Home > Walking > Greece > Cephalonia - In the Footsteps of Ulysses

In the Footsteps of Ulysses on Cephalonia

• single centre holiday • grade 2 • wonderful walking in Homeric landscapes • welcoming family-run hotel in peaceful shore-side location

Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian archipelago, is an island loved for its deep blue waters, small clear bays, lush forests and green slopes. It is full of character, and you will experience some truly memorable moments as you travel round the island and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere. Everywhere you go, you will be rewarded with sweeping views across secluded bays towards other green islands in the misty distance. Wander down to the town of Sami and you will find small inviting terraces on which to sit and unwind as the waves gently lap on the shore.

Grade: 2
Terrain: Rugged hills, woodland, coastal paths
Climate: Long, hot summer; warm spring & autumn
Nights: 7
Base: Sami Beach Hotel (3* - star rating is our own; the hotel has no official classification)
Days 1-6: Walks of 3-6hrs

Beachside splendour

At the Sami Beach Hotel, a perfect example of such a heavenly spot, you will be warmly welcomed by the friendly Dorizas family. The hotel is located right on the shore with wonderful views across the bay of Sami to the island of Ithaca and the splendid beachside swimming pool adds a touch of splendour to your stay. Although Cephalonia is a quiet island, it offers a number of activities for those who want to have more adventure in their holidays. A rental car can be arranged by the hotel for exploring further afield.

Caves and Captin Corelli

The hotel stands on the outskirts of the village of Karavomilos, where there are four restaurants, all within 5 minutes' walk of the hotel. From the quay, you can take a boat trip into the nearby underground caverns of Lake Melissani. The impressive limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations in Drogarati Cave can be seen near Sami. The hotel is also the perfect starting point to some varied and relaxed walking. The first tour leads to the ancient ruins of old Sami with an impressive 9-metre-high defensive wall and the small monastery of Ayios Georgos. On the second walk, you enter the wonderful setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, as the film was shot on location here in Sami. The slopes to the north of the village offer walks through extensive woods, romantic deserted hamlets and the almost forgotten monastery of Thematon.

Walking back in time

For the real ‘Ulysses experience’, there is time to take the small ferry over to neighbouring Ithaca for a walk and return to your hotel on Cephalonia on the same day. Check ferry times before departure (pay locally). Having spent the last few days looking out over the blue sea to this lovely small island, you will now feel like the epic hero himself, coming home to his deeply beloved Penelope after 20 years of wandering and suffering. You can enjoy exploring the island on foot through fascinating mountain trails. We provide notes for two circular walks from the port so that you can get a brief taste of this pretty and attractive island, full of water channels, verdant fields, centuries-old olive trees and braying donkeys. Indeed, you may wish to return on another day. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to stay if you wish to spend more time on this pretty island. At the northern tip of the island, you will be welcomed to the Nostos Hotel (Greek for 'home coming') in the tiny village of Frikes, another good example of a peaceful and comfortable place to stay, set in lush greenery in the beautiful Bay of Frikes. Please contact us for full details.

Prices & travel 2008

All prices in £ per person based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room

Start: Sunday if flying direct; Thursday-Monday via Athens
Nights: 7
Meals: breakfast every day
Air Direct Includes: charter flight Gatwick-Cephalonia (please call for details and timings)
Air Via Athens Includes: Olympic Airways Heathrow-Athens (out dep 1220/arr 1755, home dep 1330/arr 1530), Olympic Airways Athens-Cephalonia (out dep 2035/arr 2140; home dep 0705/arr 0800)

> Notes on prices

> Personal holiday insurance

< To the top of this page

> Any queries? Let us call you back

> Booking Form

< Back to walking index