Greece insider tip: Why your next holiday should be in Kefalonia

A "black mountain", an underground lake and beaches that easily compete with the Caribbean - and yet you've never heard of Kefalonia? To change that as quickly as possible, you should definitely read on. Because a trip to the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands is worthwhile for more than the three reasons mentioned above - among other things, it is one of the most beautiful Greek islands !

For many holidaymakers, Assos is the most beautiful village on the island of Kefalonia.

Source: imago imagesMcPHOTO

In 734 square kilometers you can climb high – to the more than 1600 meter high peak of Mount Enos – and dive deep – in the clear waters of the underground lake Melissani. This is not the only reason why Kefalonia does not have to hide behind the neighboring islands Zakynthos, Lefkada or Ithaca.

Incidentally, Mount Enos got its nickname "black mountain" because it is almost completely covered with black pines. Its height can easily keep up with some peaks in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps - ideal for anyone who wants to combine a beach and mountain holiday

Not only do around 40,000 residents feel at home on the island - the sea off the coast facing Zakynthos is home to two of the twelve most endangered species in the world: the Mediterranean monk seal and the loggerhead turtle. With a bit of luck, you might spot one of these rare specimens. Nowadays, they are hardly threatened by fishing nets, but by sailing and motor yachts.

Loggerhead turtles are the only sea turtles that nest in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. They are considered one of the oldest species in the world.

Source: imago images/Andreas Neumeier

For many holidaymakers, boats are still one of the most beautiful ways to get to know the island - even underground. You can explore Lake Melissani in rowing boats. The experience is particularly magical at midday, when daylight falls through a large hole in the rock ceiling onto the turquoise water of the lake.

Fun fact: Although the lake is also fed by sea water, it is above sea level. The reason for this is probably the mixture of salt and fresh water, which has a lower density than pure sea water. The Drogarati stalactite cave is very close by and you can also visit it.

The underground lake Melissani has fascinated people since ancient times.

Source: imago/ZUMA Press/Nicolas Economou

But the Greek weather naturally invites you to stay more than just underground. Numerous beaches on Kefalonia ensure that you never want to stay underwater for too long. One of the most popular is Myrtos at the foot of meter-high limestone cliffs.

The beach of Xi, on the other hand, has a special feature: red sand. Petani, Skala, Potos, Makris Gialos - the list of beaches worth seeing on Kefalonia is long. If you go around the island by boat, you will also find small, secluded bays.

Myrtos beach is one of the most beautiful on the island.

Source: imago images/Jag_cz

Another highlight of the island are its picturesque villages. Whether Assos and Fiskardo in the north or Lourdata in the south - they all exude charm and vie for the title of "most beautiful village on the island". The island's capital, Argostoli, is larger and livelier. Here it becomes clear why the islanders are considered the "fastest Greeks": they are quick-witted, humorous and helpful.

You can end your holiday evening with a view of the Ionian Sea, with a glass of Robola white wine and a piece of Kefalotyri cheese. Both are among the island's specialties. A legend says that Kephalos, the island's namesake and son of the messenger god Hermes, brought winemaking to Kefalonia.

The endemic Robola grape variety grows on the slopes and produces light and fruity white wine. Otherwise, the island's culinary side is shaped by its turbulent past under various occupying powers. You can still taste the Venetian, French and Western European influences today.

The best time to visit Kefalonia is the months of May and June, as well as September and October. During these months, the chance of rain is low and temperatures are pleasantly warm at around 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. During the peak travel season, July and August, temperatures can rise to up to 40 degrees Celsius.

In summer, there are flights to Kefalonia from several German cities, including Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. To enjoy a holiday away from the crowds, you should travel to the island in the off-season: from October onwards, you will almost only have to share the island with Greeks.

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