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 Karavomilos 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 at the pool at Karavomilos camping ground.
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 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.
Water-sports are available on Antisamos beach from quiet peddle boats to fast action inflatable rides and water skiing.
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.
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.
Bikexpert – Contessina is located in the heart of Sami, at Contessina Restaurant . Explore the region on well maintained and modern mountain bikes. Explore Antisamos Beach, Ancient Sami, or ride to Agia Efimia! The staff will happily inform you about nice routes around the area! Safety helmets and child seats are available.
Ainos Bikes & Scooters hire a bicycles or scooters, make repairs, and you can make purchases at the store. They also organise cycling tours! They offers all types of bicycles and a wide range of models: BMX , DIRT , mountain biking, hiking, City, Road, FULL SUSPENSION , e- bike, etc and many children’s bikes (from the age of two years).
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!
Wedding Photography, Panagis Kavalieratos; a talented, efficient and friendly professional photographer. He specialises and covers (using both photography and video) ceremonies and special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms and other events. He also photographs holiday rental properties, villas and hotels for advertising. Over the last few years he has organised photography workshops.
Mythos Wedding Planning dedicated team is always available and willing to support you in all of your choices. The immediacy and hospitality of our people will make you feel comfortable to share your thoughts and will help you in every decision you make so that your wedding be as you dreamt it.
Fiskardo Concierge Services was created from a team of tourism loving dreamers, who work together to develop the best vacation experience for you. With their extensive knowledge of the Ionian Islands they can suggest everything you need to make your dream holiday 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 massage Christina and her colleagues can indulge you with the complete relaxation of a professional massage! Choose from a range of styles and treatments, such as Release & Relax , Hot Stones, Deep Tissue, Thai, or Head-Back-Feet massage. Her team consists of three massage therapists who are able to provide other beauty services too.
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 – Karavomilos 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 Karavomilos.
The village of Karavomilos 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.
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.
Encircled by rugged cliffs and olive gardens, this gorgeous sea view villa, offers a fabulous choice for those seeking a private and exceptional place.
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.
Total relaxation and serenity with a spacious, colourful garden. Relaxing areas and a private pool are designed to offer you a peaceful retreat.
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.
Located on the peaceful outskirts of Sami, this charming house has outstanding sea views, and is in very close proximately to the beach.
An ideal retreat for couples looking for a secluded setting, yet located just 15 minutes walk from the bustling traditional harbour and village of Agia Efimia.
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.
Spacious three bedroom house in private setting! Toula’s House is located just outside of Sami, Kefalonia in a large private plot, with garden and large terrace.
Secluded, comfortable villas with beautiful gardens and private pools with close proximity to Sami beach & the best attractions of Kefalonia!
Simple clean rooms with great sea views and a close proximity to Sami village, some of Kefalonias best attractions and the beach!
Outstanding value, beautifully located beachside campsite
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.
