Fiskardo, Kefalonia - an ideal blend of colorful houses, yachts and ruins

Fiskardo is what some call Kefalonia's venetian coastal village. Part of the municipal unit of Erisos it is the northernmost port of Kefalonia, a short distance from Ithaca.

Fiskardo is well known for its colorful houses, busy harbor and romantic views. The coast around Fiskardo is mainly rocky with numerous pebble-beached coves. The port serves ferry routes to the ports of Ithaca and Lefkada. Kefalonia International Airport is located 61 km away from Fiskardo, approximately 1 hour 30 min by car.

Fiskardo and the dense forest in the surrounding area have been declared areas of great natural beauty and are protected under Greek law. In recent years a small tourist industry has developed, centered on luxury villas in the area around the village.

Fiskardo has been identified with the ancient town Panormos, mentioned by the 5th-century BC Greek historian Herodotus. Unlike most of Kefalonia, Fiskardo escaped from destruction by the 1953 Ionian earthquake and it has kept its original architecture. This makes it an understandably popular spot for tourists.

And it’s not just an excursion highlight for package tourists, but Fiskardo is one of the most popular places in the Ionian for visiting yachts thanks to its natural harbor. Its winding waterfront is lined with luxury boats, upmarket seafood restaurants and it is home to some of the priciest real estate in all of Greece thanks to the patronage of the rich and the famous who drop by on the megayachts.

Fiskardo is not a quiet village, maybe only in the winter time, otherwise the streets are busy in the summer days with tourists that spend their holiday there or come to visit from all over the island and Lefkada or Ithaka. The village has numerous colorful houses, restaurants and bars by the sea side, a bit pricey compared to the rest of the island.

Also you can visit small hidden gems such as the Roman Cemetery, the ruins of some old houses or the square with the frog statue in its center. There are also few small beaches at the end of Fiskardo, more appropriate for a quick dip at the end of a hot day. But you don’t have to travel far along the coast in either direction to hit some beautiful pebble coves with crystal clear water for swimming. The most famous are Emplisi, Foki, Kimilia and Dafnoudi.

I've personally been to Fiskardo many times during my 7 summers on Kefalonia. This summer I wanted to show to some of my friends the village and few easy hike trails around it. For sure the village was not as busy as it used to be the previous summers, due to the pandemic. We've been around the bay all around 'till we reached the ruins of an early Christian basilica (6th century). From that point we tried to hid from the summer heat under the cypress and olive trees.

Only 2-3 hundred meters away we visited the Lighthouse, which actually you can admire only from outside, and then the ruins of the Venetian Lighthouse. Beautiful boats were anchored in the bay of Fiskardo as we returned to the village.

We've continued our 1 day trip to the beautiful Emplisi beach, which in August was absolutely crowded. So instead we've decided to explore a small beach that I've told you all about in a prevoius post, Kimilia. Afterwards we've spend the late afternoon getting to and exploring the charming Dafnoudi.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi

The marvelous beaches of Erissos, northern Kefalonia

Erissos is the name of the northern part of Kefalonia, Greece. The highlights include two of the most impressive villages of the island, the picturesque Assos and the colorful Fiskardo . The rest of the area has numerous villages with traditional houses.

 Assos

Fiskardo

Wild nature, beautiful beaches with blue crystal clear waters and stunning views make this region a corner of paradise.

Emplisi

The painting is completed by forests of cypress trees, unique rock formations and stunning views towards Ithaka, Lefkada and, on a clear day, mainland Greece.

Dafnoudi

I will leave aside the main beaches of Assos and Fiskardo as they are pretty busy, especially in the high season and I will concentrate on the pristine ones.

Kimilia

The beaches predominantly have white pebbles, crystal clear water and they are surrounded by lush vegetation.

Alaties is a small cove, surrounded my rocks. There is a nice restaurant near by, with great dishes and beautiful sunset view.

Alaties

Dafnoudi and Kimilia are hidden among trees and rocks. Perfect for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing, they are to be found after a nice walk through the forest.

Escape the daily murmur and find your own piece of nice and quiet on these beaches. Don't forget your swimming shoes, water and food.

Foki

Emplisi is a bit more touristic but the views are stunning. It is quite close to Fiskardo and a 5 stars hotel. There are olive trees on the beach, a parking and a small shop for refreshments and snacks. Explore the forest near by and discover amazing rock formations, both natural and man made.

Evreti

On the eastern coast you will find Foki, Xylokaravo, Evreti and Kamini beaches.

They are all small oasis of pure tranquility. The last 3 are best to visit by boat.

Dive into the Ionian blue, read a book under the olive trees and explore the raw, beautiful greek nature. Again, don't forget to take everything you need with you as these beaches have no shops, sunbeds or umbrellas.

Well, if you are a nature lover and a day on the beach, among the trees is your favorite way of spending it, then you are in for a treat.

My favorites from the above are Kimilia, Emplisi and Foki.  Which are yours?

Looking for an experience to remember on the biggest greek island of the Ionian Sea? Look no further.
Here are the best places to visit on this corner of paradise

Sunset lovers, here are the best places on Kefalonia to watch the incredible end of the day.

Be sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook. 

Till next time, take care!

Beldi

10 Reasons why to visit Kefalonia

Hello, travel addicts! Today I'm gonna write my 10 reasons why to visit the mesmerising island of Kefalonia, Greece. So if you're looking for a wild paradise where to make your next summer holiday then you are in the right place.

Kounopetra beach

I've travelled to many different places in Greece in the past 10 years while I was working there in the tourism domain. Sometimes I think that I've seen more in Greece than in my own country, Romania. I've been to Crete and Rhodes twice each, Santorini, Aegina, Athens, Thesaloniki, Meteora, Ioanina and many other places, but my heart is in Kefalonia. In 2013 I arrived there for a first 4 months season and I kept on going back for 4 summers.
Here are my 10 reasons why you should visit Kefalonia.

Platia Ammos beach

1. The beaches and the scenery

The most amazing thing about Kefalonia is that you have a wide range of beaches, from sandy ones to the ones covered with white pebbles, shallow water, deep water, green to blue, busy to secluded, surounded by rocks or green forests - take your pick.

Antisamos beach 

Emplisi beach

Petani and Antisamos are my favourite ones, amazing clear blue water and breath taking panoramas. I also enjoy Makri Gialos , it is a more lively beach with a bar, water sports, plenty of sunbeds and youngsters. I adore the less known beaches such as Emplisi or Avithos and also the secluded ones which you can reach only by boat such as Platia Ammos or White Rocks. I also have to mention the most advertised beach which is Myrtos; looking forward to do paragliding next summer.

Makri Gialos beach

Skala beach

2. Ainos Mountain

Ainos Mountain is the tallest mountain in Kefalonia, with an elevation of 1,628m. Most of the mountain range is designated as a National Park area and is covered with Greek fir and black pine. Semi wild ponies inhabit its forest. On clear days, the view includes the NW Peloponnese and Aetolia along with the islands of Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca. There are couple of hiking paths for the ones interested in that, also couple of little caves and plenty of protected species of flowers. The view is absolutely fantastic. In the winter the mountain is mostly covered in snow. It is a must see while on the island.

 Ainos Mt.

Myself on Ainos Mt.

3. Churches and monasteries

Greeks are christian ortodox and they are very traditional when it comes to religion. Churches and monasteries are to be found in every town, village, even in the smallest one. The protector of the island is Saint Gerasimos, the church of Saint Gerasimos is a well visited place, situated between Argostoli and Sami. Other beautiful churches you can find in the capital, Argostoli. Personally I prefer the secluded and private ones such as Kipoureon on Paliki peninsula or the small blue one on the left side of Atheras bay, which I was lucky enough to get a private tour 2 years ago.

Inside Kipoureon Monastery 

Church on the way to Skala

4. Picturesque villages and harbours

You can find the most colourful and wonderful villages on Kefalonia. Enjoy the hundreds of boats, a great meal and beautiful scenery in the amazing Fiskardo. Choose Assos for an italian atmosphere next to the ruins of the citadel. Have a tasty greek coffee in the morning in Lixouri at one of the many coffee shops in the main square. Get lost exploring even smaller villages and stop at the local fish tavernas for a fresh meal. Walk the streets to really feel the authentic life of the kefalonian people.

Assos

Assos

My favourite villages must be Assos and Fiskardo with their colourful rooftops, windows and doors, flowers everywhere and the blue water surrounding them.

Colourful Fiskardo

Fiskardo - the harbour

5. Caves and natural phenomenons

The most well known caves are Drogarati with its stalagmites and stalactites, a great place where sometimes are taking place small opera concerts. Maria Callas is known to sing there; Melissani is close to Drogarati and is well known for the cold blue water inside of it and the fallen ceiling. Have a short boat ride and refresh yourselves on the hot days of summer in the cave of the Pan's nymphes. An interesting phenomenon is Katavothres, a place close to Argostoli where the water enters under the surface just to get out two weeks later close to Sami. There are watermills in these two places, in the first one even a great restaurant/bar and a lighthouse, and near the other one a lake and a church.

Melissani Cave

 Drogarati Cave

St Theodore Lighthouse

6. Castles and citadels history

For the history lovers there are couple of places to visit such as the ruins of the Castle of St. George which was the old capital of the island before Argostoli, the view is beautiful having Aenos Mt. on one side, Lassi area, Argostoli and the Ionian Sea on the other. If you are into hiking I recommend you to go all the way up to the ruins of the citadel of Assos, the panorama is worthed. In Fiskardo you can find some ruins, such as the roman cemetery or in Skala, the remains of a roman villa.

Argostoli - seen from the Castle of St. George

Assos - seen from the citadel 

7. Food and drinks

Greek people love a great meal, especially dinner. The food is all the time fresh and tasty. Every summer I enjoy having calamari and octopus, greek salad or mousaka on Vatsa and Remezzo beach at the southern part of Paliki peninsula, because they are the closest to the hotel I'm working in, but overall I had amazing lunches and dinners everywhere on the island. Let me not forget about the tasty pyta gyros or souvlaki in Lixouri, late at night, greek style :)
The greek frappe is part of the locals' daily routine and it's the first thing to start the day with or to refresh yourselves during siesta.
I personally like their hospitality and let us not forget about a cold Mythos beer or some Ouzo after an incredible dessert such as greek yogurt with honey and nuts or baklava. Of course you can find some other specific restaurants on the island, especially in the bigger villages and Argostoli. Also I would like to mention that there are couple of wineries where you can buy local products. I recommend you Robola and Foivos for great souvenirs.

Sea food lunch on a taverna near Argostoli

Mythos beer on Vrahinari beach

8. Ways to spend your free time

If you are not the type to lie all day on the beach or to hike, well, there are plenty of other ways to spend your holiday on Kefalonia. There are plenty of water sports on Xi beach, Antisamos or Skala, a water park in Kounopetra, plenty of clubs and pubs in Argostoli, You could even go climbing on the mountain or riding a donkey on wild paths trying to spot the wild horses from the National Ainos Park or simply enjoying the scenery. Tavernas, coffee shops, souvenir shops are everywhere your eyes can see. Personally next year I gotta try paragliding over Myrtos beach and parasailing on Xi.

Argostoli

Water Park - Kounopetra

9. Boat rides

If you feel like changing the car with a boat you could either rent a boat from different spots on the island such as Vatsa, Skala or Agia Efimia and take a short tour discovering virgin beaches. If you are the type of person who prefers group tours I reccomend you a trip to Ithaca, the island of Ulysses, or Vardiani for a romantic sunset. Of course you can enjoy a one day trip to Lefkada or Zakynthos.

White Rocks Hotel in Lassi

Secluded "White Rocks" beach in Lassi

10. The people

Last but not least, most certainly I love kefalonians. This is the island where I've never been afraid to hitchhike, the place where I've met the most warm hearted people who invited me in their homes and at their tables. I feel at home, safe and sound, everytime I'm on Kefalonia and every tourist feels the same on their holiday. The island is not very touristic and there are no traffic jams or too much noise. Everyone is here to relax, have a great time and forget for couple of days their busy big city life routine.

Sunset close to Assos

These being said I hope I'll see you next summer on Kefalonia, my second home. This summer I had the amazing surprise to have two romanian couples staying in the hotel I was working in and they told me they came to visit Kefalonia because of my posts on this blog. That was absolutely wow. I wasn't expecting that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sunset from Petani Bay Hotel

Sunset on Myrtos beach

So, what are you waiting for? Book your holiday to Kefalonia and see you on the beach for a Mythos beer.

P.S.: Check out my "Kefalonian" adventures below:

 HERE,   THERE,    EVERYWHERE,   EVERYTIME,   and  EVERY PLACE!!!  

Or my thoughts about the summer of 2016 spent on the island!

Beldi