Kefalonia, Greece  ****New for 2010 ****

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian group of islands. Its beautiful and much photographed beaches may not come as a surprise and you may have heard of its scenic pine clad mountains, you may already be familiar with Greek hospitality and perhaps have experience of the Mediterranean climate but this is one island that far exceeds its reputation and really is as pretty as a picture or should we say the picture.

Opportunities for cycling, walking, windsurfing, riding and caving will keep the active busy.  But if you prefer to explore in a more leisurely manner then regular pleasure boats make the short ‘hop’ over to the mythical Island of Ithaca or go ‘island hopping’ taking in Lefkas, Meganissi and Skorpidi (owned by the Onassis family).  If you get hooked by seafaring then you can hire a small boat and take off to discover your own beach. By car you can drive between pine clad hillsides where monasteries dot the countryside or along scenic coastal routes stopping at picturesque harbours where yachts gently bob at anchor and pastel tinted houses line the quaysides.

The island is a natural wonderland; home to wild horses that roam the natural park on the slopes of Mount Aenos, its highest mountain, and nesting ground to loggerhead turtles that come to bury their eggs in the soft warm sand of its  beaches. There are underground lakes and limestone caves and all along its 250 kms of coast where azure sea meets limestone cliffs or pine clad hills in a wash of turquoise at an abundance of small undeveloped bays.

Many of the long sandy south and east coast beaches have grown into small and sophisticated beach resorts but with no building over 3 stories permitted, tourism has been contained, maintaining a pleasant laid back atmosphere.

For those with an interest in the past, Kefalonia has a diverse history which can be explored in the Museum in Argostoli the capital and whilst there, the walk across the 900 m bridge to Drapano  is a must or  the short ferry ride across to the Lixouri peninsular from which you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins in the bay. Stop for a coffee or something more substantial at one of the tavernas on the elegant waterfront or amongst the palm tree lined streets.

The Kefalonians themselves are known for their hospitality so that wherever you go you’ll be greeted by a hardly discernable nod of the head and a ‘yassou’ and very soon you’ll find yourself answering and relaxing into the Greek way of life.     
                                        

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John Atkinson - June 2008
''Great accomodation, nice service prior to holiday, would definitely use again. Thanks''

Argostoli, The Capital

The capital town of Kefalonia, Argostoli is at the far end of a deep inlet flanked by steep hillsides blanketed in 

pine trees. Once a very beautiful Venetian harbour it was almost entirely raised to the ground by an earthquake in 1953.  The cosmopolitan town built to replace it is not without its charm although more down to earth than other more clichéd Greek island capitals. 

What the quayside and streets of Argostoli lack in ancient beauty is more than compensated for by the charm of the people going about their daily life and is  best visited in the early or late evening when the tavernas are full of families and the shops are buzzing with activity ...More about Argostoli >>

 

Where Freelance go in Kefalonia 

Lakithra

Lakithra is one of a network of small villages and hamlets strung along a hillside clothed in olive and lemon trees overlooking the west coast. Not just a tourist village, although there are a couple of small hotels and a few villas but home to many and thus a thriving village. It’s just a ten minute drive into Argostoli, so an evening in the island capital, strolling along the waterfront, shopping or enjoying a meal at one of the many tavernas in its wide tree lined streets can be followed by a short return taxi ride.

You’ll more than likely fall into the daily routine  of making a visit to the baker in the mornings, packing up a picnic and heading off for the day as there’s no shortage of tempting sandy beaches within a few minutes drive of the village.  If on the other hand all you really want to do is park up the car, enjoy your pool, your villa, the views and the sunsets then in Lakithra itself, as well as the bakery, you’ll find a couple of tavernas and minimarkets ...More about Lakithra>>

 

Lourdas  Lourdas beach is a Blue Flag Beach

It’s easy to see why this village, squeezed in amongst the pine trees on the foothills of Mount Aenos and overlooking a beautiful sandy beach has grown of recent years into a select holiday resort.

The beach below the village, backed by allotments growing a profusion of fruits and vegetables, is long with shallow shelving sand making it ideal for families with small children.   A handful of tavernas offer traditional Greek hospitality and with a few minimarkets and small tourist shops, the scene is set for a relaxed holiday. 
 ...More about Lourdas >>

 

 

Skala  Skala beach is a Blue Flag Beach

An exceedingly pleasant and laid back family resort with an excellent choice of tavernas and bars, the village of Skala is in the south east of the island.  The sandy beach runs 4 kms around the bay so, if you prefer not to use the sunbeds and parasols for hire on the main beach, then you can always find your own space further along the sandy shoreline.

A couple of kilometres inland the old town of Skala up in the forested slopes behind the resort makes an interesting excursion by foot or car and of historical interest are the remains of a Roman Villa with beautifully preserved mosaics, for which there are signs throughout the town to point you in the right direction.   ..More about Scala >>

 

 

Spartia

 

Cape Liakas extends to  south of the island, finishing in white limestone cliffs that plunge down into the Ionian sea in a kaleidoscope of shades of blue from the palest turquoise to the deepest cobalt . Atop, the land is a fertile landscape of lemon trees and olive groves, with the occasional church bell tower punctuating the skyline, with the pine clad slopes of Mount Aenos creating the backdrop.

  

The small white washed village of Spartia is just one of the villages that interrupt this lush landscape, remaining relatively unassuming and off the beaten track. ...More about Spartia>>

 

Famous Beaches of Kefalonia 

Myrtos   Myrtos beach is a Blue Flag Beach

Myrtos Beach, situated in the northern part of Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches of the Ionian Islands.

 

Its magnificent arc of white limestone shingle edged by a milky turquoise sea is best photographed from above, before you drive down the long winding descent to the beach, backed by dramatic limestone cliffs.

 

...More about Myrtos >>

 

Fiskardo

Fiskardo, in the north of the island, is unique amongst the other villages on the island for having almost entirely escaped the ravages of the 1953 earthquakes and so the old buildings still stand amongst the pine trees in this natural bay.

This picturesque Venetian fishing harbour has, of recent years, become a fashionable stopping point for some of the smarter pleasure boats sailing the Ionian. Fishing boats, selling freshly caught fish in the mornings will be seen tied up cheek by jowl along the harbour front with the most indulgent of sailing boats, play things of the rich and occasionally, famous. ...More about Fiscardo>>

Kefalonia

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Comments on accommodation in Kefalonia

Thomas Kelley - Villa Meliti* - Jun 2010

"Villa Meliti was beyond our expectations. Lots of space for lounging about. The pool maintained to a very high standard. The owners very friendly and helpful. 5* rating."

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