Private Mountains and Olive Routes
Private Mountains and Olive Routes
Travel in comfortable transportation from the pier area, and in approximately 20 minutes, you will find the mountainous, traditional village of Dilinata, built directly on the mountain slopes of Evmorfia. You will soon discover most of the villagers make their living from sheep and goats. The village produces oil, cheese, and other dairy products.
A personal, guided olive oil tour starts in the olive mill in the heart of the village. Before the earthquake of 1953, there were 200 oil mills operating in Kefalonia. Sadly, today there are but a few remaining; however olive oil is very important for this rural economy. The old, pre-earthquake oil mill dates to 1938, and was recently transformed into an oil museum by the local Cultural Association. Many craftsmen from the village worked voluntarily to create a place of culture and history in the old olive mill that belongs to the church of Panagia Lamia. The museum's well-preserved antique polished bronze machine replaced the horse at the millstone. The large bucket that received the olive fruit dominates the central area. Tanks beside the floor, covered in glass ceilings today, allow you to see the oil mixing with hot water, and watch lightest olive oil float to the top.
Your exploration in the village continues to the Church of Lamia, founded in 1690, which houses the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. Outside the church, while taking in breathtaking views of Argostoli Bay and the Ionian Sea, taste delicious local delicacies, such as fresh bread from a local bakery, oil, cheese, and olives, combined in a tasty "Riganada" (bread snack), and accompanied with local wine. Your last stop in Dilinata will be the central square of the village with its tiny local bakery.
A hidden gem is waiting for you on the way back to the port. Prokopata is one of the oldest residential areas of Kefalonia, as the excavations in the area have brought to light findings from 4,000 BC. Mountain ranges merge here, and water has created a passage, bridged by a tall stone arch. Enjoy a short photo stop at the Church of Panagia. Continue to the small chapel of Agia Varvara, which was once a monastery. Located on a ravine and resting on one side of the rock, the floor of the church was raised to allow water to pass underneath and prevent the church from flooding. The roof rests on the rocks of the cave.
This half-day private tour is full of history and culture, and provides an intimate, one-on-one experience with your knowledgeable and friendly local guide. This tour makes for a memorable day while in Argostoli.
Please Note: Vehicles available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 3, 6, 12, 19, 30 or 45 guests maximum. Groups with more than 45 guests will need to book multiple vehicles. Please take this information into consideration when booking.