THE LAUNCH OF THE BOTIDES. HOLY SATURDAY IN THE IONIAN ISLANDS
Easter in the Ionian Islands is a real explosion of sounds and colours. Did you know that on the morning of Holy Saturday the bells ring for the "First Resurrection" and red terracotta pots are thrown from the balconies, filled with water to make them even noisier?
THE ORTHODOX EASTER, ACTIVITIES FOR LITTLE TRAVELERS
The Easter holidays are an excellent opportunity to introduce your children to Greek traditions. Candles to decorate, eggs to dye red, biscuits to bake together, palm leaves to weave... There are so many activities to do as a family to get to know your next holiday destination better!
THE ISLAND OF ASPHODELS
Is Kefalonia still an "authentic" island? If by authentic we mean faithful to its identity despite the passage of time then it is, without a shadow of a doubt. Is that always an advantage? Sometimes not, as being true to yourself coincides with seeming closed to change, clinging to a simplicity of other times, much more planted on one's own land made of stones rather than gazing at the blue horizon. What does all this have to do with a spring flower? Much more than it may seem.
ON HOLIDAY IN KEFALONIA WITHOUT MEANS OF TRANSPORT?
It's possible, sure, but strongly discouraged. Kefalonia is a naturalistic paradise of 780 square meters, the largest of the Ionian islands. It would really be a shame to spend your stay in just one location given the scenic richness of Kefalonia and the distribution over the entire surface of the island of characteristic villages, traditional festivals and excellent taverns not to be missed.
ON THE WINGS OF A KITE. THE TRADITIONS OF KATAHARA DEFTERA
Just before spring arrives, Greek families flock to the countryside and beaches to fly kites and enjoy a traditional picnic with friends. It's clean Monday, the beginning of Lent, a day full of fascinating customs to be enjoyed with the family, sharing tasty traditional dishes and finally spending it in the open air after the long winter.
THE NAPIER PARK, A GARDEN IN THE HEART OF ARGOSTOLI
Right in the center of Argostoli there is a large iron gate that seems to lead to a secret garden. Little Napier Park sits on a rise just above the town's main square. Surrounded by stone walls in the local style, thanks to its secular trees the park offers a particularly pleasant shaded refuge during the summer heat.
IONIAN, A SEA OF LEGENDS
Looking at the sea means immersing yourself in thousands of years of stories, going down to the depths full of wrecks, letting your thoughts go towards a horizon that has no limit. Like any sea, even the Ionian is an ancient and mysterious blue vastness. There are many legends that aim to explain the name of this sea of unmistakable colours.
CASTLES OF KEFALONIA
The promenade that climbs towards the castle of Assos, on the central western coast of the island, is one of the most famous photographic points of Kefalonia. The view over one of the most beautiful villages of Kefalonia is spectacular at any time of day but it is at sunset that the houses of the village turn golden and the cliffs around the village really seem to shine. The castle of Saint George, located in the southwest of the island, is of equal beauty. From the old walls of the fortress, in fact, you can enjoy an unlimited view of the plain of Argostoli.
NEW YEAR'S EVE IN KEFALONIA
If the entire holiday season in Greece is made special by traditions and legends, the New Year is a real apotheosis of superstitions, religious rituals and some curious habits. From cakes to carols, from pomegranates to cologne, here are 5 New Year traditions in Kefalonia that you might not know about.
ROMAN KEFALONIA, THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES OF FISKARDO AND SKALA
For us Italians, lucky inhabitants of a country rich in historical finds unique in the world and incredible architectural beauties, the discovery of Roman settlements during an excavation activity does not represent a rare and particularly significant event. Should you therefore visit the Fiskardo cemetery and the Roman villa of Skala during your holidays in Kefalonia? Absolutely yes! Coming across Roman finds abroad, in addition to demonstrating that we are not the first "Italians" to have fallen in love with this enchanting island, reminds us how intertwined the history of Mediterranean countries is and how much these contacts have enriched all the civilizations involved... And if you're traveling with little explorers, this break from the beach is sure to be a great adventure for them!
