The town
The town was rebuilt following the devastating 1953 earthquake that affected much of Kefalonia. The waterfront promenade stretches along the bay, lined with tavernas, cafes and shops. The harbour area remains active, with both fishing boats and ferries using the port throughout the day.
The beaches
Two main beaches lie within walking distance of the town centre. Sami Beach runs alongside the harbour with a mix of sand and pebbles, whilst Karavomylos Beach sits about 2km north near the village of the same name, where a small lake fed by underground springs meets the sea.
Explore
The area around Sami is known for its remarkable geology. Melissani Cave, an underground lake within a collapsed cave system, is about 3km from the town. Drogarati Cave, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, lies around 4km inland. Both caves were formed through limestone erosion over thousands of years.
The surrounding hillsides are covered with pine forests, olive groves and cypress trees. Walking paths lead up into the hills behind the town, offering elevated views across the bay towards Ithaca.
