Experience Adventure On The Ionian Greek Island Of Kefalonia

Heading to the Greek Islands is like a dream come true and some, like Kefalonia, offer more than just beauty due to their fascinating landscapes. Also known as Cephalonia, this largest Ionian Island offers magical landscapes and waterfront villages. Meanwhile, when not relaxing on the beaches in its pretty coves, visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters off the coast, full of colorful fish.

For anyone seeking peace and quiet, the island’s interior has vineyards, meadows and Mediterranean oak forests to explore. Meanwhile, despite the fact that Kefalonia’s historic Venetian architecture was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953, villages like Fiskardo and Assos still retain the past with fascinating streets to explore.

While this Greek island has all of this, it is also the perfect destination for those seeking adventure in paradise. Let’s explore some of its geological wonders, including a spectacular cave and a beguiling lake.

Activity sports in Kefalonia

With its unique and fascinating geological formations, Kefalonia is a popular diving location, due to its several reefs and underwater caves. Several diving centers have been opened on the island, offering diving adventures in the Ionian Sea, as well as courses for those new to the sport. Besides the ocean, divers can head to the beautiful Melissani Lake, mentioned below, to explore the bottom of the lake.

Melissani Lake, Sami

Sami features two truly spectacular geological formations, located close to each other. One is Melissani Lake, which was named during archaeological excavations in 1951 and 1962. It was while archaeologists were exploring the general area that they came across depictions of the god Pan and the nymph Melissanthia. Moreover, they named the lake Melissani after the mythical nymph.

What makes the lake special is that it was created many years ago when an underground cavern collapsed. This left a massive, circular opening on the surface which filled with water. Meanwhile, when visiting the lake on sunny days between 11 am and 1 pm, it turns a spectacular and otherworldly blue.

Drogarati Cave, Sami, Kefalonia

Close to the lake lies the entrance to another cave, known as the Drogarati Cave. In a similar fashion to the lake, the entrance to the cave was revealed three centuries ago during an earthquake. However, it was only in 1963 that the cave was opened to the public.

Entering the cave reveals spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, but the most famous room in the cave is a huge space named “Sala of Apotheosis.” The 2,952-foot room is illuminated and regularly hosts music concerts, due to its excellent acoustics.

Paragliding and other adventures

Besides diving, a number of Kefalonia’s beaches offer other watersports such as windsurfing and paragliding. Among these are the beaches of Antisamos and Xi on the Lixouri peninsula which is ideal for these sports.

Hikers will appreciate the many old footpaths crisscrossing the island that have been clearly signposted. While hiking the craggy terrain, footpaths take hikers to many interesting spots. These include monasteries, quaint mountain villages, medieval castles and idyllic secluded sandy coves.

Experience adventure on beautiful Kefalonia on your next visit to Greece, taking in the landscapes and everything the island has to offer. Learn more about the island on the official tourism website.