Olive Mare Activities, Katelios, Kefalonia, Greece

ACTIVITIES

Giorgos, with his professional experience, will guide you around beautiful Kefalonia on a special journey in which you will learn about the history, culture and traditions of the island.
Giorgos has strong roots in Kefalonia. His family is recorded in Kefalonia since 1400. He inherited his historical knowledge of the island from his mother who is a tourist guide and has written two books about Kefalonia. Giorgos began sports and outdoor activities at the young age of 15, when he started hiking and caving. Later he became an expert in mountaineering and rock climbing.

1. Discover beautiful Kefalonia on Jeep safari
a. Jeep safari National park
b. Jeep safari sunset
c. Jeep safari WWII

2. Walking trips
a. Atheras / Fteri Beach
b. Assos
c. Antisamos - Koutsoupia
d. Atheras - Amidi

3. Caving
a. St.Theodoros cave
b. Agalaki cave
c. Fterouso cave

4. Gorge adventure (Flying fox)

5. Canyoning

The specific schedule of the activities

1. Discover beautiful Kefalonia on Jeep safari
We can take you on a full day SUV tour in 4x4 Land Rovers in which you cover 1/5 of the scenic island of Kefalonia. Be closer to nature and the elements with alternative ways to see this fantastic island. Get off the usual Tourist Trail and experience archaeological sites, old villages, ancient ruins, various caves, ancient tombs and pre-earthquake architecture. Drive through vineyards and olive groves and travel through the National Park and its forests to the top of Mount Ainos where you will have breathtaking 360 degree views of Kefalonia and the nearby island of Ithaka, Lefkas, Zante and the mainland of Greece. See rare black fir trees (Abies Cephalonica), the Viola Cephalonica, a flower that is unique to Kefalonia and a 2000 year old olive tree. Search for the wild horses of Mount Ainos and view other bird and wildlife in its natural habitat. While experiencing all this you will also learn about the history, culture and traditions of the island from our professional and knowledgeable guides. These trips can be organised to meet your needs, time and your level, they are not extreme trips as you decide your comfort level.
From 2-6 people

1.1 Jeep safari National park:
We start in Argostoli following the coastal road to „Fanari“, the scenic lighthouse and one of the trademarks of Kefalonia. From here on the route leads to Kourkoumelata, one of the prettiest villages of of this island. Kourkoumelata was totally destroyed by the earthquake in 1953 and was comlpetely rebuilt with the financial support of the shipowner Georgios Vergotis. We continue towards Sami passing Mazarakata, Agios Georgios, the former island capital until 1757 and the Omala valley, which is well-known for its famous Monastery of Agios Gerasimos. Agios Gerasimos, a former monk, is the patron saint of the island. He founded the monastery and lived there until his death on the 16th of August 1579. On that date every year big festivals and processions take place. Many miracles are connected to the saint‘s relics and icon. Over the centuries the monastery got rich and powerful. In its extensive surrounding properties the delicious Robola wine is grown.

Continuing the journey we drive to Mountain Ainos National Park. On the slopes of the national park the unique Cephalonia fir can be seen and on Mount Roudi holm oak, arbutus, carob and shrubs such as heather, thyme, amaranth and many others. Discover rare species of trees and flowers. Try to spot the wild montain horses and enjoy panoramic views of Kefalonia. Fill your senses with sights and smells. The Mt. Ainos National Park is the perfect place to take in some Mountain scenery, wildlife and plant life. It has a total length of 10 km and its highest peak is Mount Soros, at 1628m. Mount Rhoudi is an extension of this range to the north-west, its highest peak is Mount Yioutari, which rises up to 1125m.

After having explored the National Park the road now leads through traditional small villages to the most significant karst area of Kefalonia. In the settlement of Poulata we come across the church of Agios Spiridon, a unique example of ecclesiastical architecture of Byzantine baroque. Near there, stands the caves of Aggalaki, Agion Theodoron, Agia Eleousa and near the village Old Vlachata, where we will find time for a picnic, stands the caves of Zervatis and Hiridoni. Your next sightseeing point is Aghia Efimia, which is one of the most charming fishing-villages in the Sami area. From there the trip moves onwards to the most magical beach of the Ionian Sea, and one of the trademarks of Kefalonia, Myrtos Beach, where you can spend about 1,5 hours and have a swim in the turquoiseblue water.

We follow the scenic coastline with fantastic views. From the village of Agonas you can see the beach of Agia Kyriaki. Leaving the area of Thinea, which is famous for the excellent production of wine and oil, behind us we return along the coast road of Livady Bay to Argostoli.
Distance:120 km
Duration: 5-6 h
Starting time: 09:00

1.2 Jeep safari sunset:
We will take you on an unforgettable Sunset Jeep Safari, where you will get to see the "other" Kefalonia.
The West: Paliki Sunset
We pass through original and charming Greek villages on to the impressive west coast towards Platia Amos, magnificent, sprawling beach, and to the convent of Kipouria, unique for its location high above the sea and breathtaking view. The South: Scala Sunset
We move across the island, over mountains to the East of Kefalonia until we reach the small Koroni Bay with its beautiful golden sandy beach, where the narrow course of a stream, descending from Aenos and surrounded by brightly coloured Oleander, flows into the sea.
Once you have arrived at these places of outstanding beauty you can relax and enjoy a fantastic, chilled sunset. Distance: Approx 40 - 50 km
Starting time: Between 17:00 - 18:00 depending on the season and sunset time
Duration: 3 - 4 hours

1.3 Jeep safari WWII:
Kefalonia is an island great in history and has many reminders of World War II. We will drive along a historical and cultural route and experience some of the contemporary Greek-Italian-German history. You will dive deeper in the Kefalonian history as we will visit various archeological sites and off course the Italian War Monument dedicated to the Italian soldiers who served in World War II.
Distance: Approx 50 - 60 km
Duration: 4 hours

2. Walking trips:
Enjoy beautiful Kefalonia on foot, take in the nature and breathe in the fresh air and Wild Mountain herbs or feel the salty spray on your face, soft sands underfoot and the sounds of the sea. Let us show you an area we‘ve discovered that can/t be reached by public transportation and that you can only get to on foot or by boat.

a. Atheras / Fteri Beach:
Transportation: Transportation to and from activity is in Elements’ Land Rover & Mercedes G.
Duration of the walk: Approx 1,5 - 2 hours
Beach sojourn: Approx 1,5 hours
Profil: Easy to moderate.
Elevationlevel: Approx 200m
No special experience is necessary for these tours but you should have sturdy, slip-resistant footwear, waterproof clothing for wet conditions and a good physical condition, being able to walk up to 3 hours a day

Recommended items to bring:
Food (a sandwich, trail mix, salad or other foods) and beverage (at least one or two liters of water) by your own. Sun protection, swim wear, sun hat, "good mood" :) ...
The total walking time including beach sojourn is about 3 - 4 hours and will be managed through an easy to moderate rolling terrain. We follow an old path down or descend the canyon on ropes direction Fteri Beach. Time for recreation will be found at the wonderful beach with fantastic view to the northwestern coast of the islands.
A return by boat to the nearby port of Aghia Kyriaki can be organised, on request, as part of this tour. Use the opportunity to visit the blue sea caves from Atheras at Cape Lithari. The cost of the boat trip is 20,- Euro and it is optional.

b. Assos
Duration of the walk: Approx 4 - 6 hours
Elevation: Approx 300m downhill & 200m uphill
Profil: Easy
The walking tour starts in Drapanitika. We follow an old mule track towards Assos passing a more than 500 year old hut. Picturesque and rustic, the beauty of Assos lies in its simplicity, the traditional village is topped by the remains of a large Venetian Fortress and set on its own peninsula. Surrounded by pines, cypresses and terraced fields. Assos and its area offer fantastic rugged and costal scenery. Walk to the top and explore the Fortress, one of the largest in Greece, which was built to protect the island from pirate attack and later used as a prison during World War II. Walk back down to the horse-shoe shaped bay, its glistening sea and pebbly beach, via a rough path, taking in some superb views and natural beauty.

c. Antisamos - Koutsoupia
Distance: Approx 12,5 km
Duration: 5 - 6 hours including beach sojourn

Stay: Hut, pirate guardhouse, Koutsoupia Beach
Profil: Moderate to difficult.
No special experience is necessary for these tours but you should have sturdy, slip-resistant footwear, waterproof clothing for wet conditions and a good physical condition, being able to walk up to 6 hours a day. 3/5 of the way runs in the shadow.
Profil: Moderate
The route of Poros direction Sami with the same goal is more simple in profile, since the path is a little shorter and the rise runs not quite as steep.
Recommended items to bring: Food (a sandwich, trail mix, salad or other foods) and beverage (at least one or two liters of water) by your own. Sun protection, swim wear, sun hat, „good mood“ :) ...
Transportation:
Argostoli - Antisamos - Argostoli or Argostoli - Poros - Argostoli
Tour description:
Hike to a magical unknown beach in the south of the island accessible by hidden tracks through wild forests and Greek Macchia. Walk along the coast and experience absolutely stunning views to find a gem of a beach completely off the tourist track. The total walking time including beach sojourn is about 6 hours and will be managed through an easy to moderate rolling terrain at an altitude of about 270 m elevation. We follow an old path up the hill direction Poros. The first 200 m will be a little steep uphill. Time for recreation will be found at an old hut and a wonderfull sandy beach with fantastic view to the nearby islands.

d. Atheras - Amidi
Distance: Approx 4,5 km one way
Canyoning: Approx 20 minutes easy canyoning
Duration: 6 - 7 hours including beach sojourn
Stay: In a meadow under trees, Amidi Beach
Profil: Moderate to challenging.
No special experience is necessary for these tours but you should have sturdy, slip-resistant shoes, waterproof clothing for wet conditions and a good physical condition, being able to walk up to 6 hours a day. 3/5 of the way runs in the shadow.
Recommended items to bring: Food (sandwich and beverage (at least one or two liters of water). Sun protection, swim wear, sun hat.
Transportation:
Argostoli - Atheras - Argostoli
Tour description:
The total walking time including beach sojourn is about 6 hours and will be managed through moderate rolling terrain at an altitude of about 420 m elevation. We start with the hike in Atheras village, follow an old path shortly walking uphill about 100m along the slopes of Mount Loutsa. From there we have a full beautiful view of Atheras bay and Cape Atheras and its lovely coastal outline. The path leads through the scrubland of Atheras hills. Strawberry trees line the path and offer a refreshing fruit in autumn. Time for recreation will be found at a meadow with an old cistern, used by the shepherds for their goats and sheeps. After we have passed through a dense hardwood forest, the adventurous part of the tour starts at the gorge of Pigadia. We climbe down for approx. 20 minutes a fantastic canyon towards Amidi Beach.
Barbeque can be organised, on request, as part of this tour, as well as a return by boat. The cost of the boat trip is 20,- Euro and will take about 1 1/5 hours, back to the fishing port of Zola.

3. Caving:
Kefalonia has various different caves of interest including Melissani, Agalaki and Drogarati. Drogarati cave, which is 37 metres below ground and is said to be 150 million years old, has huge stalactites which hang from the roof like a veil. The red colour in the rock is from the iron content and the white from the chalk and limestone.
Discover a mystical underground world on a caving adventure under the supervision of experienced guides and equipped with the latest safety equipment. We can organise these trips based on your level ranging from caves of 20 metres deep to 120 metres deep. The basic level of caving needs no prior experience and is suitable for all abilities, the caves are not narrow and there is plenty of light for a clear vision. The professional level is a much longer descent and is in Kefalonia’s largest cave. The expert level has the longest descent of 120 metres, is very steep and requires a change of equipment and ropes during the activity.
a. St.Theodoros cave
b. Agalaki cave
c. Fterouso cave

4. Gorge adventure:
If you feel the need for a little excitement try a ride on the flying fox and feel the adrenaline rush. Cross gorges on cables, glide through the air and really fly. There are two types of crossing one, near a quaint old church cut into the landscape, is about 30 metres above the gorge. The other takes place on the coast from one side of a cliff to the other and is around 35 metres long. Expect a thrilling adventure!!

5. Canyoning:
Enjoy the highs and lows of this combined water and rock activity. During the winter, spring and up until May/June time

this activity can be enjoyed in water, after this a dry canyoning adventure can be experienced. While there is water, the rocky canyon can be descended by ropes to the small lake at the bottom. The more daring can jump from the top into the waters below. During the drier periods, adventurers can descend the canyon on ropes, abseiling down its steep, rough sides right down to its base.

Equipment and supervision and will be provided by our experienced guides.
Pick up point:
Ιn front of the hotel
Recommended items to bring:
Camera/film, Swimwear/towel, suntan lotion/hat, sensible sturdy shoes (trainers, not flip-flops or wedges), coat/jumper in bad weather, food (a sandwich, trail mix, salad or other foods) and beverage (at least one or two liters of water). Suitable for guests:
Some of our SUV tours are not suitable for guests that have walking problems. We do not walk far but it is over rough ground.
This tours can be tailor-made for guests that have walking problems, on demand.
Nature and requirements of the hiking tours:
No special experience is necessary, however, you should have sufficient slip resistant shoes and have a good physical condition to cope with walking times up to 6 hours a day.

Please note:
- People need swim wear, as there is a swimming stop.
- People are given the opportunity to visit one of the beach of the area
- Greek, English and German guiding is offered
All tours can be customized in their difficulty levels, depending on your wishes and abilities.

Privacy & Terms:
Every participant must sign a disclaimer before embarking on canyoning and caving trips to show that they have read, and agree to, the terms and conditions set by ELEMENTS. In case of bad weather or other unforeseeable conditions an alternative date or trip can be agreed on. All climbers climb at their own risk. Certain tours are subject to different risks. In view of this, each person participates entirely at their own risk. This is particularly true of risks that our guides are unable to predict. A liability for damages or accidents related to the nature of the touring trip, caving trip, climbing trip, hiking trip or any other expedition does not exist, even if the ELEMENT’S tour guides are participating in said enterprise. If a participant is not up to the level of ability which they claim they are or knew of a pre-existing problem that would impede the trip, they would have to be responsible for themselves. This may also mean a reduction of the trip for his/her other companions. This participant may make no claim.