Great Things to Do Near Alena
Saddle up and explore
There is an excellent established riding school located in the village of Zervata, 4km south of Sami. A truly wonderful experience, their experienced team offer everything from 1-5 hours trips, to camping overnight with barbecue and campfire. For horse riding enthusiasts, this has to be high up on your list of things to do
Visit Ithaca for a day, home to Odysseus and Penelope of mythology
We would recommend that you do some swatting up before you go, as the Iliad is littered with references to Ithaca, it was where Odysseus was trying to return to for 10 years! Much more easily, you could visit the cave of Nymphs, or why not simply relax, have a nice lunch in one of the waterfront cafes in Vathi and then drop into one of the many delightful coves for a swim or a nap.
Drogorati caves
Although they have deservedly become a serious attraction on the Island, it’s never so busy that you have to spend much time waiting to see them. We recommend that you try to arrive there either early(ish) morning or late afternoon, so as to be sure to avoid any bus party that may be visiting the caves as part of their Island tour. The Stalagmites and Stalactites are well worth the effort of driving here.Alena
Wine lovers - rejoice!
Kefalonia has many excellent wineries, all of which are delighted to offer wine tastings. But please respect the laws, and don’t drink and drive. Why not go twice, and swap drivers? Or try the nearby Melissonos winery, the taxi drivers know the way ( and back!)
Turtle rescue fund
The Kefalonia locals are extremely proud of the fact that the 'caretta caretta' turtles continue to use these unspoilt beaches in the south of the island to nest their eggs. As one would hope and expect, these beaches are protected and supervised to ensure that the eggs are not disturbed by the invasion of sun umbrellas and beach barbecues that can often be found on such stunningly beautiful beaches. Mounda Beach itself is the nearest beach to the villa, unspoilt, beautiful and fascinating.
The King of the Castle!
St Georges Castle is the historic capital of Kefalonia. A great place to wander and explore. There are many alleyways, along with a wonderful old church and monastery with ancient icons on display. Afterwards, why not stop for a coffee or lunch there.
Snakes alive! 15th August celebrates bizarre religious ceremony
On the biggest festival day of the year in Greece, the festival of Saint Maria, the most bizarre goings on take place in a village called Markopoulo. The story goes that Nuns once begged the Virgin Mary to turn them into snakes during a pirate raid, and ever since, snakes are brought out to slither around the icons of the church in Markopoulo on this day, and many people consider this festival as a good luck festival and by touching or kissing the snakes, you are going to have a lucky year.
The hills are alive....
Yes, you can drive all the way to the top of Mount Aenos- save your energy for taking photographs and taking in the panoramic views. You may even spot the elusive and extremely endangered wild ponies.
Nearby neighbour - Island hop to Zakynthos
Another island, not so far away from Kefalonia, but it could be at the other end of the world, such is the contrast between these beautiful islands. Take the daily ferry over from the port of Pessada for the 90 minute crossing to Skinari, in the north of Zakynthos, and from there you could take another boat trip to the amazing ship-wreck beach, or go for a sightseeing tour before catching the evening ferry back.
Love thy neighbour - why not visit Lefkada - the Island next door
Lefkatha means "white" and the islands' name of Lefkas reflects the towering white cliffs and beaches on the Western shores of this green and unspoilt island. Sailing from Fiscardo to Vassiliki, plenty of windsurfers consider this bay serious windsurfing territory. Apart from watching the colourful sails as they strut their stuff, exploring the rest of the island is a delight. Sivota, Nidri, Geni and Lefkas Town offer a wonderful variety of beaches, villages and towns to explore
Olives, ouzo and octopus - try them all!
Treat yourself to a typical Meze – a series of tiny dishes that accompany the aniseed based liquor, you can try an Ouzerie, that is similar to a Spanish Tapas bar – a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Pie in the sky?
The Greeks love their pies, and the Kefalonians have taken it one step further in producing this nourishing dish. Everyone has their own secret recipe, so we are unable to tell you exactly whats in it, but it is flaky filo pastry stuffed with minced pork meat & rice along with the secret recipe of spices and sauce. It is delicious -and will have you walking on air...
Take a trip...
to the aquamarine waters of Melissani Lake. We should entitle this 'not to be missed'. Melissani Lake is simply stunning: the colours and eerie atmosphere is something you will never forget.
