Photo – Villa Artemis
Zeus, the “big cheese” God, was God of the Sky & Thunder. In Greek mythology he was named as Dias the “Divine King”. It is said that when he created the world he threw his last remaining building stones into the seas of Cephalonia and that one of these stones became what is now the tiny island of Dias Rock. The island is home to a 500 year old chapel, which was built on the remains of the ancient temple of Thios.
A mix of history and mythology tells us that a sanctuary for priests once existed at the top of Mount Aenos and that sacrifices were made whenever they saw smoke rising from the altar sacrifices at the temple of Thios.
Villa Artemis overlooks Dias Rock and has views across the sea to Zakynthos.
Hire a boat from nearby Makris Yalos beach, tie up at Dias Rock and climb the 100 steps to visit the chapel of Panayia Diotissa. On 2nd July there is a festival to honour Saint Diotissa and the villagers of Pessada, who own Dias Rock, go across to celebrate.
