The largest Greek island on the Ionian sea, Kefalonia also happens to be one of the most beautiful. It’s a picture-perfect destination with pristine beaches, natural landscapes and charming fishing villages – no wonder so many studios film movies here. You don’t need to be a moviestar to appreciate Kefalonia, though, Spend a few days on the island as a mere mortal and happen upon beautiful beaches, charming landmarks and much more. Here’s your guide to the best of this Ionian island.
Open Air Cinema
Head to Argostoli and enjoy an open air cinema experience at Cine Anny. It’s the only one of its kind in Kefalonia and opens every summer, showing some of the previous years’ best Hollywood movies as well as an assortment of classics. Sit back and relax under the Greek stars while watching a film in a unique setting.
Foki Fiskardo beach
Foki Fiskardo beach is just a five-minute drive from the popular village of Fiscardo. Its name means “seal”, and it’s one of the most eye-catching spots in Kefalonia, thanks to the landscape with olive tree forests leaning over the beach and offering natural shade. Soak up some sun before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and then dry off and visit the caves and coves that only add to the allure of Foki Fiskardo beach.
Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi
Take in scenic sights with a visit the Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi, a man-made peninsula near the village of Argostoli. Constructed in 1828 by the British military, it’s formed by a circular structure with 20 columns and a tower standing eight meters tall. The lighthouse was destroyed in an earthquake in 1953 but was rebuilt in 1960 by a local architect. It’s still a working lighthouse to this day and offers visitors the chance to take in romantic views at night.
Lixouri
The second largest town in Kefalonia, Lixouri also has a port which you can arrive at by ferry after booking your tickets at Ferryscanner.com. While not as busy and bustling as Argostoli, Lixouri has a quintessential Greek feel to it and a harbour, seafront and main square surrounded by tavernas and restaurants serving up local seafood and other tasty delicacies.
Castle of Assos
Get your camera out and take a few snaps for Instagram at the Castle of Assos, a Venetian castle built in the 16th century. It was constructed to protect the village from pirate attacks, with fortifications used to cover the whole village. Little of the castle remains today, but you can still see part of the walls and an arched entrance gate. And there are plenty of structures to discover within the ruins, including a small church and the former house of the Venetian High Commissioner. Another bonus is the views on offer – you can see the entire sea area around Kefalonia from the hilltop where the castle once stood in all its glory.
The beauty of Kefalonia
Whether you’re soaking up some sun on the beach, exploring the beautiful landscape or relaxing at one of the tavernas, Kefalonia is a place with a laid-back way of life and somewhere to turn the dial down a notch. From the minute you arrive, it’s easy to why it’s such a popular holiday destination, and a trip here lets you discover another side of Greece.