The tour of the Lighthouses: Fiskardo - Kavos Fournia - Fiskardo The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: mixed Route’s duration: 40 minutes Route’s length: 2,600 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it. The route It is a short pleasant walk, where, from the settlement of Fiskardo we go to the cape of Fournias and back again. The route starts from the main parking area of the settlement and after descending the long and beautiful stairs we find ourselves at the seafront of the settlement with its traditional houses, stores, restaurants and harbour. We head north, where the path starts at the end of the landscaped coastal zone of the settlement. The path is marked and with information signs at the start. It is a gentle circular path, shaded, through pine trees for most of its length, and its passage is a pleasant walk for all. Along the way you will find the impressive ruins of an early Christian church, a lighthouse from 1892 which is, among other things, a remarkable architectural monument and the beautifully maintained and preserved Venetian lighthouse of the 16th century. During the route, we enjoy the beautiful view of the sparkling and clear sea (in summer we should bring our swimsuit), with Ithaca in the background, while the settlement of Fiskardo lies at our feet. By the time we complete the circular path, we return to the original parking area by the same route. A walk to the settlement is considered a must. In Kefalonia there are Health Centres in Sami and Hospitals in Argostoli and Lixouri. There are also police services in Fiskardo, Sami, Poros, Lixouri and Argostoli. Citizen Service Centres are in Argostoli, Livathou, Poros and in Agia Efthimia. Fiskardo At the closest point of Kefalonia - Ithaca, in northern Kefalonia, 50 km from Argostoli, is the seaside settlement of Fiskardo. It took its name from the Norman conqueror Robert Guiscard, who in 1085 besieged and conquered the area. Most of the houses in Fiskardo were built during the 18th century and still retain the architectural character of the period, as they were not seriously damaged by the devastating earthquake of 1953. Walking along its streets, we see two-storey houses with red roofs and narrow balconies, painted in bright colours, which together with the green nature and the deep blue sea create a unique landscape.  Fiskardo has been classified as a traditional settlement and is also the birthplace of the poet Nikos Kavvadias. According to the 2011 census it has a population of 189 inhabitants. It is a very popular tourist destination. Its port connects Kefalonia with Ithaca and Lefkada, with frequent itineraries, especially during the summer months. Cavos Fournia The route of the cave of Fournia circularly connects the monuments of the cave, which are the Venetian Lighthouse, the Modern Lighthouse and the Old Christian Basilica.  The entire peninsula has been designated an archaeological site. On its surface, findings from the Palaeolithic period have been found. The limestone rocks of the area contain pyrite, a material very useful to the Palaeolithic man, with which he made his tools and weapons. Outside the path, there are ruins of windmills, farms and terraces. Ruins of an early Christian temple  On the route of Kavos of Fournia, we find the ruins of an Early Christian basilica, built between the 6th and 8th century. The church is one of the oldest known Christian buildings of the Ionian Islands and the largest three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica of the Ionian Sea.  The lighthouses of Fiskardo: Venetian Lighthouse, Lighthouse of 1892 At the edge of the settlement of Fiskardo, in close distance to each other, are the two stone lighthouses, witnesses of the importance of the small port throughout its history. The older one, the Venetian, was built by the Venetians. It was conquered by the Venetians in the 16th century. Since 1867 it has been operated using an illuminating catadioptric machine. Even today, it is still preserved in a fairly good condition. Its cylindrical tower is impressive. Next to it, it is located the lighthouse keeper's house. Both buildings were surrounded by a stone wall, which served as a fence and reached a height of two meters. From the point of the lighthouse, one can admire a completely different view of Fiskardo and its picturesque harbour.  The second, the newer lighthouse of Fiskardo, is also built on the same spot. It was built in 1892 and, in fact, replaced the old one. The height of its tower is more than 14 metres, while its focal height is estimated to be 27 metres. The original building was severely damaged during the 1953 earthquakes, and was almost completely reconstructed.

At the monastery of Ayios Andreas: Volimes - Monastery of Ayios Andreas - Volimes The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: linear (the starting and the ending point are the same) Route’s duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes Route’s length: 4.300 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. In summer, you should avoid the midday hours because there are not shady places after a certain point (at least half of the route). The route The route starts from the church of Ayios Spyridon in Volimes and after a short downhill (about 400 meters) on asphalt we turn west on the dirt road. In fact, this dirt road leads us to the old monastery, if we follow it carefully, because the route is not signposted and some attention is required at junctions, although it is easy to pick the route since the dirt road clearly "dominates". The route is downhill and in some places it becomes steeply downhill. The total route up to the ruins of the old monastery is more than 4,200 metres and passes through a green area that is trying to recover from recent fires. The landscape in some places, fortunately a small part of the route, is defined by the burnt carcasses of pine and other trees, but for most of the route's length passes through fresh young pine forest, particularly dense. So dense, in fact, that it has taken over the old path, and following it, it is particularly difficult and not recommended. The ruins of the monastery are imposing in a particularly peaceful landscape with an excellent view of the Ionian Sea. The walker can also enjoy the traces of the old frescoes of the church (those that have been removed), which now has no roof anymore. As a linear route, the return is by the same road, doubling the total time of the walk, which is now uphill. It should be noted that vehicle access to the monastery is particularly difficult due to waterlogging on the road and it is not recommended. On the island of Zakynthos there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south) of Alykes, Zakynthos Town, Machairado and Pantokratoras. Police Station in Katastari and General Police Directorate in Zakynthos Town. A number of private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, while public health structures are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and Health Centre in Kallithea. Volimes Perched on the northern slopes of Mount Vrachionas, at an altitude of 430 meters and 31 kilometers from the town of Zakynthos, is the settlement of Volimes. It is mentioned in documents and contracts of the 15th and 16th centuries under the name 'Chorion of Volimas'. They also identify their three individual settlements as Kato, Messino and Apanou Chorio.  Around 750 inhabitants live here, who, apart from tourism, are engaged in the production of local wine, honey, Zakynthian oil cheese and the manufacture of handmade lace and kilims. At Volimes we will also find interesting pre-earthquake houses, churches and bell towers, as well as what remains of the beautiful seven windmills that used to adorn the village. But also the restored windmill of Fragogianni, built between 1836 and 1839 by Maltese craftsmen. It is built on a plateau, at an altitude of 460 m., between the settlements of Ano and Meso Volimas and has a beautiful view of the Ionian Sea and Kefalonia. In the Messianic village we will find the churches of Ayia Paraskevi and Ayios Theodosios and in the lower village, Ayios Spyridon. Monastery of Ayios Andreas The monastery of Ayios Andreas is located in Mesovouni of Volima, in a rugged but beautiful location. It is estimated to have been built in the mid-15th century, first of all on the larger of the two Diaporian islands that were formerly connected to the mainland. In 1595, because of the fear of pirates, the monastery in Mesovouni was built by John Theodosius and his grandsons, who transferred the icons to the more recent church. In 1890, the Monastery of Ayios Andreas was united with the Monastery of Ayios Georgios of Kremnon and became its metochion. In 1953 it was demolished by the earthquakes, but its great frescoes were transferred to the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos, where we can visit and enjoy them today. Today the Monastery is in a dilapidated condition and unfortunately it has been looted, although efforts are being undertaken to restore it. During the route the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: α) near the church of Ayios Spyridon b) at the beginning of the dirt road, c) after the first crossroads, d) after the second crossroads, e) approximately in the middle of the dirt road (at the foot of the path), f) at the beginning of the long downhill (where the concrete pavement begins), g) at the entrance to the ruins of the old monastery of Ayios Andreas.

Above the Navagio (shipwreck): Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon- View of the Navagio - and the cave of Agios Gerasimos The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: linear Route’s duration: about 30 minutes Route’s length: 1,500 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. In summer, you should avoid midday hours. The route A linear route with intense landscape changes and spectacular views of the Navagio. The route starts from the entrance of the Monastery and heads west, via the dirt road, to the chapel located less than two hundred meters away from the Monastery. After visiting the imposing spot with the Cross, we return to the chapel and continue along the path that exists, also to the west. The path is not signposted but most walkers can see it, although it takes a fair amount of attention. The direction is towards the asphalt road and especially towards the dirt plateau next to it (visible from most points on the trail). After reaching the asphalt road, follow it towards the sea and after about six hundred meters, you reach the organized viewing area of the wreck. After descending the stairs, the path to the second viewpoint (and to the cave of Agios Gerasimos), head north. This is an easy to follow, but unmarked, trail that requires increased caution. The trail goes parallel to the large cliffs that exist in the area but at a sufficient distance in order not to be dangerous. The walker should follow it paying attention and not get disoriented and follow a second parallel path, towards the side of the cliffs, which requires particularly increased caution and experience. The second viewpoint is easily discernible from a distance and is about three hundred metres from the parking area. The return is by the same route. The duration of the hike (without any stops) is about half an hour, not counting the return time. Note: We suggest that the walker should not proceed towards the cave of Agios Gerasimos and this is because continuing to the cave is considered to be difficult - dangerous for the average walker. In particular, the path leading to the cave from one point onwards is difficult to distinguish and passes through rocky and steep areas. The path must first be opened up and properly marked and then made accessible to average walkers. On the island of Zakynthos there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south) of Alykes, Zakynthos Town, Machairado and Pantokratoras. Police Station in Katastari and General Police Directorate in Zakynthos Town. A number of private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies and public health facilities are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and a Health Centre in Kallithea. Monastery of Agios Georgios Gremnon In 1535 two monks, Makarios and Varlaam, arrived in the deserted area of Kremna (or Gremna), in the northwest of Zakynthos. They address the commissioners of the monastery of Anafonitria and ask them to take over the administration of an ancient small temple known as Kato Ai-Giorgis Gremnon. The temple was located on the islet of Agios Georgios, in other words, on the peninsula that today surrounds the beach of Nafagio to the south. After fifteen years of residence on the cape of Agios Georgios, the place was transformed. The monks built a house, cisterns, cultivated vineyards, while others followed their example, shaping the area. Thus, in 1550, initially, and by a later decree of 1554, the Venetian State assigned to the monks all the wider area from Stomio to Halorachi, together with the monastery of Kato Agios Georgios Gremnon, in order to create an autonomous and self-governing monastery. The monastery has a long and rich history, due to the great personalities who have practiced in it. We mention the monk Gerasimos Notaras (later Agios Gerasimos, patron saint of Kefalonia), but also the Zakynthian theologian and teacher of the Nation, Monk Pachomio Roussanos. The frescoes in the catholic of the monastery were painted in 1606 by Loukas Romanos, but unfortunately they are not preserved nowadays. The tower of the monastery with its circular base began to be built in 1561 to defend the monks from pirates. Of particular interest is the history of the monastery's library, which was important and famous. It contained the manuscript codes of the monk Pachomius, which are now in the Marcian Library in Venice and are known as the Nanian Codes, after the Venetian Admiral Nani, who smuggled them to Italy. During the last few years, a serious effort has been made to restore and maintain the monastery, as well as to systematically record its valuable relics. Apart from the religious and historical value of the Monastery, we are also in awe of the place itself, where it is built, a wild and imposing place, with an excellent view of the Navagio, the most famous beach of Zakynthos. Navagio beach This is the most famous beach of Zakynthos and the most photographed. It is located in a steep place, on the eastern side of the island, near the mountainous village of Anafonitria, and can only be reached by sea. It is surrounded by towering vertical cliffs, its sand is white and its waters have a wonderful turquoise blue colour due to the sulphur springs that come up from the caves in the area.  The German traveler E.L. Salvatos mentions in 1901, for the area of Navagio, that it was a very small beach with black stones. According to older inhabitants of the area, until 1920 there was a very small beach called Spirili. After 1922, landslides initially created the first noteworthy beach, which was approximately up to where the boat is located today. The last landslide after the Navagio created the present beach. There is also the opinion that the ship itself caused the sand to gather around it and formed the beach. In the past the coast was called Agios Georgios. Today it is called Navagio or "Panagiotis" after the name of the ship that in 1980 was carrying contraband cigarettes of great value, and after sailing for three days between Kefallonia and Zakynthos, it washed up on this particular shore, while the crew escaped to the village of Volimes. The carcass of the ship is still there and is a feature of the beach. Cave of Agios Gerasimos In 1952, in the monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, the monk Gerasimos Notaras (later named as Agios Gerasimos and became the patron saint of Kefalonia) was a monk. One kilometre north of the monastery was a cave, which Agios Gerasimos knew and asked the abbot's permission to practice in it. Agios Gerasimos stayed in the cave for four consecutive years, cultivated a bush and built two cisterns to meet his needs for food and water.  On October 10, 1967, the cave was converted into a church of Agios Gerasimos by the Metropolitan of Zakynthos. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) at the entrance towards the monastery b) at the chapel (near the Stavros), c) where the path meets the asphalt road, d) in the formed area with a view to the Navagio, e) on the path (where the gate and the stone mantra are), f) at the second viewpoint of the Navagio.

In the Medieval Olive Groves: From Lithakia to the Medieval Olive Groves The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: linear Route’s duration: 45 minutes Route’s length: 2,400 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, weather permitting. The route The route starts from the square in front of the Historical Church of Panagia Faneromeni in the settlement of Lithakia. After visiting the church, we head south via the National Road Zakynthos - Keri. The next 400 meters require increased caution since we are walking on a national road. Then, we head east and enter the old medieval olive groves of the area, where the trunks of the old olive trees reflect the passing of the centuries in an intense way and awe us. The trail is smooth, easy and in a shady place under the large olive trees where we climb slightly to reach an excellent viewpoint in the middle of the olive groves. From this point we can see the entire marine park of Zakynthos (Laganas Bay), from the cape of Marathia to the cape of Vasilikos, while in front of us we can see Marathonisi. The return can be done by the same route to the starting point at Panagia Faneromeni. Although a large part of the route is on a dirt road, it can also be done by car with relative care. On the island of Zakynthos there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south) of Alykes, Zakynthos Town, Machairado and Pantokratoras. Police Station in Katastari and General Police Directorate in Zakynthos Town. A number of private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as public health facilities are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and Health Centre in Kallithea. Lithakia Lithakia is one of the oldest settlements of Zakynthos. It is located southeast of Zakynthos, on a hill, between the areas of Keri Lake and Laganas. According to the 2011 census, it has 1,478 inhabitants. It is a rich and fertile village. It was also called Archontochori because of its wealth. Its inhabitants were mainly engaged in viticulture and produced the best wine of Zakynthos. Today many of the inhabitants are engaged in fishing. Lithakia is not particularly touristic, thus it still maintains its traditional architecture and natural beauty. Most of its houses are stone-built, some are coloured and all have tiles and well-groomed gardens. The square of Admiral Spyridon N. Soulis starts with a row of palm trees and includes the church of Faneromeni. From the square we can enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding villages, the sea and Marathonisi. When in Lithakia, it is worth visiting the 14th century Church of Panagia Faneromeni, the 16th century Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, in the northern part of the settlement, as well as the restored Mansion of Messala, which houses the Environmental Education Centre. The medieval olive grove of Lithakia with its centenarian trees and their huge trunks, which are sculptural monuments of nature, is also of exceptional beauty and interest. Historical Church of Panagia Faneromeni in Lithakia The church of Panagia Faneromeni in the village of Lithakia, is a 14th century wood-roofed single-aisled basilica with remarkable icons and a magnificent wood-carved gilded iconostasis, built in different periods from the 16th to the 19th century. It was saved from the earthquakes of 1953 and is a typical example of the religious architecture of the island. It is mentioned in archival sources from the 16th century.  During the walk the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) in the square in front of the Historical Church of Panagia Faneromeni, b) at the junction with the National road Zakynthos - Keri, c) at the junction with the road to the olive groves, d) at the next junction to the east e) at the viewpoint.

From Eros to Drastis: Channel of Eros - Cape Drastis     The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.     Route’s type: linear (can be done also as mixed) Route’s duration: 1 hour and twenty minutes (one way) Route’s length: 4,400 (one way) Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it. In summer, you should avoid midday hours.     The route: This is a route that essentially consists of three sections: a) the (short) route within the core of the settlement of Sidari, from the Eros Canal along the coast and up to the tarmac road, b) a circular route in the hills of the area, and c) a linear route up to Cape Drastis. The walker can do each section separately or as a whole. The main body of the route is the linear route from Eros Canal to Cape Drastis. The first part of the route starts from a parking area near the Eros Canal and the walker, after visiting it, walks around the tourist facilities of the area along the beach and then ends on the main road (asphalt). It is a route with no hills, the majority of which is on a paved path. Then it follows the asphalt road to the west to start the second part of the route. The second part of the route starts on a dirt road that from a certain point onwards is marked with red signs. The route, for a large part of it, is uphill (up to the telecommunication antennas) but not very difficult. This uphill route will reward the visitor with an excellent view of the Ionian Sea, the Diapontic Islands and the Cape of Drastis. At this point the walker has two options, either to continue towards the cape or to return to the starting point through the olive groves and dense vegetation by a particularly beautiful downhill route. The route to the cape from the antennas is a slightly downhill route from a clearly identifiable dirt road that offers excellent views. The return is by the same route, unless the walker has arranged for transport to be waiting for them in the small car park at the cape. Note: Google maps users will get the information that this route can be done by car, which is not true, because the heavy winter rains have significantly damaged the dirt road and made it inaccessible by cars (at least not those without special 4x4 specifications).   On the island of Corfu there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ypsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi. Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi. Numerous private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, while public health structures exist, too (from north to south): the Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, the Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, the Agios Athanasios Health Centre, the Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, and the Lefkimmi Health Centre.   Canal d' amour (Canal of Love) Definitely, the most famous beach of Corfu and one of the most beautiful in the world is the Canal of Love or Canal d'amour. It is located between the villages of Sidari and Peroulades, on the northern coast of the island at a distance of about 32 km from Corfu Town. It is a natural sculpture created on sandstone rocks by the erosive effect of the wind and waves. Blue-green waters, small beaches and many caves form an impressive fjord, which changes from year to year as nature never stops sculpting the rocks. Legend has it that whoever swims through the narrow passage of the cave and comes out on the other side of the sea will meet the love of his life. Every summer thousands of tourists visit the small beach, its caves and coves to find love and to benefit from the beneficial properties of the clay that the sea and its unique rocks provide. Cape Drastis After the village of Peroulades, a few kilometers after the busy and touristic Sidari, at the northernmost point of the island, hidden in a beautiful forested landscape, there is a pristine, imposing and at the same time enchanting landscape, Cape Drastis. Its impressive formations, with deep bays, caves, islets and crystal clear waters will show you what the Canal d'amour would have looked like before it was altered by human exploitation. The Dragon can be accessed either by foot or by sea, and this has protected it from human interference, preserving all its natural and virgin beauty.   During the route the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) start of the route at the parking area at the Eros Canal, b) at the Eros Canal (on the paved road), c) where the dirt road starts from the asphalt road, d) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the march, e) at the viewpoint of the Cape of Drastis, (f) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the route, (g) at the small parking area at Cape Drastis, (g) at the viewpoint of Drastis (end of the route at the Cape), (h) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the alternative circular route.

Cephalonian Fir Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species, growing naturally only in Greece. It was first described as a new species by the English botanist JW Loudon in 1838. This together with its phytogeographical importance were the main reasons Mt.Aenos was declared a National Forest in 1962.

In Ancient Sami: Sami - Antisamos - Acropolis - Sami The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: circular Route’s duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes Route’s length: 8,000 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather conditions permitting. During summer, you should avoid midday hours. The route The route starts from the centre of Sami where we head along the coast, and after passing the harbour, we follow a north-easterly direction until we meet the asphalt road leading to the popular beach of Antisamos. We continue our slightly uphill path from the main asphalt road with a beautiful view of northern Kefalonia and the strait of Kefalonia - Ithaca, where after a beautiful and relaxing asphalt track of about three kilometers, we arrive at the point where we enjoy an uninterrupted view of the bay and the beach of Antisamos, Psili Rachi and Mytikas. From this point, we descend to the organized and beautiful beach of Antisamos with its clear waters and bars (in summer it is recommended to bring your swimsuit). At the beginning of the beach, where the bus stop is located at the bend in the road, the path starts. Its start is not very distinct due to the various signs that are present. The path is marked with two lines, blue and white, and proceeds easily, first past a wire fence of some property and then uphill, in a shady environment at first, between Skala and Ambelaki, the two hills of the area. As you climb the vegetation becomes lower and lower so that when you reach the top of the junction there are few shadows. At the junction we have two options: a) either to continue on our way to Agios Fanentes, b) or to do this, but after first visiting the site of the acropolis of ancient Sami, located to the west. The acropolis site dominates the hill of Skala, which is practically opposite us. After the acropolis, we head south towards Agios Fanentes and the ruins of the old monastery. Along the way the view towards Sami and the strait of Kefalonia - Ithaca is excellent. From Agios Fanentes the nature of the route changes. The path becomes narrow and downhill and needs attention. The signposting remains the same (blue and white line), while as we descend the environment becomes increasingly overgrown and shady. After a quite steep descent, in about 900 meters we go down about 200 meters of altitude (average gradient 22%), we reach the upper side of Sami, where through Priamos Street, we reach the point from where we started our route. The duration of the march is about two and a half hours, not counting the stops - visits of the various sights of the route (Antisamos, Acropolis of Sami, etc.). As a circular route, it can also be done from the reverse of the proposed direction, which is not recommended, because in this case the initial ascent from Sami to the ruins of the monastery is steeply uphill. In Kefalonia there are Health Centres in Sami and Hospitals in Argostoli and Lixouri. There are also police services in Fiskardo, Sami, Poros, Lixouri and Argostoli. Citizen Service Centres are in Argostoli, Livathou, Poros and in Agia Efthimia. Sami Sami is the largest town in eastern Kefalonia and an important port of the island, as it is the daily connection with Patras, Astakos and Ithaca. It is also a popular tourist destination. According to the 2011 census, it has 1,025 inhabitants  It has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In ancient times it was one of the four largest cities that made up the Kefalonian quadrilateral. Nature has been particularly generous to the area of Sami, as it is surrounded by lush vegetation, underground caves and beautiful lakes. Antisamos  It is the bay next to the port of Sami, to the east. Antisamos is a pebbly beach, long and wide, with waters that look green, reflecting the environment around the bay: green hills and mountains, covered with holly and cypress trees. For this reason, it is also known as the mirror beach. On the opposite side, the blue sea meets the equally green southern part of Ithaca. Antisamos became the setting for some of the most important and impressive scenes of the Hollywood production "Captain Corelli's Mandolin", which was filmed in Kefalonia in the summer of 2000 and was shown in cinemas all over the world, making the area famous.  Acropolis of Sami Perched on Mount Lapitha, the Ancient Acropolis of Sami offers a panoramic view of the homonymous port. With a history dating back to the Palaeolithic period, ancient Sami was a walled city, an autonomous and sovereign state with its own currency. The origins of the city-state can be traced back to the Geometric period. It was a prosperous city, with many inhabitants, due to its developed trade. Its two acropolises, the extensive fortification and the classical city occupy two hills, at the sites of 'Paleokastro' and 'Agii Fanentes', which are located east of the modern settlement of Sami. In 188 BC, after a four-month siege, it was occupied by the Romans and experienced its second period of prosperity. It acquired public buildings, baths and public works, while its private residences are very luxurious with mosaic floors. Its four cemeteries yield rich and impressive finds. Monastery of Agii Fanentes Within the walls of the acropolis of the classical city of Sami, the monastery of Agii Fanentes was built before 1264, when it was first officially mentioned. The name of the monastery, from which the hill it was built on was renamed, Agii Fanentes, seems to have been derived from a corruption of Agii Neophanis, the saints of Sami, Theodore, Gregory and Leo. According to another version , the name of the monastery is related to the 2nd century AD gnostic philosopher Epiphanis, who was venerated as a god in Sami.  Although the ruins date back to the post-Byzantine period, during which it was renovated (1633), built-in architectural elements in the Catholic Church indicate the existence of a church of the Middle Byzantine period. The complex follows the typical Byzantine layout with the cells arranged in a quadrilateral enclosure and the catholic, free inside. The walls and the incorporation of the ancient fortification tower into the building testify to the need to protect the monastery from pirate attacks, which plagued the island during the Frankish and Venetian periods.  The miraculous icon of Agii Fanentes and the icon of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousas, the so-called "Loutrou ", are located in the new Church of the Virgin Mary in Sami. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) at a central point in Sami (Priamou + Akti Miaouli), b) in Sami (port exit), c) on the road to Antisamos (after Loutro beach), d) on the road to Antisamos (at the viewpoint), e) at the start of the path from Antisamos, f) at the end of the path from Antisamos (where it meets the asphalt road), g) at the parking area of the Monastery of Agii Fanentes in Sami, where the path meets the asphalt road

The Cyclopean Walls: Razata - Grouspa Cave - Cyclopean Walls (ancient Krani) The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: tree structurel (the starting point and return point are the same) Route’s duration: 1 hour  Route’s length: 3,100 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, weather permitting. The route The route starts at the borders of the settlement of Razmata on the national road Argostoli - Sami at the junction with a smaller asphalt road leading to the chapel of Profitis Ilias. At the junction, there is a sign of the Geopark for the Grouspa cave and a large information sign "Cyclopean Walls of Krani". We follow the road in the direction of Profitis Ilias where we meet it after about 600 meters. The route is gentle, flat and passes through olive trees and small properties. After Profitis Ilias the road becomes dirt, without any difficulties, while the scenery remains the same. Six hundred metres later, we turn east towards the Grouspa cave. The road gradually turns into a well-marked path, and when we reach the cave, increased caution is required due to the dangerous nature of the place. We return to the main road and continue south towards the walls where we meet them, after a while. At the beginning of the archaeological site an uphill path leads us to the cyclopean walls and the viewpoint. The Cyclopean walls are an imposing sight, especially considering the era in which they were constructed, while from the viewpoint we gaze not only at the lagoon of Koutavos and Argostoli, but also at the hill of Tilegrafos and the back coast of Lixouri. The view combined with the walls create an unforgettable sight and a special experience. The duration of the walk is approximately one hour without counting any stops- visits of the various sights of the route (Grouspa Cave, Cyclopean Walls). The return time, which is necessarily done by the same route, is also not counted. In Kefalonia there are Health Centres in Sami and Hospitals in Argostoli and Lixouri. There are also police services in Fiskardo, Sami, Poros, Lixouri and Argostoli. Citizen Service Centres are in Argostoli, Livathou, Poros and in Agia Efthimia. Razata Razata is a settlement of Kefalonia, located 5 km outside Argostoli, on the provincial road that connects the capital of the island with the largest port, Sami. It is, actually, a suburb of Argostoli. They have 507 permanent residents, according to the last census of 2011. The view of Argostoli and Lixouri from here is amazing. Very close to Razata are located the ruins of the fortification of Ancient Krani, known as the Cyclopean walls, as well as the Grouspa cave. Grouspa Cave South of the village of Razata and just before the "Cyclopean Walls", in the area of Faraklata, at an altitude of 137m, we find the Grouspa Cave. It is about 60m long and 24m deep. It consists of two chambers which communicate with each other through a small opening. The first chamber is roofless, because it has been demolished and has formed a downward slope. The dimensions of this baroque entrance, the "Grouspa", are about 10x10 m. and form an almost circular opening. The second chamber of the cave has a roof and very beautiful decoration, made of white stalactites and stalagmites, columns, gourds and curtains in a variety of colours. Seven species of bats live in the cave in groups and abundant cave grasshoppers. At the entrance to the cave there are ferns and fig trees. Cyclopean walls (ancient Krani) Three kilometers east of Argostoli, the ruins of ancient Krani, mainly walls, known as "Cyclopean Walls", are preserved in a large area, created in the 7th or 6th century BC. Archaeologists speculate that this was the site of the acropolis, fortified with huge boulders, which, according to popular tradition, only a Cyclops could carry - from which the name derives. Ancient Krani was one of the four city-states that made up the "Cephalonian Quadrilateral" (500-200 BC). It was located in the cove of the bay of Koutavos, built on the hills overlooking the lowland area of present-day Krania. The valley of Krania, according to the archaeologist Marinatos, was the main area of the ancient city. On the southern slope of the hill, which is called 'Riza' and served as the necropolis of Krania, several carved graves of the pre-Mycenaean era were found, looted and destroyed. On the northern slopes of the Kastelli hill, some remains of a Doric temple of Dimitra can be seen. In the archaeological museum of Argostoli there is an inscription from the area, with the dedication "Triopis Damatri and Cora", meaning that Triopida dedicates it to Dimitra and her daughter, Persephone. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) in the settlement of Razata, on the national road of Argostoli - Sami with the junction of the road to the site of the walls, b) at the site of Profitis Ilias, c) at the junction to Grouspa Cave, d) at the site of Grouspa Cave, e) at the entrance of the archaeological site, f) at the archaeological site at the viewpoint.

Kefalonia is the biggest island in the Ionian region and Mt. Ainos is the highest Ionian mountain with an altitude exceeding 1,600 m. It is a well known mountain, not only due to its altitude but also due to the presence of the famous Abies cephalonica forest which is the main element of the vegetation cover in the highest altitude of this mountain. Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species and Mt. Ainos is its "locus classicus". The area of this site consists of three main habitats as follows: a) The Abies forest, very often at moderate altitudes mixed with species of macchie vegetation; b) the rocky slopes which are characterized by looser vegetation but with only a few very important species, and c) the rocky summit and unforested area which houses most of the endemic species of the Kefalonian and Ionian flora. The area of the site has been characterized as a National Park. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.