Greece 2014 Adventure - About Lassi Resort

Lassi,  is the main holiday resort on the island of Kefalonia (part of the Ionic Islands) and nearest to its capital, Argostolia. It’s only a short 10 minutes’ walk from our studio, Niko Studios, http://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Hotel_Review-g644214-d2008853-Reviews-NikoStudios-Lassi_Cephalonia_Ionian_Islands.htmlwhich we found to be very centrally situated making it ideal to explore the area. We were grateful as we did most of our sightseeing on our feet! They also have a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NikoStudiosKefalonia

 
 
It has good hotels, apartments and many gorgeous studios. When you walk down the main street especially at night there is a great “Island night Vibe” with many restaurants and as you walk down the street your olfactory glands are hit by delicious aromas inviting you in to try out the island’s Greek cuisine.  Lively music emanates from the tavernas and bars with excited voices of the many tourists echoing “Zorba the Greek, throughout the beautiful fragranced nights.



 


The beaches are many and breathtaking with their collider scope of white, blue, aquamarines, greens and sand. The transparent water, cool to the touch, inviting you in to come and play on those lazy hot days. The joy of the afternoon winds as they blow in off the sea to create a welcome relief to the still hotness while the island beetles sing their high pitched symphony, until the sun sets when they go quiet allowing for other night sounds to rule.

 

 

 

The day starts around 07h00 and we would have breakfast at about 09h00. It only gets dark around 20h30 and dinner and the night life only begins at 21h00 and continues till late.

Lassi has many places of interest and the small chapel and cave of Agios Gerasimos who is the patron Saint of the island. He lived in this cave as a hermit for 6 years. You will find this uphill just off the main street. This cave is where Saint Gerasimos is said to have lead an ascetic existaince after arriving from Zakynthos in 1555. The following hear he moved to Omala, where his monastery now stands. On the north side of the cave is a natural opening (30x30cm). this opening provides sosme natural light and a view towards the see. Today the cave has been incorporated into the little chapel – a small monastic retreat belonging to the Holy Monastery of St Gerasimo of Omala. 



We walked the Fanari coastal road to Argostoli which starts in Lassi several times during our stay. The views are breathtaking and you are able to spot many of the small secluded bays. At the Oskars café-bar you will be able to take photographs of the tortoises.

As we walkd over the hill and  into Argostoli we passed the two little churches of Agios Gerasimos and Agios Thanasis. Once on top you are rewarded with panoramic views of the bay, Argostoli, Lixouri, Vardiani Island(Rabbit Island) and the whole of Lassi. The ridge footpath to the left brings you to the Italian War II Monument.

 

There are many walks along the coast where you will come across the famous  St. Theodoros lighthouse and the Katavothres water wheel with its strange phenomenon. To my husband’s delight we discovered various World War II Memorials. These are dedicated to the memory of the Italian soldiers and officers who served on the island in World War 2. A plaque marks the grave of 136 men of the Acqui Division who were executed here by the Germans in September 1943.  


What stood out for me was that the island is very rocky and mountainous, in fact extremely mountainous, especially on the east coast. The highest peak is Mount Ainos reaching in excess of 5000 ft. Which I was obviously going to climb during my stay on this Island.

Argostoli is a thriving port on the western shores of the Koutavas Lagoon. Built across this lagoon is the famous Drapano Bridge constructed in the 19th century. Argostoli is the hub of the island’s bus services which connects all the main towns and resorts.
 
Lixouri was the island's capital until Argostoli became the capital. It is linked to Argostoli by a regular ferry service for both cars and foot passengers. The ferry runs all year round on an hourly basis and is a good short-cut between the two towns that avoids a lengthy drive around the Gulf. No need to pre-book tickets, just turn up and drive on.

Fiskardo is the only town on the island that wasn't destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and because of this much of the old architecture is still as it was. Its probably one of the most beautiful architectural places to visit on Kefalonia.



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