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It’s no surprise that Cephalonia, one of the most rustic, unblemished and timeless of the Greek islands, would be used as a setting for a romantic film like “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” What is surprising is that Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian isles, has managed to escape the changes that crowds of tourists have wrought on many of the other islands. Here you will find an authentic Greek island culture.

Cephalonia has 30,000 inhabitants, who dwell largely in the coastal resort towns, but the mountain people have retained the same way of life they have enjoyed for many centuries.

Arriving in the cruise port of Sami, you may want to stop for a drink in one of the picturesque waterfront tavernas before proceeding to one of the sandy beaches near Argostoli on the west coast. There are also some caves here worth exploring. In the cave at Melissani, the sun shines through a hole at the top, playing upon the water in dazzling patterns.

Language: Greek     Currency: Euro (EUR)