Firstly welcome to Greek Island Adventures. We will be sharing different topics with you all about Greece, the places to see, the food and the adventures.
The first island I want to share with you (shhhhhhh not to many people know about this hidden beauty) is kefalonia. This is the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece and it’s capital is Argostoli.
The island has such a diverse landscape, from the rugged mountains to the crystal clear sea on the golden beaches, everywhere you look it is truly beautiful. We do find ourselves saying everywhere we go travelling “it’s not quite Greece is it” and it’s true. We have never seen such beauty as we have in the Greek islands and I am looking forward to sharing our experiences with you.
Argostoli offers a vibrant atmosphere with its waterfront promenade, traditional tavernas, and great shopping. The promenade harbour is where our boat trips leave from and you can book direct with us.
The city has the De Bosset Bridge of Argostoli, this is great to have a walk along and look back on the city. The water is very shallow and on the Argostoli Lagoon side you can hire out peddle boats which is great fun if you have children with you, or adults come to think of it…..
The Lithostroto (slippy street as we call it) is a tiled long street full of shops. If it does get wet, be careful…hence the ‘slippy’ comment (flip flops eh)
From the souvenir shops selling Greek eyes to olive soap and the more local shops selling everything else you may need, Argostoli is definitely worth a visit. The bakeries are a work of art in themselves offering everything from the traditional spinach pie (Spanakopita) to the most delicious cakes. You will always see the locals sat around a bakery with a pastry and coffee, or grabbing one on the way to work.The Greek people work very hard in the summer months but I can guarantee you, Greek people are the most friendlies people you will meet.
There is a fantastic shop called ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’. This shop is so enchanting and full of handmade jewellery and gifts. The lady who owns this shop is originally from the UK and settled in Kefalonia a number of years ago. She spends her winters making all the gifts ready for the busy summer season. I would definitely call in when you visit.
The best time to visit the capital is either in the morning or in the evening, as in the afternoon most of the local shops close and re open at 6.pm and also the heat can be quite intense unless you are sat shaded with a cool drink. In the morning you may be lucky to see some of the turtles. They are quite a site as they hover around the fishing boats after they have returned from their early morning fishing trip. The turtles themselves are all protected by an organisation called Wild Life Sense Every year they have volunteers come out to observe the turtles and assist with the turtle eggs being laid on the beaches. The turtles are a very special part of Kefalonia and you will see lots of Souvenirs relating to them.
In the evening everything comes alive. You see families out having their meals or never ending coffee ‘we will cover the Greek coffee on another blog’ and the visitors to the island deciding where to eat that night carrying their bags of goodies they have just bought. Where to eat ‘I hear you say’ so many restaurants to choose from.Obviously Greek, Sushi, Chinese, Mexican, fish and chips(yes you heard me right. I can recommend one for you called Ladokola. This is just off the main square. This is your typical gyros restaurant. If you haven’t tried a gyros you must….Chicken or pork, salad, potatoes (chips) wrapped in pita with a Tzatziki sauce.They do sell lots of other very tasty dishes such as souvalki, salads, different meats arranged with salad and potatoes and of course a good selection of drinks too. I would class this restaurant as easy going, you don’t have to put your glad rags on, very relaxed and great service.
So thats just a snippet of the main town of Argostoli. Hope you enjoy your visit to beautiful kefalonia.
Ευχαριστώ (Efharistó) – Ef-ha-ri-sto. Thank you x