Neochori (locally “Niochori”) is a small village in the municipal area of Erissos, in the north-west of Kefalonia. Perched at about 438 m above sea level, it forms part of the Panochoria - the “upper villages” that include Plagia, Vari, Patrikata and nearby Komitata.

Although a little more secluded than the other Panochoria, Neochori has a quiet, year-round community of roughly 50 residents. You’ll reach it on the road that climbs from Agia Efimia (St. Euphemia) in Pylaros towards the villages of Erissos. Drivers and photographers regularly pause here: the village overlooks Ithaca and the sea channel between the two islands, with sweeping vistas that, on clear days, take in tiny islets scattered toward mainland Greece.

The village heart is the modest square known to locals as “Paliourano.” Here stands the parish church, Panagia Myrtidiotissa (the Virgin Mary of the Myrtles), a focal point of village life and celebrations.