Kefalonia’s most Instagrammable sights

Melissani Lake

If you need to rack up some Instagram likes, this is the place to go. Hidden 22 metres underground within a cone-like cave, Melissani Lake is truly unique. You won’t need to use a filter on the cyan-coloured waters, as the lake contrasts with the dark walls of the cave. Part of the ceiling has collapsed, so the sunlight catches the water perfectly. As you sail inside, you’ll feel completely cut off from the outside world – it’s like entering a tropical Narnia.

You can take a boat out to Melissani Lake from nearby Karavomilos. This little fishing village is picture-perfect, featuring a white-pebble beach, green-clad cliffs and family-owned cafés. The hotels are beautiful, too. The five-star Ionian Emerald Resort is part of our luxurious A la Carte collection. With a seafront pool, four-poster sunbeds and a candlelit terrace, it’s a great spot to soak up the views.

Drogarati Cave

Think caves are all the same? Think again. At 150-million-years-old, Drogarati Cave is a photographer’s dream. The inside is like a huge maze of yellow fangs, with amber-coloured stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and pointed stalagmites rising up from the floor. It’s known locally as the ‘cave of concerts’ for the simple reason that its natural acoustics work excellently for musical events. The 900-square-metre hall has hosted several gigs – famous opera singer Maria Callas has even sung here. But if you’re thinking Drogarati Cave would work as an intimate venue for a small-scale performance, you’d be mistaken – the cave can fit a staggering 500 people in at one time.

Skala

No holiday Instagram collection would be complete without a beach – and Skala’s stretch is one of the best. It’s so good, in fact, that it’s been awarded a Blue Flag. This sand-and-shingle combo rolls for three kilometres, and comes with hidden coves and secluded caves peppered along its shoreline.

But Skala isn’t just about the beach. There are #Instafood opportunities all over the place, with tavernas and restaurants serving up colourful meze dishes, freshly-caught fish and locally-grown olives. You can undo the calorie damage by exploring nearby Roman ruins or tackling the eight-kilometre trail to the town of Poros, taking photos as you go. Don’t forget your selfie stick.

When it comes to hotels, Skala caters to every taste. Built in the style of a multicoloured village, Nine Muses has a traditional feel, with a good-size swimming pool and flower-lined pathways. At the other end of the spectrum, Sensimar Tesoro Blu Resort & Spa is a state-of-the-art retreat, with minimalist interiors, a stylish pool area and a luxury spa. And, because it’s part of our Sensimar collection, it’s been designed exclusively for adults. So you can relax in an inflatable-free pool and have romantic dinners for two, whenever you feel like it.

Myrtos Bay

As well as being a star of Instagram, Kefalonia is also a Hollywood favourite. The crescent-shaped beach at Myrtos Bay famously starred in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, providing a romantic backdrop for Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz. With tall pale cliffs, chalky pebbles and azure waters, Myrtos Bay makes for a cracking photo. Our top tip – head to the beach early to grab a sunbed, then stick around until sunset to capture the colourful skies.

Just a 15-minute drive away, the village of Assos is as quiet as they come. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this secluded spot ticks all the boxes. Little ones can paddle in the shallow waters of the bay, while cypress trees provide a shady shelter from the sun. The picturesque harbour is lined with little bistros, serving Kefalonia’s famous meat pie, kreatopita. Continue your experience of traditional Greece by staying at The Architect’s House. Just a few minutes’ walk from the sea, this pastel-coloured villa comes with wooden beams and plenty of character features. If these lemon-yellow walls and pale green shutters don’t brighten up your Instagram feed, nothing will.

Where would you create your Instagood moment?

Check out our holidays to Kefalonia today.

Author: Sarah Reeves