Old Skala
Here you will find several mountain ranges, including the eastern part of Mount Ainos. The main attractions of this region include the long sandy beaches of Mounda and Kaminia, the vaulted Mycenaean tombs at Tzanata, the quaint seaside villages and the ancient monasteries.
The popular resort of Skala is here, with its long sandy beach and lively tourist area it offers something for everyone with a variety of souvenir shops, places to eat, and mini-markets, daily boats trips depart daily from there too. It’s a good destination for families and groups of friends looking for more nightlife and a more developed resort.
Another important town in this region is the tourist resort and port of Poros, located on the east coast. An attractive coastal village ideal for older visitors or those with children, Poros offers a long beach with many amenties for locals and visitors alike. From the port of Poros there is a ferry service to Kyllini on the mainland and then you can travel by bus to various destinations - one idea would be to explore Ancient Olympia.
On the south coast you will find the beautiful seaside village of Katelios. Traditionally a fishing village Katelios sits in a lush valley and the center is nestled in a beautiful bay with wonderful views to Zakynthos. It's an ideal retreat for nature lovers and couples.
Other notable villages are Markopoulos, Arginia, and Tzanata.
There are plenty of things to do and see in the region of Elios-Pronnoi and there are a wide variety of tavernas, restaurants, snack-bars, coffee shops and bars mainly located in Poros, Katelios and Skala.
Atros Monastery
In the region there are several great hiking trails. The Monastery of Atros, the oldest on the island, built on the 8th century, is a rare example of monastic architecture offering a breathtaking walk and amazing views of Poros.
Zoodochos Pigi (life-giving source) monastery, located approximately 4km east of Poros, is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, beautiful trails, through wild and rare species of flora and fauna combined with a chill mountain breeze and breathtaking panoramic sea views, even in the hot summer months, is an experience not to be missed. Check on the road conditions before you try to reach it by vehicle, if the road is damaged it can only be reached on foot.
Boat trips depart to Ithaca, Zante (Zakynthos) and daily tours stop at Fiskardo and some beaches in between; Captain Vangeli's Special Cruises offer a fun, organised day trip from Skala, as do Argo Daily Cruises, Hermes Cruises and Lucky Cruises. You can also rent a self-driven boat for the day to explore the nearby beaches or just have fun choosing between various watersports on the beach. You can take a quad or jeep safari’s around the area as well as other activities including diving. There are daily cruises leaving from Skala and Katelios and visit the neighbouring islands of Ithaka and Zakynthos as well as other destinations.
Take a day trip with Fishing Tourism Kefalonia Dimitrios-Efthimia departing from Katelios harbour.
You can hire one of George's boats or take an organised trip in the rib from Poros to Zakynthos, Ithaka and around Kefalonia.
Sesto Koroni is a magical spot with brilliant sunsets, nice snacks and cocktails, ideal to visit after swimming at Koroni beach. Overlooking the beach at Skala, with great sea views, is Old Times/Opos Palia Restaurant. It serves local dishes, good seafood and is vegetarian friendly. Situated on an elevated position in Old Skala Kelari Restaurant offers great views, Greek cuisine and live music nights.
From Agrapidos you can see beautiful views of Poros harbour whilst eating traditional dishes served on the covered outdoor terrace. Waterway is a fish restaurant and beach bar overlooking the pristine Klimatsias beach at Spartia, watch the sunset from here.
Rent a car Kefalonia is a family company and its members are always ready to welcome you with a smile and courtesy as well as to answer all your questions. You will have excellent friendly service, you will receive your car without time-consuming procedures and you will always find options depending on your needs.
Kefalonia Taxi Transfers is the oldest taxi company on the island. They have friendly drivers that can collect you on the spot or arrange an appointment for another hour or day. All taxis carry a maximum of four passengers and their luggage, mini-bus also available.
Kefalonia Taxi Service is a reliable Kefalonian taxi company with excellent service, the best executive cars, punctual and experienced drivers. They provide a reliable and good service, reasonable prices with helpful, English speaking drivers.
Kefalonia Yachts provide private yacht charter.
Captain Kostis Speed Boat Transfer Service frequent scheduled service between Poros, Skala & Katelios.
Viva Personal Chef; If you want to be pampered, relax and enjoy traditional Greek food without leaving your accommodation, Chef Viva is here to make your dream come true!
Take a class of Yoga with Marco and learn skills to be more peaceful, serene and to focus better on what it’s really important for you during your holidays; and after the holidays, at home, during your daily life: emotions, self love and positive attitude towards others.
Kefalonia Morfeas Massage Salon offers services in a peaceful and comfortable salon, or the comfort of your home/hotel/ villa/yacht by certified massage therapist Constantinos Stavriano. He has a diploma in Swedish massage, Traditional Thai massage and has taken courses in Therapeutic, Lomi-Lomi and Deep Tissue massage.
Markopoulo
A couple of kilometres outside of Poros at Tzanata are the largest vaulted Mycenaean tombs of the area. There is evidence that this tomb was built on another, smaller tomb as the stone used in the earlier tomb had been incorporated into this one.
The Monastery of Atros, the oldest on the island, built on the 8th century, is a rare example of monastic architecture offering a breathtaking walk and amazing views of Poros.
Located on the sea bed just off the coast at Poros lies the HMS Perseus submarine which sank on 6th December 1941 after hitting an Italian mine. The submarine was recharging her batteries 3km off shore when the devastating explosion took place.
There is a small Folklore Museum housed in the old primary school in Ratzakli, near to Skala.
Between Skala and Katelios you will find the beaches of Kaminia and Mounda where the famous turtles Caretta Caretta lay their eggs. In the summer season volunteers from the Katelios Group staff information desks in the village of Katelios and on Mounda beach. Visit the stunning Koroni Beach and watch the glorious sunset. At Kaminia beach you can visit the remains of the old ceramic kilns (Kefala’s Kiln), and at Skala there is a wonderfully preserved mosaic floor at the Roman Villa. Unique to the island is the Archaic Temple of Apolo & St George’s church in Skala, as it is the only site found like it from this period. The remains of Old Skala can be seen above the new village, it’s worth walking around the old streets and historical buildings to get a feel of a traditional village and there are spectacular views from here.
Try not to miss the impressive Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Lagouvarda at the little village of Markopoulos - 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.
Visit the Zoodochos Pigi (life-giving source) monastery and stream above Arginia where if you are lucky, you can see the wild horses of Ainos that come here to drink water.
Each August, around the feast of the Assumption on the 15th, snakes appear at the church in the tiny settlement of Arginia to rest on the icon.
Located just 2km from Skala, with a stunning sea view, these eco-villas combine tranquility, comfort and simplicity with modern facilities.
Located at the end of Skala village, this property stands in a stunning setting with direct, private access to the sea enjoying total privacy.
A rural retreat! Chloe apartments are situated in one acre of gardens just outside of Skala, Kefalonia, and are very close to a secluded beach.
Offering breathtaking sea views and enjoying total privacy and serenity, these villas are an idyllic and luxurious retreat for couples or small families.
With sea views, a colourful garden and total serenity! Located at the foot of mount Ainos, overlooking the Ionian Sea, with views of Zakynthos.
Luxury Villa Sunset is situated on a hillside, overlooking the village of Katelios – which is only a short stroll away.
