The largest island in the Ionian Sea. It is beautiful and cinematographic (“Captain Corelli's mandolin” was filmed here), with crystal clear waters and awarder beaches, green mountain ranges, aeolic energy parks, caverns, lakes. A magical island worth exploring!
Where to swim
Near Argostoli you will find true to its name Makris Gialos (long beach). It is a very long sandy beach with umbrella and sunbeds next to similar Platis Gialos. There in the Lassi area you will find a beach bar Costa Costa (+30 24182), which is open morning till late at night, serving coffees, cocktails and food, and offering excellent service and the possibility to do water sports. Myrtos is the islands trade mark. It offers umbrellas and sunbeds, it is highly awarded with white pebbles and crystal clear, deep waters. Stay until the sun sets for a spectacular view. Xi beach, at Lixouri is the opposite of all the other beaches on the island. It features red sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for families with small children. At Skala, in the southeast, the sandy beach offers umbrellas, sunbeds, taverns. In the north at Fiskardo, take a dive in Emplisi or the smaller Foki named after the monachus – monachus seals (fokia in Greek). If you are not afraid of walking, follow the path through the cypress hill and you will be rewarded by the small and quiet Dafnoudi. It is a pebbled beach with a wonderful cavern to enjoy romantic moments in. For peace and quiet go to Plateia Ammos. You have to climb down 400 steps but it is worth it! If you want to find yourself in Captain Corelli's set, go to to the relatively unknown beach of Agia Sophia and to Gorgota. Places of glory!
Where to stay
Assos: Romanza Studios (+30 26740 51177, +30 6974481953), fully equipped overlooking the sea.
Fiskardo: Boutique Hotel Emelisse (+30 26740 41200)
Sami: Sami Beach Hotel (+30 26740 28080) and Ionian Emerald Resort & Spa (+30 26740 22708-9) at Karavomylos next to Sami.
Skala: Porto Skala Hotel Village (+30 2671028086)
Lixouri: Hotel Poseidon (+30 26710 69649) right on the beach, the traditional Summery (+30 91871) and Apollonion Resort & Spa (+30 94400) on Xi beach.
Argostoli: In the Trapezaki area, 14 km from Argostoli go to Ideales Resort (www.idealesresort.gr) for privacy, featuring 11 villas with private pools, just 3 minutes from the beach, to White Rocks (+30 2671 28332-5). At Svoronata near Argostoli, Avithos Resort (+30 42365) is a complex with a large pool and gardens.
Lassi: In 4 star Enalion Suites (+30 2671027781-2) you will find rooms in a magnificent garden with a pool.
At the scenic village Assos Roi's beautiful apartments (+30 26740 51001).
Where to eat
At Tasia's, in Fiskardo, you will find fresh fish and seafood and next door at Vasso's for lobster pasta. In Argostoli you will find international dishes at Casa Grec (+30 24091) and really good creative Mediterranean cuisine at the club restaurant Katavothres (+30 22221). At night the music is turned up as well known Djs take the stage. You can rent this club restaurant for private parties. Check out the party schedule for this summer.
At Agia Eufimia you will find Perasma (+30 26740 61990) a tavern with good food and fresh fish.
Near Sami at Poulata, Rompoli's taverna is the place to be for extra savoury meats.
At Farsa: Astrolavos with fresh seafood and the little fish taverna on Agia Kyriaki beach at Zola specializing in fried small fish.
At Lixouri home cooking at Zorba's (+30 93129), relaxed atmosphere and cheap extra fresh fish on the beach at Vatsa.
Make sure you taste the local wine Robola, almond pies, walnut pies and traditional desserts made with fresh fruit, no matter what.
Nightlife
Bass Club (+30 25020) at Argostoli is one of the oldest but still fresh bars. At the ATHENS VOICE hangout, Polocafebar, on the central square, you can have your morning coffee and try the Italian dishes for lunch or dinner. Extra tip: the Polo features a well thought of library carrying all A.V. Books. You can also go to the bar Le Sapin Noir, or elatos as the locals call it, to Platanos, and Baroque Le Bistrot (Vallianou str. 3, +30 22809), an all day coffee bar also serving burgers with a twist, club sandwiches, tapas and refreshing salads. You can listen to Greek and international music and be a part of many events and parties happening on the spot. Bodega (Rizospaston & Momferatou str., +30 22022), is the only beer place on the island, open from 9 in the morning till very late at night, with parties happening all the time, 10 draft beers and another 100 different bottles all of which can come with cheese and cold meats platters or even burgers. Check out Spileo Club at Poros, Del Mare at Agia Paraskevi.
When in Lixouri go by Senso (Pl. Ethnikis Antistasis, +30 91702) the area's mostly known bar. There you can sit outside on the street saved only for pedestrians or on the square, open from morning for coffee and snacks till late at night when it becomes a proper bar. Every Friday it's Greek music night, Saturday is Greek and international music mix night. At Fiskardo, you must got to Cavo Verde (+30 41221). You will find it on the port, open from morning for coffees and snacks and chillout music which becomes louder at night when you can a enjoy a chilled cocktail.
Not to be missed:
Go to the local panigyri at Simomata on August 15th, where you will enjoy local dishes and an abundance of wine and to Panagia Lagkouvarda, if you want to witness the harmless and “lucky” snakes appearing only that day. Go to the traditional wine festival of Robola at Fragata and Agios Gerasimos panigyri for lots of wine, song and dance.
Explore the caverns of Melissani and Drogarati, take a walk at the Venetian castles of Assos and Agios Georgios, visit the Folk and the Archaeological Museums (both at Argostoli). One last but not least thing to do is to visit Mount Ainos. It is national forest with black pine trees you will not find anywhere else and wild horses!
Area Code: +30 26710 +30 26740 for the Sami area
Police: +30 28404
Port Authority: +30 22397
Argostoli Town Hall: +30 26713 62600
First Aid: +30 24641-6
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