Myrtos Beach
Voted one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, and voted 12 times
as the most beautiful beach in Greece, Myrtos is one of
Cephalonia's most popular attractions. The pebble beach is set a
full kilometre below the road, in a dramatic vista of white
limestone, turquoise sea, and green trees. The beach was used as
the setting for scenes out of the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
Just north of Argostoli, the beach is well-maintained and offers a
snack bar and sunbed and umbrella rentals. A steep, winding road -
with stunning lookout spots and views along the way - leads down to
the beach from the village of Divarata and during peak season there
is a public bus service which runs to the beach from the Agia
Efimia harbour. Because of the pebbles, visitors are advised to
wear some kind of beach shoes. It's best to get to the beach early
if you are driving yourself as it is very popular and parking can
become scarce later in the day. Thankfully, the beach itself seldom
feels too crowded because of its length. It is not the best beach
for young children because the waves can get rather rough and
little ones are sometimes frustrated by the pebbles.
Myrtos Beach
Rob Bendall
Melissani and Drogarati Caves
Cephalonia's caves are popular attractions, each offering a
unique experience. In Melissani, visitors are taken in boats
through a small channel into a brilliant turquoise subterranean
lake. In Greek mythology caves have always been associated with the
divine and many religious ceremonies were held in caves. It is
therefore not surprising that several ancient artefacts have been
found in the Melissani cave. Melissani is said to be the place
where the nymph of the same name committed suicide because the god
Pan would not reciprocate her love. The stalactites within the cave
that look like dolphins are said to be her frozen messengers. It is
a beautiful and mysterious place to visit.
Drogarati Cave is much larger and has tours 200 feet (60m) below
the ground, with lights highlighting spectacular displays of
limestone stalagmites and stalactites. The Drogarati Cave is
thought to be about 150 million years old and was traditionally
said to be the home of a dragon. Drogarati is known for its good
acoustics, and has hosted many concerts from international artists
including Maria Callas. The caves are usually both open between
Easter and the end of October, although Drogarati may be open
during the winter months as well. Both are very well known and easy
to find.
Melissani Cave
Matt Sims
Ithaca
The tiny island of Ithaca has a rich history, acting as the
scenic backdrop for mythological epics like Homer's Odyssey. Ithaca
has been inhabited since the second millennium BC and has been
occupied or ruled by the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Normans,
the Turks, the Venetians and the French, as well as briefly being a
British protectorate, so the island has a rich and rather
tumultuous history. But you would not think so when exploring the
lovely countryside: the mountainous interior hides pockets of
cypresses, pines, and olive trees and some of these are ancient;
one of the olive trees is thought to be at least 1,500 years old.
There are also some Neolithic and Early Hellenic ruins on the
island. Nowadays, Ithaca is home to a number of traditional
villages, with a few museums and beaches. The best beach is
arguably Filiatro, which has olive trees growing all the way down
to the shoreline and a peaceful bay which is lovely for swimming.
Vathy, also known as Ithaki Town, is the largest town, where many
of the island's roughly 3,000 inhabitants live. The town is a
popular port for yachts and other small pleasure cruises in the
Ionian Islands, and has some good restaurants and shops. In fact,
Vathy has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Ithaca
is near enough to Cephalonia to make for a fun and interesting
excursion or weekend away.
Ithaca
legge_e_mare
Like all Ionian Islands, Cephalonia enjoys a moderate
Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm, dry and sunny, while
winters are wet and mild. Heavy rainfall gives Cephalonia its lush
vegetation. Snow sometimes covers its mountain peaks in winter.
Summer is the most popular time to visit the island, even though
the heat and humidity can be overpowering for some. July and August
are the hottest months and the peak tourism season.
Spring is a good time to visit. Crowds are lighter and the water
is warm enough for swimming. The island is also lush and lovely
after its winter rainy period.
Autumn is another pleasant season. Visitors can expect warm
seas, ripe fruit ready for harvest, and sunny weather.
Kefalonia International Airport Anna
Pollatou
Location: The airport is located 5 miles (about 8km) south of
Argostoli.
Time: Local time is GMT +2
Car Rental:
Cars can be rented from Hertz or Europcar.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. Fare should be
about €20 into town.
Facilities:
Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, and snack shops.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available.
Aktion National Airport
Location: The airport is located 4 miles (about 7km) south of the
town of Preveza.
Time: Local time is GMT +2
Getting to the city:
Bus services connect Preveza Aiport to the towns of Preveza,
Lefkas and Vonitsa.
Car Rental:
Several car rental companies operate from Preveza airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area.
Facilities:
Facilities include ATMs, a cafe, and a duty-free shop.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available.
Cephalonia (Kefalonia) is a small island in the Ionian
archipelago. Its verdant hills, eerie caves, stunning beaches and
rich mythological resonances enchant visitors.
Beaches top the list of things to see. Indeed, Cephalonia has
some of the best shores in the country. Myrtos Beach is the most
famous. Kaminia Beach is home to loggerhead turtles and is great
for children. Antisamos Beach and the Blue Flag beach at Skala are
also lovely and very popular. Most of Cephalonia's beaches are
pebbled so beach shoes are a good investment.
Cephalonia is also richly endowed with subterranean wonders.
Melissani and Drogarati Caves are both exciting places to explore.
Melissani's underground lake is strikingly beautiful, while
Drogarati's enormous stalagmites and stalactites are a must-see.
Cephalonia's hiking, horse riding and watersports scenes are good
as well.
Culture lovers should add St George's Castle to their
itineraries. Located in Peratata, its breathtaking views and
slightly eerie atmosphere are terrific. The Monastery of Agios
Gerasimos is also worth seeing. Rebuilt by locals after an
earthquake in 1953, it houses the remains of its holy namesake. The
saint's coffin is opened weekly so that visitors can see the body
and pay tribute.
The small island of Ithaca is a popular excursion from
Cephalonia. The location is famous as the setting for Homer's
Odyssey, and for its scenic beauty.