Local area

 

Avgerinata Estate is located in Sami area, which lies on the East part of the island. The homonymous port is one the most important for the island, since it provides ferry boat connection with mainland Greece, Peloponnese, Italy and the neighbor island of Ithaki. The area is 35km from the island’s airport and 25km from Argostoli, which is the capital of the Island.

From the Estate Sami is 5km downhill which is an easy stroll if is not so hot for walking. If you visit the town you can find, all sort of stores – food markets, gift shops, boutiques- and many nice restaurants over the waterfront. Health center, doctors, drugstore and dentist are nearby.

Regarding sightseeing the area offers two hills which are overlooking the port. Paliokastro – Acropolis the old fortress where located Sami town in the ancient times and Agioi Fanetes with ruins from Roman Houses. In one km distance is Dichalia village, known from the film set of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, since they had established “ Pelagias” village there. If you visit the area, do not expect to see any leftovers for the sceneries, since according to the story everything lost by the earthquake.

From the same road, you can walk to the Agrilia Monastery dedicated to Virgin Mary for exceptional view over the Ithaki Island and Antisamos bay. Some of the most important attraction of the entire island can be found near by, so Avgerinata Estate lies in a strategic point!!!

In Haliotata village, there is only 2km away from the Estate, is the famous worth visit Drogarati Cave.

 

The entrance was created 100years ago, when a part of the Cave collapsed by a strong earthquake. 

 

The cave’s depth is 60m from the ground level, the temperature is 18oC and remains the same during the season, where humidity is nearly 90%. Initially the cave was developed and excavated in 1951, by the community of Haliotata, under the supervision of the great speleologist Mrs Anna Petrohilos. In 1963 it’s open for the public as soon as the GNTO- Greek organization of Tourism- formatted stairs. The actual cave is dated more than hundred millions years old and has an extension, which is not approachable, but it connects with other caves of the area and all together they format an underground “Cave Park”.

 

The stalactites are those coming from the ceiling and they create stalagmites - those coming from the floor to the ceiling.

For 1cm growth they need 100years time, so is very slow process. A unique underground concert hall of 900m2 is the “ Sala of Apotheosis “ , since it has excellent acoustic and many concerts have been given during the years.
Performers like Maria Callas and Mikes Theodorakis were among the ones they participate with concerts. When you will visit the Cave, please make sure that you wear comfortable – non slippery shoes and be extra carefully when you will come down the stairs, since are very slippery.

In Karavomilos village, there is only 7km from the Estate, is the well known subterranean Cave - Lake of Melissani were discovered in 1951 by the speleologist Mr Giannis Petrohilos. Thousand years ago it was a cave, but during an earthquake the roof collapsed, so it became a lake.

 

The stalagmites and stalactites are stopped growing – since they hit by the sunshine they died, but the light reflections are marvelous and worth visit. According the legend it took its name from Nymph Melissanthi when she killed herself, because the God Pana did not correspond to her love.

 

The famous Kefalonian archeologist My Spyros Marinatos excavated the small hill inside the lake and found a clay plate with engraved icon of the Nymphs dancing around the God Panas. From that he believed that it was a sanctuary of the God. All the foundlings can be seen at the archeological Museum of Argostoli. The lake’s water is quite cold and semi-fresh, since it is used as the middle passage of the sea-water entering into the ground in Katavothres area, near Argostoli town and coming out in Karavomilos Lake.

Better time to visit the area is around middle day when the sun is at its highest point and the shines reflect in the water giving magnificent multi-colors. You need to be patient since is very busy and boats for the trip takes only few persons each time. Certainly is worth the effort!!!

Agia Efimia fishing village it lies not more than 9km from Sami town.

In its protected windless golf, summer time a lot of yachts is mooring. Around the port many choices of restaurants transform the sleepy area – as the locals called – into a lively resort. On your way there from Sami road, you will find several small beaches suitable for one or two groups in each.

For spectacular sea view over to Ithaki island – opposite Agia Efimia -, visiting the Monastery of Themata is a must within 6km. If you are keen walkers and weather is suitable you can try the road on foot.

Antisamos Beach near Sami town is the must for clear crystal waters.

A blue flag awarded beach, organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and canteen, where may scenes from the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin ” where shot there.

.