SAMI

Sami is on the north-east coast of Kefalonia, 20 km from the capital Argostoli and is a very busy working port although extremely picturesque. It is a modern town on a wide bay with a long tree-lined waterfront with wonderful views across to the island of Ithaca.

On the waterfront promenade there are several of bars, tavernas and restaurants where you will also find some of the day's catch from the fishing boats that fill the harbour.

There are two ferry harbours as well as a caique and cruise boat jetty, in Sami's famous port.
Greek ferries have improved greatly over the years and now a ferry journey over to the mainland, for a day's shopping in Patras is a real treat.

Water taxis take you from Sami over to the island of Ithaca. Make sure you arrange what time you are to be collected.

There are two local ferries from Sami over to the small port of Pisaetos on Ithaca. The Aghia Marina is pictured above.

Take a wooden caique cruise from Sami around the island of Ithaca.

An important scene in Captain Corelli's Mandolin, is the arrival of the Italian army, who disembark from a port and for this it was decided that Sami would be the location which could double for Argostoli. As well as the port, a town square was needed.

There followed negotiations with local shopkeepers and the Kastro Hotel, which were all affected by major construction work to turn modern Sami into wartime Argostoli!

Sami dates back to the Prehistoric period. The earliest reference to the settlement is found in Homer's writings, who described it as part of the kingdom of Ulysses, the leader of Cephallenes. This is the time when the Cephallenes participated in the Trojan War. Traces of organized settlements in the area, date back to this period. Vigla Hill was a Mycenaean acropolis (the Mycenaean period in Greece dates from approximately 1580 to 1100 B.C.).

The town of Sami is built at the foot of the Agioi Fanendoi and Palaiokastro hills. Excavations have brought to light parts of the two citadels and the Cyclopean fortification walls of the ancient city which stood north of the present town. It had fortification walls with 22 entrances, was 3,400 acres in length, and 377.6 acres in area. The excavation site also includes parts of an ancient aqueduct, traces of an ancient theatre, buildings, a part of a Roman edifice known as "Rakospito", and three 3d century BC tombs. There are also numerous findings on display in the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli. Ancient Sami was a prosperous and powerful town. It was founded by Agaios, son of Arkadia's king Lykourgos. It had been settled since the Paleo-lithic times. During classical and Hellenistic times Sami flourished because of the growth of trade and the exploitation of mount Ainos's timber. Thucydides speaks of the four cities of Kefalonia of which Sami was one. The citadels were built during the Hellenistic period. Ruins of ancient Sami are also preserved in the contemporary town of Sami

During the 5th century B.C., Kefalonia was divided into four autonomous, self-ruled, city states: Krani, Sami, Pronni, and, Palli. The antagonism that existed between these city states is evidenced by the existence of mighty Hellenistic Period acropolis such as the double-hilled Acropolis of Sam (the Hellenistic Period is dated between the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C.). The remains of this Acropolis show that this was a well organized, flourishing town.
During the 2nd century B.C., Sami's strategic location attracted the interest of the Romans. In 189 B.C., they set out to invade and conquer the island. Sami was the only city state that resisted with determination. The siege was long and relentless, lasting four months. Sami finally surrendered in January 188 B.C. - following the arrival of siege artillery from Amvrakia- suffering extensive plundering. Subsequently, the Romans reorganized the city making it an important connecting point for journeys between Italy and Greece. Archeological remains dating back to this period indicate rigorous construction activity.
Pirate attacks during the 5th and 6th centuries AC and destructive earthquakes contributed to the eventual decline and desertion of the city.

The nearest beach to Sami is Antisamos beach with a long stretch of white pebbles, good for swimming and easily walkable from the town.

Karavomilos beach is just 2km ways and the lovely resort of Aghia Efimia a mere 8 km from Sami.

The Dichalia lighthouse is a good place to spot dolphins swimming or playing in the crystal clear waters.

The area is full of interesting geological phenomena. Seventeen cave sites have been recorded in the area - a rare occurrence in Greek geomorphology - and significant in tracing the area's prehistoric period.
Only two of the caves are open to the public - the subterranean lake-cave of Melissani in the Karavomylos area and the Drogarati Caves on the road from Sami near the village of Haliotata.

Drogarati Cave was discovered over 300 years ago following a strong earthquake. The caves are 60 metres below ground and these eerie caves stay a cool 18￿C with a moisture level of 90%.
It is said that the caves are over 100 million years old. The formation of stalactites is due to the movement of rainwater travelling up through the rocks, soaking up the rocks' minerals. Among others are iron, copper, salt and calcium. The water then reaches the end of a stalactite as droplets and dropping slowly from the tip, they help it to grow very slowly. A stalactite takes thousands of years to reach the stage you see today, as the creation of just one centimetre takes about 100 years.
The cave which is about 900 metres square has excellent acoustics and classical and pop concerts have been performed there.

Speleologists searching the cave, found an extension cave, but could not complete their investigations due to the large amount of mud. They have no doubt that there are more caves linked to Drogarati caves.
Since 1963 Drogarati has been open to the public and is known throughout Greece for its unique features.

Karavomylos marks the end of the famous water phenomena's journey across the island.

Karavomylos is a village set between Sami and Melissani which is named after the local water wheel 'Karavomylos'. There is a strip of beach running from the end of Sami along the coast.

It's always good to read other travellers' tales of their walks and discoveries and you can read some travel journals on the website
www.bamjam.net
and if you follow this link it takes you to Sami
www.bamjam.net/Greece/Sami.html

www.cycletours.nl
operates cycling tours with a base in Sami. The yellow cycle bags are their trademark.

A short walk along the coastal road from Sami brings you to the lovely beachside Melissani Restaurant with huge pool complex complete with water jets and a separate Jacuzzi.

Located right on the beach, with a view of Ithaca and only a small distance from the famous caves of Melissani and Drogarati, the restaurant offers quality local and Greek cuisine. There is a full bar service throughout the day serving coffees, snacks and light meals.

This is an internet cafe with a difference offering kids play area, pool table, table tennis, electronic games and the restaurant and facilities are set in very spacious terraced grounds which are ideal for a day's relaxation around the pool. Sunbeds are available for hire for a few euro per day.

Contact the proprietor Elias Favros (tel 26740 23201 and 26740 22395)

A good selection of cafes and tavernas lines the harbour of Sami.