Discover Sámi

Sámi is a coastal settlement in the north of Kefalonia and one of the island’s most important ports. These highlights can help you get a sense of Sámi as a destination and explore different sides of the town.

Harbor and sea connections

The harbor of Sámi is an important hub for Kefalonia’s sea connections and serves passenger traffic. Leisure and commercial vessels are also moored there. As a result, the harbor is home to various types of vessels, while passenger traffic underscores its role as a connection point for the island. The listed connections to Sámi include ferries from Patras and Astakos. If you are planning your trip around these connections, check the current schedule in advance.

Archaeological collection and settlement history

The Archaeological Collection of Sámi on Kefalonia opened in August 2021. Its permanent exhibition traces the history of settlement from the Early Bronze Age to the early Byzantine period. It is based on finds from the territory of the city-state of Sámi and from Fiskardo, the ancient city of Panormos.

For travelers interested in archaeology, the exhibition brings together a long time span and finds from two specific contexts. It highlights both the chronological range and the origins of the finds: from the territory of the city-state of Sámi to Fiskardo. The collection is therefore a historical highlight in the town, distinct from Sámi’s role as a port.

Nature destinations nearby

Drogarati Cave is located near Sámi and was exposed by an earthquake about 300 years ago. It is 60 meters deep; its chamber measures 65 × 45 meters and is 20 meters high. These figures describe two different spatial aspects: the depth of the cave and the dimensions of its chamber. Alongside these measurements, its exposure by an earthquake is one of the cave’s defining features.

Another natural attraction can be found in Karavomylos, also near Sámi. There is an underground lake whose water is so clear that boats seem to float on it. Unlike the cave, the focus here is not on its history or the dimensions of its chamber, but on the visual impression made by the water. The nearby nature destinations thus differ in character as well.

Sámi as a destination for your hotel search

When considering the destination, it helps to distinguish between locations: the harbor and Archaeological Collection are in Sámi itself, while Drogarati Cave and the lake in Karavomylos are nearby. If you are comparing offers for a hotel stay in Sámi, you could first consider whether you are most interested in the harbor, the long history of settlement or the different natural attractions. These highlights offer a concrete framework for choosing a destination without conflating nearby places with Sámi itself.

For an overview of the wider destination: Kefalonia.