Sami Travel Guides
Places to visit from your Sami Villa
This region of Sami is known for its outstanding geosites, in particular the Drogarati Cave, one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Greece, thanks to its richness of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other such geological formations. The cave is located at an altitude of 120m in the area of Haliotata, 5 km from Sami and was discovered after a strong earthquake exposed its present entrance. It was opened to the public in 1963.
Speleologists state that the cave is over 100 million years old and constitutes a rare geological phenomenon. It is 95m deep with a ceiling height of 20m, a temperature of 180C and humidity reaching 90%. The main part of the cave consists of a large 100m long chamber with two levels. There is a flat semicircular hall measuring 65x40m with a height of 20m, resembling a large natural amphitheater. Due to its excellent acoustics, a variety of concerts and events take place here.
Another unmissable site is the mesmerising Melissani Cave, one of the most famous attractions in Kefalonia. Melissani Cave, 2 km northwest of Sami, has a breathtaking underground lake in striking hues of blue and turquoise, especially when sunlight filters through the opening above. It is one of the most important caves in Greece and part of the wider karstic network of Sami. Apart from its beauty, it is also of special geological, ecological, archaeological and mythological interest.
The use of the cave as a sacred site in antiquity has been documented from excavations on the small islet in the center of the lake, which yielded artifacts from 4th and 3rd century BC, evidence that the half-god Pan and the Nymphs were worshipped here (which explains why Melissani Cave is also called the Nymph Cave).
An astonishing hydrogeological phenomena on Kefalonia, is a hydrological karst system that connects the Katavothres Sinkholes of Argostoli with the brackish spring of Karavomilos, near Sami, with sea water flowing into the Sinkholes at a speed of 3m/sec. This current was used to rotate the water wheel of sea mills at Argostoli in the past, providing the energy supply for the operation of a power plant and an ice factory.
The first mill was built by a British man called Stevens in 1835, the second one in 1857. From 1917- 1922 both watermills were used for grinding wheat and barley for beer- brewing, but were destroyed during the 1953 earthquake. Today only the water wheel of one of them remains in place.
The water travels between the Katavothres Sinkholes, near Argostoli, via the Melissani Lake and an artificial lake 80 meters from the East coast, in the pretty village of Karavomilos (2.5km North of Sami), which derives its name from the local watermill that used an iron boat wheel to operate. The sea water mixes with the fresh water in Karavomilos Lake and seaweed and mud on the bottom give it a rather dark colour, despite it being only 1m deep. The lake is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered, making its conservation crucial for preserving its delicate biodiversity.
The taverna next to the lake has beautiful sea views towards Sami with the mountains in the background, perfect for a spot of lunch, maybe accompanied by a glass of the famous Kefalonian Robola wine, which is bottled at the Robola Winery nearby. The Winery makes for an interesting day out and there are organised tours offered locally, which you can access from our villas in Sami.
The hilltops between Sami and Antissamos have amazing views of the bay and the island of Ithaka opposite, and there are some interesting historical sights worth a visit, such as the Monastery of Panagia Agrilion at 180m height north east of Sami. The Monastery of Agrilion was founded in 1722 by two shepherds who are said to have discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. It is an important religious site for Kefalonians, and religious festivities take place here on the 15th and the 24th of August.
The Greek-Orthodox Saint ‘Kosmas the Aetolian’ taught there in 1771 and Lord Bryon was said to have spent the night in 1823 . Visitors are welcome to explore the ruins of the old bell-tower, the little chapel and the newly-built church next to the working monastery, but opening times vary and enquiring locally is advised.
The ruins of the Ancient Acropolis of Sami can be visited on the hills between Sami and Antisamos; the information board at the site reads: “Ancient Sami, built deep in the natural bay, was one of the four cities – States of the “Cephalonian Tetrapolis” which flourished during the Classical and Hellenistic period (5th to 2nd century BC). As an independent and autonomous city, it exercised its own foreign policy and cut its own coins on which its name was depicted. The economy was based on shipping and trade, while the city’s inhabitants’ involvement with farming and animal husbandry was also important. Its two citadels occupied the tops of the hills “Paliokastro” and “Agioi Fanentes”. […] It is possible to reach the site by car or on foot during the cooler months of the year, but the hike will take a good 4 hours.
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