~Out and About in Kefalonia~


With more than 350 villages along turquoise shores and set on green hillsides and rolling valleys, the island offers a great deal of exploration opportunities. 

Around the island are deserted villages of old stone villas and buildings, such as Farsa.(Easily viewed across the bay from our balcony) The film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, inspired by Louis De Bernieres's book, is believed to be set here.
 
There are many un-researched archaeological sites all over the island and new research suggests that the Paliki Peninsula is the original Ithaca of Odysseus fame. 

Along the extensive coastline are many hidden coves, with white, sandy beaches, some best discovered by boat. For the more adventurous, why not explore all the surrounding islands in a yacht.

If it's beaches you're after then Kefalonia has some of the best in the world, below are a few of the more local ones to us.
Xi: known for its red sand, the waters are shallow and ideal for children. The beach stretches 4km and is great for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Clay found on the beach/cliffs is reputed to have beautifying minerals for the skin.
Petanoi: a mixture of sand and shingle. Great for swimming and snorkelling when calm but very wild and beautiful when waves are high. The beach boasts a wonderful taverna serving traditional food, a good spot to relax, and watch the wonderful sunsets.
(See ~Island Photo Album~)
Myrtos: probably the most well-know beach on the island. Reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world, Myrtos is a sun-trap with hot, white sands. Not suitable for non-swimmers - some deep spots. (See ~Home~ page)
Agios Kyriaki: a long pebbly beach with shallow water. It has an excellent fish taverna.(See ~Island Photo Album~)
Variko: just a few minutes walk from the house, it is sandy with shallow, grassy waters - beach shoes recommended. On the shores of Argostoli Bay (The Gulf), this is a good place to spot dolphins, if you're lucky enough.
Atheras: a safe, sandy beach with clear, shallow water that's great for families. There's a friendly taverna serving traditional food and refreshments.
(See ~Island Photo Album~)

The island features remote monasteries such as Kipouria, on the south-west coast. Near Havdata is the Koronato monastry with the crying icon of the Virgin, dating from 1600.
In the more central valley of Omala is the monastery of St. Gerasimos, born Notaras. He died on 15th August 1579 and was canonized in 1622 by the Orthodox chuch.
Well worth a visit is the small church where his remains lie in a silver sarcophagus. The large church there features beautiful, more recent decor showing holy images in bright colours and gold leaf.

For the connoisseurs among you, a visit to the Robola Winery behind above monastery, is recommended. There, you will be offered a guided tour of the winery follow by a spot of wine tasting of the local produce.
 
Kefalonia celebrates many festivals throughout the year, often with church services, singing and dancing. Many towns and villages have their own special days. 

Wining and dining out in Kefalonia is so simple. There is a huge choice of tavernas and restaurants ranging from lively to quiet or remote depending on your mood. Restaurants offer a wide choice of menus from traditional Greek to European cuisine, such as the extremely friendly Taverna Angelos in Agios Dimitrios.
(Only a few minutes walk from the house)

Whatever your shopping needs may be, from boutiques to souvenirs to local, traditional  fares, Lixouri and Argostoli will cater for them all.

Afternoon is siesta time for many local people. The shops tend to close for a few hours but re-open through early evening into the wee hours.
If you still have plenty of energy the bars and local clubs are the place to be.

To see all the island has to offer we would strongly recommend car hire. For the more adventurous, maybe a scooter, motorbike or even a quad!!
However, there are plenty of beautiful walks and cycle rides to suit all.

~Enjoy~