By on 21-06-2018
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Kefalonia is one of the most photographed places ever!
This island just seems to be adored by photographers and directors all around the world. It’s not surprising that the famous Hollywood movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” was filmed in Kefalonia.
Wondering what is the secret element making Kefalonia irresistible?
Unique exotic beaches, amazing natural landscape, delicious wine… And we could go on and on!
The best part, though, is that it has managed to stay off the radar. That’s why its magical scenery has remained unspoiled.
However, the truth is you need to know its secrets. This is the only way to live the full holiday experience in Kefalonia!
So, we created for you the only cheat sheet you’ll need to pass the exam of the best holidays ever.
Are you ready?
Visit the breathtaking Kefalonia beaches
Let’s be honest here!
Kefalonia is quite a big island. Therefore, you can find almost anywhere a perfect place to spend a relaxing day by the beach. From immense sandy beaches to little coves, every Kefalonia beach has a unique beauty. It’s not a surprise that in Kefalonia you can find some of the best beaches of the Ionian islands!
Some of our all-time favorite Kefalonia beaches are Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas and Makris Gialos!
Myrtos beach
Well, Myrtos is not an ordinary beach. It’s a worldwide famous kind of beach!
It’s such a beautiful beach, that it is considered to be one of the top 30 beaches in the world by many travel magazines. What’s more, it has been constantly awarded for its clean waters.
Just imagine an enormous bay, covered with tiny pebbles and surrounded by huge cliffs. Sounds amazing, right?
Yet, the best thing about Myrtos beach is its waters. They seem to cover all the shades of blue. Depending on the point of the sea, they change from turquoise to deep blue, emerald, and light blue!
As for the ways to reach Myrtos beach, they vary. You can get there by boat, by car, by motorbike or by bus.
Antisamos beach
Just 27 km away from Argostoli, you’ll find Antisamos beach.
It’s hard to ignore the stunning natural beauty of Antisamos beach. All you see is green and blue everywhere.
Picture this. A deep blue and turquoise sea, surrounded by lush green hills and vegetation. If you’re someone who likes natural landscapes, you’ll definitely fall in love with this beach!
What’s more, it’s a fully organized beach with umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar, and water sports facilities!
Trivia: Many scenes of the movie ”Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” were filmed at Antisamos beach.
Lourdas beach
Lourdas beach is located at Lourdata village. It is 17 km away from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia.
Surrounded by lush vegetation and fruitful land, Lourdas beach is another stunning Kefalonia beach. Behind the sea, there are huge mountains with waterfalls running through them. Combined with the crystal clear waters of the beach, the scenery is one of a kind!
Lourdas beach is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and beach bars. Also, very close to the beach you’ll find many cafes, local shops, and taverns, where you can taste yummy local delicacies.
Makris Gialos beach
Makris Gialos is the most famous organized beach on the island!
Located 4 km south of Argostoli, it is easily accessed by all means of transportation.
The shiny golden sand, the crystal clear waters, and the tall pine trees are one thing. The other thing is the facilities of Makris Gialos beach. Beach bars, umbrellas, seabeds, tennis court, beach volley court, an area for beach tennis… Shall we stop? You bet you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing and fun day at the beach!
Dive into history & sightseeing
Don’t fall into the trap that Kefalonia is just beaches.
Nope!
Apart from its amazing beaches, Kefalonia has many stunning places and monuments to visit. Since the island has a pretty interesting history, this is not a surprise!
Due to a severe earthquake in 1953 that hugely affected the entire island, almost all villages in Kefalonia were reconstructed. As a result, they lost their traditional character. However, they remain charming places to visit! Especially the villages of Fiscardo, Assos, and Argostoli are all-time favorites!
And how about sightseeing in Kefalonia?
There are many historical monuments and museums!
In the center of Kefalonia, there is the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, the protector saint of the island. On the southern side, there is the impressive Medieval Castle of Saint George with a great view of the Ionian Sea. Above the village of Assos, you’ll find another castle. It is accessible, though, only on foot (about a 20 min walk from the village).
Moreover, the Monastery of Kipoureon in the peninsula of Lixouri is a beautiful monastery. Constructed on the edge of a cliff, this place offers a breathtaking view of the vast sea and the sunset.
Hop on a ferry to Kefalonia from everywhere
Getting to Kefalonia is not a big deal!
So, let’s see your options.
One way to reach Kefalonia is by an internal flight from Athens and Thessaloniki. An alternative is by a direct flight from abroad.
The best way to reach Kefalonia, though, is by ferry from the ports of Killini and Patras, in the Greek mainland. The ferries to Kefalonia from Killini have about 4-5 daily schedules and arrive at the port of Poros in about 90 min. As for the ferry to Kefalonia from Patras, it does a longer trip and arrives at the port of Sami.
In high season, there is also a ferry route to Kefalonia from the port of Brindisi in Italy. Another ferry to Kefalonia and Zakynthos operates in August from the port of Bari in Italy. As for ferry connections with other Greek islands, Kefalonia is connected with Lefkada, Ithaca, and Zakynthos.
In particular, there are local ferries between Fiscardo port Kefalonia and Vassiliki port Lefkada, as well as Frikes port Ithaca. Another local ferry operates between the Pessada port in Kefalonia and the Shinari port in Zakynthos.
All in all, truth is, you have to make an effort to find a port that doesn’t serve an itinerary to Kefalonia!
Drink all the wine!
Ever heard of wine tourism?
Well, it seems to be the next big thing. And the truth is, Kefalonia has been in the wine game for a while now!
So, how to know if wine tourism is for you?
Wine tourism is for people who retain a keen interest in wine and wine tasting. They are enthusiasts of discovering new local varieties that only grow in specific places across the country.
If you recognize yourself between these lines, stick with us to find out more!
Wine tourism at its best
Kefalonia produces both red and white wines such as Moschofilero, Robola, Assyrtiko, Chardonnay and more. The island is full of vineyard fields that are cultivated for one and sole purpose: to provide excellent quality wine and tsipouro (alcoholic beverage).
It’s not a surprise that people from all over the world become familiar and interested in Greek wine and its long tradition! But if you want the real deal, apart from wine tasting, you should also participate in harvesting, collecting and production process.
Moreover, along with the tour guidance by experts, visitors and participants get informed about the best food and wine combinations! Saying that Kefalonian cheese tasting is part of the experience in many tours. This means that after a wine tour, you’ll be able to create some killer food and wine combos!
And the best part is, there are various wine excursions organized in Kefalonia! During these excursions, you can go around the island, explore local wineries, cellars and meet wine producers. At the same time, you’ll have a first-hand experience of the treasures of the island. What’s more, some accommodation complexes grow their own vineyards. This means that guests have the chance to live the original vineyard tour experience.
Bucket list for sure!
Tip: May to October is the perfect period to take part in a wine tour.
All in all, Kefalonia is the ultimate holidays’ wonderland. From stunning beaches, to wine tasting everything about this island is unique!
So, make the right call and book your ferry tickets to Kefalonia. You can thank us later!
