As the largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia offers a wide variety of things to do, with varied landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to pine forests and vineyards to mountain ranges, you can imagine the island will have plenty to offer in the way of activities. As the highest island in Greece, Kefalonia has Mount Etnos, which rises to more than 1627 m in height, making the island a favorite for hikers and visitors who enjoy a walk. The mountain is surrounded by a forest of blackskin trees and these cover approximately 28,500 acres in a protected park. Throughout this park there are numerous walks and trails to keep the avid hiker busy.
At the southern base of Mount Ethnos you will find golden beaches that have become a favorite nesting area for loggerhead turtles. These turtles are an endangered species protected by Greek law, however many tourists enjoy watching turtles from a distance. Plus, the turtle nesting ground is close to a couple of Kefalonia’s most popular resorts, meaning tourists can take day trips outside of their usual vacation to soak up the sun and enjoy a spot of viewing. staff.
When you’re not turtle watching or mountain climbing, you may want to relax on a comfortable sun-drenched beach, soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun. Kefalonia has many beaches on offer, the most popular being in the south of the island at Skala and at the opposite pole to the north of the island at Myrtos. Myrtos Beach is surrounded by a high cliff that offers stunning views of the ocean and this popular tourist spot is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
If you get tired of relaxing, you can try one of the more active activities available on the island. These range from horse riding, which is popular in Sami and Lourdata, to water sports that are available on many of the beaches. You could even charter a boat and tour the island from the water, stopping at many villages along the coast, experiencing as much of the island as possible in one day and gaining a unique perspective on Kefalonian life.
Swimming is perhaps one of the most obvious activities you’d expect on a Greek island and Kefalonia is no different. The sea is clear and blue and in the summer months it can be so warm as to make swimming a complete pleasure, snorkelling is also popular as the water is crystal clear and the fish are plentiful – a snorkel and mask are a must . For the more professional or experienced swimmers, scuba lessons are available at many resorts and if you already have a license, Aquatic World organizes shore diving tours from Fiskardo and Agia Efrmina.
There really is plenty to do in Kefalonia and if you prefer to take a more active approach to holiday, you won’t be disappointed; however, for many, simply having access to the best beaches in the world is more than enough.