We arrived on the Greek island of Cephalonia exactly at 8am on Saturday morning with a very pleasant surprise. We had been warned that the ship would have to anchor in the bay and we would have to go ashore on the ship’s lifeboats which are actually called “tenders” for this type of work. The good news was that the new quay had been completed since our itinerary was written and we actually docked alongside. This saved a great amount of time because with 3500 passengers on board it takes a while to disembark through the lifeboat system.

Cephalonia is the largest of the Greek (Ionian) islands but is defiantly untouristy which is nice. There are many pretty harbour front tavernas in the port of Argostoli but we decided to take the 30 minute ride on the mini car ferry to Lixouri on the other side of the Gulf of Argostoli.

These ferries operate every half hour and carry about 10 cars and maybe a couple of trucks. They are clean, tidy and a very efficient way of getting around. The day was another warm one of 34c and the trip provided an excellent means of staying cool.

We stopped at one of the seaside bars for a cool refreshing beer and Phil caught up with the week’s business on the phone. We then walked through the main streets until 2pm when the entire town closed down for the afternoon siesta. This always amazes us! They close the shops when they have a cruise ship in town with 3500 tourists on board with money to spend. (They obviously don’t need the money!).

This photo shows an old Ford car with no other identification. It looks like a Cortina but isn’t. Phil thought it might be an Edson but can any reader identify it? Click on the picture to make it larger.

On the way back to the ship we were joined by a wild turtle that was pleased to meet us.

Now it’s just two sea days to Malaga in Spain which will be our last port on this mini voyage.