Katelios Village and Beach

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Simple and relaxing!

Katelios village and bay are located approx 30km from Argostoli, at the south west coast of Kefalonia, in the region of Elios-Pronnoi. Traditionally a fishing village, Katelios is one of the most relaxing places on the island, ideal for couples and friends that dream of swimming, relaxing and eating locally.

A beautiful valley between lush hills, ideal for nature lovers, guides you to a long sandy beach with pine and eucalyptus trees. On the one side of the beach you can relax on the sunbeds with umbrellas, or have a lunch, or dinner in one of the great tavernas  who offer a variety of local dishes as well as fresh fish. A few meters further down, crossing a little river lays the beach of Agia Varvara where you can relax by the sea and enjoy snorkeling. If you want a bit more fun, in just 10min drive you can reach the lively resort of Skala offering a wide variety of cafes, bars, shops and activities as well as a unique endless sandy beach. There you can also visit the remainings of the Roman Villa.  Between them, one can find the beach of Kaminia and Mounda where the famous turtles caretta caretta lay their eggs. At Kaminia beach you can visit the remains of the old ceramic kilns (Kefala’s Kiln) that produced roof tiles during the 19th century.

There is normally a bus service twice a day if you want to spend a day to the capital of Argostoli. From Katelios you can also enjoy an unforgettable fishing cruise with your family or friends, visit the Environmental and Cultural Centre for the Research and Protection of Marine and Terrestrial Life, rent a boat for the day to explore the nearby beaches, get a cruise to Zakynthos (Zante) or enjoy the hiking trails of the area (Pastra to Katelios is a great signposted trail).

One of the attractions you shouldn’t miss is the impressive Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Lagouvarda at the little village of Markopoulo which is built amphitheatrical on a high altitude with an amazing view of  Katelios bay and the Ionian Sea. Every year, from around the 6th until the 15th of August, a mystical phenomenon takes place there as dozens of harmless little snakes fill the Temple of Panagia. A few km further up one can visit the Zoodochos Pigi (life-giving source),  monastery and stream above Arginia where if you are lucky, one can see the wild horses of Ainos that come here to drink water.