THINGS TO DO

Listed on this page are things you might like to do during your stay together with recommendations to restaurants local to Gilly's Place. There's sailing trips, shopping trips, hiking, kayaking, wine tasting, personal chefs, a local bee keeper and more besides. Scroll down for a taste of what's on offer and click on the links provided.
It's by no means exhaustive and it's designed to give you a flavour of the island together with places that are close by in the area immediately surrounding Gilly's Place. There are specific map links to help you find your way around. Driving distances are approximate.
If there's something you'd like to ask - contact Gilly here !!
It's by no means exhaustive and it's designed to give you a flavour of the island together with places that are close by in the area immediately surrounding Gilly's Place. There are specific map links to help you find your way around. Driving distances are approximate.
If there's something you'd like to ask - contact Gilly here !!
Quick guide - scroll down for detailed images
Places to eat |
Places to eat |
Trips and boats and things |
Extras |
Preview Taverna at Avithos Beach (10 minute's drive) Avithos Preview web site and bookings |
The Olive Lounge at St George's Castle (10 minutes) Olive Lounge website |
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Taverna Elaionas, Keramies (10 minutes drive) Elaionas Facebook Page |
Il Borgo Travliata (10 minutes drive) Il Borgo website |
Day Cruise on the Lady O Lady O Cruises website |
|
Denis Taverna - Trapezaki Beach (15 minute's drive) Denis Taverna web site and bookings |
Day Cruise on the Queen Bee Queen Bee Kefalonia Cruises website |
Outdoor Kefalonia - for those who like to really get out and explore! Tel +30 6979987611 Outdoor Kefalonia website |
|
Esperides Taverna, Svoronata (10 minute's drive) Esperides website here |
Fishing Trips from Agia Pelagia Marina (Svoronata) Fishing Tourism website |
ARGOSTOLI

Argostoli - harbour side
The capital of Argostoli is a modern town laid out in a grid-pattern and easy to figure out. With a year round population of over 10,000 people, there are shops, restaurants, cafes and an active harbour with fishing boats and the main tourist attraction, the caretta-caretta turtles who feed at the nearby Koutavos Lagoon as well as from the fishermen who toss unwanted catch into the sea. The best time to see them is in the morning when the boats come in. If you see a crowd on the dock, chances are good that they are watching the turtles. The waterfront is a long promenade along Ioannou Metaxou Street, very nice for an evening walk, or a walk to the small pine shaded beaches to the north of town. At the lower end of the harbour is the Drapano Bridge which separates the lagoon from the harbour. Originally built out of wood by the British, it was later rebuilt out of stone and until recently was open to automobiles, but is now a pedestrian bridge. The lagoon is now a bird sanctuary and there are walkways and signs which show the different kinds of birds.
For More information about Argostoli click here
The capital of Argostoli is a modern town laid out in a grid-pattern and easy to figure out. With a year round population of over 10,000 people, there are shops, restaurants, cafes and an active harbour with fishing boats and the main tourist attraction, the caretta-caretta turtles who feed at the nearby Koutavos Lagoon as well as from the fishermen who toss unwanted catch into the sea. The best time to see them is in the morning when the boats come in. If you see a crowd on the dock, chances are good that they are watching the turtles. The waterfront is a long promenade along Ioannou Metaxou Street, very nice for an evening walk, or a walk to the small pine shaded beaches to the north of town. At the lower end of the harbour is the Drapano Bridge which separates the lagoon from the harbour. Originally built out of wood by the British, it was later rebuilt out of stone and until recently was open to automobiles, but is now a pedestrian bridge. The lagoon is now a bird sanctuary and there are walkways and signs which show the different kinds of birds.
For More information about Argostoli click here

\Argostoli shopping - The Lithostroto
Shopping is a pleasure in Argostoli - take a leisurely walk along the pedestrian only shopping street - The Lithostroto (cobbled street) - where you will find a wide range of excellent shops and boutiques interspersed with cafes and bars. It takes you to the main square with it's colourful bars and restaurants. It's easy to find and runs parallel to the harbour-side main road - ask anyone for directions!
In high season the shops open from morning to night,
Map link here
Shopping is a pleasure in Argostoli - take a leisurely walk along the pedestrian only shopping street - The Lithostroto (cobbled street) - where you will find a wide range of excellent shops and boutiques interspersed with cafes and bars. It takes you to the main square with it's colourful bars and restaurants. It's easy to find and runs parallel to the harbour-side main road - ask anyone for directions!
In high season the shops open from morning to night,
Map link here
Where to eat

Avithos Preview Taverna (10 minute's drive)
This a must visit taverna and is a favourite. It's a very short drive from the house and is set just above beautiful Avithos beach, which is one of the best hidden gems on this coast. Panos Sarris owns the taverna and is a great host. It's stylish but traditional & the staff are delightful. Panos is a certified maitre du Vin and loves talking wine! He has his own vineyard producing award winning wines and olive groves, producing excellent olive oil.. The Sarris winery is close by - go and enjoy a tasting! The welcome is genuine - relaxed but attentive and nothing is too much trouble. You won't be disappointed - tell Panos that Gilly sent you ! Avithos Preview web site and bookings

Fishcat Taverna
10 minutes drive from the villa along the road directly above Ammes Beach - delicious food and a perfect place to see the sunset.
Map link - click here
Fishcat Taverna
10 minutes drive from the villa along the road directly above Ammes Beach - delicious food and a perfect place to see the sunset.
Map link - click here

Taverna Elaionas, Keramies (10 minutes drive)
Very popular with guests - a beautiful location with a stunning garden and excellent food.
Attentive staff and only a few minute's drive from the house
Tel +30 2671 069326
Elaionas Map link and contact details
Very popular with guests - a beautiful location with a stunning garden and excellent food.
Attentive staff and only a few minute's drive from the house
Tel +30 2671 069326
Elaionas Map link and contact details

Il Borgo at The Castle of Saint George, Travliata (10 minutes drive)
Excellent food and a magnificent bird's eye view from the height of the medieval St George's castle (the castle itself is well worth a visit during the day) stretching across the whole coast.. A magnificent view at sunset ! Attentive staff and only a few minute's drive from the house
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +30 26710 69800
Il Borgo website
Excellent food and a magnificent bird's eye view from the height of the medieval St George's castle (the castle itself is well worth a visit during the day) stretching across the whole coast.. A magnificent view at sunset ! Attentive staff and only a few minute's drive from the house
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +30 26710 69800
Il Borgo website

The Olive Lounge at The Castle of Saint George, Travliata (10 minutes)
Situated in the same street as Il Borgo. A stunning view from on high across the whole coast and great at sunset. Try both on different nights ! The Olive Lounge has a dedicated following and a massive bunch of fans. It's an easy driving distance from the villa and has been beautifully designed. Eat freshly prepared Greek food with a cosmopolitan twist which is unique to the Olive Lounge and prepared as only Liana and her team know how.
Phone: +30 2671 031070
Olive Lounge website
Situated in the same street as Il Borgo. A stunning view from on high across the whole coast and great at sunset. Try both on different nights ! The Olive Lounge has a dedicated following and a massive bunch of fans. It's an easy driving distance from the villa and has been beautifully designed. Eat freshly prepared Greek food with a cosmopolitan twist which is unique to the Olive Lounge and prepared as only Liana and her team know how.
Phone: +30 2671 031070
Olive Lounge website

Denis Taverna - Trapezaki Beach
Situated 20 minutes' drive from Gilly's Place, this taverna is another favourite. Right on the beach and serving delicious food beautifully presented. Denis Gourmet Restaurant Kefalonia is surrounded by lush Kefalonian nature while offering amazing infinity views to the Ionian Sea and the nearby island of Zante, in a minimal yet elegantly designed ambience.
Denis Taverna map link and bookings
Situated 20 minutes' drive from Gilly's Place, this taverna is another favourite. Right on the beach and serving delicious food beautifully presented. Denis Gourmet Restaurant Kefalonia is surrounded by lush Kefalonian nature while offering amazing infinity views to the Ionian Sea and the nearby island of Zante, in a minimal yet elegantly designed ambience.
Denis Taverna map link and bookings

En Kefallinia - Organic farm restaurant serving daily brunch, Lakithra
1 mile from Gilly's Place, En Kefallinia is owned and run by the lovely Georgia and her husband Michalis. It is housed in her former family house on the edge of Lakithra, which has been stylishly converted to preserve the traditions and history of Kefalonia. The fruits and vegetables grown on the land surrounding the restaurant make a beautiful backdrop. The farm also produces delicious preserves used in their dishes which are available for you to buy as a reminder.
En Kefallinia Facebook page here

Acropolis Taverna, Svoronata - Greek nights on Fridays !
Situated 10 minutes from Gilly's Place in Svoronata, owner Dennis and his team do a great Greek night on Fridays with music and dancing.
There's an extensive menu . It's fun and' easy to get to with a large open dining terrace.
Maplink and contact details here
Situated 10 minutes from Gilly's Place in Svoronata, owner Dennis and his team do a great Greek night on Fridays with music and dancing.
There's an extensive menu . It's fun and' easy to get to with a large open dining terrace.
Maplink and contact details here

Esperides Taverna, Svoronata
Situated in Svoronata, 10 minutes from Gilly's Place , this is a lovely taverna - great seafood linguini !
In a delightful garden of fragrant orange trees. It's an easy drive to get there from the villa and another favourite!
Esperides map link and booking details here

Mescalero, Lakithra
3 minutes walk from Gilly's Place - it has a Mexican inspired interior, decorated with care and with a very personal style. It serves tapas style snacks and has live music on Thursday nights.
Mescalero on facebook
SPECIALIST SERVICES

Enjoy a Massage at the Villa
"Relax mentally and physically with us, either at your own place or in our specially designed studio. There’s nothing that brings me more joy, than seeing the relaxed and happy faces of my customers after our sessions! Growing up on Kefalonia, surrounded by organic, pure ingredients, we know the value of good products. And this is exactly what we bring to you–organic skincare that will nourish you and your skin." Fotis - massage therapist.
4 Elements Massage web site
"Relax mentally and physically with us, either at your own place or in our specially designed studio. There’s nothing that brings me more joy, than seeing the relaxed and happy faces of my customers after our sessions! Growing up on Kefalonia, surrounded by organic, pure ingredients, we know the value of good products. And this is exactly what we bring to you–organic skincare that will nourish you and your skin." Fotis - massage therapist.
4 Elements Massage web site

Sarris Winery - wine tasting in a beautiful location
Located very close to Avithos beach, the winery is run and owned by Panos Sarris (see Avithos Preview Taverna above). In the winter of 2004, just after his first season at “Avithos Preview Taverna”, Panos decided to study at “Le Monde” School in Athens as a Sommelier. Since then he has visited wineries, wine exhibitions and restaurants worldwide. In 2008 in London Panos became a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Masters Sommeliers. In 2012 he began bottling his own Robola wine “Sarris” which won a silver medal (2013) at the global competition “Decanter” in London. Sarris Winery” was a dream and is his new adventure. A domaine at Avithos beach that people can visit and taste natural Kefalonian wines.
Sarris Winery web site
Located very close to Avithos beach, the winery is run and owned by Panos Sarris (see Avithos Preview Taverna above). In the winter of 2004, just after his first season at “Avithos Preview Taverna”, Panos decided to study at “Le Monde” School in Athens as a Sommelier. Since then he has visited wineries, wine exhibitions and restaurants worldwide. In 2008 in London Panos became a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Masters Sommeliers. In 2012 he began bottling his own Robola wine “Sarris” which won a silver medal (2013) at the global competition “Decanter” in London. Sarris Winery” was a dream and is his new adventure. A domaine at Avithos beach that people can visit and taste natural Kefalonian wines.
Sarris Winery web site

Zest - in villa dining.
By using local seasonal produce as much as possible, Paula can deliver everything from traditional to contemporary dishes all in the comfort of the villa. The menu is decided by working closely with you from initial consultation right the way through to service.
Zest prides itself on delivering great choice, quality and service, so you can relax knowing that they have your best intentions at the centre of everything they do. Facebook page click HERE
Tel : +30 694 646 4095

Viva - your personal chef
Viva will cook and serve delicious traditional Greek food for you in the villa. She's a mine of local knowledge with a great personality, and having lived in New York for many years she has a great sense of humour.
She will discuss what you want with you and make suggestions, so you have a tailor made menu. Viva will also offer a cookery class - you can watch, prepare and then eat!
Viva's website click HERE
Tel : +30 69 47 614838
ON THE WATER

Sail Balboa - Private skippered Yacht charter departing from Argostoli
Enjoy a private charter in the care of skipper Graham Parker. Step aboard, cast off and experience an exhilarating day onboard Balboa with your family or group of friends. Cruising along the stunning coasts of Kefalonia our tried and tested day trip route is a day to remember. Balboa takes a maximum of 7 guests onboard allowing you more space and privacy with locations guaranteed to take your breath away. Full details on website
Facebook Page
Sail Balboa website
DAY CRUISES

The Queen Bee, departing from Argostoli.
The Queen Bee has 2 delightful traditional wooden sailing boats and lunch is served in tandem. They depart from the harbour-side in Argostoli at 9 am, returning at 5 pm. Family owned and run, your hosts for the day are brothers, George (on Queen Bee 1) and Petros (on Queen Bee 2 assisted by the lovely Serena) and they take great pride in giving you an exceptionally happy, entertaining and fun day with lots of laughter guaranteed. There are various swim stops including White Rocks beach and lunch on board is delicious - all freshly prepared by Mama Angeliki - accompanied by wine that flows. There is also a sunset cruise departing at 6.30pm.
Queen Bee Kefalonia Cruises website

Lady O, departing from Argostoli.
The Lady O is a comfortable motor cruiser. It departs from the harbour-side in Argostoli at 9 am, returning at 5 pm and there are various trips available, each taking different routes along Kefalonia's coastline and all will take you to hidden beaches. A highlight is anchoring off White Rocks beach which is truly spectacular with white sand and crystal clear azure water and only accessible by boat.
Relax cruise trips include a bbq lunch on the beach. Your captain, Dennis, is very entertaining and he loves to dance and play the pirate !
The Lady O is a comfortable motor cruiser. It departs from the harbour-side in Argostoli at 9 am, returning at 5 pm and there are various trips available, each taking different routes along Kefalonia's coastline and all will take you to hidden beaches. A highlight is anchoring off White Rocks beach which is truly spectacular with white sand and crystal clear azure water and only accessible by boat.
Relax cruise trips include a bbq lunch on the beach. Your captain, Dennis, is very entertaining and he loves to dance and play the pirate !
- Tel +30 6936152250

Fishing Trips, departing from Agia Pelagia marina in Svoronata - 10 minutes from the villa.
Antonia welcomes you with a handmade cake freshly prepared every day for her guests, Greek coffee and juice for children. Guests closely follow the process of how the nets (cast overnight) are picked up. The traditional fishing methods used allow guests to see lobsters, crabs, shrimps, scorpio fish, sea bass, sea breams and many more. After fishing, you will head to a beach, where there is no access by car except by boat. Visitors can enjoy the sun and have the opportunity to swim in the crystal blue waters while Captain Michalis and his wife Antonia prepare lunch in front of you. Michalis will prepare the best lobster spaghetti you have ever tasted (with freshly caught lobsters ) or 'bourgeto' - a traditional Kefalonia dish made with various fish. Various fried fish will also be added to your freshly caught lunch. After the meal, the return to the port slowly begins. The duration of the trip is from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. There is also a sunset trip.
Fishing Tourism website
ACTIVITIES

DIAS APIARY Bee tour at Svoronata, 5 minutes from the villa
Walk Through a Honeybee Hive with a Local Beekeeping Expert. Don a suit and head into an apiary, where you'll see an open hive and hold a frame of live bees; conclude your visit with honey tastes. In 2 - 3 hours, you'll see what a honeybee experiences over the course of a lifetime, and what a beekeeper experiences over the course of a day.
After donning a provided beekeeper suit, you'll step inside an apiary, where Eleni or Thanassis will open active hives .
Visit the laboratory. Depending on the season and the hives' productivity, you might help extract and taste fresh honey, or collect fresh royal jelly or pollen. If the bees come up empty that day, you'll attend a tasting of local honeys instead.
Finish your tour with a snack "From the beekeeper" with Herbal Tea, Fresh Juice, Coffee, Local Wine, Walnut Pie, Pasteli, Cheese Pie.
By appointment only Tel (+30) 2671042166
Dias Apiary website
Walk Through a Honeybee Hive with a Local Beekeeping Expert. Don a suit and head into an apiary, where you'll see an open hive and hold a frame of live bees; conclude your visit with honey tastes. In 2 - 3 hours, you'll see what a honeybee experiences over the course of a lifetime, and what a beekeeper experiences over the course of a day.
After donning a provided beekeeper suit, you'll step inside an apiary, where Eleni or Thanassis will open active hives .
Visit the laboratory. Depending on the season and the hives' productivity, you might help extract and taste fresh honey, or collect fresh royal jelly or pollen. If the bees come up empty that day, you'll attend a tasting of local honeys instead.
Finish your tour with a snack "From the beekeeper" with Herbal Tea, Fresh Juice, Coffee, Local Wine, Walnut Pie, Pasteli, Cheese Pie.
By appointment only Tel (+30) 2671042166
Dias Apiary website

Outdoor Kefalonia - for those who like to really get out and explore!
Outdoor Kefalonia is a family run, alternative tourism office offering more unconventional, alternative and extreme activities - unique and different ways to explore and experience the breathtaking Ionian island of Kefalonia. Through quality adventures and tours they aim to help you to discover the national park which includes Ainos, the Black Mountain. In the shadow of this great mountain a rich nature of both plant and animal life will be uncovered, leaving you with lasting and memorable impressions of an island which was once called the umbilical cord of Europe, a relatively small, rare island which offers so many beautiful, interesting and varied features to its visitor. Activities include:
Jeep Safaris
Sea kayaking.
Abseiling,
Caving,
Donkey trekking and much more besides.
Tel +30 6979987611
Outdoor Kefalonia website
For details of beaches to visit please visit this page
Easy reach trips

Kourkoumelata / Metaxata / Byron's Rock
A small but pretty village worth visiting is Kourkoumelata. Kourkoumelata is 10 minutes from Gilly's Place and was crushed by the earthquake in 1953, but was completely rebuilt and restored by Giorgos Vergotis, a Kefalonian ship-owner. If you like poetry, on the return journey from Kourkoumelata to Argostoli you will see where the famous poet Lord Byron stayed in Metaxata – a small village where he has been honoured with a bust that has been erected in front of the house where he stayed. Both villages are quite breathtaking in their beauty as the streets are well kept and the houses adorned with colourful bougainvillea.
'Byron's Rock' is in Lakithra within easy walking distance of Gilly's Place. The famous poet developed a special relationship with this site in Lakithra and it is where he used to sit and ponder, finding inspiration for his poems in an area with a magnificent view across the Ionian all the way to Zakynthos. There is a signpost to the rock on the road.

Castle of St. George
Only 10 minutes from the villa and sitting proudly high on a hill, the castle offers commanding views from all around. The villages which sit immediately below St. George's castle are Peratata and Travliata. The fortress is one of the most popular historic sites on the island of Kefalonia. Entrance is free to the castle, however parking a vehicle may be a little difficult as there is no car park and the village is quite narrow. To explore the castle wear flat shoes. There is a wonderful cafe (Kastro Cafe) serving lunch and delicious home made cakes. Il Borgo taverna also offers a spectacular dining view and is great for a sunset dinner.
Only 10 minutes from the villa and sitting proudly high on a hill, the castle offers commanding views from all around. The villages which sit immediately below St. George's castle are Peratata and Travliata. The fortress is one of the most popular historic sites on the island of Kefalonia. Entrance is free to the castle, however parking a vehicle may be a little difficult as there is no car park and the village is quite narrow. To explore the castle wear flat shoes. There is a wonderful cafe (Kastro Cafe) serving lunch and delicious home made cakes. Il Borgo taverna also offers a spectacular dining view and is great for a sunset dinner.
Further afield
Remember that nothing on Kefalonia is very far away .....

Fiskardo
Nestled in the very north of the island Fiskardo gives you a glimpse of how Kefalonia once looked as this is the only village not to have been touched by the earthquake. Fiskardo is a horse shoe shaped harbour that has an unbelievable number of restaurants, trendy cafe bars and souvenir shops along its length. This is the ultimate people spotting paradise as it is very popular with the rich and famous and has often been called the St Tropez of Greece. This part of the island has a totally different feel about it as there is always a lot of sea traffic with yachts and sail boats bobbing along this coast. The proximity to the other islands is very prominent here as you feel you can reach out and touch them. During the day Fiskardo is host to thousands of visitors whereas of an evening it is a little less crowded and has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Nestled in the very north of the island Fiskardo gives you a glimpse of how Kefalonia once looked as this is the only village not to have been touched by the earthquake. Fiskardo is a horse shoe shaped harbour that has an unbelievable number of restaurants, trendy cafe bars and souvenir shops along its length. This is the ultimate people spotting paradise as it is very popular with the rich and famous and has often been called the St Tropez of Greece. This part of the island has a totally different feel about it as there is always a lot of sea traffic with yachts and sail boats bobbing along this coast. The proximity to the other islands is very prominent here as you feel you can reach out and touch them. During the day Fiskardo is host to thousands of visitors whereas of an evening it is a little less crowded and has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Melissani Cave
Melissani Cave has a collapsed roof and contains a lake. It can only be explored by boat with the help of a guide. It is believed to have taken its name from the word melissa or honey bee. Legend has it that the cave was dry in ancient times and in contact with the earth surfaces by narrow passages which bees used quite freely to swarm the cave. Huge stalactites made of pure honeycomb filled the cave in those days but subsequent earthquakes have changed the structure of the cave and opened access to it.
Deep and clear the waters of the lake are fed from the Katavothres Swallow Holes.
Melissani Cave has a collapsed roof and contains a lake. It can only be explored by boat with the help of a guide. It is believed to have taken its name from the word melissa or honey bee. Legend has it that the cave was dry in ancient times and in contact with the earth surfaces by narrow passages which bees used quite freely to swarm the cave. Huge stalactites made of pure honeycomb filled the cave in those days but subsequent earthquakes have changed the structure of the cave and opened access to it.
Deep and clear the waters of the lake are fed from the Katavothres Swallow Holes.

Assos
A small fishing village of almost unreal beauty that can stop a holidaymaker in his tracks - especially when viewed from the hillside on the road down.. It has no beach to speak of, just a few small tavernas perched around the quayside overlooking a small, enclosed bay. But this beautiful Greek hamlet oozes a perfectly placid charm,
The setting on the west coast is as spectacular as it is romantic with a horseshoe harbour of cobalt blue overlooked by a hilltop Venetian fortress. It has now been listed as a World Heritage Site.
A small fishing village of almost unreal beauty that can stop a holidaymaker in his tracks - especially when viewed from the hillside on the road down.. It has no beach to speak of, just a few small tavernas perched around the quayside overlooking a small, enclosed bay. But this beautiful Greek hamlet oozes a perfectly placid charm,
The setting on the west coast is as spectacular as it is romantic with a horseshoe harbour of cobalt blue overlooked by a hilltop Venetian fortress. It has now been listed as a World Heritage Site.