The island of Kefalonia in Greece is the place for beautiful outside adventures. This massive island within the Ionian Sea west of the Peloponnese Peninsula affords mountaineering, caving, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and boat journeys in addition to spectacular seashores.
It’s simple to get to Kefalonia. Levante ferries embark from the ports of Kyllini and Patras on the Peloponnese Peninsula. The ferry journey from Kyllini to Poros takes 1.5 hours. The ferry journey from Patras to Sami takes 3 hours. A automobile is beneficial to get round this mountainous island, however there are many day excursions for these with no automobile.
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Sea Kayaking Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
Top-of-the-line methods to discover Kefalonia is from the water. Subsequently, a sea kayaking journey alongside the lacy coast is a can’t-miss outside journey in Kefalonia. You’ll glide alongside on impossibly blue water, cease on distant seashores to swim and snorkel, and marvel at immense chalky limestone cliffs.
We did a day-long sea kayaking journey out of Argostoli alongside the southwest coast with one of many premier sea kayaking outfitters in Greece. The journey with Sea Kayaking Kefalonia was a spotlight of our journey to Greece. The corporate makes use of wonderful sea kayaking tools, has expert guides, and offers secure and exhilarating sea kayak journeys. I can hardly wait to return for considered one of their multi-day journeys.
We began the tour on the ivory-colored lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi saturated within the morning mild. After introductions and sea kayaking classes, we paddled south alongside the rugged coast. Quickly, we noticed sea arches and caves etched into the limestone cliffs. Subsequently, the enjoyable started! With instructions from our sea kayaking information, we paddled by way of the arches and into the caves.
The ochre-colored arches contrasted with the emerald-green water as we adopted the information by way of the rock home windows. Sea arches are fashioned when a sea cave’s facet falls in by being impacted by wave motion.
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Seaside Caves and Cliffs of Kefalonia
After enjoying comply with the chief by way of some arches, we entered our first cave. Spelunking by kayak is unimaginable. Stalagmites grasp from the darkish ceiling whereas mild sneaks by way of to indicate the again of the cave.
Subsequent, we entered the Sea Urchin cave, so named for the preponderance of sea urchins within the shallow water contained in the cave. Since this cave was lacking a part of its roof, the daylight streamed in to create a ballroom ground of emerald jade.
The journey additionally included stopping at a seashore for wholesome snacks of fruit and cheese. Later we additionally stopped for lunch beneath beautiful limestone cliffs stretched as much as the sky. A standard Greek lunch awaited us after we snorkeled and swam within the teal water.
For an unimaginable outside journey in Kefalonia, be certain that to affix one of many sea kayaking journeys provided by Sea Kayaking Kefalonia. With paddling journeys on many various shorelines of Kefalonia, you can be certain to seek out one which astounds you.
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Coastal Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
The draw of uninhabited seashores alongside a craggy limestone coast with miles of turquoise water enticed me to lease an influence boat to discover it. There are a half dozen corporations that lease self-drive motor boats. You could be a captain for the day to cruise up the coast and cease wherever you need. There is no such thing as a license wanted and the corporate will give directions on find out how to drive and moor the boat.
We went with Boulevard Boat Rent in Agia Efimia. Johnny, who runs the corporate, was an actual professional and spent devoted time mentioning all of the completely different bays to see. He rigorously went over the map and confirmed us what we must always search for on every seashore.
He additionally did a complete lesson on find out how to drive the boat and find out how to anchor it within the bays. You possibly can both anchor in the course of the bay and swim to the seashore or anchor very near shore and cross all of your gear to the seashore. Johnny first confirmed us find out how to do the seashore touchdown and the anchoring on paper. After that, he took us out within the boat for an experiential lesson on the issues he had simply taught us. His security concern was very real. He had learn numerous climate reviews and predicted the climate on our journey completely.
Out of doors Adventures on the Coast of Kefalonia by Motorboat
After our security lesson and find out how to navigate the boat, we had been on our approach. The motorboat has a 30-hp engine with a steering wheel to drive. There’s a seashore umbrella and a cooler offered. The cooler was sufficiently big to carry our drinks and lunch. We introduced alongside our personal snorkel gear and our seashore issues.
We headed throughout the harbor previous our favourite restaurant known as Paradise Seaside Bar. There’s a pocket seashore on the base of the restaurant that’s nice to go to from the restaurant. As we rounded the purpose, the climate improved and the uneven waves began to subside. We motored up the coast at between 20 and 30 mph taking our time to benefit from the stunning surroundings. Spectacular white and rusty limestone cliffs lined in inexperienced alongside the northern coast of Kefalonia had been on one facet. Moreover, throughout an expanse of water on the opposite facet was Ithaca Island.
Distant bay and uninhabited seashore
It took about an hour to motor as much as the restrict of the route on the shore. We discovered an uninhabited bay with a pleasant seashore and shade beneath a craggily olive tree. There have been previous ruins on the seashore that added to the allure. I slowly motored the boat into the sunshine blue water the place we tossed down the anchor and did a tremendous shore touchdown that might make Johnny happy with his pupils. We spent a beautiful afternoon within the secluded bay of a number of colours of blues and greens.
As we lunched beneath the olive tree, some goats got here all the way down to the water. They stayed somewhat distant away as they curiously watched us. There have been larger goats with curling horns and a few child goats too. We had heard their cries within the bush earlier than we noticed them. They’d come all the way down to the water to drink out of somewhat facet spring.
Snorkeling Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
After sunbathing and swimming at our non-public seashore, we headed off to a different bay for snorkeling. This time we simply anchored and dove off the boat. The snorkeling was the most effective we’ve seen but in Kefalonia. Properly, it was not the Caribbean however there have been loads of colourful fish. My favourite was a neon fish with loopy purple patterns round its physique. I additionally love the colleges of white fish with a black spot on them that blended in so completely with the white sand of the depths.
After snorkeling, after which climbing again on the boat through the little ladder on the again, we pulled up the anchor and explored caves alongside the coast. Lastly, it was time to move again. We known as Johnny and he met us on the dock to take the boat. The price of the boat was €130 for the day from 9 to five, plus gas. We used half a tank of gas which was €30. It was all cash nicely spent for this spotlight reel of a day.
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Caving Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
Boat in Melissani Cave
Melissani Cave and Drogarati are two caves in Kefalonia which might be spectacular outside adventures. Melissani Cave is a big cavern with {a partially} collapsed roof very similar to a cenote within the Yucatan. The lake within the cave is an unreal turquoise colour from the daylight. There’s additionally a darkish a part of the cave the place stalactites and flowstone grasp from the limestone ceiling. An island separates either side of the cave.
A go to to the cave includes strolling by way of a stone tunnel till you attain the lake. A ship rowed by a captivating Greek man takes a boatload of 6-8 passengers by way of the cave. The perfect time to go to is noon as the daylight permeates the crystal clear water all the best way to the underside of the lake.
The cost for the cave is 8 euros. Nevertheless, you will get a mix ticket with entry to Drogarati Cave for 10 euros. There’s a cafeteria and different facilities on website. The cave is situated close to Sami within the small city of Karavomilos. You may also get a non-public tour of the cave and a close-by spectacular distant seashore.
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The unlit facet of Melissani Cave
Drogarati Cave
Drogarati is a dry cave close to Sami that’s open to the general public. It’s extra like a standard cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites lit by synthetic mild. There are stairs to descend into the cave. It may be slippery, nevertheless, among the stairs are carpeted to forestall falls. The cave is big and takes about an hour to discover all of it. Because the go to is unguided, make sure to not contact any of the cave formations. A cave is a residing system and oil out of your palms can hinder the expansion of cave formations.
The cost for Drogarati Cave is 5 euros, however once more, you will get a mix ticket for each caves for 10 euros.
Here’s a incredible tour of the 2 caves plus Myrtos Seaside, essentially the most beautiful seashore in all of Greece.
Mountain climbing Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
Whereas there are various signposted hikes in Kefalonia together with Mount Ainos, I’ll spotlight the Assos fort hike right here. Beginning on the most picturesque city in Kefalonia, the hike ascends by way of a pine forest to an historical fort atop the mountain. There are views of the charming city of Assos from completely different vantage factors on the hike. The view of the shimmering emerald inexperienced and turquoise blue harbor dotted with a few white sailboats and a putting previous stone city is the most effective of the Greek islands.
The 4-mile spherical journey hike begins at a car parking zone in town outskirts. You trek alongside a large stone path up many switchbacks with unimaginable vistas alongside the best way. There’s one place the place you’ll be able to go left up the staircase to chop off among the large street switchbacks. I’d suggest you do that on the ascent, as there are positive panoramas alongside the best way. The hike is generally within the solar so carry water and put on a very good solar hat.
The Assos fort space is a posh of fortifications constructed when Kefalonia was beneath Venetian rule to guard towards navy invasion or pirates. Stonewall barricades had been constructed all through the peninsula to protect the fort. I marveled on the work put into these tons of of stone ramparts constructed within the 1500s. The highest of the mountain is roofed with ruins of homes and extra preserved yellow-faced buildings. A few of these are previous church buildings. The fort itself is generally in destroy apart from the spectacular entrance gate.
Assos Village
After visiting the fort entryway, discover the path again all the way down to the city of Assos. There might be a brand new view of the city round every paved switchback. You’ll stroll previous majestic cypress and olive bushes. One flowering tree filled with pollen-laden branches was abuzz with tons of of bees.
On the base of the hike throughout from the car parking zone is a candy pocket seashore good for a dip after a scorching hike. There are picnic tables and shaded benches to chill out with a view of paradise.
Be sure you discover the slim streets of the village. Stone homes with terracotta roofs are nestled within the hills and beside the harbor. Trellises of flowers are a frequent sight.
To get to the parking for the fort hike, you drive by way of city. As you drive into the city of Assos, there might be indicators pointing to the fitting for parking. Nevertheless, as an alternative of following the parking indicators, go left on the fork by way of the city and on to the spacious car parking zone on the base of the hike. On very busy days, this in all probability isn’t attainable however in October there was loads of parking.
In case you don’t have a automobile, a wonderful day journey to the colourful villages of Asos and Fiscardo is simple to rearrange.
Logistics of Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
Automobile rental in Greece
Having a automobile is crucial in Kefalonia to get to the superb outside adventures of the island. I take advantage of Uncover Vehicles and suggest it to your Greek rental. Uncover Vehicles works with dependable native automobile rental corporations to provide the finest value and rental expertise. I’ve used them usually and have at all times been proud of the automobile rental.
We rented our automobile in Athens as we had been additionally visiting different components of the Greece mainland. Subsequently, we took the automobile on the ferry. Verify the automobile rental agreements to see which of them assist you to take their automobiles on the ferry. You may also lease in your port of entry on Kefalonia.
Lodging in Kefalonia
Probably the most central place to remain in Kefalonia to be near outside adventures is Agia Efimia. This charming seaside city has a beautiful vibrance and it’s near the outside adventures talked about right here.
E book rapidly to safe one of many Poseidon Flats. They provide each studios and residences with a view of the Ionian Sea. Breakfast there may be incredible and the workers is heat and pleasant.
Blue Moon House is a spacious one-bedroom condominium with an ample balcony overlooking the ocean. It’s near city so you’ll be able to benefit from the pulse of this picturesque city.
One other alternative is the seafront lodge Kefalonia Bay Palace with breathtaking views of the Ionian sea. The lodge with suites has a pool and affords breakfast. It’s a brief stroll to our favourite restaurant in Agia Efimia. Undoubtedly make sure to dine at Paradise Seaside Restaurant for genuine Greek meals and views and desserts to die for.
Staying in contact in Greece
Using E-sim playing cards together with your smartphone is a incredible approach to have knowledge when you’re not close to WiFi. I take advantage of an Airalo E-SIM card that’s tremendous simple to arrange. No extra discovering a bodily SIM card on the airport and making an attempt to put in it in your telephone. Airalo playing cards might be arrange electronically earlier than you allow in your journey.
You possibly can select how a lot knowledge you need and it’s simple to high them up when you run out. You possibly can’t make telephone calls immediately however I take advantage of WhatsApp to make telephone calls on the sim card knowledge.
Journey Insurance coverage
It’s a good suggestion to guard your journey to have peace of thoughts to take pleasure in it to the max. World Nomads is my most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm. Get a free quote to see if it really works for you.
Wrap Up of Out of doors Adventures of Kefalonia
Out of doors actions on the Greek island of Kefalonia are the proper approach to discover the pure great thing about the island. Apart from the beautiful seashores reminiscent of Myrtos and Antisamos, Kefalonia packs a wealth of out of doors journey.
Whereas mountaineering is marvelous on Kefalonia, above all, ensure you see the island from the water. You can be awed by colourful cliffs, fascinating grottos, and pristine seashores as you discover by kayak or powerboat. Whether or not you’re taking excursions or DIY journeys, you gained’t run out of spectacular outside adventures on Kefalonia.
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