Lefkas Town

Lefkas means white, and with its white cliffs Lefkada truly is a beautiful island, with quiet country villages and wild beaches on the west coast of the island. It only just qualifies as an island though as it’s separated from the mainland by a canal,but is now easily accessible by means of a swing bridge. The canal that separates the island was originally dug by the Corinths in 600BC which alongside the fortresses built along the causewayare a tell tale of its once glorious past .  While in Lefkas town head to the main square to indulge in some people watching, with cafes and restaurants. It’s thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the town.

Kalamos

A quiet, green island Kalamos is very reminiscent of old Greece, with a village reliant on making a living through fishing it’s very authentic.  In the village of Kalamos you’ll find a mini market and bakery for which to stock up.

Kalamos is also home to Port Leone which is situated on the south of the island, this village has been abandoned since the 1953 earthquake, when the villages water supply was cut off.  Rather than stay to rebuild the villagers left, and only now a few people make it every Sunday to come and clean the church. If you do come to visit this part, the anchorage is deep and you may be lucky enough to moor near the old village ruins.

Kastos

A short sail from Kalamos you’ll find this little island, where you’ll truly feel you’re bareboating. This is a tiny island, its widest part is only 900m wide!  If you’re looking to escape to somewhere where you’ve stepped back in time then this is it. There are no cars on the small roads and the 50 or so permanent residents use boats or walking to get around this island. In the summer months it can rise to 500 people, as friends and family come to visit! (sounds like a great party!)

It’s worthwhile stocking up on some food before you arrive here, so you can have a truly blissful night under the stars and relax completely.

Astakos

A village on the mainland, that has a little tourist trade – albeit manly from local Greeks. It has the charm you’ll become familiar with of local villages, again reliant on a fishing and agricultural trade that makes these hideaways so special.

A strange fact is that this village actually called ‘Lobster’. Although it’s called ‘Lobster’ we’ve yet to find a local restaurant serving this delicacy.. if you do find one, let us know!

Poros

The village of Poros is best describes as picturesque, and its a popular place for many to visit with its long harbour and quayside tavernas.  It’s a quiet, peaceful village with great little tavernas and some amazing views.  It’s only in recent years that a few villas have sprung up, so although it’s expanding as a resort it’s in a very low key way.

Efimia

On the Island of Cephalonia, Efima used to be the main port before the 1953  earthquake, after which is became Sami.  This is in a better position to visit Lake Melissani and the best time to visit is in the middle of a sunny day, as the whole cave turns blue.  It’s also easy to get to Drogarati Cave, which was discovered 300 years ago.  The big hall of the cave has astounding acoustics and is used for concerts and other shows. 

Fiskardo

At the most northern tip of Kefalonia, Fiskardo is a charming and beguiling port village. Famous for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin being filmed there, however a long time before the film was made Kefalonia has long been a popular destination for many a yachtie, Fiskardo in particular.  The life and soul of Fiskardo is based around the waterfront. 

Famous for its preserved Venetian buildings after being the only village not to be devastated by the earthquake in 1953, it helps to keep Kefalonia special.  On the headland towards the west is the village’s lighthouse, well worth a walk to if not only for the mesmerising views on your way back to the water front.

Being a favoured destination it can get extremely busy during the summer months, so it’s advisable to head out in the morning and arrive around lunch time to get a much sought after place on the town quay.  Arriving early to beat the crowds you can take a stroll to one of the beaches and enjoy a spot of sunbathing or head into one of the many restaurants for a hazy day.

Frikes

On the Island of Ithaca you’ll find Frikes, like Kastos it retains an unspoilt charm still maintaining Greek village life and popular with coolest of cool young Ithacans.  It also has a great little beach which attracts a healthy crowd, all enjoying the clear waters.

There are a few tavernas around the main quay, where you can settle down for some good food.  There is also a mini market and a fruit and vegetable van that pays a visit to the village in the mornings, so you can get your ‘rations’ for lunch sorted.

Kioni

On the Island of Ithaca, Kioni is a charming port town with a huddle of traditionally white washed houses, of which many did not survive the 1953 earthquake.  You may initially think that there are a lot more houses than people, and you’d be right! A lot of islanders have left and migrated to the far flung destinations of Australia and the USA.

It’s a bustling little port, with plenty of tavernas and restaurants along the quayside to entertain and pass a night away.   It can become busy, with the day tripper boats that frequent the port in the summer months.

Sivota

Sivota is a serene bay with picturesque views, while being a fairly small bay there are a number of tavernas to choose from, which can get quite lively at weekends – especially if there in September for the South Ionian Regatta when it’s one big party to celebrate the end of regatta week.  Also if feeling the need for an aperitif there are a couple of good watering holes, you can be sure to always have a good night in Sivota.

There is a small mini market in Sivota, and no cash point.  So when arriving here make sure you have enough in your wallet to fund any drinking or eating you’ll be doing!

Meganissi

Meganissi has a sleepy greek village feel to it, it’s a great place to escape to.  One of the main pulling points of Meganissi are the huge and very impressive caves, the most famous being the Papanikolas cave which housed a submarine in WW2. 

The main port is Vathi on the north east coast which has several tavernas and a few shops for those who’ve been summoned to bring presents back. An alternative port is Spilia bay below the cliff top village of Spartahori which offers spectacular views. 

If feeling adventurous why not head inland to the traditional village of Katomeri and partake in some Greek village life and relax with the locals sipping Ouzo or having a frappe!

Palairos

Palairos is a working small Greek village which is popular with Athenians on holiday too, it has unique charm and feels distinctly Greek.  Palairos is a village that’s worth exploring with a lot of the ‘hub bub’ taking place along the strip running close to the beach and the town square, where you’ll find some particularly good cheesy pasta! 

If feeling energetic and you want to stretch your legs, then take a stroll up through the village towards the church and you’ll also find mini markets around here, that’s if you make it past the bakery!