Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 9am-1pm & 3.30-8pm)
Dedicated to Kefallonia's patron saint, the monastery, 16km
east of Argostoli, is cared for by nuns. Inside the chapel lies the famous cave where Ger-
asimos escaped from the rigours of monastic life to even greater self-abnegation. Des-
cend via a steep metal ladder into a small chamber 6m below.
IONIAN ON THE VINE
The Ionian Islands would not be the same without wine, and Kefallonia especially
has outstanding vintages, most notably from the unique Robola grape (VQRPD).
Other varieties like Mavrodaphne (AOC) and Muscat (AOC) enhance the
viniculture.
High in the mountains southeast of Argostoli, at the heart of verdant Omala Val-
ley, lies the fascinating winery of the
Cooperative of Robola Producers of Ke-
fallonia
( 26710 86301;
www.robola.gr
; Omala; 9am-8pm May-Sep, to 3pm Mon-Fri Oct-Apr)
. Here, grapes from about 300 independent growers are transformed into
the yellow-green Robola, a dry white wine of subtle yet lively flavours. The grape is
said to have been introduced by the Venetians and its wine was a favourite of the
doge. It grows exuberantly on high ground, and the light soils, wet winters and arid
summers of Kefallonia are ideal for its cultivation.
The smaller, very distinguished
Gentilini
( 26710 41618; Minies)
is 2km south of
Argostoli on the airport road in a charming setting, with a range of superb wines in-
cluding the scintillating Classico.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Paliki PeninsulaΧερσόνησος Παλική
Anchored by the bustling gulf-side town of
Lixouri
, the Paliki Peninsula is an under-ex-
plored region of spectral white, cream and red clay cliffs, verdant farmland and vine-
yards, and hilltop villages. Beaches such as white-sanded
Petani
in the north and red-
sanded
Xi
in the south add to the spice, though Xi gets packed in summer.
Moni Ki-
pouria
, a monastery built by a lone monk, overlooks stark cliffs, azure seas and robust
vineyards, and is worth the trip to the far west of the peninsula.
Lixouri's central square sits waterside and throngs with life. The easiest way to access
the peninsula from Argostoli is by the car ferry (per person/car €3.50/4.50, 30 minutes,
hourly September to June, half-hourly July and August), and makes a fun half-day trip
even if you don't have your own wheels.
Perdikis Travel
(
26710 91097;
