Welcome to our Ultimate Travel Guide to Sami Kefalonia 2023! Sami is a small coastal town in Kefalonia, Greece. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see the real Greece. The town has beautiful beaches and a lot of history. In this guide, we will tell you about the best things to do in Sami Kefalonia, the best places to stay, and the best food to eat. Whether you’re planning a trip to Sami or just want to learn more about it, let’s start exploring!
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The Vibe of Sami
Sami Kefalonia, or just Sami, is a place that will make you feel relaxed and calm. It’s not like other busy places in Greece. Sami is quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing holiday. The town is right next to the beach, so you can always see the beautiful ocean. The people in Sami are very friendly and will make you feel like you’re at home.
Walking along the beach in Sami is a great way to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You can listen to the gentle sound of the waves and feel the sea breeze. The beach is a bit stony, but the water is calm and clear. It’s not the best place for snorkeling, but it’s great for a relaxing swim or just sitting on the beach and enjoying the view.
Where to Stay in Sami Kefalonia
Figuring out where to stay in Sami Kefalonia can be quite a task with so many great options available. However, we found a sweet home just a bit outside of the town. Our apartment, a lovely modern place, was situated about a 10-minute walk from the harbor, right next to the camping spot. The location was super quiet, offering us the tranquility we were looking for during our vacation.
The apartment came with its own terrace from which we could enjoy both ocean and mountain views – a double treat for nature lovers like us. The beach was just a minute’s walk away, allowing us easy access to the water anytime we wanted. An added bonus was the availability of kayaks, sunbeds, and umbrellas for rent, which we found very convenient for our beach outings.
The apartment owners were super friendly and welcoming, making our stay even more enjoyable. Their warm hospitality truly added to the charm of the place. If you’re planning a visit to Sami Kefalonia, we highly recommend considering Apartments Katerina by the Sea for your stay.
Many accommodation options in Sami
For those who love camping, there’s a camping spot right next to the apartment. It’s a great option if you’re on a budget or if you simply love the experience of camping. There are also other apartments and more luxurious accommodations available in the area, catering to different budget ranges and preferences. For the best deals, you might want to check out booking.com, a reliable platform that offers a wide variety of accommodations to choose from.
Remember, choosing the right place to stay can significantly enhance your holiday experience. So, take your time to explore all the options and choose what best suits your needs and preferences.
+++ Find the best hotels and accommodation deals in Sami on Booking.com +++
Booking.comHow to get to Sami Kefalonia?
Our journey to Sami Kefalonia began with a car ride from Lassi. It took us about 45 minutes to cross the island, a journey filled with scenic views of the beautiful landscape. On our way, we made sure to stop at the Drogarati Cave, an impressive natural wonder that’s believed to be over 100 million years old. With its towering stalactites and stalagmites, the cave offers a sight that’s truly worth seeing.
We timed our visit to the cave to avoid the lunchtime crowd. We arrived around 12-1 pm, just after the tour buses had left, which allowed us to explore the cave in relative peace. There’s even a restaurant with a pool nearby, making it a great spot for families with kids. One unique feature of the Drogarati Cave is its year-round temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. This was a pleasant change from the outdoor temperature, which was around 36 degrees during our visit.
There are probably other transportation options like buses, but they go rather infrequently and you are not able to make stops and visit the caves. It is definitely worth it to rent a car in Kefalonia!
Getting around Sami
Our accommodation was located a little outside Sami, but it was an easy 10-15 minute walk along the beach to the town’s main area. For those who prefer driving, there’s plenty of parking space available. Having a car is certainly the most convenient option, especially if you plan to visit other highlights like the beaches or the ruins of Old Vlachata. These sites are not far from Sami and are easily accessible by car.
Remember, the key to enjoying your visit to Sami Kefalonia is to plan your travels well. Having a car can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, allowing you to fully experience the charm of this beautiful Greek town.
Food & Dining in Sami Kefalonia
Food is a big part of the travel experience, and Sami Kefalonia doesn’t disappoint. We usually prepared breakfast at our apartment, enjoying the peaceful mornings. When we felt like treating ourselves, we headed to Vitosquared Café-Snacks-Bakery. They serve excellent coffee and a wide variety of healthy food options. It’s a great place to start your day before heading out to explore what Sami has to offer.
For dinner, we found the harbor area to be our favorite. Among the restaurants there, Taka Taka Mam stood out with its friendly service, cold beer, and tasty gyros. There’s nothing quite like ending your day with a delicious meal while watching the stunning sunset behind the mountains. We also tried a few restaurants closer to the beach, but we found the service there less friendly and the prices a bit higher. So, for the best dining experience in Sami Kefalonia, we’d recommend sticking to the harbor area. Watching the beautiful sunset over the mountains while enjoying a meal is truly a moment to savor.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Sami Kefalonia
Melissani Cave
One of the top places to visit in Sami Kefalonia is the Melissani Cave. This unique cave has a beautiful lake inside. When sunlight comes in through an opening in the cave roof, it lights up the water, creating a beautiful sight. The cave is only a short five-minute drive from our place, making it easy to visit.
+++ Must read: When is the best time to visit Melissani Cave? +++
Drogarati Cave
Another natural wonder worth exploring is the Drogarati Cave. This stalactite-studded cave is a magnificent spectacle and is believed to be over 100 million years old. We made a point to visit around lunchtime, just after the tour buses had left, ensuring a quieter experience.
+++ Read our trip to Drogarati Cave +++
Antisamos Beach
Antisamos Beach is another must-visit spot in Sami. This popular beach has clear waters and stunning views. Even though it can get busy, it’s worth a visit. You can rent sunbeds for a good price and relax under the sun.
Relaxing at the Beach
The beach in front of our place was a perfect spot to relax and swim. The water was calm, making it safe and enjoyable to swim. It was like having our own private beach where we could relax anytime we wanted.
The Ruins of Old Vlachata
For those interested in history, the ruins of Old Vlachata are worth a visit. The town was destroyed in an earthquake in 1953, and wandering around the ruins offers a glimpse into the town’s past.
Boat Rides to Hidden Beaches
One more exciting thing you can do in Sami Kefalonia is rent a motorized boat to discover hidden beaches. These secluded spots can only be reached by water and are perfect for those looking for a quiet place to relax. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to do this during our visit, but it’s definitely something we’re planning for next time.
Check out Hop On Greece or Kefalonia by Anna for more information about renting a boat.
Day Trip to Ithaka Island
From Sami, you can also consider a day trip to Ithaka Island. We didn’t have the time to do this, but it’s worth considering if you have more time. Don’t let Google Maps fool you. The island looks rather small but is actually pretty huge and high!
Remember, there are many things to do in Sami Kefalonia. There’s a lot to see and explore, so take your time and enjoy all the experiences this charming town has to offer!
Concluding Thoughts
Our visit to Sami Kefalonia was unforgettable. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the town, coupled with the beautiful surroundings, made our stay truly special. Staying just outside the town center, we enjoyed the tranquility and the easy access to the beach. Our walks along the beach, the exploration of the historical ruins of Old Vlachata, and our visit to the impressive Drogarati Cave or Melissani Cave added richness to our experience.
In Sami Kefalonia, there’s no shortage of things to do. From swimming in the clear waters to dining at the harbor, every activity offers its own unique charm. We didn’t get a chance to rent a boat or visit Ithaka Island, but these are certainly on our list for the next visit. Leaving Sami Kefalonia, we carried with us beautiful memories and a promise to return to explore more of what this charming town has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, we hope our experiences will help you plan your own unforgettable trip to Sami Kefalonia. Safe travels!
