This largest Ionian island is whimsical in shape and is known for its peaceful and friendly villages. The coastline has a number of mighty cliffs and beautiful coves. According to bestitude, the spectacular caves sometimes have a magical appearance, in which sunlight plays a major role. A lot of agriculture is practiced in the mountainous landscape, including the delicious local wines such as the Mandoles and Robola wine. Its proximity to a number of islands makes the area the perfect location for island hopping.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kefalonia
#1. Fiskardo
For many people this is the most beautiful village of the Greek island of Kefalonia. This port town has plenty to offer tourists. You can eat, shop or enjoy the delicious local wines on the terrace. The beautiful Venetian houses in the region will quickly give you that wonderful holiday feeling. It is quite busy in the harbor, especially in the summer. The ferries pick up and bring the (day) people to and from the nearby places and islands. The local diving school gives adults and children the opportunity to learn the basics of diving.
#2. Assos
This charming village is located on the small peninsula of Assos, which lies on the west coast of Kefalonia, is known for its tranquility and hospitable people. There are a number of ruins surrounding the 16th century Venetian castle. The narrow streets with houses painted in pastel colors have a Mediterranean feel. There are some small cafes on the quay, from which you have a beautiful view over the bay.
#3. Lake Melissani
The azure water in the cave of Melissani attracts many visitors every year. The fairytale scene is created by the sun shining through a hole in the cave. This makes the water even lighter than it is and you imagine yourself in a little piece of paradise. With a boat you can sail in this cave and beyond. Another special cave is about five kilometers from Sami. This is the Drogarati cave.
#4. Myrtos beach
The most beautiful and famous beach of Kefalonia is located about five kilometers from the village of Assos in the northwest of the island. The beach is not very large, but that is more than made up for by its special beautiful appearance. The clear water and white sand are a guarantee for a perfect rest day.
#5. Monasteries
The island has many monasteries. The most special are: Monastery of Panagia of Thematon at Agia Efthimia, Monastery in Pagania Atrou, Monastery Panagia of Platiteras near Fiskardo, Monastery Agios Andreas near Svoronata, Monastery Panagia of Agrilion near Sami and Monastery of Kipoureon which is located in Lixouri. The latter monastery is located on the west coast of the town of Lixouri. It stands about ninety meters above the sea. In the 17th, the monastery of men was built. The sunset from this monastery is remarkable.
#6. Castle Agios Georges
On a hill on the edge of the Livatho Valley is a very beautiful castle from the 16th century. The castle, which is divided into two parts, covers an area of just under 16,000 m². Under the castle is a gallery to visit. Unfortunately, the castle suffered a lot during the earthquake of 1953. To the southwest are the ruins of the church of St. Theodori. The castle and church are located about 7 kilometers southeast of the capital Argostoli.
#7. Lighthouse St. Theodoroi
This beautiful building was completely rebuilt in 1960 after the devastating earthquake of 1953 by the architect Takis Pavlatos. It has 20 columns and is eight meters high. You will come across this lighthouse on an artificial peninsula along the road to Katavothres or on the way by boat to Lixouri.
#8. Argostoli
The busy capital of Kefalonia is not very atmospheric, but it is lively. It is very suitable for a day of shopping or visiting a local market. The port is crowded and the streets are always full of traffic. There are a number of historic churches and the Folk Museum with its collections of traditional costumes. The Archaeological Museum exhibits, among other things, finds found in the Melissani cave. On Kabanas Square you have a spectacular view of the city and the countryside from the clock tower. The nearest seaside resort is Lassi
#9. Snakes at Markopoulis Church
In the southeast of the island is the village of Markopoulo. Although the village enjoys a very beautiful view due to its high elevation, it does not have much else to offer. The only attraction is the local church, which celebrates exuberant religious festivals every year in mid-August. During these festivities, the church is inundated with a small species of snakes that make their way in through the many holes and cracks. At the end of the religious service they leave again to do everything all over again next year. A legend has it that around 1700 the nuns prayed for so long, begging the Blessed Virgin to scare off the invading pirates of Barbossa by turning into snakes. Since then, the snakes return at the same time every year.
#10. Monastery of St. Gerasimos
The aristocrat Gerasimos lived in a monastery founded by him to care for the poor. After his death in 1579 he was exhumed twice and they were confronted with an intact body. He has since been declared a saint. Since then, the feast of St. Gerasimos is celebrated on August 16, and sick people pass through his coffin in the monastery in the hope of recovery. The monastery is built on a cave where he previously lived as a hermit. This cave is still accessible via a ladder in the monastery.
