Kefalonia | Daily Cruises Kefalonia

Katavothres

Near the entrance to Argostoli’s natural harbor are the famous katavothres (swallow,holes), a remarkable geological phenomenon, where the seawater disappears into large holes at various points along the shore. Where the water went from there remained an unsolved mystery until 1963, when a team of geologists poured a quantity of uranin, a fluorescent dyestuff, into the swallow – holes. Two weeks later traces of uranin, reappeared at several places near sami: at the springs of karavomilos , at fridi, at Ayiaefimia and in the Melissani lake cave. The experiment proved that the water travels 15 kilometers underground through rifts in the limestone. By the time it reaches the east coast and re – enters the sea it is brackish, because it mixes with subterranean steams of fresh water along the way. In the nineteenth century a mill powered by a natural flow of water was built at Katavothres and it was later adapted for use as a small ,hydroelectric generating plant. The building has been restored since the earthquakes and is now a coffee – house.

Lake cave of Melissani

North of Sami, near karavomilos is the lake cave of Melissani, 500 m inland from the sea. Since part of the roof has collapsed, the water in the lake is constantly changing color under the dancing sunbeams. The iridescence of the water is reflected on the stalactites and the cave walls, creating a magical kaleidoscopic effect. The hole in the roof measures 50 x 40 m. and the water lever is about 25 m. below the roof. The lake is 163m. long, 25m wide and between 10 and 30 m deep. In the 1960s a tunnel was made through the rock for easier access to the cave. You will be taken round the lake in a small boat, going first to the part that is open to the sky and then into the dark. Just before you leave the daylight you will see a small islet formed by the rocks falling in from the roof. The water from Melissani flows into the Karavomiloslake. In 1951, when te cave was first explored, an ancient lamp was found in the islet and in 1963, under Spyros Marinatos, archaeologists found a clay figurine of Pan, a disc with a relief of Pan surrounded by dancing nymphs and a sherd with a relief of a female figure , all on the islet. In a recent book on Homeric Ithaka was in fact Kephallenia, Melissani is identified as the cave of the nymps‘ described in the Odyssey.

Drogarati Cave

Its depth is around 60 meters with an average temperature of 18o C and a fairly high amount of humidity (90%), as is the case in all caves. According to archeologists, Drogarati’s age is over 100 million years. The part which is now free to access is only one part of the total, while it is likely that the cave communicates with other caves or cave formations in the area. There are many stalactites and stalagmites formed by water which, in its path, erodes the components of the rock and deposits them at the stalagmite’s edge.

Every 100 years, it is estimated that its size increases by 1cm. Earthquakes as well as human action has contributed to many of them being cut. Nevertheless, the picture of the entrance of the cave is magnificent. Drogarati cave is open to the public all year round and in the past, several events were held in the 900 square meters hall in its entrance, due to its great acoustics. It is one of the few caves which has allowed for intense lighting in order to enable the visitor to admire nature’s grandeur.

Myrtos Beach

Located in the north of Kefalonia, in the area of Pylaros, about 30 km from Argostoli, this beautiful beach is characterized by intensely varied terrain and is surrounded by vertical steep cliffs. Though mostly covered in fine sand, a part of it has stone and pebbles, so you can choose what you prefer. The view over Myrtos is magnificent, known for the dramatic contrast created by the white pebbles of the beach and the different shades of the water that form as the currents mingle with the colours of the dark green vegetation of the area. Perhaps this is the reason why this beach is famous and has been repeatedly described as “exciting” and “like a small piece of heaven”.

The beach is located at the foot of a steep slope, several meters below street level. To reach it, visitors must descend several kilometers on the slope, on a newly opened and asphalted road. A vehicle is necessary in order to go down the road to the beach.Myrtos beach is very long and it takes more than 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other.

The colour of the seawater there is green. It is not clear due to the sediment carried by the streams and to the sharp change in the depth of the seabed. Currents are strong and can drift the swimmer. There are frequent cases of such incidents, so attention is required. There is a lifeguard on the site and he is in charge of deciding whether swimming is safe or not. He can also take action if difficult situations arise.

Every year, the beach is awarded the Blue Flag, and facilities are offered from one end to the other. A parking site was also created recently. The cave at the edge of the beach is one of the most breath-taking images that the beach has to offer.

All the above paint the picture of a magical landscape and every year famous artists hold a concert there in August, which is attended by big crowds.

Petani Beach

The route from Lixouri to the beach is magnificent and while descending, the view becomes even more impressive with its wild beauty, displaying such an image of inconceivable charm that captures the imagination. The white small pebbles and crystal clear, turquoise waters fascinate visitors.

The beach is excellently organized, since it has a canteen and taverns in front of the beach as well as higher above with a view to the sea. There is also a cafe with umbrellas, thus providing all necessary comforts and care for a pleasant stay and nourishment. The beach has also been awarded with the Blue Flag.

Antisamos

For this reason, many visitors stop at an appropriately shaped plateau to take the necessary photos. The view from the Agrilion Monastery is also spectacular.It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, since it is full of pebbles, but in some places it also has small pebbles or high sand surrounded by green hills and cypresses which almost reach the water. Its crystal-clear, blue waters enchant even the most discerning holiday maker.

In recent years it has been characterized as organized with a snack bar, sun loungers, umbrellas and water sports. It is always honored with the distinction of the Blue Flag and cars can easily park in a properly designated spot.Though in the past guests were few, Antisamos is now flooded with tourists as well as locals, who travel many miles to visit it every summer. It became famous to the general public from the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” which used this beach in many scenes in order to reveal the magic Kefalonian landscape.