As the largest of the Ionian Islands Kefalonia offers a large variety of things to do, with varying landscape ranging from sandy beaches to pine groves and vineyards and mountain ranges you can imagine that the island will have plenty to offer by way of activities. As the tallest island in Greece Kefalonia has Mount Etnos which stands at over 1627 m tall making the island a firm favourites for hikers and visitors who enjoy a walk. The mountain is surrounded by forest of black fur trees and these cover approximately 28,500 acres in a protected park.Throughout this park there are numerous walks and trails a plenty to keep the avid hiker busy.
On the southern base of Mount Etnos you will find golden beaches that have become a favourite area for loggerhead turtles to nest. These turtles are an endangered species protected by Greek law however many tourists enjoy turtle watching from a distance. What’s more the turtle nesting ground is close to a couple of Kefalonia’s most popular resorts meaning that tourists can take day trips out of their regular sun bathing holiday to enjoy a spot of personal watch.
When you aren’t watching turtles or climbing mountain is you may wish to relax on a comfortable sun trapped 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 in polar opposite north of the island at Myrtos. Myrtos beach is surrounded by a high cliff edge giving striking views over the ocean and thiis popular tourist spot is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Should you get tired of relaxing you may wish to try one of the more active activities available on the island. These range from horse riding which is popular around Sami and Lourdata right through to the water sports that are available on many of the beaches. You could even rent a boat and tour the island from the water stopping in many villages along the coast, experiencing as much of the island is possible in a day and getting a unique perspective on Kefalonia life.
Swimming is perhaps one of the more obvious activities you would expect on a Greek island and Kefalonia is no different. The sea is clear and blue and in the summer months can be as warm as the making swimming a total pleasure, snorkelling is also popular as the water is so clear and fish are abundant – a snorkel and mask are a must. For the more professional or experienced swimmer diving lessons are available in many resorts and if you have a license already Aquatic World run diving tours off the coast leaving from Fiskardo and Agia Efrmina.
There really is plenty to do in Kefalonia and should you prefer to take the more active holiday approach you will not be disappointed however for many simply having access to the best beaches in the world is more than enough.
