Sami relies heavily on its ferry links with Ithaca and Patras on the mainland for its business, because as a town in its own right its a little uninspiring. The beach just to the north is poor by the exalted Kefalonian standards, and the harbour and square are separated, thus depriving the town of any real focus.

It does, however, feature a proper kafeneion (air conditioned, if you will!), tucked off the back of the square, and is the gateway to Antisamos beach, rightly heavily featured in 'Corelli'. Indeed the village for the film was constructed on the headland between Sami and Antisamos, and what was supposed to be Argostoli was filmed in the town itself, though nothing now remains but a few photographs to prove it.

A decent selection of hotels and studios is available in and around the town, but most people who gravitate to this side of the island will prefer the more obvious charms of Ayia Efimia.

Pluses

Greek. Quiet.

Minuses

Poor beach. Uninspiring.