Fiskardo lies on the northern tip of the island of Kefalonia, fifty kilometres north of Argostoli and has a transfer time of ninety minutes. Fiskardo is a very fortunate town in that it escaped the devastation suffered by most of Kefalonia in the earthquake of 1953. It is a charming town with Venetian architecture in pastel shades, a busy harbour and narrow streets filled with small shops and pavement cafes. There is a small shingle beach beyond the headland bathed by the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea. A Fiskardo holiday offers good accommodation in a delightful setting with a range of recreational facilities.
Fiskardo has a beauty and charm not found elsewhere in Kefalonia. The harbour, with its colourful yachts and bobbing boats, is lined with restaurants, tavernas and shops of all descriptions and is the perfect place to rest awhile over a coffee and pastry. The view across the bay to Ithaca is stunning. The beaches around Fiskardo are shingle with many small coves accessed by boat.
Fiskardo has fairly wide appeal. Couples in particular will enjoy all that the town has to offer. Young singles will find a number of lively venues providing evening entertainment. Families with small children would probably prefer easier access to sandy beaches.
The Fiskardo holiday season lasts from April until October when the temperature ranges from twenty to thirty degrees. Summer is the most popular time to visit the island.
Fiskardo in the very north of Kefalonia is the pride of the island. Untouched by the earthquake in 1953, its historic architecture survived. Lying around a picturesque bay surrounded by verdant hills and looking out onto the island of Ithaca, it is no surprise that so many holidaymakers choose to come to Fiskardo. Since 1975 it has been protected by law from over development and has therefore been spared the excesses of tourism.
Fiskardo’s Venetian houses in delicate shades of blue, pink and ochre under red tiled roofs, with their wrought iron balconies cascading blossom are a feast for the eyes. The narrow streets are filled small shops and pavement cafes providing welcome refreshments on a hot day. The harbour and quayside are L shaped and are lined with tavernas, bars and shops and boutiques.
There are boating excursions from the harbour to neighbouring islands and coastline. It is possible to hire boats for exploration of the small coves that are only accessible by sea. Take care as some of the coves are rocky.
A Fiskardo holiday offers a relaxing break in stunning surroundings with a range of leisure activities.
The nightlife in Kefalonia is not noted for its wildness and Fiskardo is no exception. Evenings are generally spent ambling along the waterfront, eating and drinking in the tavernas and restaurants. There are a number of music bars providing livelier entertainment, Fiskardo is not a resort that parties until dawn.
Fiskardo has plenty of shops to keep holidaymakers happy. The harbour area has many gift and souvenir shops so popular with tourists. Here you can buy all your holiday mementoes including, rather tasteful ceramics, embroidered linens, leather goods, soaps made from olive oil and of course the boiled sweets of Voskopoula.
Fiskardo has numerous tavernas, cafes, bars and restaurants providing a wide range of food to accommodate most tastes. Fish plays an important part in the island’s diet. Fresh from the morning catch and simply cooked, it is a treat for the palate. Small fried fish, and shellfish are firm favourites. Prawn saganaki is a popular dish which is rich and creamy with king prawns, garlic tomato and feta cheese. Kalamari is another firm favourite. Lamb and chicken are used most commonly in meat dishes.
Local wines, including the famous Robolla, are easy on the palate as well as the purse.
Eating in Kefalonia is meant to be an unhurried pleasure. Don’t mistake the relaxed attitude of waiters for tardy service.
