Kefalonia is one of seven islands in the Ionian Sea lying between Italy and Greece. One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, at a short distance and connected by air to quite a few European cities, offering numerous secluded beaches with deep blue green water. The fine golden sand found in most beaches is superb for swimming and barefoot walking, impressive mountain slopes and valleys covered in lush vegetation ideal for trekking or hiking. Worth exploring are Venetian castles, old churches and revered monasteries as well as exceptional natural phenomena such as “Katavothres”, where the sea disappears into swallow holes (grottos) and then travels in subterranean canals from the west of the island to the spectacular underground lake of Melissani in the east.
It was the Venetians who ruled the island from 1500 to 1797 and who also left their imprint shaping it culturally and socially. Argostoli its capital is where most of the shopping and nightlife of the island can be found. Visiting the picturesque fishing port of Fiscardo to the north with its quaint sea food tavernas and bars is also a must. A visit to the world renowned Myrtos beach, lying between the feet of two mountains, with its awesome landscape especially during sunset when the red sky merges with the absolute blue of the sea is amply rewarding and then further ahead, a stop at the nearby Assos village with remnants of its overhanging Venetian castle giving the impression of being ‘lost in time’, mystical and romantic, are not to be missed. Kefalonia is an island offering the widest variety of entertainment. A magnificent destination waiting to be explored.
