Going Ashore in the Greek Islands: Corfu and Cephalonia

       

     Despite the Euro crisis, Greece, and the Greek islands in particular, remain a popular cruise destination.  After all, the qualities that made Greece popular in the first place  - -  mild climate, beautiful scenery, and an ancient history - - still remain.

            This week we focus on two of the Greek islands located in the Ionian Sea between the Greek mainland and Italy. 

            Corfu is a well-know destination, probably more so to British than American holiday makers.  Thus, in writing about Corfu, I wanted to focus on something other than the climate and scenery that have made the island famous.

            Accordingly, after giving some background and history of the island, I focused on two attractions that relate to a relatively recent chapter in the story of the island - - the Achellion Palace and the Mon Repos Palace.  In the 19^th century, Corfu became a popular escape for European royals and aristocrats.  The story of both of these palaces arises in that time period.

            Although they are called palaces, they do not compare to Versailles, Buckingham Palace, or the Peterhoff.  Rather, they are nice size country mansions.  Each has a beautiful setting with an other worldly quality.

            Yet, their stories both have an element of tragedy.  They promise an idyllic world but it is a promise unfulfilled in part due to the foibles of the inhabitants and in part due to the tide of human events.  They are the kind of story that appealed to the ancient Greek playwrights and one could well expect to see a Greek chorus standing upstage.

            Beyondships’ photo-illustrated article on going ashore in Corfu is at http://www.beyondships2.com/cruise-port-corfu-greece.html.

            Cephalonia, sometimes called Kefalonia, is quite different than Corfu.  Although it is the largest of the Ionian islands and has a long history, it is not as developed or commercialized as Corfu.  The capital of the island Agrostoli is more of a large town than a city and the other population centers are just villages.

            This does not mean that there is nothing to do in Cephalonia.  The island is quite mountainous and with that comes dramatic scenery.  Indeed, the white pebble beach at Myrtos lying at the foot of almost vertical slopes rising a thousand feet or more above is one of the most spectacular that I have seen.

            Then there is the subterranean Melissani Lake.  Let your imagination go and this place will transport you to the world of nymphs and ancient heroes.

            Or one can sit in a harbor-side cafe in the quiet traditional village of Fiskardo and watch the rich and famous bring their yachts in so that they can explore this timeless place.

            I had not expected all that much from a port call in Cephalonia but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.  The island is tourist friendly but at least as of this writing, it still maintains an unspoiled charm.

            Beyondships article about Cephalonia with photos is at  http://www.beyondships2.com/cruise-port-cephalonia-greece.html