When it comes to the Greek islands, Santorini and Mykonos are likely the first that come to mind. After all, these two islands attracted early tourists who brought back their beauty, making them a popular destination.
However, among the many islands in Greece, there are many that are even more suitable for vacation. They not only have the same beautiful skies and sea waters as Santorini and Mykonos, but they also possess a unique beauty of their own.
Kefalonia is one of the Ionian islands, which maintains a rare tranquility and relatively low prices. Without the hustle and bustle of tourists, the holiday mood is more pleasant, and many people arrange the perfect vacation in Kefalonia.
Kefalonia and Zakynthos also belong to the Ionian Islands, located in the Ionian Sea, at the exit of Patraikos Bay, covering an area of more than 904 square kilometers and a coastline of 250 kilometers. Kefalonia is the largest of the seven islands, covering an area of more than 780 square kilometers, 20 times that of Athens and twice that of Zakynthos.
Therefore, even in the high season, the beaches here are still not as crowded as Santorini or Mykonos, and if you are lucky enough, you may even have a private beach.
Most of the beaches in Kefalonia are blue flag beaches certified by the European Environmental Education Foundation, ensuring pure water quality and excellent service. While more and more European tourists come here for vacation, it is not well-known among Asian tourists.
Driving here requires relatively high technical requirements, as most of the roads are winding mountain roads. It may take several turns of nearly 90 degrees to reach places that seem to be close at hand on the navigation.
However, the rugged mountain road is matched with amazing scenery, and the journey is not boring at all. The landscape is characterized by green and rolling hills, steep vertical cliffs, pines shaped like needles, and dense olive trees and vineyards.
Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is the largest town on the island and is a quiet and peaceful town. It has unique Ionian-style red-roofed houses scattered on top of the Aenos Mountains. The southwestern sides of Argostoli face the sea, and a winding and slender road extends from it to connect to the opposite bank.
Against the backdrop of the patchwork red-tiled houses and the blue and wide sea, this road looks like a woman's waist, which is extraordinarily slender and charming. The whole town is built in the form of an ancient amphitheater, with a modern urban lifestyle and a wide variety of entertainment, including small shops for delicious food, relaxing cafes, and beautiful beaches nearby.
In 1953, the entire town was completely destroyed by an earthquake, but some ancient Venetian buildings survived. For example, in the old city of Krani with its huge stone walls, you may have the opportunity to meet the local orchestra playing traditional Ionian songs while walking through the streets.
Three kilometers away from Argostoli, there is a lighthouse built in the early 19th century called the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore. It is dominated by a unique round pavilion shape, surrounded by 24 Doric columns, which is magnificent.
The original lighthouse was destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, and what we see now is a reconstruction of the original. The lighthouse of San Theodore has become the most iconic building in Kefalonia. Its location is also a great spot to admire the views of the Ionian Sea.
Kefalonia has a lot to offer besides its charming town and stunning beaches. The island is also known for its natural wonders such as the Melissani Cave and the Drogarati Cave. The Melissani Cave is a mystical place that was discovered by a fisherman in 1951.
This underground lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters that change color throughout the day. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and marvel at the beauty of the cave.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kefalonia is also known for its delicious cuisine. The island's fertile land produces a variety of high-quality ingredients such as olives, grapes, and fish, which are used to create traditional dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood.
With its tranquil atmosphere, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage, Kefalonia offers a unique and unforgettable vacation experience. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore natural wonders, or indulge in delicious cuisine, Kefalonia has something for everyone.