Greece, as we know, is in the middle of a huge financial crisis, however the people of the surrounding Ionian Islands are carrying on as normal, welcoming tourists with open arms and introducing them proudly to their home… The Ionian islands are thickly-forested with olive and pine trees, brimming with gorgeous white-sand, shingle and pebble beaches, turquoise seas, tranquil blue caves, cosmopolitan Venetian-inspired towns, mountain villages that hold true to tradition, picturesque ports and yacht-filled marinas…. and are bursting at the brim with heavenly, heart-stoppingly sensational cuisine…

Myrtos Beach

Fiskardo, Kefalonia

Yes. It’s Octopus.

Hanging out in Argostolli. Tunic – Heidi Klein

Fiskardo, Kefalonia

I was lucky enough to head to Kefalonia for a few days a couple of weeks ago and it was love at first Baklava. Kefalonia is Greece’s largest and most diverse Ionian island; it was the home of a certain young Odysseus (many believe this to have been Ithaca, but our hamazing guide Athina explained otherwise – Ithaca and Kefalonia have swapped names over the years so it’s a bit bamboozling) and is also where the stunning Captain Corelli’s Mandolin movie was filmed… and if you’ve seen that film, I’m surprised you’re not on a plane already.

Here are 16 reasons to head to Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) for your next getaway…

Appollonion Resort Spa Hotel

1. We stayed at Appollonion Resort Spa Hotel – situated in the picturesque western side of the island of Kefalonia called Lixouri, right on Xi beach, a very long golden sandy beach… The pool is divine, the rooms are large and airy and the buffet breakfast is never-ending…

2. …and we even got to be some of the first guests at the wonderful, newly opened Xi Beach Restaurant…

The beds at Xi Beach Restaurant

3. Ferrying about – we took the ferry nearly every day, from either Lixouri to Argostolli, or to Ithaca etc… the ferrys all took between 20 and 45 mins, air conditioned inside (hurrah!) and thanks to my amazing sea sickness tablets, I could enjoy the view from top deck in the shade…

Ferrying about…

View from the ferry…

4. Jeep safari to Mt Ainos National Park – we bought iced coffees and jumped into George’s jeep (he was fine about it) and he drove us into the amazing Mt Ainos National Park, where we drove up and up and up and up….and saw wild horses in the mountains…. The black fir trees (which aren’t really black) populate this region and are a protected species, which is why this is now one of Greece’s 10 National parks.

Outdoor Kefalonia – dress: Heidi Klein – Shoes: Merrell

5. The Monastery of Agios Gerassimos – Saint Gerasimos is believed by natives of Kefalonia to protect them and to also heal them of illness. Many natives of the island name their children after Saint Gerasimos as a tribute to the saint who protects them… and the monastery is beautiful.

Monastery of Agios Gerassimos

Outside the Monastery. Dress: Heidi Klein

The beautiful tiled floor… Sandals: Office

6. Myrtos Beach – this stunning beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Ionian Islands. Located north of Agostolli (the island’s capital) the beach has fine golden sand and clear, turquoise waters, it is surrounded by majestic cliffs and could be mistaken for paradise itself. (Oh, and there are umbrellas to rent too.)

Myrtos Beach. Bikini: Heidi Klein

Myrtos Beach… I couldn’t wait to get down there!

7. Poros – Poros is a sleepy little village with a port and a few tavernas and bars. During the summer months a ferry connects Poros with Zakynthos, or you can catch a cruise to Ithaca and the Blue Caves of Zakynthos. The harbour is also home to the local fishing boats which supply the area with fresh fish…

Poros

8. The most amazing almond cake you’ve ever had – we visited Mavroidis, a fourth generation family-run cafe in the bustling square of Lixouri. first. You can taste all kinds of traditional Kefalonian treats here… and this cake knocked our socks off…

Traditional Kefalonian almond cake

We loved looking through the old family photos and history of Mavroidis , carefully stored by the current owner

9. Fiskardo – a gorgeous and ridiculously picturesque fishing village, which is the only village to have survived the 1953 earthquake. It’s full to the brim with beautiful boutiques, cafes, gift shops and restaurants… I absolutely loved it and for me, it was a real highlight.

Fiskardo – stunning colours everywhere

Perfect holiday bag alert! Loved my Tusting hold-all – it really, really did hold ALL. And back here it’s big enough to hold my laptop too. LOVE.

10. Vassos on Fiskardo – we were treated to the most delicious meal at this family run restaurant… and the super fresh-out-the-sea-this-morning food just kept coming and coming….

11. The weather was spectacular – lovely and hot and breezy… we never felt like we were sweltering or too uncomfortable. It was just gorgeous and in the evening, a light shawl was all I needed to stay comfortable…

Dressed for dinner – messing about with Hannah in my Biondi jumpsuit… Shoes: Aldo

12. Olive oil tasting – Kefalonia is famous for its organic olive oil and we were lucky enough to try some Liocharis organic olive oil, again, a family run business and we were meeting the fourth generation… we learnt how to taste the olive oil and identify flavours from the sea, the soil and the environment…. I have never had anything like it before. I brought a bottle home with me in my luggage and have been pouring it over Greek salads ever since!

Cupping the glass to keep it warm…

13. Ithaca. We also visited the beautiful island of Ithaca. “As you set out for Ithaca, hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery,” wrote the great Greek poet Constantinos Cavafy… it is magical, peaceful, full of history and of course, beautiful beaches….

14. The Drogarati Cave was discovered 300 years ago, but opened to the public in 1963. It was discovered when a strong earthquake caused the roof to collapse, revealing the cave beneath…. we took a little boat out into the cave and made spooky noises as we were paddled through the cave….

The Drogarati Cave

15. The little seaside town of Skala is so sweet and picturesque. There’s plenty to do if you’re into watersports, but if you’d like to just read a book on the beach (like me) then take a picnic and kick back there for the day…

The pretty seaside town of Skala has a gorgeous beach…

16. Wine tasting is something you have to put on your agenda when you go to Kefalonia – the island is famous for its wine production so pop it on the list!

It was a magical, MAGICAL few days and I can’t wait to go back.

So when you do go, put me in your suitcase?

I travelled to Kefalonia with Discover Greece and flew with Aegean Airlines, who have daily flights from London to Kefalonia and back. It took just under 6 hours to get there, including the stopover at Athens.

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