Today we head south of Agia Efimia to Samos to visit some places on the map & where we had seen signs for earlier on in the week. There is such a lot to see on the islands we visit but rarely see others visiting these free place and sites. This was another example. Passing through Sami towards Anti-Sami in the middle of the peninsular are signs for monestres, here we followed the deserted roads up into the hills to find an ancient site. On the map it is 'Main Ancient Acropolis' and then Ag Fanentes church.

We left the car on the road and walked up finding a largish site of ruins with fantastic views. The site was spread over a large area with some boards of information. It is 2 citadels which occupied these hills of Paliokastro and Agio Fanentes. It has impressive fortifications surrounding the 2 hills (look it up online).

We then travelled the short distance on the sandy tracks to Ag Fanentes Church which is worth a visit to this small church and bell tower as you are in the area.

Next visit is the larger Moni Agiou Gerasimou, situated under the imposing Mount Ainos and near the villages of Fragata and Valsamata

Saint Gerasimos, born in 1503 in Trikala Thessaly, is the protector saint of Kefalonia. Saint Gerasimos was ordained a monk at Mount Athos, then went to Jerusalem where he lived for 12 years, passed to Crete and Zakynthos to finally arrives in Kefalonia where he died in August 15th, 1579. He was declared a saint in 1622.

Today the monastery has been reconstructed. It is an imposing building with a newly built church. Beneath the monastery there is a cave with two rooms which used to be the home of the Saint. The only way to access this cave is by a large hole.

A small church to Agios Gerasimos has been built above the tomb and the cave of the saint. The Saint also had planted a plane tree which is still preserved at the monastery. On his feast day, August 16th, there is a grand litany for the commemoration of the saint's death in which his sarcophagus is paraded and laid under the plane tree.

Agios Gerasimos was known for his miraculous abilities to cure people with mental illnesses. His miracles which became widely known across the country, led to the removal of his relics that were found totally incorrupt. Today, his relics are saved in double glass reliquary placed above the saint's tomb.

On our visit the new large church was not open but the small was where his relics mentioned above are saved.

Enjoying the visit, we continue checking the map for our next destination, this is Troianata and then onto Ayios Georgios Castle which was closed! Still nice area and of course on a hill so you get the views!

Time to get wet we stop at Leivathou beach, long and shingly with deep waters. We drive down to the end of the bay, by ourselves, snorkel in the rocks and chill.

We eat on the harbour front of Agia Effimia enjoying the sunset and of course a few cocktails.

Days like this are our kind of days, history, culture, stunning scenery & chilling. What about snorkelling? I do mention it a lot don't I! It goes without saying I just love to snorkel anywhere.