Things to see and do Iles grecques

2 km from Kokkari in the direction of Karlovassi, down the road is the rather popular small beach of Lemonakia, but easy to miss, so be careful! At 3 km from Kokkari, still in the direction of Karlovassi, the small beach of Tsamadou is narrow and tree-lined. The water there is shallow, so it is an ideal place for children. And at 5 km from Kokkari, still in the direction of Karlovassi, the beach of Tsambou is a pleasant pebble beach of 250 meters, located between two cliffs, really beautiful. Easy access from the road.

To discover the beauty of the island, travel up the Fonias River, called "the killer" for its tumultuous flows during the winter. It flows through landscapes of unwavering majesty and creates some of the largest natural pools and waterfalls on the island. As you descend into lush vegetation teeming with sycamores, maples and beech trees, the trail becomes more challenging - bring closed-toe shoes. The highest waterfall falls 35 m, with an impressive crash. A dreamlike scenery without equal in the Greek islands.

Marine tourist agency specialising in cruises or boat rental.

Travel agency.

Travel agency.

Many natural pools have formed around Therma, created by the rivers and streams that cascade from Mount Fengari towards the sea. With this, freshwater swimmers will be spoilt for choice. Close to the village, reach the cold waters of Paradisos. Further on, you can walk to the waters of Gria Vathra, or try the trail that climbs from the coast to the natural pools of Grigorakis, next to an ancient monastery, Moni Christou. The view from this touching building, now closed, is splendid.

Unique geological site, the petrified forest of Lesvos is divided into several sites: the park of Sigri is located at 6 km from the village, and depends on the museum of natural history which manages the place in summer. Sometimes the site closes due to lack of staff, so ask beforehand to avoid finding the door closed. This large area of scrubland was covered with lava following a volcanic eruption that took place 20 million years ago. Some original petrified trunks are still visible.

3 km from the village of Karavomylos is an abandoned village, Vlachata. The ruins of the village give an image of Kefalonia before the earthquakes. In 1953, the village of Vlachata was destroyed by the earthquake and the inhabitants took refuge in Karavomylos. At the beginning of August, a festival, Saristra, brings contemporary art to the heart of the village: concerts, sculptures, dances are organized. A magical and timeless place!

In the middle of the mountains of Kythera, you will discover the remains of the island's former capital. The citadel, built in the 12th century by workers from the town of Monemvasia (Peloponnese), 216 m high on two gorges, was invisible from the sea. The terrible admiral of the Turkish fleet and former pirate Khayr ad-Dîn Barbarousse discovered it, besieged it and completely destroyed it in 1537. On the site, you will see the ruins of 80 houses and 20 churches. The church of Agia Varvara is still well preserved and deserves to be visited.

This monastery, on an islet, is mainly used as a central stage for a major celebration celebrated each year on August 15. Historically, the existing monastery seems to have been built on the site of an old Christian church. It is mentioned in some writings of 1686 as already old and in ruins. It has probably since been restored by the Vellianitis family. In 1720, a monastery composed of ten monks was created, whose income was considerable. August 15 is an important holiday and a beef soup is offered to the faithful.

This islet is surmounted by a 15th century Venetian fortress that can be visited only on request. In 1423, the local Venetian lord Adam II San Ippolito asked the Venetian Senate for permission to build a castle - at his own expense - to protect the small island complex from piracy. Permission was granted and the castle was built. Some fortifications, cannons and two churches remain today.