Local Area

Kaligata 'Joanna' is situated in the pretty village of Kaligata, the former home of the Calliga Winery, famous for its Robola wines. It is set amongst the countryside down a quiet lane with just two houses close by. There are olive trees, fruit trees and vineyards in abundance, lovely flowers in early and late season, a quiet unspoilt and rural area. This is a great area for walking, cycling or driving around or to just sit, relax and listen to the bells of the grazing sheep in the traditional Greece that we are privileged to enjoy. A beautiful blue and white campanile attached to the Baroque church dominates the village centre. There is a well-stocked supermarket in the village with a small café bar. In the centre of the village you will find a children's play area with swings. Also near the supermarket there is a bus stop for a morning bus service into the capital of the island, Argostoli, and the surrounding villages. Just around the corner is the 'Lucky Strike Bar' open from morning until evening for snacks, drinks, billiards, games and internet access. There is a super restaurant that opened this year at the lower part of the village, it is set amongst orange groves and offers a traditional menu and you may also enjoy a drink at a neighbouring hotel bar. The lovely beach at Avithos is only a fifteen minute stroll away with a beach bar and two tavernas, 'Preview' and 'To Enetiko', that are open during the day and the evening with views to Zakynthos and Dhias. The beach is long with a mixture of sand and pebbles. It boasts the 'Blue Flag Award'. Within a five to ten minute drive from the village you will find at least ten other beaches, mostly sandy.

Close to Kaligata Next to Kaligata we find the sought-after village of Kourkoumelata that is famed for being one of the most well-kept villages in Greece. It has the Marina Café that you could walk uphill to from the villa to enjoy the lovely views and a refreshing drink (perhaps a metaxa as it is downhill on the way back!). Just on from here is Metaxata with yet more wonderful views and an olive tree as one of the only roundabouts on the island! This was once the home of Lord Byron, the poet who wrote his memoirs here in 1815. Further up from here enjoying views of the mountain, valley and the sea is Lakithra a favourite of the Livathos area, with the lovely International Restaurant for great pizza and home cooking. Also you will find a bakery, cake shop and supermarket. There is the Mouikis pool and bar serving excellent snacks all day that you are welcome to try. The nearby Port of Pessada runs a ferry to neighbouring Zakynthos each day. The next villages going downhill are Domata and Svoronata. In this area you will find many more tavernas along the coastal road and some great sunsets can be found at Ammes. In Svoronata there is a 'Natural Health Retreat' offering massage, Indian head massage etc if you wish to treat yourself.		Avithos Beach
If you like wine tasting there are many wine trails on the island with complimentary tasting to enjoy, offering 48 different varieties of grape which date back to the age of Odysseus. The closest being within a ten minute drive, the Gentilini Winery at Minies open from June to September. There are many other tavernas nearby serving local cuisine. Local activities to be enjoyed in the surrounding areas are walking, swimming, cycling, horse riding, ten pin bowling and water sports can be found on the Lassi beaches. A car is recommended. From this area you are in such a great position from which to explore the whole of the island. Lots of beaches and beautiful villages can be found within a 10-15 minute drive. Here are some approximate driving times from the villa: