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Kefalonia is just the perfect size for an island – just small enough to be able to travel from one end to the other in a day, yet big enough to offer the visitor a varied landscape. After Skiathos (where most locals live in the Town) it was interesting to visit an island with traditional village life and where tourism is not the sole source of income.

We visited Kefalonia in May 1999 and stayed in Skala in the south east. It has a nice village feel with most of the tavernas, bars, shops etc located in the main street, which runs up from the beach. There is a very long beach. All the usual watersports etc are available from the central area. However, walk a short distance to the left or right and you will soon be able to find a quiet spot to yourself. Go far enough right and it would appear to be clothes optional.

The nearby village of Katelios is much quieter although I suspect it is not destined to stay that way. It is well known locally for a number of popular fish tavernas but beware fresh fish can be a very expensive meal. Check the weight of the fish before you buy and be prepared to change your mind and have lamp chops instead. Poros – just around the headland to the north is of a similar size to Skala but seems much quieter. However, it does have a good pebble beach.

On our trips around the island we always enjoyed stopping off at Sami for lunch by the harbour. Out on the road from Sami to Ag. Efimia there are some excellent pebble beaches, notably at Ag. Paraskevi.

The caves at Drogerati and Melissani are well worth a visit. If you can, avoid the coach excursions. Hire a car so that you can arrive before the excursions and as a result the caves will be less crowded.

Mount Aenos dominates the island and is home to a species of fir tree unique to Greece known as the Cephalonian fir. The drive to the top can be quite challenging but once there, the views all over the Ionian are stunning. The last 12kms, however, are via a track so it can be a bumpy ride. According to our map the track continues down the other side. We quickly realised that this was a rarely used route. Numerous rock falls and the tell tale sign of grass and weeds growing up the middle of the track. After a scary 3 point turn we retraced our steps back to the top and returned via the "up" route.

Lassi– the cry of ‘egg and chips twice’ from the beach taverna put us off. Such a shame really, as the beaches in the area are very nice. Just a bit too commercialised I’m afraid. We only stayed 5 minutes.

Lourdata– a good beach but would think twice before staying there as most of the accommodation is situated on the hillside. A nice walk down to the beach but hard work going back up.

The capital of the island, Argostoli, is a very attractive town. Well worth spending some time to stroll the streets and while away some time sat in the main square.

Myrtos beach looks exactly like it does on all of those postcards. It must be impossible to take a bad picture of such a scene. Cannot comment on the beach itself, as we never actually ventured down. It certainly looks like a suntrap.

Next along the coast is Assos – a wonderfully isolated setting with a picturesque harbour area. If you are feeling energetic, walk up to the Venetian castle for some more excellent views of the village and coastline.

Fiskardo is a very pretty village in the north of the island. Frequented by the yachting fraternity so there are times when it lacks a certain Greekness.

To visit the Kefalonia picture gallery - click HERE

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