Lourdas – Places to visit
The coast
Along the coast on either side of Lourdas are several smaller bays and coves, some still undeveloped and ideal for getting away from it all. It is a lovely walk, heading west over the headland at the Lithero Taverna, and along the quiet sandy bays, where in some places, swimwear is optional.
There are a few outcrops of rock to scramble over between the little sandy bays, – Kanali beach is a good place to stop for a dip on the way, but it’s generally an easy enough walk of about 2.5kms until your arrival at Trapezaki, which has a lovely beach of gently shelving sand and shingle with a little harbour for small boats. There will be ice cream to reward little walkers, and a rather stylish taverna serves food all day and offers an evening menu more than a cut above what one would usually expect in such a rural location. A small bus operates during the summer months between Trapezaki and Lourdas, so you can opt for a ride back after your walk. (N.B. It is always worth confirming before setting off, whether the bus is running and the current timetable).
Mount Aenos National Park
The National Park of Mount Aenos (Ainos), about 29km from Lourdas, is the smallest National Park in Greece with a total size of 28,620 km². It consists of two neighbouring areas surrounding the summits of Megas Soros (1,627m) and Roudi (or Gioupari) at 1,125m. It was declared a National Park in 1962 and is part of the pan-European Natura 2000 network.
The main purpose of the park is the protection of the Kefalonia Fir forest (Abies cephalonica), which is an endemic Greek species and in the Ionian Islands exclusively found on Mount Aenos. A second reason for declaring this area a National Park was to protect its rich and particularly interesting flora and fauna.
There are more than 400 plant species, including wild orchids, the endemic Viola cephalonica, (a small mauve flower that grows in cracks between rocks especially around the Hionistra viewpoint), and the white Crocus Hadriaticus. The 100 species of birds recorded in the national park (a third of them permanently resident) include the coal tit, snake eagle, golden eagle, partridge and black woodpecker. (Read more here)
The best way to reach the National park is via the EO50 road from the Argostoli to Sami, where (about half way) you will find a turn for ‘Ainos 15km’. There is a relatively easy circular walking route from the Mount Ainos Environmental Centre via the Hionistra viewpoint, which allows you to enjoy some fabulous views over Argostoli and Sami, as well as to the islands of Ithaca and Lefkada. You will need a good pair of shoes, water and other basic hiking essentials.
Karavados and the Feast of Saints Constantine and Helena
The area of Karavados and Lourdas at the foot of Mount Ainos is sheltered and winters are milder here thanks to the mountains’ protection. Apart from a variety of beach activities & water sports in the summer, the region’s beautiful countryside is great for scenic walks and hiking during spring and autumn.
The villages of Karavados and Lourdas have a rich tradition of local celebrations and religious festivals and share in the island-wide celebrations, usually community-focused events that offer visitors a true taste of Kefalonian life.
The Feast of Agios Konstantinos (Saint Constantine)
One of the most significant local celebrations takes place in the village of Karavados near Lourdas. It is the Feast of Agii Konstantinos & Eleni on May 21st, celebrated in the Saints’ church in the village. The festival honours Saint Constantine, (aka Constantine the Great), the Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity, decriminalised Christian practice and ceased the persecution of Christians. The celebration includes his mother, Saint Eleni (Helena/Helen). The festivities typically begin with a special church service, which is attended by locals from the surrounding villages. The religious part of the festival is usually followed by social gatherings at local tavernas, with traditional Greek food, music, and dancing to be enjoyed by locals (and visitors).
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