Great Things to Do Near Melanthi
Learn to love your neighbour - Lefkas
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.
A bit of a mouthful in both senses!
Visit any Zaxaroplastio for a sweet pastry! This complicated word denotes popular pastry shops that have a large array of tiny, sticky, confections, using filo pastry, nuts, honey, figs and raisins, some cakes ooze chocolate - – naughty but nice….
Wine lovers - rejoice!
With 8 different wineries to choose from - Kefalonia is an oenologists' delight ( wine conossieurs), spend an afternoon stocking up for the holiday and then decide which ones to take home! compare them with the other famous wineries such as Gentilini and Robola Co-operative!
The capital Argostoli's back streets
For retail therapy, the pedestrian Lithostrato offers a wonderful selection of shops offering everything from local produce to stylish leather shoes. Plenty of local cafes for refreshment and the Orthodox church of St. Spiridon and Catholic church always have their doors open. ( Make it Tuesday, Thursday or Fridays in the evenings when all the shops are open!)
Island hop to Zakynthos for the day
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.
Aim for the top!
Drive up to St Georges' castle above the village of Peratata, in the middle of the island as the views are magnificent, and the little taverna up there is highly recommended. The question is how did they get the building materials up there so high? The taverna is closed Mondays and open till 3pm daily.
A bridge too far...?
In Argostoli, this famous bridge/causeway was built back in 1813, and now that it is a car- free zone, it has become a popular haunt for an evening Volta (the Greek terminology for an evening stroll), and perfect for adding to your photo library as the views back towards Argostoli are wonderful. But buy a small fishing line before you do, and try to catch your lunch (like the locals do! Small hand held fishing lines only cost a couple of euros).
Try Kefalonia Meat pies - deliicious!
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 what's in it, but it is filo pastry stuffed with minced pork meat & rice - along with an undisclosed mixture of spices and sauce. Delicious!
Greek style Tapas!
There are many different brands of ouzo, the most popular ones are made on the island of Lesvos. Bottles come in all shapes and sizes so we suggest that you buy the one that you like the look of best, as the tastes are all similar. As for the meze part, traditionally, this is a small platter that is made up from bits and pieces that are either left over from a previous meal, or small pieces 'stolen' whilst cooking a meal for someone else!
An afternoon at Myrtos beach
We suggest afternoon, because this is when the sun is shining fully on the beach, and you'll enjoy the amazing experience of bathing at one of the most glorious beaches. Myrtos has regularly been voted amongst the top 5 beaches in Europe over the past few years, and we are sure that you will endorse this bold claim.
Saddle up and explore
There is an excellent established riding school located in the village of Zervata, 4km south of Sami. Their experienced team offers everything from 1-5 hours trips, to camping overnight with barbecue and campfire.
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 is the nearest one and is just across the bay, part of the beautiful view from the villa.
Try a little history in Ithaca, Homer, the Iliad or the Odyssey?
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.
Drogarati 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.
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.
Messing around in boats
Fiscardo is great for hopping in a boat (10 horse power anyone?) and gently exploring the many tiny coves and bays with a picnic that cannot be accessed by car.
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.
Pop over to adorable Assos
This tiny village is set in an idyllic spot and if a days hiking appeals, this is a great walk arriving in time for a lazy lunch and maybe catching the bus home!
