AVITHOS

Avithos is a rural area where olive trees and citrus orchards abound. The long sandy beaches of Avithos and Megalipetra are divided by a rocky outcrop, with the whole coastline facing the tiny island of Dias with views over to Zakynthos on a clear day.

The area of Avithos and the village of Svoronata nearby, is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy walking in the countryside and discovering the wealth of herbs, flowers and birds to be found in this area. Along the isolated pathways, not far from the sea, the dense shrubs with their silver green needles, will arrest your senses with the aroma of rosemary. In the dry and stony areas you can find thyme or St John's Wort, depending on the season. Take your binoculars for quiet observation of the variety of birds to be found here; apart from the blackbirds which are a common sight, you should also see the golden oriole which is bigger with a brilliant yellow body, black wings and tail. There are orchards and olive groves amid the pine trees, which offer shade for early morning or evening walkers.<

For beach lovers, the sea at Avithos and Megalipetra is shallow and the beaches are generally un-crowded making it a safe haven for children. At Avithos Beach there is a family run taverna by the beach, which opens for the summer and in high season a small cantina parks on the beach, serving drinks and is open into the night with another taverna near by.

Sun-beds and beach umbrellas are also available here. You can drive almost to the beach which is also reached by steps. The beach of Megalipetra is reached by a footpath and is very secluded with no facilities, so you can bring your beach-umbrella and refreshments with you and leave your swimming costume at home! For those wanting a more action-packed beach with sea-sports, the famous Makris Yialos beach is only about 15 minutes' drive away. At Makris Yialos the Albatross Sports Centre offers water-skiing, jet-ski, ringos, banana, pedaloes, etc.

Avithos is a perfect place for a holiday and as a base for island exploring. Transfer from the airport (3 km) takes a quarter of an hour and the beach resort of Lassi and the capital Argostoli, are 8 and 10 kilometres away. The nearby villages of Caligata, Kourkoumelata and Metaxata are charming local villages, each with its own character and history. The shipping magnate Vergotis rebuilt Kourkoumelata after the 1953 earthquake and Lord Byron stayed in Metaxata, where the views of the Livatho region inspired his poetry. In the village of Svoronata, a short walk away from Avithos, you will find a selection of tavernas and a few mini-markets.

photo by George Agapiou

Avithos is a long sandy beach facing the small island of Dias, where in antiquity there was an altar of Zeus. Now you can see the tiny white chapel of the Panayia Vlahernon, with many steps carved in the rock leading up from the jetty.

Photos on this page unless otherwise shown are by Francesca Roe and are copyright. www.agni.gr