| Paliki, with its patchwork of tiny fields and clusters of villages, is the real market garden of Kefalonia.
Few visitors make the effort to explore this peninsula preferring to stay on the main body of the island.
The majority of villages in Paliki sit along the shelf of high ground that forms the north eastern arm of the peninsula. Villages like Monopolata, Skeineas, Delaporta and Kondogenada. It is here that the most fertile land is to be found. Above them, cypress clad hills rise onto a wild and remote coastline.
The southern part of the region is largely characterised by strange alluvial outpourings of sandy, grey soil. These scrubby wastelands have little or no cultivation on them. The only exception to this is the region around Krokidata which in striking contrast is rich and lush and crisscrossed by innumerable paths making it ideal for walkers and cyclists. This area is one of the chief growing regions for Mavrodaphne, a grape which produces deep, extremely full bodied wines. The island actually has an appellation for this wine. Mavrodaphne should not be confused with the sticky-red desert wine, Mavrodaphne of Patras. This is one of Kefalonia's well-guarded secrets. Should be lucky enough to come across some, then you avail yourself a of at least a few bottles.
The far north of Paliki towards Atheras is a wild and remote place, much of having been ravaged by forest fires or else become covered with tough grasses. is a wild and remote place. it is however popular with bee-keepers and you might see hives dotted over the landscape. In the crook of the Gulf of Argostoli, a wetland provides a welcome home to visiting birds, although by the vast number of spent shotgun cartridges that litter the ground, they don't always receive a warm welcome. Why not treat yourself to a Kefalonia Digital Information Pack with easy to do walks, wildlife booklets and guides. Click here to download |
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| Paliki is extremely diverse. Rugged coastline, rich market-gardens and tiny villages, together with barren scrub land and windswept hills, means that Paliki in never one thing.
One of the more attractive regions of Kefalonia, you could easily spend a couple of days exploring this peninsula. |
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Monopoulata on the Paliki peninsula
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| Little is written about Paliki, but for the adventurous who likes a bit of walking there would be an endless series of small paths to wander. Try around the northern villages and the region of Krokidata in the south below Chavriata.
In the not too distant future, Friends of Kefalonia are hoping to publish a sense of character map that covers the whole region and will let help you get a real feel for what is on offer. See the Kefalonia Campaigns page for more information. Why not treat yourself to a car hire whilst you're on Kefalonia so you get the most out of your visit. Click here for Kefalonia Car Hire |
lush, green Paliki 
