Vasiliki Bay, Lefkas to Fiskcardo, Cephalonia and Foki Bay

Having arrived from Anti-Paxos to Vasiliki Bay at the far South end of Lefkas in the dark,  it was pleasant to wake and see what the bay looked like.

A large bay at the end of a long inlet, the wind funnels nicely through here and it is very popular for sailing and windsurfing.

We awoke with a paddle board class just off to the side of us, the  bay like glass with no wind yet.

We headed south toward the Southern Ionian Islands of Ithaka and Cephalonia and decided to start in Fiskardo, a small village harbour at the north end of Cephalonia.

Cephalonia is the largest of all the Ionian Islands but has a small population relatively at only 46,000.  Apparently 16,000 of them are in the capital, Argostoli which is a port for some cruise ships we have yet to explore as it is on the other side of this large island.

We cruised just past Fiskardo which is at the North East end of Cephalonia and found a wonderful place to anchor in just two bays over from the village.  It is called Foki Bay and was really a great choice. 

I had a great paddle board and Rob and I both enjoyed swimming in the crystal clear water which was also very warm.

We headed into Fiskardo on the dinghy in the mid afternoon.  It is probably one of the most picturesque places we have been to date.  

The buildings are full of colour, charm and venetian architecture.  In 1953, a massive earthquake struck this whole area (which is on the fault line).  On Cephalonia, only the buildings in Fiskardo were spared as all the others crumbled.  

It is thought Fiskardo was spared as it sits on a soft clay bed which was able to flex with the 3 foot undulating waves the earth took.  Hard to imagine the earth moving up and down in 3 foot waves!

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Tassia Taverna which we later found out has been visited by Tom Hanks. We are not sure Tom enjoyed his meal but we did!!!

Afterwards, we explored the town which was really quaint, spotless and sported lovely bougainvillea and  colourful venetian buildings.

I stopped to purchase some wine called Robola.  This is a white grape native to this island which has been famous for producing good wine for thousands of years.

We also found a square with some nice scuptures, Koi Pond, and a giant piece of olive wood which was really interesting.

Another great day!  Time to hop into the dinghy and get back to The Lodge in Foki Bay.

                Vasiliki Bay with its long beach and many Water Sports Centres as we depart for Cephalonia  

                Yup, Water Like Glass - Ithaka straight ahead - Cephalonia in the distance on the right

                Rob went swimming to take these in Foki Bay Just two Bays South of Fiskardo

               We sail with Our Dinghy on the Side - Works Great So Far and Minimizes the growth from the Salt Water

                Great Place For a Paddle Board and a Swim!

                Look No Hands!!!

                The Lodge as we Depart for Fiskardo to find some late lunch!

                The Beach at the head of Foki Bay at the Base of an Olive Grove  

                Fiskardo!!

                Plenty of Tripper Boats on the Quay

                Pretty Venetian Style Buildings 

                The Tavernas are literally on the Quay which makes for great views while dining

                Tassia Taverna and one of its Owners

                There are Bouganvillia everywhere in this town

                Posing with a Giant Piece of Olive Wood

          Great Colours!

      Rob up ahead checking out the shops...

                The South Quay of Fiskardo

               

                Some Shots as we Leave at Dusk...

   The water like glass as we speed back to Foki Bay to THe Lodge

  Home for a great nights rest with no swells here!