In the Ionian Sea, in between other exotic islands, stands grand Kefalonia Much photographed, much spoke about, much liked, by Greeks and foreigners alike. Not just because of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the 2001 movie that attracted a lot attention, but likewise because of its large charm, its stately towns and lots of other outstanding tourist attractions.

Argostoli, Lixouri, Fiskardo, Assos, Lake Melissani ... here the names alone are something to conjure with! This, the biggest of the Ionian islands, with its sparkling azure waters, spectacular beaches and deep emerald green mountains, has been a popular holiday area for decades. The occupants of Kefalonia have a reputation for being the wittiest Greeks-- always all set with a joke, a smile and a helping hand. Their easygoing mindset toward life is contagious and within hours of your arrival, you'll feel as carefree as they do.

Things to do in Kefalonia.

Argostoli, the fun-loving capital

Set alongside a deep bay, Argostoli has a funky beauty that grows on you as you being in the lively primary square with the locals, the majority of whom are night owls. Search in the market, stroll down its good-looking flagstone streets and drink the well-known Robola fiskardo red wine in its inviting coffee shops and bars.

Explore a bit and you'll find monoliths left over from the 19th century British Protectorate duration. And for an in-depth intro to island culture from the 15th to the 20th century, visit the impressive Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum, one of the finest in Greece, and to the extensive Corgialenios library. The capital of Kefalonia will include a cultural flair to your holidays.

Mt. Enos: the 'Black Mountain'

The greatest mountain in the Ionian, Enos takes its name from the black pine (Abies Cephalonica) that when covered it completely and grows nowhere else. It has been a national forest because 1962, understood for its wealth of wild flowers. It's also home to an unique type of pony, Equus cabalus.

World-famous beaches

You've most likely seen these beaches prior to on posters and postcards or in scenes from films, since they're amongst the most stunning in the Mediterranean. Their waters cover the entire variety of blues and greens, lapping against pure white sand or smooth round pebbles.

Myrtos, perhaps the most magnificent, lies at the bottom of towering limestone cliffs. But don't miss Petani and Skala. Or Poros, where the forest is shown in the sea, magnifying the colour. Makry Gialos, whose blue-green waters rock to the music of beach bars, provides a cosmopolitan touch. And Xi, where pale green waves fulfill great red sand, provides a memorable change of speed. The beaches of Kefalonia are waiting to be found.

To enjoy whatever Kefalonia needs to provide, fly with Aegean.

Assos: perfection in miniature

Many people believe this tiny port is the prettiest settlement on the island. You'll capture your very first look of it from above. Constructed on a narrow strip of land, its couple of houses hug the coast, keeping their conventional Venetian-era character amidst a host of high plane, poplar, palm and olive trees. The 16th century Venetian castle commanding the whole scene is too invites you to climb up to take a closer look.

Fiskardo, sailors' sanctuary

Another bewitching mini, the attractive port of Fiskardo is hardly a trick to sailors and celeb private yacht owners. But landlubbers love it too for its lovely 18th century buildings, which give it a sensation of timelessness that transcends the joyful hubbub in its popular fish restaurants and shops.

Levitating in the depths of a cavern

The 50 tones of turquoise in the underground Lake Melissani are mesmerising. Enter the boat for a tour and you'll believe you're drifting someplace in space. With sunshine filtering in from above, the cavern advises you of a cathedral. And when your boatman bursts into song, the first lilting notes of an Italianate cantata echoing around the walls, you'll realize that this is a truly divine experience.

The 'strange' Sea Mills at Fanari, near Argostoli

When upon a time, the seawater vanished into 'swallow holes', rocky crevasses at such a rate that it was utilized to power 2 flour mills. No one knew where it went till scientists put a color in the water that wound up in Lake Melissani on the other side of the island. Kefalonia has lots of such unusual geological phenomena.

A paradise for sea activities

Kefalonia is the ideal island to check out by boat, with unlimited personal beaches and bays of exceptional charm, such as Myrto and Makri Gialos. Go to coves that welcome the uncommon charm of all the important things to do in Kefalonia, perfectly encapsulate the aesthetic of this Ionian idyll. For enthusiasts of action and activities, Kefalonia offers all sorts of water sports at all the big organised beaches, along with sea kayaking and diving in outstanding areas filled with surprises such as little caves bursting with undersea life.