Cephaloniá

Cephaloniá (which has various similar spellings of its name) is the largest of the Ionian Islands, with only Corfu rivaling it for visitor attractions and a variety of things to do and see. Its highest point is the dramatic Mount Aínos, rising to 5,341 feet (1,628 m) and covered with forests of the Greek Fir tree, Abies Cephallonica, named after the island but also found elsewhere. Down at sea level Cephaloniá has some beautiful beaches, notably the picture-postcard Mirtós Beach on the west coast, while the beautiful little port of Fiskárdo lies at the northern tip of the island. Fiskárdo is one of the few places to have escaped a ...

Cephaloniá (which has various similar spellings of its name) is the largest of the Ionian Islands, with only Corfu rivaling it for visitor attractions and a variety of things to do and see. Its highest point is the dramatic Mount Aínos, rising to 5,341 feet (1,628 m) and covered with forests of the Greek Fir tree, Abies Cephallonica, named after the island but also found elsewhere. Down at sea level Cephaloniá has some beautiful beaches, notably the picture-postcard Mirtós Beach on the west coast, while the beautiful little port of Fiskárdo lies at the northern tip of the island. Fiskárdo is one of the few places to have escaped a devastating 1953 earthquake, so the town retains an old-world charm not found elsewhere. You can read about the earthquake in one of the museums in the capital, Argostóli, which is well worth a day or two of your time. Other attractions include the fishing village of Ássos, the port of Sámi, the Melissáni Cave and the Drogoráti Cave.

About the Expert

Mike Gerrard is the author of the National Geographic Traveler Guide to Greece, as well as guides to Athens, Crete, Corfu, the Greek Mainland, and the Greek islands for publishers including AA, AAA, Thomas Cook, Dorling Kindersley, Michelin, and New Holland. With his wife Donna Dailey, he also publishes the Greece Travel Secrets website.