Fiscardo is a picturesque Greek town located on the northern coast of the largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia, about 32 km from Argostoli. This island is the largest among the Ionian Islands located to the west of Greece-the so-called “Western chain” of Greece. The island covers an area of 781 km². The island of Kefalonia is the largest in the ring of the archipelago.
The name Fiscardo is shared by the bay where this small port town is located. During the summer season, many vessels dock in the city harbor, including luxury yachts and fishing boats. There is also regular ferry service to the islands of Ithaca and Lefkas.
Probably, in the area of modern-day Fiscardo, in ancient times there was the city of Panormos mentioned in the 5th century BC by the Greek historian Herodotus. This assumption is supported by some finds discovered in 2005 during the construction of a commercial complex near the city harbor. And in late 2006, during hotel construction, large burials from the Roman era were uncovered. Among the valuable artifacts were numerous gold jewelry pieces, ceramics, glass and bronze items, coins, and much more. Nearby the burial site, archaeologists also excavated a theater that has been preserved quite well, the remains of a residential house, and Roman baths. The discovered structures and historical relics date from 146 BC to 330 AD.
Its modern name, “Fiscardo,” the town received during the period of Frankish rule. It is known that in the 18th century, the city harbor had important economic significance. Fiscardo is one of the few inhabited places on the island that remained practically undamaged after the devastating earthquake in 1953. And today, we can see here a number of well-preserved Venetian structures that create a unique atmosphere and the character of a Mediterranean town. Many excellent restaurants and cafés are located along the waterfront. Here you can not only relax and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine, but also admire beautiful panoramic views of the neighboring island of Ithaca and the snow-white yachts in the port. Not far from the town, there are excellent pebble beaches with crystal-clear water.
ClimateKefalonia has hot summers, very warm spring and autumn, and a humid winter. As early as April, the air temperature often rises to 25 and even 30 degrees, although there may be rain and cool weather as well. The sea water sometimes reaches 20 degrees and higher. Similar weather is typical in October. Perhaps only the sea is warmer in this month. Late July and August are for lovers of consistently hot weather. November and December are less frequent, but they still bring some sunny days, when temperatures rise above the 20-degree mark, while the sea water is somewhere around 19-20 degrees. At night it is cooler, and a drizzle and wind are not uncommon. January, February, and March are the coldest months. Still, if a sunny day happens, the temperature can go over 20 degrees Celsius.
The most picturesque village in Kefalonia is considered to be Fiskardo. If, on one side, the local harbor is lined with beautiful Venetian houses built in the 18th century, then on the other side, there are luxurious yachts. During the holiday season, ferries constantly arrive here, bringing tourists to explore the island. Visitors to the village and souvenir shops have not managed to disrupt the Greek spirit of this little place.
The beaches in this part of the island are pebbly, but they are ideal for swimming, as they are located in sheltered coves, so the sea is almost always calm. The water is crystal clear and cool. The coastline here is indented, very interesting and diverse. Many of the beaches can be reached from the shore, but there are also some that can only be accessed from the sea. In Fiskardo, there is a small private beach just a couple of minutes’ walk from the harbor.
Agia Efimia is a small, cozy fishing village located on the island of Kefalonia, just 6 kilometers from the famous Myrtos beach and 9 kilometers from the island’s main port. Perhaps it is one of the most beautiful places in Greece: you can enjoy a day cruise by yacht or rent a boat to reach hard-to-access beaches. There are fewer winds in Agia Efimia than on the west coast. The best time to visit is late August or early September, when there are fewer tourists and the water is still warm. Within a few minutes’ walk from any hotel complex in Agia Efimia you’ll find seafood restaurants, themed bars, and shops. Many of them operate around the clock, pausing only for a few minutes.
Ithaca - an island sung by the great Homer in the Ionian Sea. It is here, according to legend, that the mythical Odysseus, hero of the Trojan War, who was famed for his cunning mind, ruled. The heart of the island is the town of Vathy, located in one of the largest harbors in the world. Here you can visit fascinating museums, go to the Cave of the Nymphs, where Odysseus hid the gifts of King Alcinous after returning from Troy, climb to the top of Mount Aetos, where the ruins of an ancient acropolis have been preserved, visit the Stavros Museum, stroll through the ancient streets of the village of Anogi, and tour the famous Katharon Monastery. And, of course, as the trip comes to an end, relax on the island’s beautiful beaches. At your service are the municipal pebble beaches of Mnimata, Philliatro and Dexa, the wild beach of Ai Yani, and many others.
For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view them after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.
