Lourdas has long been a favourite destination for visitors to the Greek island of Kefalonia. Lying off the Western coast of Greece, Kefalonia is not only the largest of the Ionian islands, but probably also the most beautiful. The presence of Mt Ainos, the third highest mountain in Greece, ensures plentiful rain in the winter, as the warm air currents from the sea rise above the mountains. The resulting greenery belies the long dry summers.

Until the the release of the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin starring Nicolas Cage, Kefalonia was a well-kept secret among those in the know (although the island has always been one of the most popular holiday destinations for Italians and mainland Greeks). The result is an island which has not yet succumbed to the heavily commercialised exploitation seen in many other resorts.

Lourdas is one of those areas to which people return time after time (see our testimonials page), citing the beauty and peace of the area, the friendliness of the locals, and the fabulous bay of Lourdas, with its seemingly never-ending beach, and clear blue shallow waters. There are also many other smaller beaches in area, such as Kanali beach, which is only 300 metres from Christoforos Apartments.

Kefalonia is home to a number of fascinating phenomena, the strangest of which is the underground river which runs from Katavothres (on the coast between Lassi and Argostoli, via the underground Mellisani Lake to Karavomilos Lake, and finally to the sea in Sami bay.  Water enters the river via sink holes at Katavothres and flows east under the island - a journey which takes fourteen days!  A visit to Mellisani lake is well worth it. The underground lake was discovered in 1951, and, subsequently, part of the roof collapsed, allowing sunlight to reach the centre of the lake. A boat trip on the lake is a must for new visitors to the island, but be careful, looking down into the clearest blue water, you are bound to see items such as cameras, sunglasses and other valuables which have been dropped by the unwary over the years!

Quite close to Mellisani is the Drogarati Cave , which is also quite fascinating with its stalagmites and stalactites, and impressive acoustics (Maria Calas performed here). Be sure to take a jacket or cardigan, as it’s quite cool in the cave. A good day out is a trip to Drogarati and  Mellisani, followed by a late lunch in Sami or Agia Evfemia.

Mount Ainos (pronounced Ennos) is the third highest in Greece, at 1.62 Kilometres, and his home to the famous wild horses of Kefalonia. There is a road leading to near the summit, and the fitter of you will probably enjoy the walk from the car park to the top.

The scenery of Northern Kefalonia is quite spectacular, with wooded mountains and hills, and breathtaking views to the sea. If travelling north to Fiskardo (the picturesque village which survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1953) you will pass the famous Myrtos bay.  A good day out is to visit Fiskardo in the morning, followed by lunch in Assos , another earthquake survivor which is beautiful, peaceful, and overlooked by a medieval Venetian fortress.

Christoforos Apartments, Vlachata, Leivathos 28100
Kefalonia, Greece.   Tel: +30 210 4834545, Mob: +30 6945 755 662