Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and is aptly known as the “Jewel of the Ionian” mainly to do with the stunning color of the sea and the range of sandy and rocky beaches, not to mention the flora and fauna from mountain down to sea level.
Accessible from all over the world with direct UK , Ireland and European flights as well as good connections with longer haul flights Kefalonia has become a popular destination for visitors wanting to experience real Greek charm and hospitality not to mention some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and scenery.
The villa is located at ai helis beach which is the very popular with Greek visitors due to its warm shallow waters and beach sports including volleyball. The immediate coastline including the popular Avithos beach to the left and ammes , minies and spasmata to the right.
Svoronata is the local village and boasts a handful of excellent tavernas as well as a very well stocked minimarket. Veering up from the village you will journey through the very well kept village of kourkoumelata then into Metaxata village which was home to Lord Byron during 1823 and inspired his writing. These areas make for wonderful walks.
The popular resort of lassi is less than 10 minutes away with its famous sandy coast line , the strip includes a beach club , water sports and a quieter section on the far right ideal for snorkeling. Lassi has a good selection of restaurants and bars , its an ideal family resort close to the bustling capital of Argostoli , original buildings were lost to the devastating earthquake of 1953 and the town was re built mainly in the 80s and comprises an attractive harbor front with a great selection of cafes and tavernas, a central plateia which is the main hub of activity when the sun sets and a wonderful pedestrianised shopping strip “ lithostroto” with a wide range of local handmade products, leather , jewelry and designer clothes shops.
As a rule most shops open 8am until 2pm reopening 5.30pm until 10pm , this excludes supermarkets and minimarkets who stay open all day .
The castle of st George is perched above the Leivatho region , a 17th century venetian fortress that is open to the public daily , set in a typical charming village with a café and 2 excellent restaurants , a walk then lunch is ideal as is dinner taking in the sunset across to our neighbor zakynthos.
Heading south you will find popular bays of pessada, st Thomas and trapezaki before encountering the lovely Lourdas strip which is a popular beach and dining area.
The one aspect that you find in this leivatho region is uncommercial tourism , your hosts at villa Eternity can help you to discover the off the beaten track Kefalonia experience merely 20 minutes away.
Farther south takes in the quaint fishing bay of Katelios with a great selection of fish tavernas. Then the largest resort on the island Skala beckons, a long strip of great beach with watersports , organized beach, clubs, cocktail bars and cosmopolitan restaurants. One of the most scenic drives is the 8km coastal route from Skala to Poros with the end result a bustling harbor with a regular mainland ferry service and a relaxed café culture and good local tavernas.
Kefalonia really does have a north south divide in terms of aesthetics with the south side sandy beaches with some current in the waters and the north side more mountainous with rocky beaches and almost lake like waters. This drive is highly recommended as on route you will take in the famous Myrtos beach which is the most photographed beach in Greece, 10km on and you are above the stunning village of assos, home to the sister fortress of St Georges in the south Assos is a true greek fairytale , shaded lanes and venetian architecture will take your breath away.
One might say that the main event of northern Kefalonia is “ Fiscardo” known fondly as the st tropez of Greece although more quaint and less decadent the pretty harbor is a sight to behold. With a mixture of fishing boats and luxury yachts, souvlaki stands and ala carte restaurants’ this habor front has something for all with the emphasis laid back long lazy lunches. If you are lucky enough to see fiscardo at night you are in for a treat as the colorful harbor really does come alive. Great boutiques and local wares can be found in fiscardo harbor.
Slightly back from the harbor cool off in the white rock beach area of Emblisi or go off the beaten track down to foki , dafnoudi, Alaties and st Jerusalem beaches.
Aghia Efimia on the north east coast is another cute habor village and a great pit stop for a coffee, beer or a good local meal. This village links along a stunning coastal route to the town of Sami , Sami is a large working port with a lot going on. The well known antisamos beach is on the route out of town and has great beach clubs and water sports . The most visited natural attractions can be found in sami “Drogorati caves” and “ Melisanni lake” are highly recommended. Both underground offer a natural cool down from the midday sun as well as a unique experience. The lake is a natural geological phenomenon with the source of the water traced underground to the other side of the island at Katavothres , which is swallow hole pockets of fresh water.
This information a very small introduction to Kefalonia. As your hosts we pride ourselves on being akin to the concierge of a 5 star hotel whereby we can answer in detail any specifics you require either prior to or during your stay.