Greece Kefalonia Scala

Skala

This small fishing village has grown up into a modern seaside town. There are restaurants, tavernas and cafés along the main street, leading up to a long sandy beach. Up in the hills behind the new town are the ruins of the old village, plus there are Roman ruins nearby including a 7th-century BC Temple of Apollo. There’s some top-notch hiking too, like the 8-kilometre coastal walk to Poros.

Skala’s sand-and-shingle beach is considered the best in southern Kefalonia – it goes on for 3 kilometres and backs onto pretty pine woods. At the southern end are caves and rocks to explore, as well as secluded coves. Above the sands, meanwhile, is a Roman villa dating back to the 3rd century AD. And when you want drinks and snacks, the shops and tavernas are just 100 yards away.

Kefalonia’s most famous landmark is the Drogarati Cave, said to be 150 million years old. Being 37 metres below ground and lined with dripping stalagmites, it’s certainly dramatic. You’ll find it in Sami, 45 minutes away. The town is also home to Antisamos Beach, the beautiful bay that starred in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. You can easily do both in a day.