Take a look at Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia was made famous by the book and film ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, it has always been a key holiday destination and now in the summer the island is bustling with visitors from many countries. With pretty, colourful buildings and several stunning beaches it is easy to see how the place became so popular. For visiting yachts perhaps the most special places to explore are the numerous caves in the anchorages along the east side of the island.
Fiskardo, Kefalonia
Fiskardo (or Fiscardho or Fiskardho!) is a bustling, crescent-shaped harbour with brightly painted houses, harbour side cafes and restaurants. Located on the northern tip of Kefalonia, Fiskardo is said to be the most scenic spot in the Ionian sailing area and certainly one of the most photogenic! You may wish to moor in the bay just south of Fiskardo, explore the caves and take a dinghy or tender into town. Sailing south you can choose from many inlets where you can drop anchor, swim and relax. After visting Fiskardo, you can sail to Agios Euphemia, from where you can visit the famous underground caves of Lake Melissani.
Ay Eufemia, Kefalonia
Ay Eufemia (Aghia Efimia or Agios Euphemia ) is one of the most beautiful seaside villages in Kefalonia and was once the main ferry port on Kefalonia island but after the earthquake in 1953 the town of Sami was developed in its place. Ay Eufimia still has all the facilities you are likely to need and if you visit it is worth venturing ashore and finding the caves which are situated on the road to Sami. There is a small mooring fee to pay at the small marina at Aghia Efimia with services including water and electricity. There are numerous bars, shops and restaurants located all around the port of Ay Eufemia and if you take a walk north you will enjoy some excellent views and great tavernas!
Sami, Kefalonia
South of Agios Euphemia on Kefalonia is Sami. Sami used to be the capital town of the island of Kefalonia and is more commercial than other places, it is the second busiest port on Kefalonia serving ferries to Corfu, Ithaki (Ithaca), Patras and Italy. Sami has a long waterfront, lined with shaded restaurants and tavernas serving the locally caught fish of the day. A working town, Sami is also relatively cosmopolitan compared to other ports in the Greek Ionian with banks, shops, tavernas and bars as well as local lace shops. Why not visit the beautiful Melissani Cave, located northwest of Sami, named as one of the ‘spectacular sights’ of Kefalonia and only 7€ entry. The best time to visit is just before noon, so that when the sun shines down on the cave roof, the whole of the underground lake will light up with the beautiful aquamarine light that…
Anti-Sami, Kefalonia
The extraordinary scenic horseshoe bay is tucked just around the coast from Sami. The Blue Flag beach of Anti-Samos (Anti Sami) is a beautiful and attractive pebble beach and turquoise waters, surrounded by impressive lush green hills. The outstanding natural beauty is absolutely breathtaking! The beach at Anti-Sami was used as the Italian encampment in the film of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. There is a lovely taverna on the beach which is open in the daytime and, by request will open for our Island Sailing flotillas in the evenings, making it a really special, tranquil place away from the crowds. The crystal clear waters and small reef offer some of the best snorkelling in the whole of the Ionian, some say more akin to the Caribbean than the Mediterranean!
