Sami Kefalonia

holiday report and Kefalonia map

Sami Kefalonia

SAMI is the second busiest port on Kefalonia after Argostoli with ferries to several other islands.
Sami is on the north-east coast of Kefalonia, about 22km from the capital and not particularly attractive, being a busy working port. It has a modern town area with streets laid out in a uniform grid while the port has a long tree-lined waterfront with views across to Ithaca.
Sami has two ferry harbours as well as a boat jetty, in the wide bay. The main harbour waterfront promenade is filled with pavement tavernas and cafes. There are regular ferries from Sami to Patras on the mainland as well as water taxis to Ithaca.
Sami was chosen for the main scenes from the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin and parts of the town are cashing in on the connection so here you will find Captain Corelli's taverna etc.
Like most east coast beaches Sami beach is a mix of shingle and sand. The long narrow strip is to the north of Sami and a rather scruffy stretch, though it does have good views across to Ithaca.
The water is shallow but he beach is very exposed with little natural shade. There are sun beds and there are cafes nearby so it's a beach you might use if staying in Sami but hardly one worth driving to.
The area around Sami is full of interesting geological phenomena. Seventeen cave sites have been recorded in the area - a rare occurrence in Greek geomorphology - and significant in tracing the area's prehistoric period.
Only two of the caves are open to the public - the subterranean lake-cave of Melissani and the Drogarati Caves on the road from Sami, near the village of Haliotata.
The Drogarati Cave was uncovered by an earthquake over 300 years ago. The caves are 60 metres below ground and full of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is about 900 metres square and has such good acoustics that both classical and pop concerts have been performed there. Both caves now attract an endless stream of tourists.
Karavomylos nearby marks the outlet of a cave system that starts at Fanari and takes seawater right under the island. With its pretty lake and sea mill Karavomilos is well worth a visit.