Scenically stunning and more mountainous than neighbouring Zakynthos and Lefkas, Kefalonia is a gem of a Greek island with its lush green beauty and some exceptional beaches. Kefalonia is more recently famous as the setting for Louis de Bernières' epic love story 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin'.

Kefalonia is an island begging to be explored. Small roads hug the coastline or meander round the edge of hillsides andsecluded sandy coves give way to dramatically rugged coastline. The busy capital of Argostoli is set on a deep inlet and is graced with a lively central square and a fine selection of restaurants. Heading for Fiscardo makes for an excellent day out. This working fishing village, consisting of a cluster of lovely old houses, gives you a truly atmospheric taste of Greek life. Why not stop for lunch at the tiny village of Assos? Here, a short causeway opposite the little harbour takes you to a rocky islet, capped by a stiking Venetian fortress.

At Myrtos, a steep track descends to a breathtaking beach, where tiny white pebbles refelect shades peacock blue through warm, translucent waters - we challenge anyone to resist a swim! Kefalonia's beauty goes more than skin deep, with remarkable stalactite-filled caves at Drogorati and the underground lake at Melissani both high up on the 'must see' list. Also don't miss the day-trip across to Ithaca, Odysseus' island, with its lovely port and small museum.

Kefaolnia is full of tiny villages made up of a dozen or so houses, climbiing bougainvillea, a church, and are often based around a port or beach. Both Lourdas and Trapezaki are such villages and are just minutes away by car from the HELIOS villas. Lourdas meanders steeply down from the main Argostoli-Katelios road. At the bottom is a magnificent beach, awarded the EC Blue Flag. The beach is bordered by a few tavernas, and beyond, verdant fields, through which mountain stream flow. Down the zig-zag road, houses and tavernas are scattered on either side, before it reaches the shady village square. This halfway point is the perfect spot to sit and rest with an ouzo or a lemonade. Mount Aenos is a national park where wild ponies, golden eagles and other protected species live.

Trapezki, 2Km down the coast, is a tiny traditionally Greek hillside hamlet with just a few buildings scattered across the hillside leading down to the pretty beach which is about 1.7Km from the villas. It is surrounded by lush green fields, olive groves, and flower filled gardens. Almost completely untouched by tourism, this idyllic spot offers peace and quiet and is perfect for those whose holiday consists of leisurely breakfasts, relaxing by the pool or on the beach and then lingering on the balcony with a drink before dinner in a local taverna. Due to the hilly terrain of these resorts, they are not recommended for those with walking difficulties. If you want to explore, then hiring a car is the best way to discover the delights of Kefalonia. Approximate transfer time from Kefalonia Airport: 45 minutes.