A beautiful island and the largest of the Ionians of western Greece, Cephalonia is sometimes referred to as Kefalonia. Renowned for its beautiful, secluded beaches and its rare birds, it is also home to nesting loggerhead sea turtles and to endangered monk seals. Though it takes an effort to travel to this far-flung destination, the rewards are outstanding – Cephalonia offers magnificent dive sites. Here are a few favorites.
The Cliff
A stunning site with depths from 12 to 40 meters, The Cliff features a fantastic 30-meter drop off. One of the best places on earth to view monk seals, this site has lovely rock formations and big holes where octopus and groupers hide; lobsters, sea hares, and schooling fish are also encountered here. Visibility is routinely better than 20 meters, making for some fantastic photos. Whether you stay up on top of the wall or head into deeper water, this is a site you are certain to enjoy.
The Temple
Sometimes explored at the same time as The Cliff, the Temple is a monstrous cave with two separate entrances; the smaller of the two is located along The Cliff’s wall at a depth of about 26 meters. The larger entrance is actually a giant hole in the cavern’s ceiling which allows light to penetrate from the surface. Corals and sponges coat the walls, and hanging in space at the site’s center is a wonderfully memorable experience.
The Secret of Venus
Sometimes referred to as “Scott’s Fault,” the Secret of Venus is a deep, narrow canyon that cuts through the reef and opens up into a fantastic garden filled with corals and sponges. Beautifully lit from above, this site offers maximum depth at 30 meters and water so clear that you really do feel as though you are flying in midair rather than swimming in water. While there are fish and other creatures here, the main attraction really is the geologic structure itself!
Mystery Island
Also known as Asteris Island, Mystery Island looks like a small, forlorn rocky bit of land sticking up out of the sea; drop down beneath the surface, and you’ll discover that this is actually a submerged mountaintop that is absolutely brimming with colorful life in a variety of shapes and sizes. Octopuses, nudibranchs, big moray eels, and large groupers can be encountered here, along with colorful wrasse, barracuda, and many other creatures. Brilliant coral and sponges create a lovely backdrop for photos, and there’s no shortage of macro life. A long, leisurely dive at a depth of about 15 meters is the norm here, however you can head into deeper water if you like. Visibility is excellent, often exceeding 20 meters.
While you’re in Cephalonia, be sure to spend some time learning about the island’s history, which dates back to prehistoric times. The archaeological museum at Argostoli is small, but it is filled with important artifacts that will leave you speechless. This is just one example of a topside attraction worth visiting; there are dozens here! With top-notch dive operators, great accommodations, and spectacular experiences waiting both above and below the surface, Cephalonia is one of those places you’ll find yourself longing for well after your holiday has come to an end.