRGIN MARY IN KEHRIONAS: Chains are hanging from the Throne of Virgin Mary in order to remember an old miracle (23/8/1694) happened in this area.
LIVADI: This place is a remarkable hudrobiotopos and has a very tragic history. In the third decade of the 20th c. the inmate of the agricultural prisons transform Livadi in a very productive place.
ROGGI OR OROGGI: Driving to Monopolata you will meet the old church of Roggous, a historical monument of Ionian Islands rhythm worth being preserved. Around this church there are the ruins of the old cluster of the rural mansion of Haritatos family.
HAVDATA: Try wandering among the ruins of the old windmills and admire the wood curved iconostasis of the Agii Apostoli of the 18th c.
AGIA MARINA IN SOULLARI: It is worth visiting Agia Marina, a protected 16th c. building, the only church with two sides of different rhythms: the one is of Ionian baroque and the other of neo-classical.
ISLET OF VARDIANI: Southern of Lixouri the islet off the coast is called Vardiani (from the itl. guardare which means observe). Before the earthquake there stood a very high lighthouse.
MANTZAVINATA: Another village known from its tasteful wine. Dance in the August full-moon wine festival and visit the local vinery.
RITSATA: In Agios Dimitrios area, a very narrow lane leads to the beach of Ritsata where the ruins of the old country retreat of the poet and philosopher Andrew Laskaratos is standing. There is a vinery using biological methods to product wine before the Laskaratos’ old house. Try drinking its special taste wines.

Beaches
ATHERAS: Swim in the spectacular bay of Atheras, eat fresh fish and sea-food and worship the small, picturesque coastal church of Agios Spyridon.
LEPEDA: An organized beach with a Blue Flag award.
XI: Organized beach with red sand and clean waters. The peculiar of the land with its characteristic rocks is unrepeatable. Near this beach is MIA LACCO beach.
KOUNOPETRA: Kounopetra is a huge rock in the sea near the coast which was used to move until the 1953 earthquakes.
VATSA: Vrahynari is pretty little bay where there is the church of Agios Nikolaos erected on the ancient temple of Poseidon. In the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli is kept the mosaic plate which depicts four dolphins and dates back to the Roman times.
LAGGADAKIA: Cozy small beach before the old lighthouse of Gero Gombos. Try swimming in the clear waters.
PLATIA AMMOS: In the centre of the highest village in Palliki, in Kaminarata, there is an old olive press. Then, you can direct to Platia Ammos, a fantastic beach with fine waters and a breathtaking view. But, you must be a little …. adventurous because you have to descend and ascend more than … 250 steps.
PETANI: Between Villatoria and Vovikes there is the majestic beach of wild beauty called Petani. It has got a Blue Flag award but the waters are deep enough.
AGIA ELENI: This pretty sandy beach is down the village of Damoulianata. If you like walking, you should try getting down to the beach. The walking route is fantastic.
AMIDI: Beach of amazing beauty with short cedar trees on the … wave. You can approach to Amidi only by boat from Atheras or Zola. Don’t forget to take with you a First Aid box.