KEFALONIA

To the sounds of a mantoline

Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia is the starting point of the route. Walk along the main square featuring a multitude of shops and sample a great variety of quality local products.

Buy local cheese, prentza a type of local cream cheese, honey, Robola wine and madoles.

Visit St. Spiridon church and walk as far as Kabana square. Along the way, don’t miss to make a stop at the archaeological and the historic museum.

Move south and cross Lassi, Makris and Platis Gialos a great beach for swimming and water activities and meet after a few kilometers the village Minies. Make a stop at the local winery and sample a great variety of fine local wines and other local delicacies. Then, drive towards Omala, the center of the wine growing region “Robola”.

Visit the Monastery of St. Gerasimos and then head north to visit the winery of Robola Cooperatives.

The route goes back and continues west towards the area of Razata, an amphitheatric and green village, well known for its famous Cyclopean Walls, ruins of the ancient city of Krani. Wander around the impressive Cyclopean Walls and enjoy spectacular views towards Argostoli and Lixouri.

Leaving Razata behind, head north and drive to the opposite direction towards Lixouri to reach after about 25 km the wetland Livadi.

The route from here continues south, it crosses Agios Dimetrios and reaches the traditional settlement of Agia Thekli.

Take a walk around, visit the local churches and cool off at the amazing beach of Petani, where you can also enjoy exceptional traditional food at one of the local tavernas.

Leaving Agia Thekli behind, head south and drive through the village Rifi to come across Kaminarata.

Kaminarata, also well-known as the “Balcony of Kefalonia” is a mountainous picturesque village, featuring houses retaining their traditional identity and unique far reaching views over the countryside of Paliki, Argostoli gulf and mountain Ainos.

There you will also find a variety of holiday rental accommodations, cafes and traditional tavernas.

The route continues south.

Turn right to the provincial road Lixouri - Vilatoria to reach Havriata one of the most beautiful parts of Kefalonia.

On the way to Lixouri you will come across several wineries open to visitors for wine tasting and sampling of a broad selection of wines. Once you have tasted the different varieties of Kefalonian wines, expore the beautiful Lixouri, with the cobbled streets, shops and cafes.

It is worth visiting the neoclassical building of Iakovateiou library boasting a rare collection of books, manuscripts, Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.

Then, head to the beaches Xi or Mega Lakko with the red sand, to enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and relax to the peaceful landscape.

Alongside, there are many tavernas and restaurants serving local cuisine satisfying every culinary desire.

Just before the sun sets make sure you’re on the west coast of Lixouri, at Moni Kipouraion, a great place for capturing the most magnificent sunsets.

If you wish to stay overnight in Lixouri, there is a great variety of holiday apartments.

Alternatively, you can take a boat back to Argostoli, or drive back following the same road towards Livadi.