TOP 10 Best Rated Highlights Of Kefalonia

Kefalonia is a relatively new destination for many Dutch people. The Ionian island was severely struck in 1953 by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale. Nearly 1,000 residents lost their lives, and 90 per cent of the island was destroyed. Many of them escaped to North America and Australia, the following years after the eartquake. Despite this, Kefalonia is bursting with unspoiled nature and has a unique, rugged landscape combined with beautiful sea views. The secret behind the island's lush greenery lies largely in its highlights. We have listed the 10 most popular highlights, ranked by visitor appreciation.

10. The Venetian Castle in Assos

Assos is a picturesque coastal village and a major attraction in Kefalonia, situated in a bay. It has a narrow connection to the Frourio peninsula, located in the bay of the same name. Assos has a cosy little harbour full of fishing boats on the northern side of the village. On the peninsula stands the famous Venetian castle, at an elevation of 150 meters, with views over two colourful bays. Assos is often visited during a tour heading to the north of the island: Fiskardo – Assos – Myrtos Beach.

9. The Castle of Saint George

Located 7 kilometres from Argostoli, at an elevation of 320 meters, is the Castle of Saint George, near the villages of Peratata and Travliata. This medieval Venetian fort served for centuries as the island's capital and offers a panoramic view over the south of Kefalonia. Little of the castle itself still stands. From the Middle Ages until the 18th century, the most important city of Kefalonia was located here, safely perched on the hill.

8. The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore

Just outside Argostoli the elegant lighthouse of Saint Theodore is located, built in 1828, with views over the Bay of Livadi, Kefalonia's second city, Lixouri, and the open sea. The tower is eight meters tall and built in Doric style. It makes a beautiful backdrop during the golden hour, just before sunset, when the tower is bathed in natural light.

7. The Lake of Melissani

Few places in Greece make as strong an impression as the Melissani Cave, also known as the Lake of Melissani. This underground lake is surrounded by rocks and has an opening in the ceiling through which sunlight comes in, creating a visual effect where the water shifts from blue and turquoise to almost transparent. A guided boat ride takes you across the lake in about 20 minutes. Plan your visit outside cruise ship schedules to avoid waiting times.

6. The Monastery of Saint Gerasimos

Amid the Robola vineyards in the Omala Valley lies the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia. The monastery is located in the southwest of Kefalonia and was established there in 1559. The embalmed body of Saint Gerasimos lies in state within the monastery. He built roads, planted trees, and was also regarded in his time as a psychologist for many residents of the village of Valsamata. On his feast day, Orthodox believers from all directions make a pilgrimage to pay their respects.

5. Robola Wine Cooperative

Right next to the monastery is the wine cooperative, where the famous Robola wine is produced. A considerable number of wine growers are members and sell their grapes to the cooperative. This dry white wine with a slight acidity is the pride of the island. Tastings can be arranged by appointment. Culture, nature, and a good glass of wine — what more could you need?

4. Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is the most famous beach in Kefalonia and perhaps in all of Greece. Towering symbolic cliffs, turquoise water, a pearly white pebble beach, and a semicircular bay that looks as though someone carefully designed it — that is Myrtos Beach. The beach appears on virtually every list of Europe's most beautiful beaches, and rightly so. The winding road leading to the beach was completely swept away by a hurricane just a few years ago. Due to the positioning of the tectonic plates, the epicentre of an earthquake is rarely located north of Myrtos, making it an important geographical point on the map.

3. Xi Beach

Located on the Paliki peninsula is Xi Beach. This beach is unlike any other on the island, and that is precisely what makes it so special. The sand has a terracotta colour due to the clay in the soil. The shoreline is soft and flat. Traditionally, visitors apply the clay-like layer to their skin before jumping into the sea — it is said to have beneficial effects on the skin. Originally, the beach was three times as wide, but a severe storm some four years ago washed part of Xi Beach away. It remains an impressive stretch of coastline, and the beautiful view of Vardiani Island makes this part of Kefalonia one of its most popular highlights.

2. Antisamos Beach

In second place is Antisamos Beach. "Anti" means opposite, and in a sense, the beach lies across from the port town of Sami. Nestled between towering green mountains, a bay of crystal-clear water takes shape. If possible, visit in spring or autumn when it is less crowded. Antisamos is also the starting point of a beautiful hike to the hidden beach of Koutsoupia. It was no coincidence that it served as a filming location for the classic movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

1. Mount Ainos National Park

At the very top of the list of most appreciated highlights in Kefalonia is Mount Ainos. With its 1,628-meter summit, it is the highest peak of all the Ionian Islands. The national park at the top of Mount Ainos is the only national park on a Greek island. Unique vegetation, a wide variety of bird species, semi-wild horses roaming the southern slopes of the mountain, and a 360-degree view stretching as far as the Peloponnese, Ithaca, Lefkada, and Zakynthos. During Venetian rule, the Venetians discovered that the trees on this mountain were so well-suited to handling water that they were ideal as building foundations — Venice was partly built on timber from Mount Ainos. It is possible to drive nearly to the summit by car and park, followed by a challenging one-and-a-half-kilometre walk to the very top.

-Authentic Greek Travellers-