WITHOUT question the Greek island of Kefalonia owes a huge amount to its recent rise in tourism popularity to a book and a big-name movie.
It’s now 26 years since Louis de Bernieres ’bestseller “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” was first published.
Seven years later Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz and John Hurt starred together in the hit Hollywood movie of the book’s story of the mandolin playing Italian officer and a local girl betrothed to one of the island’s fishermen during WWII. The film’s portrayal of this intensely picturesque island, the Ionian Sea’s largest, catapulted its natural beauty centre stage, luring visitors by the jet-load to its shores.
Recently charter flights direct from several Scottish airports made it even easier for us to visit.
We await with interest how travel freedom will be impacted post lockdown and how such destinations will bounce back. High on many Kefalonia itineraries is a trip to Antisamos Beach where many of the film scenes were shot.
It doesn’t disappoint.
If pretty beaches are your thing, visit Myrtos Beach too. Bear in mind this beach is made up of round, dazzling white pebbles so not much fun if you go bare foot.
Kefalonia’s recent history hasn’t been all movie glitz.
In 1953 a devastating earthquake hit the island, destroying almost every home.
Tragically, 600 perished and, in a huge blow to the economy, 100,000 residents left the island to settle elsewhere.
They left behind a population today standing at less than 40,000. Tourism played a huge part in their survival.
Drive around the coastline, the golden beaches, towering cliffs and rugged mountains and some of the 365 villages and you begin to understand why Kefalonia’s popularity rises.
Thyme-infused cliffside walks are a pleasant assault on your senses. I opted to staying in Svoronata lying 7km–and a two Euros bus trip from the island’s capital Argostoli which is also well worth at least an afternoon’s visit.
Svoronata is aptly described as ‘sleepy’, ideal for a much-needed breakaway when normality resumes. Alongside a handful of hotels and apartment blocks are Several restaurants with superb out looks, perfect for viewing spectacular sunsets.
There are pretty beaches within easy walking distance, several of them, including the aforementioned Ammes, well provided with cafes, toilets and showers. Lunch on Ammes beach of Greek salad and a tub of deliciously freshly cut watermelon was hard to beat. Another advantage of Svoronata is the quick transfer time, less than 15 minutes from the island’s expanding airport.
Other highlights of our stay included a day trip–by coach and boat–to the isle’s northern-most tip and the fishing village of Fiskardo.
It’s real picture postcard stuff–with the island’s only post-quake, surviving Venetian properties painted in pastel colours. Locals claim A-listers such as Madonna and Tom Hanks are often seen dining in high season in little harbourside restaurants. We missed out on the big stars… But another ‘star’of this is land was the stylish, traditional fishing village of Agia Efimia, popular with the sailing community. Housing some first-class eateries, the Spathis Art Café is a true winner in my book.
Its home-baked orange pie was mouth-watering.
Savouring the stunning views and mouthfuls of delicious cake.
I totally appreciated why Captain Corelli was truly captivated by this Greek island.
EXTRA INFO: We flew from Glasgow with Jet2.Com and stayed in the family-run Hotel Sotiris.
Sightseeing done via a mix of local bus travel and organised tours.
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