August is the busiest month of the summer in Kefalonia, due to the hundreds of visitors exploring the island and all the events that take place within a short distance and time! It is a real celebration, everyone is enjoying the sun, the salt, the music, the food & wine, the summer breeze and the moon!
However, Kefalonia island not only has amazing nature and beaches to offer but also a fascinating local cuisine, culture and history. Of course, all that cannot be discovered in a few days but the visitors could get a small taste by participating in different activities. Every day in the summer there is a local festival taking place in one of the villages, with live music, food and dance (check the programs of the municipalities as well as the banners on the main streets announcing dates and locations). St Gerassimos celebrations and the Robola wine festivals are also held these days.
Many art exhibitions, concerts and performances are taking place in squares, museums and libraries too. A selection of water and land activities including hiking, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle, or a sup yoga class, jeep safari, caving, daily boat cruises and fishing trips are available to discover the nature and the beauties of Kefalonia from a different point of view. You can also volunteer in the traditional festivals or learn about Kefalonian flora and fauna, and participate in activities like turtle hatching their eggs.
Merging with the locals or with other visitors from around the world is an authentic experience itself, while gives the visitor an inside knowledge of how everyday life seems to be on the island when visitors are rare (or none at all). Daytime lasts longer, families are reunited, friends visit friends, tavernas and beaches are full of happy visitors, and people are celebrating with their loved ones!
In August there will be two full moons, the one was on the 1st, and the other on the 31st! If you are so lucky to stay the whole month, you should not miss the chance to experience such an amazing spectacle! Beyond this, now is the season for grapes to be harvested and give us the Robola wine, so in case you have not yet tried the famous Kefalonian wine, get it on the list asap! The biggest wine festivals (one in Valsamata village and one in Fragata) are on the edge to take part in a few days so be prepared to experience it, with respect for the local community and driving rules.
Our inside tips for you to make the most out of your stay is mainly to have your eyes and ears alert to all the information you can get about events, the big banners on the streets but also ask the locals what else may be happening as many events are not announced so you can participate and have fun.
*Explore the island from north to south and west to east as each part has it own beauty!
*Book in advance activities and restaurants to avoid waiting in the cues, avoid visiting attractions like Melissani and Drogarati Caves on the days that the cruise ships are on the island.
*When hiking remember the wifi and phone signal is not available everywhere, so always have enough water and a snack where you go and if you want to have a long hike get a guide with you!
*Last, do not always follow the plan, think outside of the box, follow your instinct, the smells, sounds and things that may come on the way, chase the sunrise and the sunset, create memories, and relax!
