The region of Sami is located on the central east coast of Kefalonia, and is characterised by lush green mountains, rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and bustling traditional villages. The area is home to many natural phenomena as well as ancient and historical sites which make it an exciting region for adventurous visitors, whilst the beaches also make it attractive to the more sedate traveller. Amongst the highlights of this region you will find the magnificent Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, Antisamos Beach and Karavomylos Lake.
The town of Sami is the second major port of the island, offering both direct ferry routes to the mainland, Ithaka and Italy. Sami town, and its surrounding areas, provided many backdrops and scenery for the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Sami is a modern village with everything you need from a pharmacy and a medical center, to ATMs, a post office, police, coastguard and a fire department. The harbor hosts car ferries, flotillas, yachts, super yachts, fishing boats and leisure vessels. There are a plenty of shops to buy souvenirs and jewellery, supermarkets and grocery stores and a wide variety of tavernas, snack bars, restaurants and bars.
Karavomilos is the second biggest village in the region, offering a quiet low key atmosphere, located along the coastline. You will find the Casa museum, Karavomylos lake, and couple of tavernas here, plus a bakery and mini market. Other notable villages in the region are Old Vlachata, Grizata, Pyrgi, Poulata (where you can find specialty grill houses) and Digaleto. There are plenty of things to do and see in the region of Sami, it covers a large area with a varied landscape.
The region of Sami offers terrific walking and hiking paths. You can drive to Ancient Sami and the monastery but there is a walking trail through some fabulous areas. The challenging hike to Koutsoupia beach is fabulous and less challenging the 7 mills trail takes you through historic areas with the remains of watermills and a beautiful arched stone bridge. A flat, easy, off road and sea-side path leads from Sami to Karavomilos, where you can stop off for swimming in the sea or feed the birds at the lake. You could hire a bicycle from Bikexpert – Contessina (located in the heart of Sami, at Contessina Restaurant) and explore the region on well maintained and modern mountain bikes.
Explore the area with an animal and take a trek with the Bavarian Horse Riding Stable, Kefalonia Horse Riding Stable or the Donkey Trekking Stables.
From Sami you can rent a self-drive boat from Pirates Rent a Boat or Kefalonia Compass Rent a Boat or take or a day trip on the Sami Star. Hop over to the neighbouring island of Ithaka for the day using a ferry boat.
If you want to explore the island or Ithaka without driving taking an excursion is a great way to do it! We can arrange four different excursions that include pick-up and drop-off from convenient locations in Agia Efimia, Karavomylos and Sami; Fiskardo by Night, North of Kefalonia, Island Highlights, and Mythical Ithaka!
Water-sports are available on Antisamos beach from quiet peddle boats to fast action inflatable rides and water skiing.
Join the experienced local guides at Sami Trekking who organise walks, treks, running trails and cycling trails for all levels of fitness and experience. If you want to explore some of the caves, check out Wild Nature Expeditions, if you would like to dive them contact Aquatic Scuba Diving Club.
Dine right at the sea’s edge under eucalyptus trees at Karnagio Taverna. They serve traditional, homemade fare – it’s well known for its casseroles – and it’s exactly what comes to mind when you think of an idyllic Greek tavern right down to the blue chairs! Robolis Taverna is located in the small village of Poulata and serves meat from goat, pigs and sheep raised in the village, it’s a very traditional place to experience. For a snack or lunch visit Mangiare in the square at Sami; they serve great souvlaki, gyros, snacks and drinks by the sea-side. A perfect location for people watching and boat watching, it’s popular with locals and visitors alike. In the back streets of Sami find Stoa Handmade Pies & Coffee, a bijou café selling traditional hand-made sweet and savoury pies and great coffee. Watch Anastasia make the pies from scratch in the kitchen. Vegetarian friendly. Kraken bar has a colourful little garden in the back street, Manifiko bar is open all year round and has tables inside or by the sea.
Dana is the owner of the shop-gallery IN Gallery in Sami, she is an accomplished artist herself and she makes unique religious iconographies, original oils of Kefalonian scenes, custom paintings, hand painted ceramics and much more! Her shop is a fine art shop offering a huge selection of paintings, handicrafts, jewellery and ceramics all created or carefully chosen by it’s charismatic owner. Visit Kostas Annikas Deftereos at his shop-museum which is always full of colours, to admire his olive tree wood turning, wire and drift wood works of art. He has always an interesting story to tell, something surprising and a way to make you smile.
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.
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.
One of the most beautiful beaches on Kefalonia can be found here – Antisamos beach is perfect for snorkeling and water sports and is just outside of Sami village. Other notable beaches in this region include Paliouras, Sami beach and Koutsoupia.
Towering above Sami is Ancient Sami, one of the most important archeological discoveries of Kefalonia, and Agrilia Monastery both offering fine views over Sami, towards Ithaka and the mainland. Close by you will also find the church and ruins of Agios Fanentes.
For those of you that love natural phenomena Sami offers three outstanding places to visit – Karavomylos Lake, Melissani Lake and Drogarati Caves. Seventeen cave sites have been recorded in the area – a rare occurrence in Greek geomorphology – and significant in tracing the area’s prehistoric period. Aggalaki Cave is close to Poulata and the stunning Zervati Cave can be found on the crossroads one block back from the main street of Karavomylos.
The village of Karavomylos is a gentle 25 minutes seas-side stroll from Sami village. There you will find the Casa-House Museum which emanates the look and feel of old Ionian Houses and Karavomilos Lake, which is part of strange geological phenomena observed in Kefalonia. In the Nautical Museum of Sami, located just outside of the village on the road to Argostoli, you will find 22 hand-made wooden shipping vessels spanning an history of 3,500yrs.
The ruins of Old Vlachata village are located on the hillside, 3km from Karavomilos village and can be reached on foot, by bike or by car following the signs to “Saristra Festival” from the main road of Sami – Karavomylos. In August the fabulous arts and music festival Saristra takes place over three days and nights.
Driving towards Poros you pass through the mountain villages of Pyrgi and Saint Nicholas. Just before the village of Saint Nicholas there is a sign post to the wonderful Avithos Lake.
These traditional stone houses are set in olive gardens with private swimming pools and are surrounded by lush mountainside views, come here to relax!
A complex of 4 independent villas, stylishly furnished with private pools, located just 50m from Sami beach in the village of Karavomylos, near Sami.
At the sea's edge - a stunning sea and mountain vista, and an easy walking distance to Sami, make this cosy house an excellent base for your holiday.
Outstanding value, beautifully located beachside campsite
Standing in a prime position on the charming coastal road in Sami village, with fabulous sea views! The house was carefully renovated in spring 2019, with an imaginative and modern interpretation of Mediterranean living.
Simple clean rooms with great sea views and a close proximity to Sami village, some of Kefalonias best attractions and the beach!
Secluded, comfortable villas with beautiful gardens and private pools with close proximity to Sami beach & the best attractions of Kefalonia!
Traditional houses, in a large lush beachfront plot just 30metres from the beach! Tranquil and private but still only a few minutes on foot to Karavomylos and to Sami.
Located on the peaceful outskirts of Sami, this charming house has outstanding sea views, and is in very close proximately to the beach.
Serenity and natural beauty! Villa Aggalaki is a paradise for guests that want to relax and spend their holidays in a peaceful environment of unique natural beauty.
Total relaxation and serenity with a spacious, colourful garden. Relaxing areas and a private pool are designed to offer you a peaceful retreat.
Set in a wonderful position in the hills above the bay of Sami with sea views, offering total tranquillity! A short drive to the beach and amenities.
