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Avithos beach is quite a bit quieter than the twin beaches of Lassi and
provides a good alternative in summer if you are trying to get away from
the crowds, In August of 2006) we visited and there were about ten people
on the beach. The Taverna located on the beach was very quiet too. Avithos
has suffered badly from the rough winters the island has been exposed to
in recent years. While it is not an unattractive beach, it has changed
drastically and not for the better.
There is no longer a lovely sweep of golden sand, the beach is narrower
with copious amounts of boulders and rocks along the shoreline. The
pictures taken show the beaches condition in 2003 and 2006.
Avithos may not be that easy to get to without some form of transport. If
you drive to Avithos, you can either park almost on the beach next to the
tavernas or park up the slope on the road at the top of the beach. Sun
beds and brollies can be hired. The beach provides showers for
convenience.
Avithos is a rural area where olive trees and citrus orchards abound. The
Avithos coastline faces the tiny island of Dias with views over to
Zakynthos on a clear day. There are orchards and olive groves amid the
pine trees which offer shade for early morning or evening walkers. For
beach lovers, I would sadly say Avithos is now a disappointment. The beach
of Megalipetra is reached by a footpath and is very secluded with no
facilities so you can bring your beach-umbrella and refreshments with you
and leave your swimming costume at home! If you are really brave and go
all natural…For more active beach resort visit the beaches along the
coast at Lassi.
The area around Avithos is an idea place for a holiday base as it's quite
central and the airport is only a couple of kilometers away, and the capital of
Argostoli is approximately 10 kilometers away. There are some neighboring villages which are worth a visit to experience typical
Kefalonia hospitality, these include Caligata , Kourkoumelata and Metaxata each with
their own character and history. Lord Byron stayed in Metaxata where the
views of the Livatho region inspired his poetry. In the village stands a
memorial to Byron.
Nearby Svoronata, you can find a selection of tavernas and a few
mini-markets.
Dias Island
The tiny island, site of the ancient temple of Thios, which has been
repeatedly destroyed by the earthquakes. In later days a monastery was
built on the site of the temple but sadly no traces remained after the
earthquake of 1953, only its steps which can be observed carved in rock.
A large quantity of animal bones and pieces of pottery have been found on
the site. It is said that there was also a famous sanctuary dedicated to
Zeus which was housed almost at the summit of Mount Ainos. Tradition says
that priests made sacrifices on Ainos when they saw smoke from the alter
sacrifices of the temple of Thios on Dias island.
Today stands the tiny white chapel of the Panayia Vlahernon with many
steps carved in the rock leading up from the jetty.
This small island hosted an antic temple devoted to Zeus (Diaz in Greek).
Today, an orthodox chapel is build on the same spot. Each year, there is a
pilgrimage by boats to honor Saint Diotissa. On July 2nd each year a
pilgrimage takes place , where people go by boat from Pessada to the
island, since the church is looked after and belongs to the people of this
village. |
