I had always wanted to visit the Greek islands and so for our summer holiday we decided to go on a package holiday to one. When we had decided on the Greek islands we then had to choose which one we were going to visit…Read More

I had always wanted to visit the Greek islands and so for our summer holiday we decided to go on a package holiday to one.
When we had decided on the Greek islands we then had to choose which one we were going to visit which was difficult because there are so many and each of them offered something different. we finally decided on Kefalonia because we wanted to stay somewhere that had beautiful beaches with decent facilites but wasn't overly touristy and Kefalonia sounded like it would be ideal.

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands in Greece but don't let this full you into thinking that it is going to be as busy as some of the other Greek islands as it is very quiet even in the height of summer.
The beaches were absolutely stunning and the water was crystal clear just how I had imagined it would be and the sand was a gorgeous white colour.

As soon as you land at the airport the smell of lemon trees hits you along with the heat. We went in july and the weather was already nearly 30 degrees every day we were there. The first thing i noticed about the island was just how green it was which I wasn't expecting. There are forests and groves of trees dotted along the landscape and it was quite hilly with small winding roads.
At first glance the island really is the picture postcard view of Greece most people have.

There isn't as much to see and do as on some of the other islands as Kefalonia is all about relaxing at the beautiful beaches and relaxing in a taverna at night. There are however some sights to visit if you get bored of sunbathing.
The islands capital Argostoli makes for a nice day out and there are some good shops to be found but don't expect to find any big chain stores as the town is on the small side and has the feel of a real living and working town instead of a tourist one.

Just a few miles outside of Argastoli there is an ancient castle that dates back to 400AD and exploring this gives you a real sense of the history the island has.
You can also visit one of the monastries situated on the island and these ancient buildings make for a fascinating couple of hours.

The Archelogical museum is amazing and they have a really nice collection of Roman and ancient Greek finds here and you could easily spend a few hurs looking around and soaking up the atmosphere here.
The island also produces it's own wine and it is possible to visit the winery and see it being bottled and it is also possible to buy some to take home. This works out really cheap and it makes sense to stock up on a few bottles to take me with you.

Probably the busiest site we visited was the Melissani lake which is an underground lake that was only rediscovered in the 1950's afer thousands of years of being hidden away. The lake isn't that big but is absolutely amazing to see and there is the option of going out on a boat into the middle of the lake. The only problem with this for me was that it as so busy when we visited it was difficult to get a proper feel for the place.

Although I did want somewhere quiet Kefalonia was maybe a little too quiet. There wasn't many nighttime activities and only a few bars and no discos that we could find on the island. entertainment at night consisted of having dnner in a tavera and then a few quiet drinks under the stars before retiring back to the apartments. This was fine for a week but I don't think I would have liked that much tranquility for a fortnight.

there is no two ways about it Kefalonia is a beautiful island and would make the ideal holiday for a couple looking for a romantic getaway. It is definately not an island for party lovers as they won't find any there but for gorgeous beaches, good food and a taste of a slightly more authentic Greece then kefalonia would be hard to beat.    Close

When we visited the harbour in the village of Fiscardo in the northern tip of Kefalonia nothing could have prepared us for the beautiful azure blue scene which was littered with sailing boats bobbing and dancing in the wind. Against this was a backdrop of…Read More

When we visited the harbour in the village of Fiscardo in the northern tip of Kefalonia nothing could have prepared us for the beautiful azure blue scene which was littered with sailing boats bobbing and dancing in the wind. Against this was a backdrop of delightful and unique shops, tavernas, and little winding side streets; the horizon was coloured gold, pink, blue and red as the buildings stood proud in their traditional brightly coloured facades speckled with blood red geraniums.

This village was the only place to withstand the earthquake which destroyed the island in 1953, and so here you can obtain a glimpse of what the entire island once looked like in terms of architecture. Nothing can prepare you though for the atmosphere in this place where the rich and famous come to moor their yachts in the harbour. This is a spot to people watch and to appreciate the scenery. A stroll along the quayside takes you past blue checked tablecloths which blanket the boat decks in gingham. On top of these lie glasses of wine and elegant lunchtime nibbles, and their occupants sit, themselves dressed in nautical shades, enjoying the lazy lunch that Fiscardo so gracefully provides.

In terms of facilities there is a bank and a cash point, 2 supermarkets, souvenir shops, but sadly no chemist, the nearest one is in Aghia Effimia about 40 minutes drive away. Tavernas number 11 and these are certainly elegant, and the prices are higher here than in most parts of Kefalonia reflecting the clientele who use them. There is a bus twice a day to the capital Argostoli, 50kms away, a distance which takes an hour and a half to drive, and Fiscardo is the ferry port for trips to Lefkas, and Ithaca. Many choose to take a day trip to Ithaca which is a lovely unspoilt island. Though not obvious in the daytime the harbour is a fishing port and long before tourists are peeping from under their duvets these fishermen are returning with their catch.

We strolled along the front and enjoyed the most delicious ice cream from the parlour which has almost every flavour you can imagine, and we found a bakery with the most exquisite pastries which wouldn’t have looked out of place in any French patisserie.

All the buildings have preservation orders on them and although the village is bustling it has a Mediterranean ambience which I found to be very endearing.

There is a hotel and several villas to rent with pools and also there are some traditional rooms for hire overlooking the water front.

From here you can travel down the west coast to Assos a delightful village and to the famous Myrtos Bay a magnificent white sandy beach.

I enjoyed an afternoon in Fiscardo but due to the yachting fraternity who frequent and rather dominate the place I think that it was enough for me, and I was glad to return to the peace of the more remote place I had booked further south for the week in Katelios. It was an interesting insight into their lives and certainly the architecture was absolutely gorgeous but after a few hours I was seeking peace and quiet. If you enjoy hustle and bustle nautical style this place is almost paradise.
   Close

When I initially booked a holiday to Kefalonia I had to be sure that the place I decided on was somewhere which would serve as a perfect base from which to explore the island, but would also afford some peace and privacy when we were…Read More

When I initially booked a holiday to Kefalonia I had to be sure that the place I decided on was somewhere which would serve as a perfect base from which to explore the island, but would also afford some peace and privacy when we were staying in the locality for the day.

Both myself and my husband are, and never were, club loving types preferring to visit places which are virtually untouched by tourism, though we do enjoy some facilities especially if we decide not to opt for car hire.

The village of Katelios is somewhere that having researched I decided would be ideal, as it is far from any of the more developed areas on the island. I must however point out that Kefalonia suffered a dreadful earthquake in 1953 when almost all the island was destroyed, and so nowhere is built up or has fallen victim to mass tourism. The island as a whole is beautiful and Katelios is no exception.

The village itself lies in the south east of the island, 32 km from the capital Argostoli, between the resorts of Skala and Lourdas, and it has been developing slowly towards the sea, from the area known as Old Katelios, which lies between the hills and the coast. This older part of the village has some delightful olive and citrus groves, and some really pretty villas, and you can meander around sleepy little paths where lovely Greek cats sprawl out in the heat of the day under the shade of the majestic trees. Looking up at the horizon are the hilltop villages including Markopoulo. This is a rural Greek hideaway perched up on a rocky backdrop and has glorious panoramic views all the way down through Old Katelios, Katelios itself and the sea beyond. If you are feeling energetic you can do this walk in about 45 minutes, but you will need a fit heart and a lot of stamina but the views make it so worth while.

The village itself is a mixture of small villas, studios with pools, and restaurants and tavernas, and there is evidence of new buildings and dusty cement mixers appear here and there, but the noise is minimal as these are progressing at a Greek pace.

Many of the tavernas are clustered down by the sea and here there is a long sandy beach which stretches all the way to Skala which can be walked in under 3 hours by the fit and energetic. This does involve a long trek and a clamber over rocks, but the coastline is very pretty and the walk peaceful and quiet.

A lovely place for lunch is along the beach towards the direction of Skala called The Dreams Taverna and this is a superb place to eat where you will receive a lovely warm welcome.

Along this coastline are many nesting sites of the Loggerhead Turtle, and these can be identified by little tepi like structures which are left over the nest to mark the spot and to stop people walking over them and disturbing the eggs.

The local group who are looking after the interests of these turtles are unhappy about the beach development which has taken place over the years. The local government has compacted the sand on the main beach making it more suitable for tourist activity, but of course turtles can't dig in this type of sand, so inevitably some of the nesting sites are no longer suitable for them. They do, however, nest along the coast between Katelios and Skala, and in this more remote area we saw many nests which were well marked on the beaches of Kamina and Mounda.

The resort itself has three good supermarkets and these are well stocked and have phone cards. Every aspect of your holiday needs are well catered for with prices which we thought were very reasonable indeed.

Towards the beach on the approach road is a tourist agency and here they sell excursions which are cheaper than those sold by any rep you may have, so this is a good way to save on costs.These tours pick up from the village so are a possible day out if you decide not to hire a car.

I would highly recommend a visit to the Katelios Environmental and Cultural Centre which is along the approach road to the beach as here they have a superb exhibition detailing the work of the group who are invloved in the conservation of turtles.

http://www.kateliosgroup.org/

There is a local bus service which runs from Katelios to Skala, and along the coastal road to Poros or in the other direction to Argostoli, but these are not frequent and there is also a water taxi to Skala.

I think we were more than happy with our stay in this unspoilt part of Kefalonia. The sleepy village is a place to unwind and to appreciate the slow relaxed Greek pace of life. The colours of the buildings are especially attractive having developed from a Venetian influence, so expect blue, peach and terracotta with white.

Take time to meander around the small paths which take you into the old village away from the shoreline. Here the views and the fragrances are simply divine. Greek oregano and other wild herbs including thyme lace the air with a rich perfume, and hens seek shade under the giant canopies of ancient olive trees.

Katelios has the right balance between providing basic needs for the tourists but has still retained its charm and authenticity. It has a resident winter population and fishing is still a major industry as boats leave from the harbour area daily.

Kefalonia, the island, is still unspoilt, and I hope it remains so as it is lies in the shadow of Zante, its more vibrant neighbour, but still lies quietly- refusing to move too quickly towards a destination which would be far away from its history and its infrastructure.

If you seek a quiet spot to appreciate the island then Katelios is a good choice.

Summary: A beautiful location.   Close

It seems hard to imagine that less than a month ago I was standing on the top of a mountain top village, Markopoulo in Kefalonia, watching the procession of church goers following the priest into the picturesque church. Sitting under an olive tree and watching…Read More

It seems hard to imagine that less than a month ago I was standing on the top of a mountain top village, Markopoulo in Kefalonia, watching the procession of church goers following the priest into the picturesque church. Sitting under an olive tree and watching the colours of the landscape change, as the sun emerged from a wispy slate grey canopy casting an amber ray of light, like a giant fan illuminating the layers of terraced sun baked earth beneath. The sound of the Greek Orthodox service resonating over the hillside was a perfect end to what had been a week of discovery as the island of Kefalonia gradually unfolded its delights to us.

The largest island in the Ionian chain this picturesque place was virtually decimated by the earthquake which struck in 1953, leaving only the far north untouched, and so everything you see on the island is what has been reborn since then. Don't think Cycladian blue and white houses, but a sun caressed terracotta which has the Venetian influence. Sometimes it is hard to remember you are in Greece as the landscape is lush and green, with mature trees and is very pretty, despite being a tourist destination which is growing in popularity.

We stayed in the south of the island in a little sleepy village called Katelios, and our studios were situated away from the sea front at the edge of where the old town meets the new. A few minutes stroll and you were submerged in Greek life, amongst the orange groves, whilst towards the beach were the sleepy tavernas and the quiet waterfront.

We took a book with us from the local library called "Kefalonia" by Brian and Eileen Anderson, which is a simple but comprehensive guide to the island, and what it has to offer. It is a Landmark Visitors Guide and a good place to start.

Hubby and I are a couple who seek solitude and peace on holiday, and a chance to immerse ourselves in the culture of the place, so for us it was a very good choice. I know from my coach transfer that many do not think too carefully about their holidays, but for us we see travel as an adventure, preferring not to seek out 5 star luxury, but to instead enjoy the flavour and the feel of an experience, which more closely reflects the life around the place, which is untouched, or at least not spoilt, by tourism. One lady on our coach explained that she stuck a pin in a brochure, and this revealed her destination, not for me I'm sure, but this time I think her pin landed somewhere she would have been delighted to visit.

One of the fundamental things to remember in Kefalonia is that trees and lush vegetation could never thrive without rainfall, and even in September you are taking a gamble if you are a sun worshipper, think very carefully. We had 4 beautiful days with 25 degrees and unbroken sunshine, followed by 24 hours of solid thunder and lightening, with torrential rainfall which was unbroken by not even the slightest hint of summer.

Walking along the beach between Katelios and Kamina which stretches for miles, the deserted sprinkling of sun beds told a tale, in fact I could have been in The Outer Hebrides with the wind lashing the rocks and the crashing waves, it made me feel as if I had come home!

Only 3 hours from the United Kingdom it's a short hop to the airport at Kefalinia from Gatwick. Many regional airports also fly there.

The island is dominated by the highest peak Mount Ainos which towers over the island to a height of 1268 metres. The roads are winding and the bus service patchy, so if you hire a car just be careful. The hairpin bends are treacherous and care is needed at these as oncoming traffic, especially coaches and trucks, will need to be over your side as they sweep round the bends. Having said this it is quiet off the main routes, and the views are breathtaking. Petrol is a little more expensive than the UK and very few garages accept credit cards, so if you are planning to do a lot of driving you will need Euros in cash at many service areas.

My overall impression of the island is one of admiration. Yes tourism is developing, but not at such a rate that the natural lives are being changed. You don't see the signs of development as you do in Cyprus, but it is in progress, and new builds are emerging all the time, but still the place keeps its Greek ambience, and its natural beauty. Flights are only direct to the UK between May and October, so the winter involves an arduous journey via Athens, so this keeps the island serene in the winter and gives it time to breathe.

The sights not to miss are certainly a trip to Fiskardo in the north where the quayside is littered with the nautical tablecloths of tavernas, and where yachts dance on the water, illuminating the harbour with their bright sails which dazzle against an azure blue. Here it is time to sit and people watch, or maybe sample a delicious ice cream from the home made parlours. This picture postcard scene is an ideal spot to sit, and watch and on a sunny day it is certainly the place to be seen.

The island makes some delicious wine and although Greek wine has a less than famous reputation this is certainly worth trying. Robola is the main variety, and it is possible to visit the vineyard for tasting.

There are some spectacular caves to visit including the one at Melissani where a boat takes you to explore the underground lake. These caves, though spectacular are not some of the best I have been to, and certainly though interesting, are to be admired but not necessarily to be recommended as "must see" spots on the island.

Myrtos Beach is a photo stop on the island for the many coach trips and this beach is the one so often seen in photographs. Nestling at the bottom of a very winding and steep approach road this is impressive, though mostly shingle, and has the compliment of beach loungers, so often seen on spots like these.

Assos is a delightful place to visit with its old castle and its shaded quayside tavernas. Lassi and Gialos have lovely golden sandy beaches.

The capital Argostoli is well worth a visit, if not just for the possibility of seeing turtles in the bay as the fishermen bring in their early morning catch.

No for me the real place is not at these spots, but just seen by walking through the many sleepy villages which are littered all over the island like confetti. Here life goes on as it always has done, with chickens seeking shade under the giant wings of olive trees, and the ripening lemons sitting proud on the citrus trees waiting for the autumn rains to turn the groves into a cascade of yellow and orange. Around every corner a cat sits in the sunshine, or a sheep or goat with a bell round its neck clanging and ringing as it wanders around a sleepy field nibbling on grass.

The turtles nest on the beaches and this area is famous for the Loggerhead, an endangered species. The females crawl onto the shore at night to bury their eggs which sit and incubate for 6 to 8 weeks. The constant war between humans and these creatures is so apparent. The need to fulfil the tourists requirements with loungers and umbrellas, versus the need to protect these beaches, not allowing them to be compacted with sand, but letting it sit like icing sugar so that the turtles can do what they have done for eternity- lay their eggs. The beaches have any nests identified with wooden tepi like structures over them, and it is really important not to block the channel between these and the beach by building sand castles and not destroying them afterwards, as otherwise the little turtles never reach the shoreline, but fall from the so carefully sculpted turrets into the moats below.

Many people associate the island with the film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" and this was certainly very important to the island and its popularity, but you have to look beyond this image to appreciate all the many colours and shades which make up this island. It is friendly and welcoming, and it is only just in its infancy as regards development.

So yes only a month ago I sat looking over the landscapes of Kefalonia from the vantage point high in the hills above Katelios, and thought to myself this was the perfect destination to have brought hubby to celebrate turning 50. It has just the right balance between nature and tourism, but I wonder for how much longer?
   Close

Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) is the largest of the Ionian Islands. It is a popular destination for cruise ships which is how we reached the island.We docked at Poros where there was a very pebbly beach with crystal clear water. The front was lined…Read More

Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) is the largest of the Ionian Islands. It is a popular destination for cruise ships which is how we reached the island.

We docked at Poros where there was a very pebbly beach with crystal clear water. The front was lined with brightly coloured eating places and the town set back from the road was bustling and pretty. To make the most of the short time we had on the island we took the bus tour around the island.

The countryside seemed quite barren in the southern part of the island. The island was quite mountainous and it was a hair-raising journey that took us to the other side of the mountain to our first destination.

Melissani Lakes- this is obviously a very busy tourist attraction. There were busloads arriving all the time which made for quite a hectic experience. You have to queue down a cave entrance which can be a little slippery so care is needed. At the end you are suddenly transfixed by the most amazing turquoise lake. The ceiling of a cave fell in and revealed this natural wonder to the world. You transfer to boats where an oarsman transports you across the lake and into a cave. The water is the most amazing colour and extremely deep. The cave is very narrow and the boats only just have room to pass each other. If you are lucky you will get a guide who will tell you all the stories about the area. Before you know it you are being transferred back to dry land. Although this is a beautiful place to see the experience is very short (about 10 minutes) and you do feel ushered through quickly without much chance just to stand and marvel at the beauty.

Caves of Drogarti- not far from the lakes are these caves. They are easily accessed down some steep steps which would not suit those with walking or breathing difficulties although there are seats to rest on. The caves obviously used to contain an impressive display of stalagmites and stalactites but unfortunately many of these have been damaged as they were used for target practice during the war. The caves are also used as a theatre and although you are not supposed to touch the rocks I think some have probably been damaged that way too. This is also quite a short experience but the walk back out does take more time.

Sami- this attractive fishing port is very attractive. Boats bob about in the harbour and the atmosphere is quiet and calm. This was used as the setting for the filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. There is no longer any evidence of the sets that were built although it seems the town was completely shut off whilst filming took place and many locals worked as extras as they couldn’t carry on with their normal tourist work.

The coach tour then headed towards the north of the island where the scenery became much lusher and the views were amazing. The sea was brilliant blue and the wooded slopes dark green with rich tree growth, beaches and coves appeared around every corner. Views to the nearby island of Ithaca were nice too. The villages seemed very small and quiet which was certainly a contrast from the busy port. This was a lovely taster of a delightful island that I would love to explore further.
   Close

Fiskardo is acclaimed as the only village on Kefalonia that escaped the ravages of the 1953 Earthquake apparently being protected from the major impact of the tremors because it’s built on a bed of limestone, which took the sting out of the shock waves. We…Read More

Fiskardo is acclaimed as the only village on Kefalonia that escaped the ravages of the 1953 Earthquake apparently being protected from the major impact of the tremors because it’s built on a bed of limestone, which took the sting out of the shock waves. We had great expectations of this northern fishing village and were clearly not on our own. This town attracts hoards of tourists and several bus loads a day draw up for their contents to spew out onto the pavements and rush around for their allocated time. We of course could be more leisurely and so after parking the care at the top of the town (there are clear parking signs and sufficient free parking on this section of the road, but you could end up a fair walk away). It’s best to park here however, because there is very little parking in the streets of Fiskardo harbour.

From the top road we took a sharp right turn and then saw signs to the harbour via a modern set of steps and between harbour view restaurants and shops. This probably sounds a little grander than it was and I certainly wouldn’t want to give an impression that this was even a very tiny shopping mall. There are a couple of restaurants and a general store! We had glimpses of the port as we descended and were fairly quickly in Fiskardo's main street - the quayside. Now although I would not claim that Fiscardo is an architectural feast it does at least have a number of old (not ancient properties). Up one of the many alleyways a supermarket claims, on a handwritten poster, to have been built in 1836. We didn’t see any other claims so we assume that this is the oldest house in town. The façades of many houses do need some restorative work with crumbling and neglected stone carvings being plentiful. But bizarrely this gave the place a bit of extra charm! However, a much-neglected large property in a prime position overlooking the harbour was boarded – what a shame.

Fiscardo does not seem to be a fishing village any more as it has got heavily into tourism. Pleasure boats dominate the harbour, both privately owned ones moored and numerous ones for hire, whilst the quayside is dominated by relatively expensive restaurants, ice cream parlours, trinket shops and expensive boutiques. The design your own t-shirt brigade has also landed in this resort.

At the top of the town is Fiscardo’s only church and I was disappointed having read about it, to discover that it was firmly locked. It dates back to the mid 1600’s and was a monastery up until the early 1900’s. I was left only to imagine the fine icons that lay behind close doors!

   Close

The land and seascape in the north of Kefalonia is ‘something to behold’. Travelling up from Agostoli the road clings to the cliff face and unfortunately it is not always possible to park up and appreciate the view. It is not awash with pretty…Read More

The land and seascape in the north of Kefalonia is ‘something to behold’. Travelling up from Agostoli the road clings to the cliff face and unfortunately it is not always possible to park up and appreciate the view. It is not awash with pretty villages and although there are some signs of collapsed buildings, I suspect that there never were a large number of settlements up this coastal stretch. I just wish that I’d done a not more research on Kefalonia pre-1953 before starting this journey so I would have had a better perception of "how things were".

We found the views from the road back to the headland absolutely staggering and appreciated wonderful views of the white cliffs of Kefalonia (we likened them to the white cliffs of Dover).

We’d been told about some of the Kefalonia amazing beaches and it’s not until you view them from on high that you can fully appreciate their size. We think we were looking down onto Myrtos Beach from a viewing platform high up on the main road to Fiskardo. The few people down there resembled ants as they wandered between the regimented rows of sun loungers and parasols. The white sand showing off the variance of hues of blue in the fresh sea. We were quite happy to imaging fine talcum powder sand from this terrific vantage point, although I later remember our rep saying that not all beaches are what they seem from afar and often the white sand changes to white highly polished pebbles when you get nearer the beach. We were obviously parked up at a key tourist stop off point because whilst we were there a couple of coaches stopped disembarking its load to take photographs. They were ushered back onto the coach very quickly - so didn’t intrude on our time for long! The advantage of independent travel we could enjoy the moment, our moment, and return to the journey when we wanted.

The journey however, was not easy as the road was poorly maintained. Potholes abound and they were littered with the debris from recent landslides. I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of some of the boulders that now rested at the side of the main ‘highway’.

One of the other notable features of this journey was the strong scent of wild thyme that pervaded the atmosphere and our senses. It, alongside its companion of wild heather was the main hardy residents of the barren cliffs.

Having crossed to the other side of the island we had some fantastically clear views of Ithaka, a sister island to Kefalonia. It’s by no means as big as Kefalonia but apparently is equally popular with tourists and island hoppers.

We had ideal weather on this day and enjoyed just stopping (when the road conditions allowed it to take in the views and appreciate the amazing blues of the sea alongside clear blue skies.

   Close

This medium-sized town sits almost directly opposite Argostoli on the Lixourian Peninsula. It has wide streets and spacious squares, all rebuilt after the town was flattened in 1953. The town was the capital of the island until the late 19th century, after which the seat…Read More

This medium-sized town sits almost directly opposite Argostoli on the Lixourian Peninsula. It has wide streets and spacious squares, all rebuilt after the town was flattened in 1953. The town was the capital of the island until the late 19th century, after which the seat of power transferred across the straits to Argostoli.

As we drive in to the town, we notice the huge palms that adorn every corner. The one main street has a myriad alleys leading both back towards the hills and forward towards the docks, all replete with small grocers, bakeries, tourist shops and cafes. We park the car and grab the camera to see what we can find here of note.

Centre stage in the town is the wide expanse of Petritsi Square, full of open-air restaurants in high summer but today, a little less frenetic. It has at the harbour end a vast tree, which looks like a rubber plant only a hundred times larger. The tree spreads out for fifty feet and would be a well-used shady spot on a hot day, for sure.

Crossing the road towards the harbour, we spy the famous statue of Andreas Laskaratos. He was a local poet and prominent dignitary and was outraged when the town lost it’s capital status. As such, he left funds to commission a statue after his death so that he might turn his back to Argostoli for all time.

Following the main road north, we come to the magnificent church of Agios Nikolaos. Like everything here, it was rebuilt in the late fifties but it still features the old column tops on plinths outside the main doors, the only parts of the old building that survived. It is painted in warm, Mediterranean colours and makes an imposing sight.

The town is bisected by a large water course that deposits it’s winter rains into the harbour. On this warm day it’s hard to envisage such a place being deluged with water. But rainfall is one thing that Kefalonia does get in winter, the major reason why the vegetation on the island is so lush.

The harbour itself is of no particular importance to the town these days. It does play host to a small fishing fleet and we see a couple of very plush yachts at berth. Other than this, the only regular shipping is that of the ferry that plies over to Argostoli and back several times a day.

To be honest, Lixouri looks a little tired today. We’d like to think this is due to a busy season that has drained the energy from the town but it’s deeper than that. There are some wealthy benefactors in the town who have funded some major building but, putting that aside, it’s clear to see that Lixouri really is Argostoli’s poor cousin. Once in to the back streets, it is easy to find the scruffy houses and roads that need a darn good sweep, overflowing dumpsters and even the odd dead cat that no-one can be bothered to pick up.

One great find; returning to the jeep feeling a little disappointed with our time here, we see a cake shop, it’s small front window festooned with the choicest looking gateaux we’ve ever seen. We go inside and buy the two biggest, most chocolatey pieces we can see which the girl places into separate little boxes and seals with a small strip of tape. Drooling, we charge to the jeep, rip open the boxes and cram the lot down in 30 seconds flat. Caz has got most of it around her mouth which makes me laugh; I, in turn, have got most of mine down my front which makes her laugh. What pigs we are but they are delicious. Anyway, we have to eat them quick before they melt in the sun. That’s our excuse and we are sticking by it…..

   Close

Many say that Fiskardo is one of the prettiest villages on the island of Kefallonia. This is one of the only places not damaged in the massive earthquake of 1953, so it gives you a glimpse of what the island used to look like, and…Read More

Many say that Fiskardo is one of the prettiest villages on the island of Kefallonia. This is one of the only places not damaged in the massive earthquake of 1953, so it gives you a glimpse of what the island used to look like, and it is a very beautiful sight. It’s a small, picturesque harbor village that looks like it’s right out of a postcard.

The homes are built in the 18th-century Venetian style and painted in pastel colors. This area reminds me a lot like Corfu Town on the island of Corfu, but I think Fiskardo is more beautiful. In the summertime, Fiskardo is one of the busiest areas on the island. You’ll find numerous yachts docked in the harbor. Some of the famous people who have docked their yachts in this harbour are Madonna, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Bruce Springstein, and Nicholas Cage, to name a few. A stroll around the harbour will take you on a tour of some of the most luxurious yachts you’ve ever seen.

Fiscardo at night takes on an entirely different perspective. The lights, the old buildings, cafés, bars, and restaurants all combine to provide a magical Mediterranean atmosphere. A fun place to hit at night is the Kastro Club. It’s a fun outdoor nightclub that is easy to find – just follow the signs around the harbour, and you can’t miss it.

Fiscardo is a small village with no hotels, but you can find small villas, rooms, studios, and apartments. This adds to the charm of this village, since it’s not overly crowded at any one time. Rooms can be found by checking on the Internet through travel agencies – a great sight to check is greeka.com. Of all the villages on Kefallonia, Fiscardo stands out as having a unique ambience, especially on a summer evening. Despite the crowds and gift shops, Fiskardo retains its charm. Asos is an unspoiled village on Kefallonia's west coast. The surrounding hilly terrain is noted for its stone terracing, which once covered the island.

   Close

* Taste the local cuisine offering cod pie (bakaliaropita), meat pie (kreatopita), fresh fish, rabbit, wine (Robola), and sweets (mandoles, mandolata). * Most of the nightlife happens in Argostoli, the island's capital. Check out Rumours and My Way. * Much of the island was destroyed…Read More

* Taste the local cuisine offering cod pie (bakaliaropita), meat pie (kreatopita), fresh fish, rabbit, wine (Robola), and sweets (mandoles, mandolata).
* Most of the nightlife happens in Argostoli, the island's capital. Check out Rumours and My Way.
* Much of the island was destroyed in the 1950s when a devasting earthquake shattered the island. You will still see many homes that were never rebuilt and kept as is. The only village that escaped the earthquake and evidently the most picturesque is Fiskardo - be sure to take a ride out there to see how the island used to look.

* Be sure to check out the following villages:
** Fiskardo - The most picturesque village by the sea, highly preferred by yachts and sailing boats. Madonna, Nicolas Cage, Bruse Springstein, Tom Hanks and many more have visited this village.
** Karavados - My father was born here. Agio Thomas beach is a beautiful, peaceful beach you won't want to miss.
** Myrtos - The best beach of the island and one of the best in the world. Green-blue waters; white sand and pebbles; white, rocky terrain on the sides; and clear waters make this beach unique.
** Agia Efimia - A nice sea village with a panoramic view and many places to stay. It is situated on the way to Sami, and it is a quiet village to stay and travel around the island.

   Close