Kefalonia is the largest Island in Greece’s Ionian sea, with a mountainous interior covered in pine and cypress forests. It is a landscape made famous by Louis de Berniere’s book ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ (and the film version starring Nicholas Cage), as you sail around the island, impressive mountain scenery is your backdrop.

The island’s interior is well worth exploring by bike, car or jeep, all of which are available to rent in Fiscardo. Cephalonia has, at various times, been in Roman, Norman, Pisan, Turkish, Venetian, French and English hands and was occupied for a time by the Italians. Now Cephalonia is Greek, although there remains a definite Italian feel.

Fiscardo, located on the north-eastern tip of the island, and marked by an impressive Venetian lighthouse on the north side of the bay, is one of the few villages that survived the 1953 earthquake (almost unscathed) and its 19th century Italianate architecture remains intact.

Fiscardo itself is a gem of a seaside town, with much to appeal to the visiting sailor. It’s quite the place to see and be seen, sometimes referred to by some as ‘Kensington by the Sea’. In summer it is very popular and moorings can be in short supply as sailors gravitate to the shops, boutiques, tavernas and nightclubs of the pretty harbor. The Captain’s Cabin on the waterfront is something of a yachtsman’s gathering place for early evening drinks, while Herodotus and the Garden Taverna come recommended for their delicious food.

Fiscardo is a good place from which to explore the fortresses, monasteries, museums and hiking trails of the northern part of the island. It is also within easy reach of some wonderful snug and secluded coves with crystal clear waters, ideal to anchor for an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling and relaxation.