Sami is Kefalonia’s busiest port and lies 25 kilometres north-east of the capital of Argostoli. Although an earthquake devastated most of Sami Village in the 1950s, much of it has been rebuilt since then. Because of this natural catastrophe, locals were forced to rebuild everything in the town from scratch. As a result, Sami isn’t really known for its old architecture like some of Greece is. Rather, the buildings here look new and vibrant. However, around Sami Village, you’ll find plenty of Roman baths, Venetian architecture, and even a few monasteries. Sami is an attractive town thanks to the pleasant waterfront lined with attractive tavernas and colorful fishing boats.
The beaches near Sami
Sami beach is a strip of white sand mixed with pebbles about 500 meters long, with a calm and clear sea. For a stretch, it is equipped with deck chairs and umbrellas placed near the campsite and for the rest, it is free and uncontaminated. Thanks to the shallow water, it is also ideal for families with small children. Despite the short distance from the port, the sea is always clean and peaceful.
Three kilometers from Sami, via the coastal road, you will reach the enchanting beach of Antisamos, considered one of the most beautiful in Kefalonia. The enchanting scenery will leave you breathless: the intense blue of the sea contrasts with the green vegetation and the bright white of the beach. It is a long beach of white pebbles, equipped with deck chairs and umbrellas in the central part. If you don’t like equipped areas, move to the eastern end, which is free, or reach the end of the bay and past the rock, you will find a small bay, where you can relax in peace.
This enchanting beach was chosen by the Hollywood film industry to shoot some scenes from the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. Some inhabitants still exhibit photos taken during filming, when the entire population of the village appeared.
What to explore near Sami
Take a while to wander around Sami village. Get some Greek treats from a local bakery and sit on the harbor edge. Or sit in one of the many fancy restaurants with a cocktail and watch the boats go by.
This Nautical Museum exhibits all the types of vessels of Traditional Greek boat building. Full of intricate and awe-inspiring work, it is a sensational museum. At 4 euros per person, you can observe early fishing vessels, merchant ships and clippers.
It is a small museum, so you likely won’t need longer than an hour to have a look around. It is certainly worth the time to visit.
In Sami there is no shortage of natural beauties, a few kilometers from the center of the village there are two wonderful caves. Do not miss the Melissani Cave located in Karavomilos, which houses a suggestive underground lake, where the light penetrating creates plays of light and breathtaking colors. It was discovered in 1951 and can also be visited by boat.
The Drogarati Cave, dating back to about 100 million years ago, is one of the main attractions of Kefalonia. It is 60 meters deep and almost entirely covered with stalactites and stalagmites. It was discovered in the eighteenth century following an earthquake, which caused a collapse and freed its entrance. Thanks to its perfect acoustics, concerts are organized every year in the Chamber of Apotheosis, the deepest part of the Drogarati Cave.
If you love ancient churches and historical places we recommend a small cultural itinerary: starting from the road to Antisamos beach, a few km from Sami you will find the ruins of the monastery of Agioi Fanentes, here you can admire the splendid frescoes of the post-Byzantine era.
Afterward, you will meet the Agrillon Monastery, dedicated to the Iperaghia Theotokos (Mother of God) dating back to the XVIII century, from here you can admire and photograph the splendid panorama. Continuing beyond the monastery you can visit the Acropolis of ancient Sami, with the ruins of the city walls and the Agios Nikolaos Church, dating back to the Middle Ages, of which the frescoed apse and the various paintings are still preserved.
Sami comes alive in the summer months as a busy tourist center with restaurants, bars, and shops. The nearby attractions of Sami Acropolis, Melissani Cave Lake, Drogarati Cave and the beautiful beach of Antisamos are all within an easy drive.
