Kefalonia is the largest island of the Ionians and is regarded as one of the most beautiful. This scenic Greek island has an impressive rugged landscape with lush green valleys, beautiful beaches, bays and inlets. The island is popular with families and couples looking for the ideal destination for their package holidays to the Greek islands. The deserted beaches, mountains, sweet smelling pine-clad forests and quaint

Kefalonia

fishing villages add to the islands charm. The book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was set on Kefalonia. Kefalonia plays host to many festivals, religious and cultural events during the year including the Feasts of the Virgin Mary and Agios Gerassimos, the Robola Wine Festival and many musical and theatrical events.

A holiday on Kefalonia can be as restful or as energetic as you wish. You can laze on the long sandy beaches or spend your days exploring the islands traditional villages, archaeological ruins, Venetian castles, orthodox churches and visiting Kefalonia’s atmospheric capital.

Myrtos Beach

Surrounded by vertical rock cliffs, Myrtos is the island’s most popular beach with glorious golden sands and crystal clear blue waters. Surrounded by crystal clear blue water, Kefalonia offers excellent scuba diving facilities for both beginners and experienced divers. The island also offers snorkelling and great sailing opportunities around Kefalonia and the other Ionian Islands. Wakeboarding, parasailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, banana boats and ringos are among the activities offered at the larger resorts on the island.

Walkers and hikers are attracted to Kefalonia for its amazing scenery. Wander around the island following the ancient footpaths found criss-crossing the landscape which will give you an insight into the history of Kefalonia. Cycling is also very popular on the island with many quiet roads, back roads and tracks for you to follow. Enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful unspoilt countryside or speed through the forest-clad mountainous terrain. Stop off on your ride for some relaxation and a refreshing swim at the deserted beaches along the way. Another way to discover the wonders of this beautiful island is on horseback. There are many trails that will lead riders through the olive groves, hills and countryside to the beautiful beaches where both horse and rider can enjoy a relaxing ride. A great way to explore the coastline is by sea-kayak. Discover remote beaches and amazing caves and rock formations as you glide through the crystal-clear blue waters of

Greek Island of Kefalonia

the Kefalonia coastline.

Not to be missed is a visit to Kefalonia’s National Park for the protection of the islands flora and fauna. Other places to visit on your cheap holidays to Kefalonia include the harbour town of Sami where the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed, picturesque Fiskado, the caves at Melissani and Drogorati and the island of Ithaca.

With a typically Mediterranean climate, Kefalonia enjoys long hot sunny summers and mild wet winters. Summers are virtually rain free with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures often reaching 30C. Winters see plenty of rain with temperatures reaching lows of 9C.

Paxos is the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, covering an area of less than ten square miles. The island is dwarfed by its neighbour Corfu and by the Epirus coast of mainland Greece. This tiny green island is only accessible by boat from neighboring Corfu.

The island offers visitors the chance to mix with the native islanders and enjoy a quiet, relaxing holiday close to nature. There are no large hotel complexes on the island and the villas and apartments are set apart from each other with no overcrowding. Paxos does not rely on tourism as it’s main source of income. The island is like a massive olive grove and still produces fine olive oil. This famous olive oil can be bought in the charming traditional village shops, along with wines, honey, cheeses and souvenirs.

Loggos

Day trippers who visit the island from neighbouring Corfu rarely venture past the islands capital Gaios and the quaint little villages of Lakka and Loggos. For those staying longer than a day there is the whole island to explore along coastal paths, old mule paths and country lanes where even at the height of the summer months you will rarely bump into any other people, making Paxos a haven for walkers. Not only does the island offer peaceful woodland walks but also has quaint fishing villages, hidden coves, beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs. Many visitors to the island take a scenic tour of the island by boat to discover the secluded coves and bays, many of which are on the east coast and only accessible from the sea. Boats set sail from Gaios, Lakka and Loggos which are all natural harbours.

Due to high temperatures and warm waters, the islands beaches attract beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, particularly the main beach at Lakka. Water sports on offer include wind-surfing, parasailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing and pedalos. The beautiful crystal clear blue waters and the rugged seabed attract many divers and snorkellers to the island. Exploring the sites and amazing marine life is something not to be missed when on one of the many last minute holiday deals to Paxos. There is a dive school in Lakka that offers tuition and equipment hire. A boat trip to the tiny island of Antipaxos offers beautiful white sandy secluded beaches, just like being on a desert island.

Whether you are looking for an ideal beach holiday destination or a relaxing winter break there are always lots of holiday deals to Paxos available throughout the internet.

Corfu is situated just off the coast of Greece and is the second largest Ionian Island. The island has fantastic beaches which are mainly located in the north and west of the island. However there is much more to Corfu than just beaches. The island is steeped in history, with many historical and archealogical sites to be visited.

Corfu Town itself, on the east of the island of Corfu, is a good spot to spend your last minute holidays as it has lovely beaches and beach activities, good nightlife, restaurants and taverns.

I have just come across this interesting and informative destination guide to Corfu which will give you an insight into this perfect holiday island.

Aqualand, located near to Corfu Town, has many slides and activities and is one of the best aquaparks in Europe. A day out here is a day to remember.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.