AGHIA EFIMIA

Situated 7 km north of Sami on the east coast of Kefalonia and 30 kms from Argostoli, Aghia Efimia is a very pretty fishing village with a well sheltered harbour. It is a popular stop for the yachting flotillas which cruise the Ionian islands and has a number of excellent waterside cafes and tavernas around the harbour. Lots of small pebble beaches are scattered around this area and the famous Myrtos beach is about 20 minutes drive away.

Aghia Efimia was once one of the island's more important centres of trade with stately homes and mansions. However the whole village was destroyed in the 1953 earthquake and completly rebuilt with help from the French.

The Greek shipping magnate Gerassimos Agoudimos has an elegant home in the heart of Aghia Efimia which he uses for his summer vacations. Agoudimos Lines operates ferry services linking up Albania, Italy and Greece and runs one of the local services from the port of Sami to Patras on the Greek mainland.

Aghia Efimia exudes an atmosphere of traditional Greek hospitality where visitors are welcomed back as friends. The local harbour is lined with restaurants, tavernas and bars which reflect an uncommercialised Greek ambience rather than tourist-inspired catering. You will find some of the best food on the island as well as traditionally wood-fired bread from the local bakery.

With the most captivating views of the island of Ithaca, watching the sun go down is one of the favourite pastimes along the quayside, making it a wonderful setting, among the numerous waterfront cafes and bars, to relax and completely unwind.

Beaches in the region from Aghia Efimia south to Sami are made up of white pebbles.

In the main town of Aghia Efimia the white pebble beach leads gently down to the warm sea for perfect swimming near a motor-boat jetty.

There is a new walkway beyond the harbour lined with benches for people to admire the stunning vista across to the island of Ithaca. Below this there are some small pebbly coves and a short stroll from here brings you to the main part of Paradise Beach which is accessed by some steps.

Along the coastal road south towards Karavomylos there is a sprinkling of white pebble coves which all share the same incredibly crystal clear water and wonderful views across to neighbouring Ithaca.

Some of these beaches can be reached from the road whilst others can be reached if you hire a motor-boat from Aghia Efimia. None of the beaches have any facilities such as loungers and umbrellas for rent so you are advised to take anything you need with you - especially bottled water.

Aghia Paraskevi is a pebbly beach in the area which is situated close to a cafe bar with gardens almost down to the sea. Here you can hire a deckchair for more comfortable relaxation.

Aghia Efimia is small but still offers all the facilities you need. There are two well-stocked supermarkets, a bakery, a bank, a post office, gift shops, numerous cafes and tavernas around the harbour and late night music bars although not enough 'action' for youngsters.

At the local church of Saint Efimia, after the evening service on 10th July, the evening before the feast day of Saint Efimia, there is usually a barbecue and dancing to celebrate the feast day.

Aghia Efimia is in the municipality of Pylaros which takes its natural borders from mountains to the north and south and from the sea from West to East. Mount Agia Dynati which rises to an altitude of 1131 is to the south of the region, with Mount Kalon Oros (altitude. 900 m) to the North. The famous Myrtos Beach is to the West and the seaside town of Agia Efimia to the East.
The local municipality website has more information.
www.pylaros.gr

What a wonderful way to explore the local secluded coves! The Yellow Boat team in Aghia Efimia will give you full instructions and advise on local cruising. Click on KIRKI apartments above for more information.

You can pick up a leaflet locally for the Aghia Efimia trail which goes via local villages across the island to Myrtos.

There is a regular service from Aghia Efimia to the nearby island of Lefkada.(Lefkas)

The anchorage of Aghia Efimia is supervised by the Pylaros Municipality. Services offered include mooring, water and electriity supply as well as fire extinguisers.
For more information contact the Pylaros Municipality in Aghia Efimia
Telephone 26740 61207
Information is available from the personnel at the kiosk
Telephone 26740 61644

There is a strict code of conduct for those using the anchorage concerning the disposal of rubbish and the use of soaps and shampoos for washing persons or boats is strictly prohibited for environmental protection.

Municipality information can be found on their website
www.pylaros.gr

Water taxi service is available from the harbour in Aghia Efimia for trips over to Ithaca.

Local buses operate from Argostoli via Sami to Aghia Efimia. The bus passes the sites of Drogarata Caves and Lake of Melissani en route.

There is also a bus service to the local villages which operates a circular route back to Aghia Efimia.

There is a local Bavarian horse riding stable near Aghia Efimia.