Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Isles in South-western Greece, consists of 350 square miles of sheer beauty. The quintessential western Greek isle, Kefalonia offers visitors sheer sea-cliffs, golden beaches lapped by azure seas and backed by pine trees as well as luxuriously forested mountains.
Exploring Kefalonia
Although it is home to Myrtos, the fifth most spectacular beach in the world, Kefalonia is not just about sun-bathing and watersports. Of course, visitors can choose to just lounge on the delectable beaches, but exploring the fascinating museums, the ancient monasteries, the stunning natural parks and the coves inhabited by the endangered loggerhead turtles is also an option.
No trip to Kefalonia would be complete without visiting the stunning Drogarati and Mellisani Caves, and Kefalonia is also a great starting point for day trips to the nearby island of Ithaca, famous for being the legendary home of Homer's Odysseus. Trips to other islands in the area, as well as to mainland Greece, are also possible.
Kefalonia's Must-See Places
Although the entire island is a thing of beauty, there are specific resorts and towns that demand to be placed on the must-see list. Across the bay from the capital city, Argostoli, for instance, lies Lixouri, the upscale resort that is close to both Xi and Petani, two of the island's most beautiful - and secluded - beaches. Svoronata lies just south of Argostoli and this quaint Greek village features a go-kart track as well as access to three stunning beaches: Avithos, Ammes and Ai Helis.
Lassi is another extremely popular destination and lies halfway between Argostoli and Svoronata. Here visitors are spoiled for choice as they have two equally impressive beaches, Platis Gialos and Makris Gialos, to choose from. Following the island's southern coastline brings one to Lourdas, an oasis of quiet among the more lively resorts, where tourists can rent apartments, relax on sleepy beaches and generally recharge their batteries.
The modern resort of Katelios - popular with both older visitors and families with children - lies on the extreme southern coast and is home to Munda Beach, the traditional nesting place of the island's famous loggerhead turtles. Nearby Skala, on the other hand, would be best enjoyed by experienced swimmers as its gorgeous beach - although extremely inviting - has a very steep drop-off. Last but not least is Agia Efimia, situated opposite Ithaca on Kefalonia's east coast. This drowsy village's popularity is increasing year by year, and renting a boat in Agia Efimia and cruising to otherwise inaccessible beaches in the area comes highly recommended.
How to Have a Good Time in Kefalonia
English is universally understood in Kefalonia, and visitors will therefore have no problem communicating with the locals. When not beach-hopping or exploring the island's attractions, tourists should try out the famous Kefalonian honey - flavoured with thyme - as well as the tasty meat and cheese pies.
Kefalonia is the jewel of the Ionians and no trip to Greece would be complete without visiting this magical island.
