The largest of the Ionian Islands, but one of the more uncommercialised, Kefalonia is the perfect destination for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle and experience the real Greece. Said to be named after the legendary King Kefalos, which means head, Kefalonia has earned its place in the history books, not only because of the legendary battles and conflicts that have raged here over the years, but in mythical times Ithaka, Kefalonia's sister island was ruled by Odysseus, made famous in Homer's Odyssey. In more recent times Kefalonia was occupied by the Italian and German armies during the 2nd World War, the time was made famous by Louis De Bernieres novel Captain Correllis Mandolin. Then in 1953 a huge Earthquake devastated the island, flattening all but the very north of the island.
The scenary on Kefalonia is spectacular, the island being dominated by the majestic Mount Ainos, which at just under 1600 metres is one of the highest peaks in Greece. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian sea Kefalonia is home to some beautiful beaches, 10 of which have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag Award.
Livathos
The area of Livathos nestles on the slopes of Mount Ainos in the south of the island. It ranges from the traditional sleepy little greek villages such as Karavados to the more family orientated resort of Lourdas. The beaches in Livathos are amongst the best on the island, three of them have been awarded the Blue Flag, they are mostly sandy and gently shelving into the sea. The cosmopolitan capital Argostoli is just a short drive away as are watersports and more upbeat nightlife.
Sami
Ideally suited for exploring as everything is in easy reach, Sami is situated in the middle of the east coast of the island. It's a fairly bustling port with regular ferries together with private yachts and small fishing boats. With stunning views across to the neighbouring island of Ithaka, the harbour front is the perfect place to relax in one of the many tavernas and take in the views. A short drive away brings you to the subterranean Melisanni Lake and Drogarati Cave with its impressive collection of Stalagtites. Beaches in the area are plentiful, pebbly with crystal clear waters and perfect for snorkeling.
Katelios
What used to be a sleepy little fishing village has spread into a very low key resort with a splattering of small hotels, apartment blocks and private villas. The centre point of the resort is the beach with its gentle shelving sand into the sea. Famous for its fish tavernas which you will find all along the beach front together with some very laid back cafe bars, perfect for wiling away a few hours. Close by is the long sandy beach of Kaminia, the home of the Loggerhead Turtles, who come back to the beach every year to lay their eggs.
Skala
The closest to a traditional tourist resort that you will find on Kefalonia and situated on the south eastern point of the island. Life here revolves around the long sandy Blue Flag Award beach, which has a selection of watersports, sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars. In the resort itself there are plenty of excellent restaurants and tavernas together with the low key nightlife you would expect to find in a tourist resort. Our villas are a short drive out of the resort with stunning views out to sea and across to the greek mainland.
Fiskardo
In the very north of the island Fiskardo is the only village on Kefalonia that remained virtually unscathed after the 1953 earthquake, which has resulted in one of the prettiest harbours in the greek islands.
A boat lovers paradise it is a magnet for yachts during the summer months often having a rich or famous person on board. Beaches in the area are very low key with no sunbeds or beach bars and are generally pebble beaches with crystal clear waters. The preferred method to explore the area is by boat and there are a couple of boat hire companies on the harbour front.
