Great Things to Do Near Sea La Vie
Find the seafarer in you by hiring a boat
Ideal for finding your own secluded cove or even crossing the narrow channel to explore the neighbouring island of Ithaca. There are countless bays and coves not accessible by car so it is possible to find your own secluded beach and relax in privacy, away from the crowds. There are plenty of small coves within easy reach of Fiscardo. The more adventurous seafarers might like to cross the channel to Ithaca, tie up in the miniature harbour of Ancient Polis and perhaps walk up to the village of Stavros for lunch or a coffee.
Visit the Mazarakata tombs
Between the villages of Lakythra and Metaxata visit the eerie Mazarakata tombs and wander among the ancient graves where wildflowers bloom in colourful abundance. Excavated mainly by Kefalonian archaeologist Panayotis Kavvadias in 1908, the burial chambers had been filled with decorative clay pots, tiles, glassware and gold plates, which are now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli. Today all that remains are the tombs themselves, where you can clamber and explore as you choose. It's a remarkably tranquil area, and the ideal place to spend a few hours with a sketchpad imagining the ancient civilisation that created it.
To the ends of the world?
The Monastery of Kipouria (Moni Kipoureon) on the Paliki peninsula, near Lixouri has unforgettable sunsets. The magnificent position of the monastery itself is located at the western side of the island of Kefalonia, overhanging a cliff that crashes into the Ionian, and makes you feel as if the end of the world was beneath your feet. Dating from the far away times, it is also known as the veranda of the Ionian. There is a tour given by a solitary monk who still lives there, an unforgettable experience!
Visit another Island for the day - Ithaca. Ever heard of Homer, the Iliad or the Odyssey?
Well, 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.
Try the local hooch!
Raki or Tsikoudia is distilled from the stalks and skins of grapes left over from wine pressing. It is drunk widely and you are likely to be offered a thimbleful glass of raki wherever you go. It can contain anything between 35-65% alcohol – you have been warned!
Take a hike!
Around the Erissos Peninsula, an undeveloped nature reserve, with meandering coastal pathways through oak forests, wheat fields and vineyards carpeted with wild strawberries and flowers.
Antisamos - What a Beach!
A great beach used as a backdrop for much of the Captain Corelli movie. A sweeping white pebbly bay, great for snorkelling. Chilled out beach bars on hand to offer bar service to your sun lounger!
Get Reading
Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a carefully written book, fascinating in explaining the complicated politics of the second world war in Greece and far outdoes the film, which did, however, show the true beauty of the island, in particular, Antisamos beach where much of the movie was filmed.
Visit another island for the day - 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.
Spend the day down in Assos on the way from Fiscardo to Argostoli
What a delightful little village. It has a terrific Venetian castle to explore (be warned, it's a bit of a hike up to it, but the views are worth it), a beautiful little harbour, bay and some lovely waterfront tavernas serving freshly caught fish. Remember your camera!
Wine-lovers rejoice!
With 8 different wineries to choose from, Kefalonia is a wine connoisseur's delight. 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!
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. There are several on Fiscardo waterfront that also provide the fresh bread for the village - get to know it and maybe try the cheese or spinach pies for breakfast....
Try horse riding
There is an excellent established riding school located in the village of Zervata, 4km south of Sami. A truly wonderful experience, their 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.
Sea kayaking
Discover the beauty of the seascapes around the island on a sea-kayak, with one of the many tours available. Follow the coastline and travel through unique caves and rock formations, past limestone cliffs and remote beaches, whilst enjoying a relaxing glide in the crystal-clear waters
Taste the local dish - Kefalonia meat pie
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 the secret recipe of spices and sauce. It is delicious!
