Kefalonia, an island of exquisite beauty (stunning photos)

Kefalonia (Cephallonia) is the largest island in the Ionian Sea along Greece’s western coast. It is known for its crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, medieval castles and monasteries, and recently, as serving as the setting of the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”.

Myrtos Beach, northwest of the island, is ranked as one of the best in the world due to the shade of turquoise as the waves pick the fine marble sediments creating sediment plumes. The steep cliffs framing the beach give it a dramatic effect.

Xi beach is definitely one of the most famous beaches on the island. Surrounded by white rocky hills and reddish brown sand, it is called Xi due to the fact that the cove where it sits is X-shaped. Shallow waters are ideal for kids!

The sky-blue lake was originally hope of the nymphs. Legend has it that the nymph Melissanthi drowned herself here over unrequited love for god Pan. Hauntingly beautiful it is a unique phenomenon created by water erosion of calcerous rocks.

Drogarati Cave was discovered 300 years ago and opened to the public in 1963. The cave was discovered after a strong earthquake that revealed its entrance. Speleologist say that the cave is about 150 million years old and is a rare geological phenomenon with its beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

The Church of Agia Paraskevi in Lepeda is tucked away at the end of Lepeda Beach. It sits on the remains of an ancient monastery.

Assos is a picturesque village north of Argostoli. Home to 100 people it is a magical place to visit thanks to its traditional architecture and colorful, narrow alleyways.

Dating back to the Byzantium, St. George’s Castle took its current form in the early 16th century from the Venetians who liked to build their forts close to the sea in order to command the trade ruits. The old fort sits at the edge of the Livatho Valley and has fallen into the hands of the Byzantines, Franks and Turks before Venetians liberated it from the Turks in 1500.

Mount Ainos is known for its dense forest, home to a number of species that are endemic to Greece. The area has been designated as a National Park.