A Quick Trip around Kefalonia (Kefalonia)

Member Name: Meggysmum

Product:	Kefalonia
Date:	17/10/09 (122 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful seas and scenery

Disadvantages: Tourist spots very hectic

Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) is the largest of the Ionian Islands. It is a popular destination for cruise ships which is how we reached the island.

We docked at Poros where there was a very pebbly beach with crystal clear water. The front was lined with brightly coloured eating places and the town set back from the road was bustling and pretty. To make the most of the short time we had on the island we took the bus tour around the island. We travelled in August so it was very hot and its essential to take plenty of water with you.

The countryside seemed quite barren in the southern part of the island. The island was quite mountainous and it was a hair-raising journey that took us to the other side of the mountain to our first destination.

Melissani Lakes- this is obviously a very busy tourist attraction. There were busloads arriving all the time which made for quite a hectic experience. You have to queue down a cave entrance which can be a little slippery so care is needed. At the end you are suddenly transfixed by the most amazing turquoise lake. The ceiling of a cave fell in and revealed this natural wonder to the world. You transfer to boats where an oarsman transports you across the lake and into a cave. The water is the most amazing colour and extremely deep. The cave is very narrow and the boats only just have room to pass each other. If you are lucky you will get a guide who will tell you all the stories about the area. Before you know it you are being transferred back to dry land. Although this is a beautiful place to see the experience is very short (about 10 minutes) and you do feel ushered through quickly without much chance just to stand and marvel at the beauty.

Caves of Drogarti- not far from the lakes are these caves. They are easily accessed down some steep steps which would not suit those with walking or breathing difficulties although there are seats to rest on. The caves obviously used to contain an impressive display of stalagmites and stalactites but unfortunately many of these have been damaged as they were used for target practice during the war. The caves are also used as a theatre and although you are not supposed to touch the rocks I think some have probably been damaged that way too. This is also quite a short experience but the walk back out does take more time.

Sami- this attractive fishing port is very attractive. Boats bob about in the harbour and the atmosphere is quiet and calm. This was used as the setting for the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin. There is no longer any evidence of the sets that were built although it seems the town was completely shut off whilst filming took place and many locals worked as extras as they couldn't carry on with their normal tourist work.

The coach tour then headed towards the north of the island where the scenery became much lusher and the views were amazing. The sea was brilliant blue and the wooded slopes dark green with rich tree growth, beaches and coves appeared around every corner. Views to the nearby island of Ithaca were nice too. The villages seemed very small and quiet which was certainly a contrast from the busy port.

This was a lovely taster of a delightful island that I would love to explore further as it certainly looked a beautiful spot for a longer holiday.

Summary: A lovely looking island that demands to be explored