+ Greek Island Kefallonia Page 6
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Keffalonia Page 6

Skala is the biggest resort in this section of the island with all the amenities but still not too overblown. Inland, above Pastra are the remains of the ancient city of Pronnoi with little to be seen. Close by, however, in 1992, at the hamlet of Tzanata, archeologists discovered the main contender to the Tomb of Odysseus status deep below (7m) a vineyard. These 12th Century BC finds are called the most important ancient tombs in western Greece. There were bones, sigil's and gold jewelry. Unfortunately they can't be viewed, since they are all under study at the University of Patras.

From Tzanata the road descends through the Poros gap to Poros where ferries link to Kilini on the Peloponnese. This was originally the port of the ancient town of Pronnoi. Poros has a beach and is under development.

The Port of Sami and Northern Kefallonia

greece greek islands ionian kefalloniaSami is a utilitarian port town with its own beach and campsite but little else in the way of interest. Ferry traffic goes from Sami to Patras, Corfu and Italy. People often stay overnight here because the nearby caves and beaches are worth a visit. Four km east is one of the nicer beaches of the eastern coast: Andisamos. Because it has only has a small cantina, Andisamos keeps the crowds at bay. It's in a lovely green setting backed by hills.

greece greek islands ionian kefalloniaSami is near the village of Chaliotata and its magnificent Dragarati Cave (open dawn-dusk, fee), which has many orange and yellow stalactites and stalagmites. One of its hollows is so big and the acoustics so good that opera singer Maria Callas preformed a concert here and occasionally concerts are still held.

The more expensive, prettier and better cave is the Purple Cave or Melissani Cave, a half hour walk from Sami. This is the one connected to the swallow holes across the island and thought by some to be the Cavern of the Nymphs referred to by Homer. This subterranean cave-lake has vivid blue waters in a channel leading to the enclosed section where the nymph Melissani drowned herself when she was spurned by Pan. Sunlight filters down through a hole in the roof making it rather attractive.

There are a variety of other undeveloped caves available to spelunkers in the Sami area but are dangerous to the untrained. Angela cave near Poulata is reputed to be the best.

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