Description
Outdoor Kefalonia can take you on a full day SUV tour in 4x4 Land Rovers in which you cover 1/5 of the scenic island of Kefalonia. Be closer to nature and the elements with alternative ways to see this fantastic island. Get off the usual Tourist Trail and experience archaeological sites, old villages, ancient ruins, various caves, ancient tombs and pre-earthquake architecture. Drive through vineyards and olive groves and travel through the National Park and its forests to the top of Mount Ainos where you will have breathtaking 360 degree views of Kefalonia and the nearby island of Ithaka, Lefkas, Zante and the mainland of Greece. See rare black fir trees (Abies Cephalonica), the Viola Cephalonica, a flower that is unique to Kefalonia and a 2000 year old olive tree. Search for the wild horses of Mount Ainos and view other bird and wildlife in its natural habitat. While experiencing all this you will also learn about the history, culture and traditions of the island from our professional and knowledgeable guides.
Jeep Safari National Park
The tour starts in the direction of Mount Ainos, the Black Mountain and its national park. On the slopes of the park the unique Kefalonia fir can be seen and on Mount Roudi, Holm Oak, Arbutus, Carob and shrubs such as Heather, Thyme, Amaranth and many others. Discover rare species of trees and flowers such as the rare, wild orchid. Try to spot the wild mountain horses and enjoy panoramic views of Kefalonia. Fill your senses with sights and smells. Mountain Ainos National Park is the perfect place to take in some Mountain scenery, wildlife and plant life. It has a total length of 10 km and its highest peak is Megas Soros, at 1628m.
Recently the road to the peak of the mountain was laid with tarmac allowing easy access to the top. However, the aim of our tour is to take, "The road less travelled." We will travel through rough, track roads that are off the beaten track and most importantly away from the traditional, well worn tourist routes. You will experience Mount. Ainos in its original beauty. We will traverse the mountain from the southern part to see the wild horses and un-spoilt nature. Stopping the jeep we will walk for 20 minutes to the peak, Megas Soros, here you will have 360 degree panoramic views. Feel like one of the many birds of prey you will see, perched on top of the mountain seeing through the birds eyes surveying the beauty of Kefalonia, the shimmering sea, the greenery and the facing island of Zakinthos, a magical place where all the elements meet and fuse together to offer an absolutely breathtaking experience. Returning to the jeep we continue to the second mountain in the National Park, Mount. Routhi. Mount Rhoudi is an extension of the range to the north-west; its highest peak is Mount Yioupari, which rises up to 1125m. This mountain will give you an unsurpassed and spectacular view of the east side of the mountain with views towards Sami and the mythological island of Ithaca. You may also catch glimpses of eagles, hawks, falcons, turtles, rabbits and other mountain wildlife in its natural habitat. After Mount Routhi we head to the Omala Valley, which is well-known for its famous Monastery of Agios Gerasimos. Agios Gerasimos, a former monk, is the patron saint of the island. He founded the monastery and lived there until his death on the 16th of August 1579. On that date every year big festivals and processions take place. Many miracles are connected to the saint`s relics and icon. Over the centuries the monastery got rich and powerful and its extensive surrounding properties the delicious Robola wine grapes are grown. We travel into a `ghost village` by way of an old mules track, made by the Venetians and one of the first roads ever made on the island, known by few and travelled only by knowledgeable locals. We make a stop here at the old tumbled-down houses, which were destroyed by the earthquake. You have an opportunity to see the original architecture, structure, planning and lay-out of one of the oldest villages on the island. After this we take a ten-minute break. We then move onwards to one of the fine beaches of Livathos with its beautiful, yellow sandy shores and glistening, turquoise-blue waters. Slip beneath the cooling surface and relax on the sun-warmed sand in the shade of an umbrella listening to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. We will stay here for 1 ½ hours, although you may want to stay a lifetime.
Distance:120 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Starting time: 09:00
Jeep Safari Sunset
We will take you on an unforgettable Sunset Jeep Safari, where you will get to see the "other" Kefalonia.
The West: Paliki Sunset
We pass through original and charming Greek villages on to the impressive west coast towards Platia Amos, a magnificent, sprawling beach, and to the convent of Kipouria, unique for its location high above the sea and its breathtaking view.
The South: Scala Sunset
We move across the island, over mountains to the East of Kefalonia until we reach the small Koroni Bay with its beautiful golden sandy beach, where the narrow course of a stream, descending from Aenos and surrounded by brightly coloured Oleander, flows into the sea.
Once you have arrived at these places of outstanding beauty you can relax and enjoy a fantastic, chilled-out sunset.
Distance: Approx 40 - 50 km
Starting time: Between 17:00 - 18:00 depending on the season and sunset times
Dates: 01/05 - 05/11 twice a week
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Jeep Safari wwII (Captain Corelli`s Mandolin)
Kefalonia is an island great in history and has many reminders of World War II. This tour is a combination of true history and memories of the successful film Captain Corelli`s Mandolin. We will drive along a historical and cultural route and experience some of the contemporary Greek-Italian-German history. You will dive deeper into Kefalonian history as we visit various archaeological sites and off course the Italian War Monument dedicated to the Italian soldiers who served in World War II. Our first stop will show us the hidden and forgotten bunkers where the `real` Captain Corelli hid out and protected himself and his men. Feel yourself transported back to a wartime era as you explore this historic place. Our second stop takes us to a ghost village where scenes from the film were filmed. Tour the village and take photos which can then be compared to stills from the actual film. Walk in the footsteps of the actors and actresses as you explore this atmospheric little village. Our last stop takes us to Antisamos beach where the Italian camp in the film was set up. This fantastic secluded bay is also one of the most photographed beaches in Europe with its beautiful white pebbled beach and crystal clear waters. Spend some time relaxing here, listening to the surrounding nature and taking in the beauty of the greenery around the peaceful beach, it`s a real gem.
Distance: Approx 50 - 60 km
Duration: 4 hours