About Scala

Skala is a seaside resort village built after the earthquakes. It was built at a lower elevation than the original village, which was up on the hillside. The area is known as Mi Ambeli, from it's many vineyards (vineyard=ambeli). The pine grove and the vast golden sand beach, ideal for water sports, are reason enough to visit Skala, as many tourists do each year. A carefree atmosphere, bars, Greek nightclubs, appealing tavernas and a vibrant nightlife are some of the resort's other attractions.

In 1957 excavations began on the villa of a wealthy Roman, which housed hot springs. It was discovered accidentally by the owner of the land in 1944, but its existence was mentioned as far back as 1822 by the archaeologist Goodisson. It's main interest lies in its well preserved mosaics and 3rd century inscriptions. In the villa's first room there is a mosaic depicting a naked youth, Envy. He is clutching his throat with his hands while four wild beasts attack him. Obviously, this is Envy being choked by his malice, suffering as he watches some happy person. In the second room the mosaic shows the sacrifice of a bull, a ram and a boar, reminiscent of Roman suovetaurilia, commonplace in the area of Greece and possibly a foretaste of the new religion. It was made by the artisan Krateros and his son. In Byzantine times, the Church of Agios Athanassios was built over the villa's third room, and in the fourth room there is a mosaic floor with geometrical designs.
 

Taking the road that runs along the seashore from Skala to Poros, you will reach the Sakkos taverna in about one k\m. From there you can ask someone to guide you to Sakkos cave, which is believed to have been used in prehistoric times, as stone-age implements have come to light in the area. Another kilometre further on stands the chapel of Agios Georgios. Still to be seen are the ruins of an ancient temple of Apollo made of porous stone. It was built in the 6th century BC, and later provided some of the building materials for the chapel. The Archaeological Museum in Argostoli has an extremely ancient Doric column capital which later served as a pedestal for the chapel's altar.
 

You can also take a glass bottom boat trip from Scala beach with Captain Vangelis. He offers 3 trips using his 2 new boats the first is to Ithica taking in Vathi and Kioni, the second is to Aghia Efimia and Fiscado, the third trip goes to Zante taking in the shipwreck beach and the blue caves. They leave on different days but all leave from Scala beach near his apartment block Aegealis Studios. (www.holidaykefalonia.com)