LEFK A DA
Easy to reach, hospitable and lively, the “mainland”-
island of Lefkada has the right recipe for the perfect
holiday. Thanks to its award-winning and world-famous
exotic beaches, it is thought to be the paradise of wind
& kite surfers, who love the beaches of Vassiliki and
Mili. Nydri is the refuge of sailboating enthusiasts who
go on day trips to the dreamy isles around Lefkada,
namely Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos and the isle of
Scorpios where the legend of renowned tycoon Aristotle
Onassis lives on. While sauntering around, travellers
will be stunned by the remarkable 17th and 18th century
churches, while the impressive 14th century castle of
Aghia Mavra, perched by the city’s main entrance, is
one of the most majestic medieval constructions in
Greece. From the castle to the northwest side of the
city, a 7km narrow strip of land embraces the lagoon of
Gyra. Among the island’s most impressive sights are
the lighthouse at the cape of Lefkata, that stands 60
metres above sea level and used to host sacrifices to
the gods in ancient times, the Monastery of Faneromeni,
the beautiful traditional settlement of Agios Nikitas
next to the beach of Milos, which boasts a picturesque
harbour and beautiful stone houses, and the waterfalls in
Dimosari with the deep blue lake. In the olive grove which
embraces the western side of the city, you can enjoy a
walk or some cycling among centenarian giants.
KEFALONIA
The predominant feature of the largest island of the
archipelago is the imposing mountain mass of Mt. Ainos,
which became a protected National Park in 1962 and
is endowed with rich flora and fauna. This is also the
birthplace of the unique Greek fir (Abies Cephalonica),
while the wider area is refuge to the equus caballus horse
species. Before attracting the attention of Hollywood with
the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, starring Nicolas
Cage and Penelope Cruz, Kefalonia was the “sleeping
beauty “of the Ionian Sea, offering a relatively small
number of accommodation options. Nowadays, the island
welcomes celebrities every summer such as Madonna,
Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise. Among the island’s
strong points are the fairytale village of Assos with its
Venetian castle, the cosmopolitan Fiskardo, Argostoli,
the island’s capital, and Lixouri, the "Piccolo Paris" of
Kefalonia. The Cave of Drogarati, which is 150 million
years old, the majestic cave of Melissani, one of the
most important sights of the island, where 4th and 3rd
century BC artefacts were discovered, and the mysterious
sinkholes at Fanari are equally spectacular. The beaches
of Kefalonia are world famous. Don’t miss Myrtos with its
jagged cliffs, Skala with its vast sandy expanse and the
lunar landscape of Xi beach with the red fine sand and the
pristine and shallow turquoise waters.ESCAPEESCAPE