KEFALONIA - Stunningly beautiful Greek Island
The long and sandy Lourdas beach in Lourdata attracts plenty of tourists and locals due to the exceptional location and the crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, water sport facilities, beach bars, mini markets and many taverns and restaurants.
Wherever you choose to stay you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the beaches of Kefalonia. The biggest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is as diverse as it is vast. From the farmland and vineyards of the Paliki Peninsula, to the sheer cliffs and rocky shoreline of the north, this island is filled with surprises. Kefalonia is extremely mountainous with many natural sites and quaint towns that are spread out across the island. In my opinion, having a car is a must to see all the wonderful places on offer which I did.
The capital city of Argostoli has some lovely plazas, numerous cafes and restaurants, walking streets and a waterfront promenade which is a great place for a stroll. There’s a footbridge (The De Bosset Bridge/Drapano Bridge), which connects Argostoli with the opposite side of the bay. This bridge is the largest stone bridge over a sea in the world and is a great place for a walk in the late afternoon. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot some loggerhead turtles in the water, as well as many sea birds.
I was absolutely blown away by Myrtos Beach and the seaside towns of Assos and Fiskardo. These truly are some of the most amazing spots in Greece. Rounding the final bend on my drive to Myrtos Beach, I slammed on the breaks and brought the car to a screeching halt. Below me was the beach I had heard so much about. The water was so incredibly bright and neon, that it seemed as though there was a spotlight below it, illuminating the sea! There was hardly any sand, but the rocks were blindingly white, and the sheer cliffs backing the beach only added to its beauty. I had to stop and have a dip in the powder blue water before heading off.
Moving further north along the scenic coastline, I arrived at Assos. This colourful, quaint village is one of the most picturesque spots I’ve seen. With just 100 inhabitants, the Venetian-styled village is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon – which is exactly what I did. Vines and flowers cling to pastel-coloured homes, low-rise buildings line the waterfront promenade and quiet little lanes provide a shady stroll. There is one small bay here with crystal-clear water and a couple of restaurants. This is the perfect spot for cooling off after hiking to the remains of the nearby 16th century Venetian Fortress. After lunch at one of the many tavernas by the water’s edge, I made my way to the very northern part of the island to the more upscale sailing village of Fiskardo, which was lucky to escape damage from the 1953 earthquake (the rest of Kefalonia didn’t fare so well). Well-known by sailors and yachties, this beautiful village is becoming more popular with tourists as well. The construction of hotels and a shopping centre uncovered numerous, well-preserved remains from the Roman era – including graves, a bathhouse, a theatre and homes.
Kefalonia is large, mountainous and very diverse. There are numerous towns, beaches and sites to explore. To really get a feel for the magic of this Ionian Island, make sure to give yourself time, at least a week.
For more information and advice of this destination, please give me a call.