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Kato Katelios is a friendly and relaxing resort with a laid back approach
to life. Many people choose to revisit Katelios and it has built up a
loyal following over the years. Katelios is in the south east of the
island and is situated in a large, flat plain between the villages of
Hionata, Mavrata, Markopoulo and Ratzakli. Katelios looks across the water
to the nearby island of Zante and over to the Greek mainland and is
surrounded by fertile agricultural land and rocky hills. Until recent
years the village used to house just fishermen's cottages and huts, some
of which are still inhabited. Development of tourist's accommodation has
seen Katelios gradually grow into a holiday destination. The surrounding
areas have some of the island's most dramatic beaches which attracts
people wanting a largely beach based holiday.
Ano Katelios, the old village, and is where most of the small resident
population live while Kato Katelios is the relaxed holiday area which has
slowly developed.
It is the sort of resort you can totally escape and relax.
The 1953 Earthquake destroyed nearly every village on the island and Kato
and Ano Katelios were not sparred, they have since been rebuilt and the
remains of an old church bell-tower can be found in Ano Katelios.
Katelios is located in a rural part of the island so nature lovers,
walkers and bird watchers will be spoilt with the abundance of nature,
which encases this part.
The village has a handful of shops and several tavernas. As far as
attractions go apart from the beach and the shops, bars and tavernas which
are dotted about, there really is not much more, so a relaxing away from
it all beach based holiday it seems to have the right ingredients. Days
can be spent relaxing on the two natural and uncomercialised beaches,
whilst evenings can be spent mixing with the locals in the local tavernas
and fish restaurants. Katelios holiday nightlife is largely restricted to
good Greek-style tavernas serving mostly Greek food, and a few bars.
Katelios is a quiet resort; it has become popular with families and
couples of all ages. There are a small handful of tavernas along the
waterfront, which makes for a lovely setting to enjoy a cold drink or a
bite to eat. Most of Katelios holiday accommodation is set back from the
beach area into the valley behind. This includes small hotels, room to
rent and apartments.
There is evidence that Katelios was a port and trading center way back in
the Venetian period, witnessed by the remains of an old pier or mole in
the bay.
There are Roman remains just behind the main Aghia Barbara beach which
points to the fact there was a settlement in Katelios over 2000 years ago.
Some of the villagers are permanent residents and see the winter through
here too. On the island a number of Kefalonia's do not spend the winter
months here, but spend them abroad or on the mainland. Once a fishing
village, like so many other places on the island it now mainly thrives on
tourism for the bulk of its income.
Katelios is also home to a group called 'The Katelios Group' this is a
local NGO that seeks to research and protect the population of sea
Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and their habitats on the island of
Kefalonia. The Katelios Group is involved also with other activities, such
as teaching tourist children and local children the importance of the
environment.
In spring local schools are invited to the Environmental Center. In the
summer months an environmental festival is held in Katelios.
The Katelios Group hopes to promote the concept of sustainable development
through programs of environmental awareness raising.
In WW2 a British submarine called HMS Perseus sank between Katelios and
the neighbouring island of Zakynthos after striking a mine. There was
sadly only one survivor named John Capes. Fishermen from Mavrata rescued
this soul and sheltered him from occupying forces.
As with all destinations on this truly magnificent island, vehicle hire is
an advantage to see all the splendor it has to hold.
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