Kefalonia
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands with a population of around 32,000. Situated between the Islands of Lefkas and Zakynthos. It is an island alluring to it’s visitor as it is approached from the open sea, with the Aenos mountain ridge that emerges from the sea like a pyramid. It is known for it’s wild horses and unique black fir trees and is a national park. There are endless gulfs and coves to explore, look out for the Caretta-Caretta turtle on the southern coasts and in the rocky north dolphins swim and the Monachus-Monachus seal finds shelter. The island is full of history dating back to Mycenaean, Venetian and Byzantine ages and it was hit by a large earthquake in 1953 that nearly destroyed the whole island and its beautiful architecture from times past, slowly this has been restored to it’s former glory. A mysterious island with some natural phenomena's. Recently the island has been brought to our attention after the making of a film from the story of Louis De Bernieres "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".
Argostoli
The capital of the island, this is a working town offering the
Lithostroto - the main pedestrianised shopping street - with some lovely shops
and cafés. There is a large central square that offers a buzz during
the evenings as it comes alive with families enjoying an evening stroll and children playing. The restaurants offer their local cuisine and traditional music plays and echoes around this cosmopolitan town.
You will find archaeological and folklore museams that are worth a visit. Along
the waterfront there is a long promenade where the fishermen gather daily with
their catch. You may even spot a large loggerhead turtle here. A great site to see is the Local farmers selling there produce, fruit, vegetables, oil and wine along the waterfront. There is also Drapano Bridge, built under British rule in 1813, that connects Argostoli to the other coast. It is worth taking a stroll over to view Argostoli from a distance. You may also catch the ferry to Lixouri from here, a nice trip for lunch. Further around the peninsula you will come across the natural phenomenon of the Katavothres and the round lighthouse of Agii Theodori where you can watch great sunsets.
Beaches
You will find many beaches around Kaligata, Avithos beach, our local one, a mixture of sand and pebbles, safe for children, this is linked to another bay, Ligia that is even more relaxed, both are within a fifteen minute walk from the villa. Further around we find Porto Heli, Ammes, Minies, Lassi beaches Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos where you can find water sports. Towards the south you will find Paliolinos at Klismata, Spartia, Trapezaki, Lourdas bay. All within maximum of a twenty minute drive. Further south Katelios and Kaminia beaches are sandy and long and home to the protected Loggerhead Turtle. Drive just a bit further to Scala for yet more sand although this area attracts lots of tourists.
In the north of the island all the beaches take on a more shingle and rocky texture. Myrtos Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the whole of Greece, others to try are Anti Samos, Xi, the red sand beach and Petani two of our favourites on the Lixouri Peninsula. Dafnoudi in Fiscardo is worth the walk, along with Emblissi and then Foki Bay, just a five minute stroll from pretty Fiscardo.
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Castle of St George
Set in Peratata, the castle was once the capital of the Island during the middle ages 1505-1757. Whilst much of the
interior was demolished during the 1953 earchquake you can enjoy a walk around
the interior, it commands superb views over the Livathos region in which Kaligata
is based, at night the castle is illuminated. There are cafes nearby, where you can enjoy coffee or lunch.
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Fiscardo
Set at the northernmost point of the island, Fiscardo is a picturesque
seaside town. The traditional 18th century buildings line the cobbled harbour
front offering good shopping and many tavernas. You will find lots of small
fishing boats and it is a great meeting place for the many luxury cruisers and
yachts sailing around the Ionian Islands.
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Assos
This
is a small sleepy hamlet, known as the Assos Peninsula, described
as being one of the prettiest areas on the island. With just a few tavernas,
it is set amongst spectacular scenery with an old fortress that was built by
the Venetians in 1593 to protect the area from raids by the pirates and Turks.
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Melissani Lake & Drogerati Caves
You will find these near Agia Efimia and Sami. There are two natural
wonders here. Melissani Lake is set inside a cave hidden until the roof fell
in during 1953 and allowed the sun to light up the water a turquoise blue. Here
you can take a boat trip into the cave. Just a short distance away is the Drogerati
Cave. Take a walk to see the stalactites and stalagmites that eventually opens
up into a large chamber.
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St Gerassimos Monastery
Set in the Omala valley, amidst vineyards and lovely countryside,
St Gerassimos is the patron saint of Kefalonia, who once settled in a cave in
Spilia, not far from Kaligata. He was considered to be a healer and pilgrims
from all over Greece visit on the feast days in the hope of being cured of all
ills. Enjoy a walk around the monastery where you will find the silver tomb
where he lies. There is a vineyard here that offers tours and tasting.
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