Village-hopping in Kefalonia

You may already know Kefalonia for its beaches, like Myrtos, and green interior but look deeper and it hides a secret that will likely become one of the highlights of your holidays on this Ionian Island gem. Kefalonia is filled with villages and settlements. Some are cosmopolitan, with picturesque little ports surrounded by greenery, and others combine wonderful swimming spots with historical treasures.

You’ll find mountain hamlets that reveal Kefalonia’s wine tradition and marvel at architecture dating to Venetian times. There are even settlements abandoned after the 1953 earthquake that come alive once again with summer festivals.

Source: Discover Greece

Assos

One of the most picturesque of Kefalonia’s villages, Assos is located in the northern part of the island. Its pastel-coloured houses cascade down the hillside and within a dainty cove is a pebbly beach that looks out onto the signature blue and green of the Ionian Sea. The hill above the village is sprinkled with houses and tavernas line the shore, providing food with views al-fresco. Be sure to explore the town square and the Venetian castle above the village. It’s a 20-minute uphill walk to get there but the views are captivating, especially at sunset.

Fiskardo

Also in the north and enclosed within a small bay, Fiskardo is another of Kefalonia’s best-known villages, and not for nothing as the multicoloured houses stand just as majestically in the harbour as they did when they were built by the Venetians in the 18th century. Fishing boats bob gently in the water and tavernas and shops line the shore, beckoning you to give them the attention they deserve. You’ll find several beaches nearby (Emplisi, Dafnoudi and Foki), with greenery that reaches the shore and the Ionian Sea’s turquoise waters doing their thing.