Kefalonia holidays

Things to do

Explore the stunning vistas of Mount Ainos National Park, a real treat for nature lovers. Take a boat trip on the turquoise waters of the beautiful Melissani Grotto and Drogarati Cave. Visit charming Assos village, one of the best beauty spots on the island, with traditional whitewashed houses and remnants of a Venetian fortress, and meander through the cobbled streets of Fiskardo, a colourful fishing port of pastel Venetian buildings.

Explore your destination

Here's a little taste of what's on offer: for more excursion ideas, speak to your Rep.

Beach BBQ Cruise
Experience beautiful views of the island on this glass-bottomed boat tour. A great opportunity to top up your tan and try a mud face pack from a clay beach; you'll arrive back looking ten years younger!

Three Island Paradise
This is your chance to visit a millionaire's paradise, where Aristotle Onassis once courted Jackie Kennedy. You will also visit neighbouring Meganassi and Lefkas, with a stop for shopping and lunch.

Southern Discovery
Visit a monastery, see St. George's Castle and pass through the legendary village of Marcopoulo. You'll then have time to relax and browse the shops in Poros, followed by swimming and lunch in Skala.

Highlights

• Walking in the footsteps of Hollywood celebs on your Kefalonia holiday: scenes from blockbuster movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin were filmed in Sami and at the bays of Antisamos and Myrtos
• Breathing in the cool air at the top of Mount Ainos, which is covered in a type of fir tree unique to the island
• Counting the different shades of blue in the water at Melissani cave on a leisurely boat trip
• Seeing incredible stalactites and stalagmites at Drogarati Cave, near Sami
• Visiting Assos village, left in a magical unspoilt time warp, where you'll find pretty whitewashed houses and the remains of a Venetian castle
• Wandering around Fiskardo, a charming fishing village with pastel-coloured Venetian buildings, boats bobbing in the water and lots of restaurants and tavernas
• Exploring Kefalonia's capital, Argostoli, with its famous bell tower, Drapano Bridge, re-built by the British in 1813; Archaeological Museum and bustling main square
• Sipping a well-deserved drink after walking around Kastro, Kefalonia's ruined castle and medieval capital, with its panoramic views and welcoming bars and tavernas
• Sailing to Ithaka, just like Odysseus did on his ten year voyage home from Troy; where you can wander around sleepy towns and enjoy eating in peaceful tavernas
• Tasting Kefalonia's famous Robola wines at the winery in Omala Valley, miles of lush green vineyards at the bottom of Mount Ainos
• Visiting Omala Valley's Monastery of St Gerasimos, Kefalonia's patron saint; he's so popular people come to kiss the feet of his mummified body and see where he lived

Food and drink

Kefalonia's speciality is meat pie, guaranteed to please even the biggest appetite. It's usually made with beef, lamb and pork, all mixed with rice, onion and garlic and topped with pastry.

You should also find time for traditional Greek Mezedes: look out for colourful Greek salads; butter beans cooked in tomato sauce and Dolmades, which are vine leaves stuffed with herb- flavoured rice and marinated in olive oil and lemon juice.

To enjoy your meal in true holiday style, try Kefalonia's famous Robola wine while you eat and a tipple of fiery Ouzo after dinner.

Evening Flavour

Kefalonia holidays offer a real mix of upbeat and quiet nights; you'll find the liveliest bars and clubs around Valliano Square in cosmopolitan Argostoli, where occasional free concerts are held in the summer.

Lassi and Scala also offer a fun nightlife, with plenty of restaurants and music bars along their main streets.

For something more laid-back, Poros is the largest of the villages in the south and its busy port area is full of tavernas, making it easy to slip into relaxation mode.

Shopping

If you're into textiles, look out for Greek rag rugs, called kourelia, in a choice of colours and designs, which will really brighten up your home.

To find the perfect souvenir from your Kefalonia holiday, go to one of the many art galleries for beautiful paintings of the island.

For an excuse to really hit the shops, Argostoli has an amazing choice, with places selling leather shoes, bags and belts, handmade jewellery and ceramic pots and vases.

Local weather

Information

Language: Greek. Currency: Euro. Greek Tourist Office: 4 Conduit Street, London WIS 2DJ. Tel: 020 7495 9300. Fax: 020 7287 1369. www.gnto.co.uk

Travel money

Euro

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.