A historical town and port surrounded by lush vegetation!
Sami is a beautiful coastal town located 9 km from Agia Efimia. It is the second largest port of Kefalonia after Argostoli, and it serves daily trips to Ithaca and Astakos, and during the summer to Patras and Italy. It is centrally located, so it is a good base to stay in order to explore the island. Most of the best sightseeing is a very short distance (such as Myrtos beach, Karavomylos Lake, Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave and Antisamos beach)
The modern village is built close to Ancient Sami, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of Kefalonia (check the relevant post if you want to visit it, it offers amazing views and a great walking route). Visit as well, Agrilia Monastery was built in the 18th century when the miraculous icon of Theotokos (Mother of God) was found by two shepherds and their maid in 1722.
Don’t miss the Roman baths, dated from the 3rd century BC and used till the 6th century AD, discovered in 1960 by B. Kallipolitis. They consist of six chambers some maintaining the mosaic floor, while there was a bathtub in the third one.
Seventeen cave sites have been recorded in the area – a rare occurrence in Greek geomorphology – and significant in tracing the area’s prehistoric period. If you want to explore some of the caves check out Outdoor Kefalonia or Wild Nature Expeditions.
A lot of beautiful hiking trails start from here, contact us for guidance.
On the way to Antisamos underwater one can see, while snorkelling, the remains of the old port.
The town is set in a wide bay with a long tree-lined waterfront and wonderful views across to the island of Ithaca.
On the waterfront, there is a wide selection of cafe bars and restaurants where you will also find some of the day’s catch from the local fishing boats.
Here you have all you need, from a pharmacy and a medical centre, to ATMs, post office, police, coastguard and a fire department. There are a lot of shops to buy souvenirs and jewellery (IN Gallery just off the main square is particularly nice), supermarkets and grocery stores. A new archaeological museum is under construction, which will contain important findings from the historic area.
Sami ‘s closest beach is Karavomylos, but I would suggest you drive for 4 km to get to one of the best beaches on the island, Antisamos beach.
If you like walking, Ι would suggest you go to the end of the coastal road and take the seaside trail that takes you to Karavomylos Lake. The trail offers great sea views under tall eucalyptus trees and on the way, you will be able to see some of the most beautiful houses in the area with beautiful gardens, the camping site, which has a nice cafe and pool that you can use as well as sunbeds on the beach if you fancy a swim. You will pass the little picturesque Karavomylos port, the tennis and basketball courts, you will cross a small river and you will end up at the Lake and the next door restaurant and playground, (the route is approx 1,2km one way). Here one of the routes of the Bavarian Horse Stables ends and the riders can swim with the horses if they want!
For accommodation in the area of Sami check this link
