Η παραλία-σήμα κατατεθέν της Κεφαλονιάς είναι ο πολυβραβευμένος Μύρτος με τα γαλαζοπράσινα νερά άσπρα βότσαλα και την ανεπανάληπτη θέα που προσφέρει απλόχερα από τα ψηλά και απόκρυμνα βράχια που τον σκιάζουν
Greece may be in the throes of a financial crisis, but on the island of Kefalonia, where the economy is so reliant on tourism, it’s business as usual.
And ‘usual’ for Kefalonia means bare beaches, sick national parks, crystal blue seas and food that makes your heart go boom.
At roughly 304 square miles, Kefalonia is 80 square miles bigger than Ibiza, with only a quarter of the population.
Part of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) owes its name to Kephalos – the first king of the area during the Palaeolithic era.
It is neighbour to the much-talked-about-in-Greek-mythology Ithaca, which you can visit by boat.
But, confusingly, Ithaca and Kefalonia have swapped names during their historic past, so if you’re looking for the home of Odysseus, it’s actually Kefalonia you want.
It’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet and a whole lot more affordable than its Balearic counterparts.
So, if you’re looking for a quick getaway (it’s a three-hour flight) with or without the family, here’s just a few reasons why Kefalonia should be number one on your list.
1. It’s the home of the cheese puff.
Just to be clear: that’s cheese (normally feta) baked in pastry. And it’s heaven.
It’s the home of the cheese puff
2. The views totally suck.
Myrtos beach
3. When it comes to postcards, there’s not beach thong in sight. Stay classy, Kefalonia
4. They have a village – Fiscardo – that’s the only place on the whole island to have survived the 1953 earthquake. And, boy, is it worth the trip
Fiskardo
5. Because if you have an irrational fear of sharks (like I said, it’s irrational) then the beaches are perfect – allowing you to see what’s coming as far as the eye can see…
6. Where else can you buy winter slippers in 40C heat?
slippers
7. You try and match the serenity of this…
8. Because George.
George runs Outdoor Kefalonia and is the Greek version of Bear Grylls. Last year, he kayaked solo for one and a half months from Fiscardo to Venice. He’s your no-nonsense guide for sea kayaking, jeep safaris, caving and gorge adventures.
George runs Outdoor Kefalonia and is the Greek version of Bear Grylls.
9. You can do an oil tasting that Anthony Bourdain would be proud of.
Swiftly followed up with homegrown olives, and Ouzo.
Ouzo
10. Because they have a saint who is pretty much the patron saint of crazy.
Saint Gerasimos was an aristocrat who gave it all up to live in a cave and heal people. So, quite a cool chap then.
St Gerasimos
1. Because in light of the current economic crisis, your visit and your euros are needed more than ever.
Kefalonia relies on tourism to survive. Read this to find out what the Greek debt crisis means for you and your travel plans.
I flew from London Heathrow to Kefalonia via Athens with Aegean Airlines. There are daily flights from London Heathrow to Argostoli, Kefalonia (via Athens) all year-round. You can also fly from Manchester and Birmingham to Athens.
Visit Discover Greece for more info.
Find more from Hannah Berry George at hannahberrygeorge.com or on Twitter and Instagram @veryberrygeorge