Doriza Street apartment Argostoli, Kefalonia

Welcome to Kefalonia

July 2000 – Rugged, mountainous and blessed with some of the most dramatic scenery in the region, Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island, and it welcomed us for the first time for a week’s stay in Lassi, the nearest beach resort to the island’s capital town, Argostoli. It has a rich history that includes a strong Italian influence due to a period of Venetian rule, and English is very much the second language due to a more recent spell of British rule.

Our interest in visiting this Greek island came from a very well travelled work colleague who couldn’t recommend it more highly, especially the serene beauty of Myrtos beach, and the picturesque fishing village of Assos – ‘a little peace of heaven’ – and she was so right! After our original visit we have now been holidaying here over the past decade, and purchased our apartment in 2003 in Argostoli as we wanted to enjoy a ‘real piece of Greece’ both during the summer season (May – October), and over the winter months (November – April).

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis de Bernieres acclaimed epic tale is one of the most popular British novels of the past decade. The Greek island of Kefalonia is at the heart of this love story, which is written with a deep affection for the people of the island as much as the island itself. Little did we know on our first visit that filming had begun in January 2000, and the movie would bring new visitors to it’s shores. However, Kefalonia has resisted the sort of development that has overtaken Corfu and Zante, and some of it’s neighbours, to remain an unspoilt destination with stunning scenery and top quality beaches.

Kefalonia is situated at the entrance of the Patraikos gulf (gulf of Patras) between Zakinthos and Lefkada. A narrow channel separates it in the northeast from Ithaca, the island that has connected it’s name to the wandering Odysseus. You can catch a ferry (takes around half an hour) early morning from Sami across to Ithaca and tour the island by car or bike in a day – Kioni and Vathy being of personal recommendation, but all the scenery is simply stunning!

We really hope you enjoy your stay!

Philip & Sarah