Only three hours flight from Gatwick, and forty minutes transfer by taxi, you come to the vast bay of SAMI and the Sami Beach Hotel. With a backdrop of mountains and the Kissou river valley, this is one of the most attractive parts of the island. It is halfway down the east coast of Kefalonia and looks across to the island of ITHAKA and distant mountains of LEFKAS. The port of Sami has numerous restaurants and also ferries to other islands and mainland Greece. There is good swimming in clear turquoise water from beaches and coves in the bay.
KEFALONIA is the largest and most spectacular of the IONIAN ISLANDS and lies six miles south of Lefkas. It is an island of contrasts with high rugged mountains running from north to south, deep cliffs, pretty fertile valleys, numerous caves and stunning beaches, villages, churches and monasteries. Tourism is still reasonably slight, apart from the area around the capital, ARGOSTOLI, on the west coast.
The hotel is ideally situated for exploring the whole island. There are lovely walks for miles in the valley, up into the hills, and to some remarkable local caves. There are also scenic drives all over the island.
Just a short drive from Sami you can visit the castle and monastery in the hills with outstanding coastal views and continue on to the stunning bay and beach of Antisamos. On a clear day another lovely drive is to the top of MOUNT AINOS (over 5,000 ft) into the National Park and deep pine forest. Here you can walk for miles and perhaps see the wild horses that roam there. Going north is a dramatic drive to MYRTOS BAY and on to the pretty villages of ASSOS and FISKARDO – both with small harbours. To the south are the long sandy beaches of KATELIOS, where Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs, and SKALA, and the pretty port of POROS with the chance to visit Theotokou Astrou Monastery, high in the hills above.
There is normally an optional boat trip available to ITHAKA for a full day. This trip is dependent of course upon numbers, weather conditions and serviceability of craft, and is not only for Cricketer Holidays clients.
You can take a ferry from SAMI and AG. EFIMIA for a day trip to ITHAKA, LEFKAS, or the mainland, hiring a taxi on arrival. Small motor boats can normally be hired daily from Ag. Efimia. There are local taxis and a very erratic bus service.
Our agent is based in Ag. Efimia and arranges all our car hire and optional tours. Our representative lives locally and will look after your airport taxi transfers (40 minutes), visit you on a few mornings or evenings each week and do all she can to help you.
This is an independent holiday for those who want to stay at a very friendly hotel, and get to know this beautiful Ionian island.
