Kefalonias Fdn

Food

Kefalonia offers a wide range of foods from the traditional greek menu, tavernas, Grills, souvlaki bars, restaurants, Italian, Chinese, Indian, western and much more. With a vast range of places to choose from you're sure to find somewhere and make it your favourite place. As anywhere, the quality and preparation of food varies from place to place. So when deciding where to eat it pays to look around and use your judgement to suit your own tastes. For greek food the best indication is to see where the locals choose to eat. 

Kefalonia is rightly famous for it's pies. The Kefalonian meat pie is traditionally made from rice and three meats: lamb, beef and pork. The pastry will either be a hard (salt crust) or a puff pastry.

Other pies include, cheese pie (sometimes served as a starter), cod, octopus, artichoke, and leek pies.

Nightlife

 Kefalonia is without any shadow of doubt the ideal island for a quiet holiday by the sea, enjoying its golden beaches and crystal clear waters. Nature is the undisputed queen with its multifaceted landscapes from the lush greenery, to the highest mountains and unique wildlife.
So it is not known for its nightlife, but there are some bars and clubs for those who want to have fun at night, without great expectations and always having not in mind Mykonos nightlife.
Sometimes, especially during the high season, there are some theme parties are organized on the most famous beaches of the island.
Most of the nightlife is concentrated in Argostoli, the capital, with modern clubs and big discos to have fun all night with dance music and cocktails. Also in other places of the island (Sami, Skala, Fiscardo, Lixouri and Poros) there are bars and disco clubs to spend long nights.

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Kefalonias beaches

Myrtos

 














It is the trademark of Kefalonia with numerous international awards as one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and it is certainly worth it. Moreover, every year Myrtos is being awarded from the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) with the blue flag. The scenery from above is unique and the view is certainly breathtaking. Green rocks that result in quite a long beach with white pebbles and the Ionian Sea at its best. The turquoise waters, with or without wave, will make your swimming experience unforgettable. And when you finally descend and encounter the infinite blue, you will be enchanted. Do not leave until watching the sunset; it’s a unique experience.


Antisamos
 

The island of Kefalonia attained special glamour and publicity because of the Hollywood production “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, which was filmed in the year 2000 on the island. The beach that fascinated most viewers was no other than the beach of Antisamos. Awarded with the blue flag, it is located a few kilometers away from the port of Sami. The landscape combines all shades of blue and green, where the vegetation grows almost into the sea.

Petani

 
“ePiETANoI” is a word of Homer, meaning an area with abundant water throughout the year. The Petani Beach consists of fine white pebbles and crystal clear turquoise waters. The path to the beach is just as unique as the beauty of the whole of the landscape which literally leaves the visitor speechless. The beach is fully organized with canteen, sun beds and many restaurants on the seafront. Enjoy your coffee or drink, while admiring the breathtaking sunset.


Xi (ksi)

 
Xi Beach is an exception compared to other beaches of Kefalonia, because it has no steep cliffs or deep waters. Instead, it is very easily accessible. Its waters are very shallow and thus more than suitable for children. What makes the Xi Beach so unique and extremely impressive is its reddish color of sand. Because of its clayey composition, one can enjoy a natural and free spa session, as it is said to have cleaning and tightening effects to the skin. The beach is well organized and you will easily find a parking place. For water sports lovers, Xi Beach offers a big variety (Jet-Ski, Water-Ski etc.).


Skala

 
Its crystal clear waters, the vegetation that grows almost into the beach and the beach area that is over three kilometers long have turned Skala into an important touristic center over the recent years. Skala Beach is fully organized but preserves its own distinct character. Apart from the village and the beach of Skala it is worth visiting other beautiful beaches and picturesque villages situated in the southeastern part of Kefalonia.

 Foki  

 Foki is a beach within a five minute drive of the busy village of Fiscardo and is quite popular. This is probably due to its location because it only consists of a small strip of pebbles. Much of the area where people lounge is actually covered in rocks. Many trees cover the ‘beach’ so there is plenty of opportunity for shade. The water here is very pleasant as are the rocks that border it.






Platia Ammos Kefalonia 

 A secluded beach on the western side of Kefalonia, this beach amazes visitors with the natural beauty. The landscape looks a bit like the beaches of Myrtos and Petani, but it is far more unexplored and calm. There are no tourist facilities in this beach, such as beach bars, taverns, sunbeds or umbrellas.

Located next to the Monastery of Kipoureon, in the peninsula of Paliki, the beach of Platia Ammos was accessible only by boat till few years ago. Nowdays about 280 steps have been carved on the cliffside that lead down to this lovely beach. With a sandy coast and rocky seabed after the few metres, Platia Ammos is a great place to relax. If you are not a good swimmer or have children, be careful because the water is very deep and sea currents can be dangerous sometimes. 

 Makris Gialos Kefalonia:

 Makris Gialos is a wonderful tourist resort known for its sandy beach. It is located near Argostoli, within a distance of 4km from the town. It is one of the most frequented beaches of Kefalonia, popular for the shiny sand, the azure and clean waters. It is surrounded by a magnificent green environment with dense vegetation and tall pine trees. In some parts, there are large rocks washed by the sea, creating an exotic scenery. 



 

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Top ten Kefalonia

 Kefalonia Island is a place with the most imposing and breathtaking scenery  of endless blue-turquoise sea, golden beaches, magical caves, steep cliffs, historical monuments, vineyards, high mountains, churches and monasteries, offer the visitors unique moments of relaxation, peace, diversity and endless natural beauty.

1.    In Argostoli, the capital of the island, there is a number of sightseeing as the Archaeological Museum, that  houses interesting archaeological finds from the Mycenaean, the Hellenistic and the Roman periods, the Korgialenios History and Folklore Museum, the Korgialenian Library, that keeps 50.000 books and old manuscripts, among which some very rare, as well as the beautiful theatre of Kefalos which is considered as one of the best theatres in Greece.

 

 

 

 

 

2.    The well-known village of Fiskardo in the north end of the island has been declared a ‘preserved area’ as many of the traditional buildings are preserved and show the traditional architectural of the island before it was destroyed. Because of its traditional beauty, Fiskardo is a cosmopolitan place visited by hundreds of tourists and VIPs.

 
3.    At a small distance from the capital stands the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore, locally known as “Fanari” (lighthouse), built by the British Governor Napier, which  is considered one of the trademarks of Kefalonia.


4.    In the same area, ‘Katavothres’  present a rare geological phenomenon. The seawater rushes through some cracks in the rocks and disappears in the earth. Following underground channels, it travels inland and comes out in the Melissani  lake, 15 klm away.


5.    5 klm from  Sami, the main port of the island, is the impressive  cave at Melissani , that has lost its roof due to the severe earthquakes that have occurred. The Melissani  lake formed, is admired for its amazing clear blue green water The 150 million years old Drogarati Cave in Kefalonia, is a rare geological phenomenon according to the Speleologists . Its entrance was revealed after a strong earthquake and it is   an impressive cave with remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

6.    Assos,  a small picturesque village, is built on a small peninsula and attracts with is beauty and serenity.

7.    Kourkoumelata , the prettiest village of the island, stands on the ruins of the old village. After the earthquakes it was totally rebuilt in a neo-classical style and beautiful  houses  emerge from the gardens and the flowers.

8.    Close to Kourkoumelata stand the ruins of the Castle of Saint George on a hill village, about 7 km from Argostoli. The castle was originally built by the Byzantines but the Venetians gave it its final form in 1504.
 











9.    Kefalonia is famous for its endless crystal-blue coast line. Most of its beaches are very popular and have been awarded with the Blue Flag. Most famous is Myrtos beach, but also Poros, Lourdas, Lixouri, Minies, Platys Gialos, Skala, Antisamos, Petanoi, Xi, Atheras, Avythos, Lagadakia, Platia Ammos .


10.    Close to the village of Kateleios,  Mounda Beach is considered to be the most valuable area of coastline on Kefalonia for the reproduction of the  sea turtle Caretta  caretta.

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Santorini fdn

If you think a visit to Santorini will be a relaxing and peaceful way to spend a vacation with loved ones, or perhaps with friends, you will only be partially right. It is true that Santorini's magic is first and foremost due to her breathtaking views, history, nature, and mythology. On the other hand, she is famous for something else: her unforgettable bacchanalian nightlife!

If you are in search of a Santorini vacation that is anything but cultural, you will not be disappointed--most beach parties start as early as the afternoon. The numerous bars and clubs on the beach provide a perfect way to release pent up stress. Monolithos, Perissa, Kamari have great beaches, bars, chalets and camping. However, the best party beach hands down remains Perivolos.

This beach is where you find the young crowd that between dips in the water and sunbathing, they can be found enjoying a bite to eat and many a beachside drink.

Beyond the full gamut of sports available, the beach also offers a limitless number of disco-bars full of hundreds of people.






Eating and drinking on Santorini Island are not necessarily as cheap as on some other Greek islands (or the mainland for that matter). But, if you’re prepared to sacrifice that stunning view of the caldera, you can drive the price of a night out down significantly.

In addition to Greek favorites like the usual assortment of 'mezedes', 'souvlaki', 'mousaka' and 'dolmades', island specialties include battered tomatoes (known as 'sutsukaki') and the ever-present 'gyros' (kebabs) - both of which are budget-friendly dishes.
Santorini tavernas also specialize in seafood, with the small beach bars and restaurants that line the coast in particular serving up the most amazing grilled fish (particularly prawn) dishes straight from the sea.

The island also has a great wine-growing tradition, stretching back centuries. The best of the island’s vineyards can be found in Megalochori, but Gavalas, Antoniou and, particularly, Boutaris are all excellent, and should be sought out at the first opportunity.
Fira and Oia are the most expensive (and trendiest) places to eat out on Santorini, with precious few places to suit the traveler on a budget. There are more relaxed, budget options, on the other hand, down in Kamari Beach and Perissa, where a selection of cheap fast-food can be snapped up.

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Santorini beaches

KAMARI
Kamari was completely rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake and was the most important strategic point on the island after the decline of Acrotiri in ancient times. Kamari, is a tourist hotspot situated on the southeast side of Santorini. The area is famous for its beautiful beach extends all the way to Monolithos and for its green landscape. On the beachfront you can find hotels, restaurants, bars and many shops that can please all tastes and budgets. In Kamari also, every year, the Jazz Festival takes place, in the lovely atmosphere of its outdoor cinema. The official name of the village is "Episkopi Gonia" and took its name from the interesting church of Panaghia Episkopi which was built in 1100. The best time to visit the church is on August 15th during the feast of the Virgin Mary when the church celebrates with a large festival. Also, on September 24th the church Panagia Myrtidiotissa, celebrates with festival where the food and the wine is plentiful.


  PERISSA
Perissa is one of Santorini best beaches. Next to Emporio village a long dark sand endless beach.
A feature that makes Perissa unique (besides the crystal water and the smooth sand) is the fact that is the best protected beach from the summer Aegean winds (called "Meltemia" in Greek). Perissa lies right next to Profitis Ilias mountain, totally protected from the North.



  PERIVOLOS
Perivolos lies between Vlihada and Perissa. Wonderfull endless beach, ideal when north winds are blowing with a litle lighter sand than Perissa (dark grey). Perivolos is the place to have a great time in the well organized beach bars and restaurants. Beach bars are lots of fun, they combine a "day club scene" with swimsuits, beach volley and happenings.



  RED BEACH
Red beach in the Akrotiri area. Beautiful beach, well known for the unique colour of the sand and the hill behind it. Soaring red lava cliffs which drop right to the sandy shore and into the clear blue sea, make for a majestic setting and one to enjoy. The beach can be reached either by boat (there are several connecting Red Beach with Perissa and Akrotiri or by foot (10 minutes walk from Akrotiri, you have to reach Agios Nikolaos church in Akrotiri next to the excavations area). We suggest to include Red beach into your itenerary

.KOULOUMBO BEACH
From the beaches at the North East part of Santorini Kouloumbo (or Columbo) is the greatest. It is a long sandy beach of unique beauty nestled next to a cliff and the last one in Santorini that is not organised at all. East of the beach at a distance of 3 miles and underwater at a depth of 18,5 meters is located the omonymous crater of the volcano that gave the 1650 eruption and caused several disasters on the island.

  MONOLITHOS
A beautiful golden sandy beach next to Kamari at a distance of about 9 km from Fira. In Monolithos area is located the Santorini airport. Monolithos is a quiet beach but well organized, with all the comforts (even sea sports). Hotels, beach bar, umbrellas and taverns are available. The village was named (monolithos in Greek stands for one rock) after the solitary rocky outcrop and the soaring smokestack of the tomato paste plant. With its broad beach of fine black sand and seemingly endless shallows, Monolithos has inevitably developed into a family resort.

  VLIHADA BEACH
Vlihada is the last beach in the row of Perissa and Perivolos before Akrotiri. The pumice stone hills just behind the beach keep it calm and quite. Chances are (except maby from August) that Vlihada will be quiet and so crowded like Perivolos and Perissa. Before you reach the beach, you pass the small harbour, which is full with small traditional boats. Do not stay surprised if you come across as you are walking to the beach to one of the many ducks or the swams that leave there under the wing of the fishermans. It is a perfect spot for those wishing to avoid the big crows. Meals and snacks can be found at a nearby cafeteria on a boat.

 AGIOS GEORGIOS
Another beach in the row of Perissa and Perivolos before Vlihada with small tavernas and rooms to let opposite the beach. It is located on the southern tip of the island. Water sports and beach bars are available here. Also a few taverns can be found here and this beach offers a perfect spot for those preferring a solitary swim and avoid the massive crowds. The beach is accessible from Emporio and Perissa (3 and 3,5 klm respectively), by rented or private car and motorbike. Walking is also an alternative.



  MESA PIGADIA
A quiet wonderful rocky beach. One of the many hidden spots for swimming near the extreme nature of the island in the area of Akrotiri. The beach is not very large and it consists of sand with pebbles and also with larger stones on it. It is just 800m from the main Akrotiri road and there is a restaurant on the beach among the several cave houses called varkadies (used to host fishing boats during the winter). On Mesa Pigadia it is a little bit more quiet than on some of the other beaches because it is more out of the route.

 VOURVOULOS BEACH
Vourvoulos beach (Paralia Vourvoulou in Greek) is located on the North East part of Santorini for several kilometers. Several points offer a sandy part and there is also a small fishing boats harbour the last years with a fish tavern.

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Top ten Santorini

The top attraction here is the island itself; don't feel compelled to race from attraction to attraction. It's far better to make haste slowly, linger on the black beach at Kamares, and stroll Thira in the early morning when the town belongs to its inhabitants, who are buying loaves sprinkled with sesame seeds at the bakery, and sweeping and washing the pavement outside all those jewelry shops. Most importantly, wherever you are, enjoy the view. There's nowhere else in the world, let alone in the Cyclades, with that caldera view. A great way to see the caldera is to take one of the sunset cruises offered by replica 18th-century sailing ships the. Some cruises do and others do not include a light dinner. Most travel agents sell tickets from around 45€.
Tip: If you plan to visit the ancient sites and their associated museums, get the economical 10€ ticket that's good for the Archaeological Museum, ancient Akrotiri (if open), prehistoric Thira, and ancient Thira. Even if the ticket price goes up, as it almost certainly will, and even if Akrotiri is closed, as it may be, this will be a good buy.

Winery Museum --
The museum, which occupies subterranean caves and tunnels, has an audio tour and reconstructions of the wine making process; 6€. Volcan's once-a-week Greek Night, featuring dinner and belly dancers, is popular with large tour groups. Check the website of the individual wineries for their varied hours.
utari.gr) is the island's largest winery, and Greece's best-known wine exporter. A variety of tours are offered at their winery in Megalochiri on the road to Akrotiri, from a simple tasting of three wines (6€) to the "Libation to Santorini," with four wines, serious nibblies, and a multimedia show. This is a pleasant way to spend an hour or so (but never on Sunday, when the winery, like most on Santorini, is closed). If you want to sample other local wines, stop by the underground




 A Different Santorini -- A different way to explore Santorini is the 1-hour submarine tour beneath the caldera's surface. It sinks 25 to 30m (82-98 ft.) below the surface and offers you a glimpse into the submerged volcanic crater. The trip costs 65€ .

Fira
Location, location, location: To put it mildly, Fira has a spectacular location on the edge of the caldera. Just when you think you've grown accustomed to the view down and out to sea and the offshore islands, you'll catch a glimpse of the caldera from a slightly different angle -- and be awed yet again. If you're staying overnight on Santorini, take advantage of the fact that almost all the day-trippers from cruise ships leave in the late afternoon. Try to explore Santorini's capital, Fira, in the early evening, between the departure of the day-trippers and the onslaught of the evening revelers. As you stroll, you may be surprised to discover that, in addition to the predictable Greek Orthodox cathedral, Fira has a Roman Catholic cathedral and convent, legacies from the days when the Venetians controlled much of the Aegean. The name Santorini is, in fact, a Latinate corruption of the Greek for St. Irene.

Megaron Gyzi Museum (tel. 22860/22-244) in a stately old house by the cathedral has church and local memorabilia, an icon workshop, and before-and-after photographs of the island at the time of the devastating earthquake of 1956. It is open Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 1pm and 5 to 8pm, and Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is 4€.
Not surprisingly, Fira is Santorini's busiest and most commercial town. The abundance of jewelry stores is matched in the Cyclades only by Mykonos -- as are the crowds in July and August. At the north end of Ipapantis (also known as "Gold Street" for all those jewelry stores), you'll find the cable-car station. The Austrian-built system, the gift of wealthy ship owner Evangelos Nomikos, can zip you down to the port of Skala in 2 minutes. The cable car makes the trip every 15 minutes from 7:30am to 9pm for 5€, and it's worth every euro, especially on the way up.

Up and to the right of the cable-car station is the small Archaeological Museum  which contains early Cycladic figurines, finds from ancient Thira, and erotic (or obscene, depending on the eye of the beholder) Dionysiac figures. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30am to 3pm. Admission is 4€. You can easily spend a day or more enjoying Fira, but don't count on getting much sleep: Fira has a wild all-night-every-night bar scene, with every bar seemingly competing for the award for the highest decibel level attainable with amplified music.

Oia
Oia gets most visitors' votes as the most beautiful village on the island. The village made an amazing comeback from the 1956 earthquake which left it a virtual ghost town for decades. Several fine 19th-century mansions survived the earthquake and have been restored, including the elegant Restaurant-Bar 1800 and the Naval Museum . Much of the reconstruction continues the ancient Santorini tradition of excavating dwellings from the cliff's face, and the island's most beautiful cliff dwellings can be found here. The village has basically two streets: one with traffic, and the much more pleasant inland pedestrian lane, paved with marble and lined with an increasing number of jewelry shops, tavernas, and bars.

The Naval Museum is a great introduction to this town where, until the advent of tourism, most young men found themselves working at sea and sending money home to their families. The museum, housed in a restored neoclassical mansion, was almost completely destroyed during the 1956 earthquake. Workers meticulously rebuilt the mansion using photographs of the original structure. The museum's collection includes ship models, figureheads, naval equipment, and fascinating old photographs. Its official hours are Wednesday through Monday from 12:30 to 4pm and 5 to 8:30pm, although this varies considerably. Admission is 3€.
The battlements of the ruined kastro (fortress) at the western end of town are the best place to catch the famous Oia sunset. Keep in mind that many cruise ships disgorge busloads of passengers who come here just to catch the sunset; unless you are here on a rainy February day, you may prefer to find a more secluded spot where the click of camera shutters is less deafening.

Out on the Island: Some Villages
It's easy to spend all your time in Fira and Oia, with excursions to the ancient sites and beaches, and to neglect other villages. Easy, but a shame, as there are some very charming villages on the island. As you travel, keep an eye out for the troglodytic cave houses hollowed into solidified volcanic ash. Another thing to look for: In many fields, you'll see what look like large brown circles of intertwined sticks neatly placed on the ground. What you're looking at is a vineyard. Santorinians twist the grape vines into wreaths that encircle the grapes and protect them from the island's fierce winds.

At the south end of the island, on the road to Perissa, is the handsome old village of Emborio. The town was fortified in the 17th century, and you can see its towers, a graceful marble statue of the muse Polyhymnia in the cemetery, and modern-day homes built into the ruins of the citadel.




Pirgos, a village on a steep hill just above the island's port at Athinios, is a maze of narrow pathways, steps, chapels, and squares. Until the mid-19th century, this quiet hamlet hidden away behind the port was the island's capital. Near the summit of the village is the crumbling Venetian kastro, with sweeping views over the island. There is less tourism in Pirgos than in many island villages, and the central square, just off the main road, has just about all the shops and cafes.

In the hamlet of Gonias Episkopi, the Church of the Panagia is an astonishingly well-preserved 11th- to 12th-century Byzantine church. As is often the case, the builders pillaged classical buildings. You will see the many fragments they appropriated incorporated into the walls -- and two ancient marble altars supporting columns. Among the frescoes, keep an eye out for the figure of a dancing Salome.


The Caldera Islets

These tantalizing islands in the caldera are part of the glory of Santorini's seascape, reminders of the larger island that existed before the volcano left today's crescent in the sea. Fortunately, you can visit the islands and get a view of Santorini from there.

Thirassia is a small, inhabited island west across the caldera from Santorini; a cliff-top village of the same name faces the caldera, and is a relatively quiet retreat from Santorini's summer crowds. You can reach the village from the caldera side only by a long flight of steep steps. (Travelers once had to get to Fira and Oia the same way.) Full-day boat excursions departing daily from the port of Fira (accessible by cable car, donkey, or on foot) make brief stops at Thirassia, just long enough for you to have a quick lunch in the village; the cost of the excursion -- which includes Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, and Ia -- is about 50€ per person. Another option is local caiques, which make the trip in summer from Armeni, the port of Oia; ask for information at one of the Fira travel agents.

The two smoldering dark islands in the middle of the caldera are Palea Kameni (Old Burnt), the smaller and more distant one, which appeared in A.D. 157; and Nea Kameni (New Burnt), which began to appear sometime in the early 18th century. The day excursion to Thirassia (a far more enjoyable destination) often includes these two (unfortunately often litter-strewn) volcanic isles.

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Mykonos eat and drink

 Restaurants
Dine in luxury or in earthly simplicity, select among numerous cuisines and locations. FYI: reservations are highly recommended and dinner is served quite late in Greece.

 Beach restaurants
 Grab yourself a front row seat and enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea's most stunning beaches. Offering you the option to lounge while drinking a cocktail, or dance between your starter and main.

 Fast food places
 If you're after a quick bite, the town and outskirts offer a wide range of fast food and self-service restaurants. Take your pick from gyros, souvlaki, crepes, pizza and sandwich.



Taverns
For a more traditional experience, opt for a tavern serving Greek homemade dishes. By the sea try fresh grilled seafood, while when on the mainland order local grilled meat.

 Cafes
 Coffee is a Greek ritual and is served no matter the time - day or night. Some cafes are tucked away inside the graphic Mykonian passages, while others offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

 Internet cafes
 Surf the internet, play games, check your emails or just send a fax in the company of your favourite coffee or beverage. Nothing beats a refreshing ice cream on a warm summer day; or a sumptuous pastry on any day for that matter! With the choice to eat in or take away, all you need is to satisfy your craving.

 Bakeries
 Fresh bread, pastries and baked goods available every morning. Open from the break of dawn, bakeries cater to the early risers and the starving allnighter survivors!

Patisseries and ice cream
 Nothing beats a refreshing ice cream on a warm summer day; or a sumptuous pastry on any day for that matter! With the choice to eat in or take away, all you need is to satisfy your craving.

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