Fiscardo Village
Fiscardo has a long & rich history that has roots to antiquity. It was known as Panormos and it was one of the most famous & Commercial Ports of the Roman period.
This picturesque fishing village is recognized as a traditional preserved settlement as it is one of the few villages that remained untouched from the major earthquake of 1953. It took its modern name from Robert Guiscard ( Guiscardes-phiskardes-Fiscardo ), the Norman Conquistador of Southern Italy & Sicily. He was also the Count Ruler of Apulia and Calabria.
Today it is known for its cosmopolitan and warm atmosphere. There is a massive amount of tourism in this small village but it manages to hold its beauty against all odds.
Fiscardo can meet all demands as it offers a variety of services than include high end restaurants, fine bars and tavernas, as well as clothe boutiques, shops and supermarkets.
Dafnoudi Beach
Dafnoudi beach is located in Erissos, at the bottom of a steep slope, making it a perfect getaway spot. When the sun is high in the sky, you will definitely need an umbrella for shade.
When it’s too hot outside, there’s even a little and extremely cool cave along the water’s edge where you may relax and cool off. This cave is an ideal shout-out spot for all romantic couples out there. For the majority of the people, walking from Fiscardo to Dafnoudi is not an option as it’s quite a long and difficult route, especially when you’re hauling all your beach gear.
You may park your car at the Antipata intersection (there is a road sign, just before Fiskardo) and follow the 600-meters trail through a cypress grove to the beach. If you’re lucky, you may encounter a monachus-monachus seal on Dafnoudi beach.
Waters are tranquil and the colors range from blue to green on this pebbly beach.
Emplisi Beach
Emplisi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kefalonia. Very close to the picturesque fishing village of Fiskardo and 50 km from the island’s capital Argostoli.
This white pebbled beach is known for its crystal deep bay and steep rocks scattered on either side acting as a unique sunbathing spot. This virgin landscape, is well-maintained without any major tourist facilities. Hence, visitors enjoy the natural beauty of it while swimming.
Enchanting lush greenery embedded with high Cypress trees that cover the surrounding area, create an exotic atmosphere that attracts a great number of visitors. A simple visit in Emplisi beach becomes quite an unforgettable experience.
Cypress is a common name for various coniferous trees or shrubs of northern temperate regions that belong to the family cupressaceous
Foki Beach
Foki Beach is located on the northern coast of Kefalonia Island in Greece, near the village of Fiskardo. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and its stunning natural surroundings.
The beach is surrounded by a lush green forest of cypress trees and olive groves. It’s easily accessible by car, and there is a small parking area near the beach. It’s also possible to reach the beach on foot from the nearby village of Fiskardo, which is about a 15-20 minute walk away.
The Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling due to its clear waters and the abundance of marine life. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear from nearby vendors. There are several small caves along the beach that visitors can explore.
These caves are said to have been used by pirates in the past. It has limited facilities, but there is a small tavern nearby where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a drink. Last but not least, Due to its location and natural beauty, Foki Beach can get crowded during peak tourist season – July & August -. It’s best to visit early in the day or during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
Kimilia Beach
Kimilia Beach is a secluded beach located on the northern coast of Kefalonia. The beach is situated in a remote and untouched part of the island, and it is only accessible by a 15-minute hike or by boat.
Kimilia belongs to the wider trails network of Erissos. Kimilia Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. The beach is relatively small, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations.
Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the calm waters of the bay. There are no facilities or amenities available at Kimilia Beach, so visitors are advised to bring their own food and water. It is also recommended to wear sturdy shoes for the hike and to be prepared for the steep descent to the beach.
Alaties Beach
Alaties is one of the less known beaches of Kefalonia, yet most unique. It is located in the North West Coast of Kefalonia Island. To get to Alaties, you should drive through the villages Magganos or Tzamarelata down to Chalikieri Village. The road is paved to its greatest length and cars can easily reach the coast.
In Alaties, you will find white pebbles and rocks, from where you will enjoy a dip in the clear blue waters! The beach is small, but as it is almost certain that you will be alone here, you will not be straining it.
Alaties took their name from the salt that dries on the rocks and you can see it whenever you visit it. Previously, the area was used as a salt marsh and the inhabitants of the surrounding villages were collecting it with patience. Although, Alaties is an unorganized, there’s a modern Restaurant & Bar right above the beach, where you can taste local delicious dishes and enjoy the perfect sunset.
Bataria Fort
Fortress Bataria is an Italian-German WWII heavy artillery base located at the northernmost point of Cephalonia at Cape Dafnoudi, near the village of #Antipata, Erisos.
The name derives from the Italia word Batteria which means artillery. The fort was built by the Italian forces. Their army controlled the access to Ithaca Island, Etoloakarnania & Lefkada Island. After the capitulation in 1943 and the forcible removal of the Italians, the Germans expanded the base, built underground warehouses and barracks. With the collapse of the German State, the Germans fled Cephalonia, but not before blowing up part of the base & the underground network, to keep the ammunition from falling into enemy hands.
A decade later there was a tragic accident with two young boys from the area who were sadly killed by ammunition explosion. Today, you can still find parts of the exploded bases of the machine guns and the fortified underground galleries. Until 1955 the machine guns were still there, unfortunately however they were sold by the Greek state for scrap metal along with cannons from the Venetian fortress of Assos.
It is unknown whether the Italian occupying forces found a pre-existing underground network of galleries that was later reused. One thing is certain, this point of Cephalonia, where the Batteria Fort is located, was not chosen randomly, as despite the intense seismic activity of the island, this location, due to its special subsoil, provides remarkable seismic protection.
The Hiking trail which leads to the Fort, belongs to the wider network of Erisos Footpaths. The Trails entrance is located 50m away from the entrance of Dafnoudi beach hiking trail. It’s a verdant route that connects the past with the present.
The rich flora of the underground galleries interior decorates the space and much can still be enjoyed today.
Roman Graveyard
An ancient burial site that dates back to the Roman period. The graveyard was discovered in 2006 during excavation work for a new hotel, and it has since been carefully excavated and preserved as an important historical site.
The graveyard contains over 40 tombs that were carved into the natural limestone bedrock. The tombs are rectangular in shape and vary in size, with some measuring up to 3 meters in length. Many of the tombs have inscriptions in Greek and Latin, and some have decorative carvings and reliefs.
The Roman graveyard in Fiskardo is significant because it provides valuable insight into the Roman occupation of Kefalonia Island. The discovery of the graveyard suggests that Fiskardo was an important Roman settlement, and it provides evidence of the Roman influence on the island’s culture and traditions. Today, visitors can visit the Roman graveyard and view the ancient tombs and inscriptions.
The site is protected and maintained by the Greek Ministry of Culture, and it is considered an important archaeological site on Kefalonia Island.
Fiscardo Lighthouse
When the Venetians conquered a large part of the Mediterranean, Kefalonia gained significant importance because it was caught on a commercial crossroad.
The Venetians, famous for their strategically important constructions, build the first lighthouse during the 16th century. It had a cylindrical shape and was fenced with a surrounding stone structure of 2 meters high and a house for the keepers.
During the Venetian occupation, Fiskardo was the main export harbor of Erisso, therefore, the importance of the lighthouse was catalytic, due to the high marine traffic of the port. The inner port was very narrow for large ships and commercial galleys that found good anchorage SW of the lighthouse.
The new Lighthouse, located just a few meters away, was built in 1892 to replace the old one. Both structures suffered severe damage from the deadly earthquake of 1953. In 2018, following the private initiative & Funding from Apostolidis Couple, the Venetian Lighthouse along with the surrounding area and the house were renovated with the elegant architectural seal of Maria De Rosario.
Assos Village & Fortress
Assos is a small and charming village located 36 km north of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. Today, it counts about one hundred inhabitants and is one of the most charming spots of the island.
Dominated by the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian fortress, the village of Assos is built on a small peninsula reflecting a beautiful and warm atmosphere.
The traditional architecture, the peaceful landscape, and the pebbled beaches compose the natural beauty of Assos.
A stroll around the narrow alleys reveals colorful houses with pink and white blooms, lovely paths, and old churches. Little taverns perched on the quayside overlooking the bay attract most of the visitors. The visit to the castle requires a long walk amidst the olive tree forests until you reach an archway. This journey is quite interesting and refreshing.
Myrtos Beach
Myrtos is, without doubt, one of the most important poles of attraction in Kefalonia. It is located 29 km north of Argostoli, in a beautiful area around huge verdant hills. Myrtos beach has gained a worldwide reputation and has been constantly included in travel magazines among the most beautiful and impressive beaches in the world. It has been awarded many times for its cleanness and the natural beauty.
The beach has a semi-circular shape surrounded by impressive white rocky cliffs with lush vegetation on top of them creating a spectacular setting. The lush green area, the abrupt terrain, the white pebbles and the crystal waters compose a stunning scenery. The beach is well-organized at the most part with umbrellas and sundecks while a small part remains completely unspoilt, ideal for total isolation.
The natural beauty of Myrtos is the trademark of Kefalonia and one of the most photographed places in Greece. It is affected by the strong winds. The western coast of Myrtos offers spectacular sunset views. Visitors have direct access to a wide range of facilities and a nice sack bar offering cold drinks. Myrtos is easily accessed by all means of transport. While descending the beach, you will enjoy some amazing views from above.
