Spartia Villas Travel Guides
Our favourite places near Spartia Villas
Spartia is nestled in a fertile landscape of lemon trees and olive groves, where the occasional church tower punctuates the skyline and the pine-clad slopes of Mount Ainos serve as a splendid backdrop. A network of winding paths and lanes crisscross the surrounding countryside, offering delightful walks, especially in early and late spring when wildflowers and local herbs paint the scenery in vibrant colours.
As one of the oldest settlements on Kefalonia, Spartia it is mentioned in the minutes of the ‘Episcopate of Kefallinia’ in 1264, but the village is believed to have been founded in antiquity, with its name thought to be derived from the Latin word ‘Spartum’/ancient Greek ‘Sparton’ (rope, cable) describing a wild shrub like plant of which ropes, mats, nets, etc were made. Nowadays known as ‘Spanish Broom’ (Spartium junceum), it is native to the area and much of the southern Mediterranean region.
With its striking white limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and verdant surroundings, Spartia is a paradise for nature lovers, and the breathtaking views from your villa, coupled with the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea, make for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Our Spartia Villas offer peace, quiet and privacy, thanks to their sheltered location, with no traffic passing through the peninsula. Despite this tranquil setting, they are ideally situated for exploring the whole of Kefalonia. Whether you are looking for other scenic beaches, would like to visit historic sites, natural attractions, traditional villages or are seeking exciting adventures, everything you need is within reach. Why not start by checking out the beautiful beaches along the south coast and a visit to nearby Argostoli, the vibrant capital of the island.
Argostoli is a charming town just 15 minutes drive from our Spartia Villas. Set on a deep inlet, the waterfront promenade along the lagoon and the harbour is perfect for a leisurely stroll, whether before or after enjoying a meal at one of the excellent local tavernas. In the mornings, when the fresh fish are brought in, you might be able spot the famous local turtles, some of them measuring as much as a metre in size, and if you are lucky, they will surface, eager to snack on discarded bits of seafood that the local fishermen cast off the boats for them.
Standing tall on a hill above Spartia and approx. 15 min drive from our Spartia Villas, is the ‘Kastro’, the Castle of Agios Georgios, a Byzantine fort built on the site of the old Agios Georgios church. The Byzantine fort was expanded and became the administration and military centre for the western rulers who controlled the island from 1185-1435.
After the Ottomans’ two brief occupations between 1479 and 1500, the Venetians conquered the castle after a 3-month siege that caused significant damage. The reconstruction of the castle began in 1504 and was completed by 1594, consequently the ‘Kastro’ developed into a thriving settlement, eventually spilling outside the castle walls, into what became known as the “Borgo” district, with the Church of the Evangelistria at Kastro. This church, dating to 1580, is a remarkable example of a Ionian Baroque basilica, which is worth visiting during your holiday in Spartia.
Despite the damage inflicted to the Kastro during World War II by the British Protectorate, and by the devastating earthquake of 1953, the castle remains a significant work of fortification architecture and a testament to Kefalonia’s history. Within the ruined walls, you can find remnants of the Chapel of Panagia of the Guard, the Catholic Church of San Marco, the Church of San Nicolo, the governor’s house, barracks, cisterns, warehouses, and a gunpowder magazine.
You will find more information about places to visit and things to to in our digital Kefalonia Travel Guide
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