Made famous by Louis de Bernières book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and in the movie that followed, Kefalonia is the largest of all Ionian Islands, along the Greek mainland’s western coast. Kefalonia has much to offer from the picture-perfect Fiskardo and stunning Myrtos to the magnificent grottoes in the north and the sandy beaches of the south.
Main cities of Kefalonia are the eternal rivals Argostoli (the capital) and Lixouri, Kefalonia’s second city. Argostoli’s Historical and Folklore Museum is worth a visit as is the immense monolith, Kounopetra, near Lixouri, and the 130 feet-deep cave to the west. On the south coast of Kefalonia there are several pretty sandy beaches, such as Spartia, Lourdata and Poros. If happened to be at Markopoulos in August the annual snake rite should not be missed.
The spectacular grottoes at the north of Kefalonia can be reached on foot or by boat. The stunning grotto of Melissani is half an hour walk from Sami while the Drogarati Cave stuns the visitor with its orange and yellow stalactites. On the northwest coast Myrtos is popular spot for photographers as the blue waters contrast sharply with the white cliffs above. Friskado is a trendy and picturesque destination, while Assos is a quiet charming village with a Venetian fortress affording gorgeous views.
