Skala: Coast and History

Skala combines a 2.8-kilometre-long sandy and pebble beach with traces of cultural history nearby. The Roman Villa of Skala preserves Kefalonia’s most significant collection of mosaics. The small, preserved church of Agios Georgios also stands in the Old Village. Boat trips to nearby Zante or Ithaca can be arranged from the beach. This means you can choose different focuses for your trip: the coast, historic buildings or an excursion on the water.

Beach and Coastal Character

Skala Beach is in the southeast of Kefalonia and stretches for 2.8 kilometres. Its surface is made up of sand and pebbles. Its length and character give you a clear picture of this stretch of coast: if you enjoy spending time by the sea, you can consider Skala as a destination with a long sandy and pebble beach. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can also consider how important the beach will be during your stay.

Roman Villa: Mosaics and Building Phases

The ruins of the Roman villa are located near Skala and date from the 2nd century AD. They were discovered in 1957. Six rooms remain, and most of them have mosaic floors. Together with its significant collection of mosaics, these details bring the villa’s history to life: they offer specific insights into the rooms that have survived and their design.

An Early Christian church was built over part of the villa. In the late Byzantine period, a chapel dedicated to Agios Athanasios was built over the ruins of this church. This sequence spans the Roman villa, the church and the later chapel. This means that buildings from different periods lie near Skala, and their relationship can be traced through their spatial sequence.

Agios Georgios in the Old Village

Agios Georgios adds another distinct cultural and historical highlight: the small, preserved church stands in Skala’s Old Village. As a church building, it differs from the ruins and mosaic floors of the Roman villa. If you are interested in historical sites, Skala offers a range of subjects that you can consider separately or together when planning your trip.

Excursions and Choosing Accommodation

Boat trips to Zante or Ithaca can be arranged from the beach. So, as well as the stretch of coast, a possible excursion on the water can also be part of your travel plans. If you would like to plan such a trip, check before travelling whether it can be arranged for your dates.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Skala, your travel interests can guide your choice: would you like the long beach to shape your stay, are you particularly interested in the villa’s history and mosaics, or would you like to include a boat trip? For a family holiday, you can discuss these priorities together before deciding on Skala as your holiday destination.

Discover more destinations: Troianata, Pesada, Valerianos, Chavdata, Psilithrias, Agia Thekli, Livathou, Markopoulo

For the main travel overview: Kefalonia.