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The mild Mediterranean climate is common to all the Ionean islands with rainy winters and dry hot summers. Winds are never very strong even in summer although rainfall is higher than in the Aegean islands. Kefalonia is noted mainly for the publicity it received after World War II with the publication of Louis de Bernière's book "Captain Corelli's Mandolin." The neighbouring much smaller island of Ithaca (also spelt Ithaka), is remembered from the classics as the mythical birthplace of Odysseus.
For many tour operators "island hopping" around Greece has become a major tourist attraction. Its popularity is largely due to the fact that since the islands have such rocky interiors, they can only truly be explored by boat. If planning this approach in order to have a relaxing holiday or exploring the multitude of caves, isolated beaches coastal villages and ancient history, then contact Bluewater Charter Department. Their brokers will help solve any problems and a choice selection of motor yachts to charter in Greece. The capital of Kefalonia is a good place to anchor and go ashore since it has everything the itinerant traveller needs to start a restful holiday. Looking at the places of interest around and in Agostoli we have the beaches and restaurants at Lepeda and Minia. If staying ashore is needed there are many hotels in the city centre and on the other side of the Agostoli Bay is the Cephalonia Palace Hotel. Although suffering damage from an earthquake in 1953, Agostoli in the past fifty-seven years has rebuilt much of its Venetian heritage and has two Museums and several Art Galleries in the town. The Assos Castle is the largest in the Greek islands and is some 22 miles outside Agostoli. This is a European Heritage Site, which together with its sandy white Mytos beach is well worth a visit. A full half-day should be allowed for this trip that can be approached from the sea by yacht or by local tour guides. This is probably the most photographed spot on the island.
If circumnavigating the island is planned, sailing north to the little port of Fiskardo is recommended. This fishing village that was built on rock has withstood the 1953 earthquake and retains much of its Venetian heritage. The harbour is lined with bars and restaurants and yachts are double-parked in the water. If snorkelling is something of interest this is the place to spot the baby octopus and the many colourful fishes. Moving down the coast by yacht to Sami on the eastern side of Kefalonia the major attractions are the Melissani and Drogarei caves that can only be explored in small boats. The Melissani cave with its underground lake was partially damaged in the 1953 earthquake and now has its stalactites illuminated by the sun. It was once the shrine to the god "Pan". Both caves are best seen in mid-morning sunshine.
Using a chartered yacht makes for a simple trip from Sami to see the neighbouring island of Ithaca. Its main city is Vathi which lies on the protected East coast. Vathi has an interesting Folk Lore and Nautical Museum as well as an Archaeological Museum on Kalliakai Street a few minutes from the quayside. The Ithaca western coast has a ragged beauty and is completely different from sailing along the western coast. Gidaki Beach is considered the best beach on the island but is only accessible from the sea.
