With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, mouth-watering cuisine, a rich history and incredible scenery to behold, the Greek Islands really have it all!
The ancient history of Greek civilisation and their culture is something that has inspired and shaped the world we live in today. To be able to visit these beautiful islands and see some of the ancient ruins and architecture is just so special.
What inspires us about Greece is not only the historic aspects of these beautiful islands, but the people living their today. They generally live such simplistic lives. Not over complicated or filled with unneeded stress, but just doing enough to provide themselves with food and shelter, living gratefully and happy as a family should. I suppose it just seems quite different from the typical fast-paced way of life that we see surrounding us back home in the UK. It gives us a reminder to not over complicate our own lives and to try and live with more appreciation day to day, in the moment, rather than always thinking ahead to the next "thing", which is an easy mind-trap to fall into nowadays.
We'd would 100% recommend a trip to any Greek Island, as we've loved every one we've been to so far!.. So if you do, be sure to enjoy the history, the food, the beautiful scenery, and take a lesson from the people who live life simple and with a smile.
Okay, so here are 3 Greek Islands we can recommend visiting - Kefalonia, Kos & Corfu.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is an island in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. The island boasts countless sandy coves and a dry rugged landscape. Its capital is Argostoli. Kefalonia's beautiful coastlines are made up of limestone cliffs, bays and short strips of white sand, such as Myrtos Beach in the north. Many beaches are only accessible on foot or via narrow twisting roads.
In mid-August of 1953 the Ionian islands (in the region between Kefalonia and Zakynthos) suffered a series of 113 recorded earthquakes. One earthquake in particular (known as the Great Kefalonia earthquake) struck the southern Ionian Islands, and was the most destructive of them all, causing all of Kefalonia's buildings to be flattened, except for those in Fiskardo in the far north.
Whilst visiting Kefalonia in September 2022, we actually experienced the effects of an earthquake ourselves. We were laying by our pool with the family when we all felt the ground shake for a few seconds. It was a strange feeling! So after a little Google search, we discovered there had just been an earthquake about 50km out at sea, and we had felt the aftershock of it.
We hired a car whilst in Kefalonia, which we would highly recommend for any Greek island. A car or moped is the best way of getting around and seeing what the island has to offer. We used CBR car rental, which is just outside of Kefalonia's Airport.
Here are some photographs from Kefalonia and some of the locations we visited on the island. We will also include a list of Greek Food to try at the end of this article!
Ammes, Svoronata
The location we were staying.
Ammes Beach
Every morning at around 7.30-8.00am we would walk down to Ammes Beach (about a 10-15 minute walk from our Villa) and have a morning swim. We'd have the beach to ourselves every time. Great start to the day.
Our favourite restaurant, Milos
Our Praying Mantis friend, Derek.
Costa-Costa Beach
A great beach to come for the day. A decent beach bar, a variety of water-sports (if you're in to that), and even VIP Cabanas that looked absolutely amazing. The Cabanas had waiters on call to bring you drinks and snacks, which was a nice touch. But they started from 80 euros each, which was a bit steep for us, so we gave it a miss!
Assos Village & Beach
On the North-West coast of the island lies the picturesque village of Assos. It's filled with colourful buildings, charming little streets, a pebbled beach and plenty of nice coffee shops and cafés.
After getting a coffee and something to eat at the Sea Side café we walked up and around to what Google calls "Assos View Beach". This was a beautiful location for a swim. The water was beautiful. It has a few benches in the shade of the trees too, if you don't fancy lying in the heat of the sun.
Argostoli
The Capital of Kefalonia is Argostoli. Great for shopping, nice restaurants, and a peaceful walk along by the harbour. If you're lucky you might spot turtles that are known for swimming up at certain points at the harbour.
Melissani Cave
It costs about 8 euros per person for about a 15 minute boat tour through this cave on a lake that is famous for it's crystal blue waters. It was nice to see, but of course it is over fairly quickly, so it may not be worth it if you are driving a long distance (out of your way) to visit. Also, our boat guide was very demanding in asking for tips at the end of the tour. He went around to each of us on the boat and held his hand out until we gave him something. Very rude.
Helis Beach
If you're staying in the Ammes (Svoronata) area, this is a good beach to stop by. It had a little Taverna up on the cliffside, which unfortunately we didn't get chance to try, but it looked like a lovely place to sit and have some food. The beach had a decent bar too, which offered a great choice of cocktails and were all reasonably priced!
There were plenty of places we didn't get around to visiting in Kefalonia, such as Myrtos Beach or Fteri Beach (which is accessible by a water taxi from Zola), but we loved what we experienced of Kefalonia, and would highly recommend adding it to your list.
Kos
Kos is known for its numerous sandy beaches, rugged landscapes, quaint villages and it's many Greek and Roman landmarks, particularly in and around Kos Town.
We enjoyed exploring parts of the island on little beach buggies, which you can hire from various locations. They were great fun to get around in!
Paradise Beach
We were staying next to Psalidi Beach, on the east of the island, close to Kos Town.
Kos Town
The Tree of Hippocrates
We'd love to return to Kos one day and explore some of the smaller villages that we didn't get a chance to. If you've ever been to Kos, let us know your recommendations in the comments below!
Corfu
Corfu is a beautiful lush green island, with rugged mountains and gorgeous sandy beaches. Here are a few snaps on our trip to the island a few years back now.
We would recommend horse riding at Arena Horse Riding Stables. The horses were all looked after so well. It was a leisurely ride through some woodland and down to the beach. Very peaceful and a nice experience.
Old Corfu Town
You'll feel like a classic film star walking around the Old Corfu Town, which Unesco has declared a world heritage site.
Kassiopi
A beautiful place to spend the evening. Great choice of restaurants, little boutique shops and a few nice bars to finish the night.
Greek food you must try!
Pork Gyros Wraps with Tzatziki
Dolmades
Moussaka
Mixed Souvlaki
Beef Stifado
Lamb Kleftiko
Greek Cheese Pie
Phyllo Feta Cheese & Honey
Butter Beans in Tomato Sauce
Baklava (desert)
*no food photography here I'm afraid.. you'll just have to take our word for it!
No matter where we go in the world, there is just something about the Greek Islands that draw us back to them. Maybe it's the amazing Greek food, maybe it's the warm and welcoming people of Greece, or maybe it's the simple, satisfying and beautiful memories we have made with our families on those Islands that fuel the desire to return...
Have you ever been to any Greek islands? Comment any recommendations you have below! We'd love to hear them!
Thanks for reading.
Dan & Lois
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