Kefalonia (Cephalonia): Fiskardho, Sami, Asos, Myrtos & Antisamos Beachs

Kefalonia (Cephalonia, Nisos Kefallinia) is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, located 20 NM west of mainland Greece, to the S of Lefkada, and just across a narrow sea strait from Ithaka.
It’s marked by a high mountain spine, dry rugged slopes, valleys rich in pines (bearing the islands name), and along its indented coastline, limestone cliffs, bays, and many short sandy coves with beaches made up of strips of white sand, some of which are only accessible on foot or via boat.
The island is worth some extensive touring by foot or car. The capital, Argostoli is located within a deep bay on the SW side, and is close to Krani, where ruins from Mycenaean times are said to be some of the best preserved in Greece. Fiskardho (Phiscardo), located in the N tip of the island, shows 19th-century charm. The ancient town of Sami, built just above the port of the same name, on the E side of the island, is mentioned in Homer’s writings as one of the kingdoms of Odysseus. Port Asos, on the NW side, houses a large Venetian fort, and of the numerous beaches you may not want to miss a swim at Myrtos or Antisamos.

Fiskardho (Phiscardo) – 38º27′.53N 20 34′.94E – Light at entrance [FL.R.2M] – Light on E cliff [FL. 3S.7M]
Located at the N end of the Ithaca strait. The ruined stone lighthouses on the N side of the bay can be seen upon approach. On the NE some new builds and on the S and W many hotels and tavernas. You can go stern or bow-to on the S or W quays. Do not berth in the SW as it is reserved for local boats. The bay is Very crowded during the summer time, but then you can anchor at the entrance to the bay (within some distance of the ferry dock), with a long line to the N shore, in sand rocks and weed with reasonable holding. Depths are 2-4 m.
The bay offers excellent shelter from the prevailing winds coming in from the NW, however in summer there may be strong southerly winds making anchoring to the N shore and the W berths uncomfortable.
There are facilities all around, and mooring is quite cheap. Water & electricity connections are to be found at some berths on the quays. Divers are available. Fuel (Gasoline, Diesel; Tel:+30 694 481 1214, [email protected]). Chandlers (Tel:+30 267 404 1045 www.fiscardochandlers.com). In town are surpermarkets, banks, ATMs, hire cars and motorbikes, and the ferry goes to Frikes and Vasiliki.

Sami – 38º15′.30N 20 38′.78E – Light at entrance [FL.R.2S.4M]
The triangular Sami marina is located at the SE end of a large bay on the E side of the island. You can go stern-to the pier, anchoring in 3-7 m depths. The bottom is mud with good holding. Rafting up alongside to the N breakwater may be possible. The basin to the W of the marina is for local craft and is mostly shallow. Shelter is good though a small serge may develop in summer. Water should be available (if supply is turned on), as well as fuel (Gasoline, Diesel; Tel:+30 694 473 0789), chandlery, provisions, and ATM.

Antisamos bay and beach are to the E of Sami, around the cape. – 38º15′.775N 20 40′.562E

Assos – 38º22′.74N 20 34′.31E
Assos (Asos) is a natural harbor open to the N, located on the NW coast of the island. The best mooring is stern-to the quay on the E entrance. Care is needed as the ballast extends underwater. Otherwise you can anchor in 10-15 m with a long line to the W shore, or anchor freely in 8-10 m deeper in, away from swimmers and local moorings. As the bay is open to the prevailing winds from the NW, mooring is not always comfortable. Facilities are limited, but there are some tavernas on shore.

Myrtos beach with its cave is just 2 NM to the S of Assos. – 38º20′.620N 20 32′.010E