Penelope II | 2-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Sami Kefalonia

Sami sits at the heart of Kefalonia’s most authentic corner, a working fishing village where locals still outnumber tourists and the Ionian Sea glitters just beyond the waterfront tavernas. This is where you’ll find Penelope II—a contemporary two-bedroom villa that trades the crowded resort experience for something far more genuine: a private retreat wrapped in landscaped grounds, fifteen minutes’ walk from both the beach and the village’s genuine café culture.

Inside Penelope II

Penelope II sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The ground floor contains the main social hub: an open-plan living and dining area with multiple sightlines, a fully-equipped kitchen with all essentials (oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge freezer), and a guest bedroom featuring a double bed with its own en-suite shower room. This ground-floor bedroom opens directly onto the terrace and garden—ideal if guests with mobility considerations are in your party, or if you simply prefer waking to garden views. A separate cloakroom on this level serves the main entertaining spaces.

The first-floor bedroom offers twin beds—suitable for children, friends, or those who prefer separate sleeping arrangements—along with a dedicated en-suite shower room and a private balcony. Both bathrooms feature walk-in showers; both bedrooms are completely self-contained. This layout works exceptionally well for extended families, multi-generational groups, or friends where privacy matters but togetherness does too.

Throughout, the villa supports modern living: Wi-Fi reaches all rooms, air conditioning adjusts to the Greek summer heat (essential from July to September), and entertainment comes via a flat-screen satellite television with multiple English channels and a DVD player. A working fireplace provides genuine warmth during the quieter shoulder months of April, May, September and October. A washing machine handles the practical necessities of longer stays.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The real distinction of Penelope II emerges beyond the threshold. The private pool—7 metres by 4 metres with depths ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 metres—occupies the visual centre of the property. Roman steps allow gradual entry; a poolside shower rinses off salt and chlorine without trailing water through the villa. Sun loungers face the water; shade structures protect from the fiercest midday rays.

Two distinct terrace zones serve different moods. The covered terrace offers shelter during unexpected spring showers or the rare winter rainstorm. The open terrace captures unobstructed southern light and hosts the stone barbecue—the kind of cooking setup that transforms a simple meal into an occasion. Dining facilities here accommodate outdoor entertaining. Mature planting throughout the enclosed gardens creates genuine privacy; neighbouring villas remain completely out of sight and sound.

Parking occupies a dedicated area separate from the garden spaces, keeping the property’s sense of retreat intact. From the first-floor balcony, the landscape rolls outward: the Kefalonia countryside in layers of green, with the distant possibility of catching sunset light touching the western ridges.

Location: Sami and the Surrounding Area

Sami functions as one of Kefalonia’s two main ports, which means ferries to Ithaca and Lefkada operate from the waterfront, and the village supports genuine infrastructure rather than tourist infrastructure. Fish restaurants line the harbour; the morning market brings produce from island farms; local bakeries open before dawn. Walk fifteen minutes downhill from Penelope II and you’re among them—not visiting tourism but encountering actual village life.

The immediate beaches demand mention. Sami Beach itself stretches along the village waterfront, shallow and sandy, backed by the taverna strip. Anti Sami lies just 2km south—quieter, less developed, equally sandy. Myrtos Beach, roughly 10km north toward Assos, ranks among Kefalonia’s most photographed: white sand beneath limestone cliffs, the kind of dramatic Ionian landscape that appears in guidebooks. Poros Beach sits 8km south, less crowded than its neighbours, framed by green hillsides rising directly behind the shoreline. All remain within twenty minutes’ drive; all offer swimming, snorkelling, and the fundamental pleasure of Mediterranean water.

Beyond beaches, Melissani Lake—the phenomenon once called the Cave of the Nymphs before its roof partially collapsed in prehistoric times—sits roughly 5km southwest. Rediscovered in 1951, the underground lake reflects every conceivable shade of blue when sunlight penetrates the opening above. Boat tours depart regularly from the nearby village of Karavomilos. The experience requires no particular fitness; the visual impact proves extraordinary.

Aghia Efimia, 9km north, combines the village charm of Sami with a slightly more upmarket dining scene. Several restaurants here focus on fish and traditional Kefalonian preparations. The drive takes under fifteen minutes. Fiskardo, the island’s most celebrated village, lies 25km north along a winding coastal road—distinctive for its Venetian architecture and the Mediterranean-wide reputation of its restaurants. Budget forty-five minutes for the drive, but the journey itself passes through some of the island’s finest scenery.

Katelios, 20km south, offers a completely different character: a quiet agricultural village rather than a waterfront settlement, surrounded by vineyards (Kefalonia produces distinctive white wines; local wineries offer tastings). Argostoli, the island capital, sits 30km south and serves as the main shopping and administration hub—here you’ll find supermarkets, medical facilities, and banks if needed.

Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) operates roughly 45km south of Sami, approximately fifty-five minutes by hired car. The drive follows main island roads; no challenging mountain passes. Ferries from Sami connect to Ithaca (Vathy), roughly thirty minutes crossing, and to Lefkada, around ninety minutes. This makes Penelope II ideal for island-hopping itineraries. Explore our luxury villas in Sami and our full collection in Greece. For destination inspiration, read our Kefalonia travel guide.

Seasonally, May through June and September through October represent the optimal rental windows—warm sea temperatures, clear skies, minimal rainfall, substantially fewer tourists than July-August. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers, cooler air, and the reopening of seasonal establishments. Autumn (September-October) delivers the most stable weather patterns. July and August guarantee heat and crowds; if you favour solitude, avoid these months entirely.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Penelope II works exceptionally well for couples seeking privacy with the option of hosting visiting family or friends—the ground-floor guest bedroom means parents can visit without compromising couple-space on the upper level. Extended families of six to eight (with perhaps one child sleeping in a ground-floor lounge area as an option, or nearby accommodation arranged separately) find the two-bedroom layout manageable if not luxurious.

Groups of four friends splitting the villa appreciate the bedroom separation and the multiple entertaining zones—the kitchen island for informal gathering, the covered terrace for evening aperitifs, the pool deck for daytime leisure. Multi-generational parties (grandparents, adult children, grandchildren) benefit specifically from the ground-floor bedroom’s accessibility and the pool’s gentle Roman steps.

Families with young children find considerable advantage in the private pool (eliminating resort-pool crowds), the enclosed garden (safe perimeter for supervised play), the proximity to family-friendly beaches like Sami and Anti Sami, and the availability of the village’s relaxed pace—no need to entertain children constantly; the village rhythm does some of that work.

Remote workers considering a month-long rental benefit from reliable Wi-Fi, the second bedroom functioning as an office space, and the location’s balance of isolation when work demands focus and accessibility when needing a break (restaurants, coffee, movement).

Practical Information

Penelope II accommodates 4 guests: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, flexible bed configurations (1 double, 2 twins). The nearest major airport is Kefalonia International Airport (EFL), approximately 45km away with transfer times around fifty-five minutes by private car or hire vehicle. The village of Sami offers a small supermarket and fresh produce market within walking distance (fifteen minutes from the villa); larger supermarket options exist in Argostoli (30km, forty-minute drive).

The rental price includes utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi broadband access, air conditioning operation, television and entertainment systems, all furniture and kitchen equipment, pool maintenance and cleaning, bed linen and towels, and parking. A welcome cleaning and changeover housekeeping completes your arrival. The property owner typically offers flexibility on check-in times outside standard windows if circumstances allow, though this requires confirmation at point of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Penelope II

How many guests does Penelope II sleep?

Penelope II sleeps 4 guests as standard: one double bed in the ground-floor bedroom and twin beds in the first-floor bedroom. Both rooms feature en-suite bathrooms. If your party exceeds 4 guests, we can discuss nearby accommodation options in Sami, but the villa itself operates as a 4-guest property.

What is the nearest airport to Penelope II in Sami?

Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) serves Penelope II, located approximately 45km south of Sami. By hired car or private transfer, the journey takes roughly fifty-five minutes under normal traffic conditions. Direct flights operate from multiple European cities during summer months; winter scheduling concentrates on UK and Northern European origins. The airport road follows island main routes; no mountain pass driving required.

What is the best time of year to rent Penelope II?

May through June and September through October represent premium periods: warm swimming temperatures (22-24°C), reliable sunshine, minimal rainfall, and substantially fewer visitors than July-August. April and early May attract those seeking spring wildflowers and cooler temperatures. September and October offer the most consistently stable weather. Avoid July and August if you prefer quietness and reasonable restaurant availability without booking far ahead. Winter months (November-March) experience occasional rain but offer solitude and lower rates; the fireplace provides genuine comfort during cooler evenings.

Is Penelope II suitable for families with children?

Yes, significantly so. The private pool with Roman steps allows safe, supervised swimming without resort crowds. The enclosed garden provides secure outdoor space. Nearby Sami Beach and Anti Sami Beach feature shallow water and sand beaches ideal for children. The village itself moves slowly—no overwhelming stimulation or chaos. Restaurants typically accommodate families well; many offer children’s portions or will prepare simple meals. The ground-floor bedroom placement means parents can position themselves conveniently for supervision. One consideration: the villa has no organised children’s activities or entertainment staff—this suits families wanting independence and quiet time rather than resort-style programming.

What is included in the rental price at Penelope II?

Accommodation for 4 guests includes all utilities (electricity, water, gas for heating and cooking), Wi-Fi internet access, air conditioning operation, satellite television with English channels and DVD player, all kitchen equipment and appliances, pool maintenance and cleaning chemicals, bed linen and towels, parking, and arrival housekeeping. Not included: food and beverage, optional spa or massage services, late-night additional cleaning, or tourist activity bookings (though we provide recommendations).

What restaurants and shops are near Penelope II?

Walking distance (15 minutes downhill): Sami village contains roughly eight waterfront tavernas, all serving fresh fish daily. Specific favourites include Karavomilos (traditional Kefalonian dishes, excellent value), Kyriakos (fish speciality, family-run three generations), and Dendrinos (ouzo bar with meze plates ideal for evening aperitifs). The village bakery opens 6am for fresh bread and pastries daily. The produce market operates mornings (best selection Tuesday, Friday, Saturday). A small supermarket stocks essentials; for larger grocery shops, Argostoli (30km, forty minutes) offers Carrefour and local chains. Aghia Efimia (9km north) holds upmarket restaurants like Fiscardo Fish Taverna (despite the name, located in Aghia Efimia). Fiskardo village (25km north) concentrates fine dining: Tassia, Lagios, and Paspalis command Michelin-level prices but deliver exceptional Mediterranean cuisine.