Kefalonia's rich historical, cultural and agricultural heritage have bewitched visitors to her shores for centuries. With a diverse and verdant landscape, many traditional villages and miles of wonderful beaches, and a perfect Mediterranean climate it is easy to see why.
There is plenty to see and do on this beautiful island. To simply explore the little villages and countryside along the coast and inland is a delight in itself. There are endless beaches to try out and for the more active or for children there are more modern attractions such as bowling centres. If you have a real sense of adventure there are also other islands near by, the Greek mainland and Ithaka.
Zante, also often known as Zakynthos, is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands and one of the most popular Greek islands and can be visited in a day from Kefaloni. Triangular in shape Zante island has three distinct geographical areas: the north west is mountainous with quaint traditional mountain villages, the central region is a fertile plain rich with olive groves and vineyards and the south east is characterised by beautiful beaches.
There is something for everyone on this floating island of paradise with numerous sandy beaches, mountain villages preserving the traditional Greek way of life, beautiful natural scenery, watersports and good quality restaurants, bars and nightclubs to more than cater for all your entertainment needs. The locals welcome tourists with open arms and offer them the hospitality which Greece is famous for.
Navagio, meaning Shipwreck, is Zante's most famous sight and one that frequently appears in travel brochures all over the world- with its magnificent white cliffs and clear turquoise waters creating a truly spectacular place. Located in the north west of the island, this splendid beach is a must see for any traveller to Zante. Accessible by boat trips from Cape Skinari and St Nikolas harbour, visiting this beach makes for a memorable experience and a chance to take some special photos.
Probably the most legendary of all Greek islands, Ithaca is still one of the least known. Beautiful and still unspoiled by tourism, the island of Odysseus is only a short distance from Cephalonia. These islands are undoubtedly the jewels of the Ionian.
Ithaca is the second smallest and the most under-developed island in the Ionian. Here you will find a special magic at every turn. Beauty reigns supreme throughout. In the trees and mountains. In the impossibly blue sea. And in every little village with their brightly coloured blue doors and rough walls lost under countless layers of whitewash. Nestling under stunning sunsets. Days are slow and tranquil. Life is unhurried and pleasure is found in the most simple of pastimes.
Located in the area of Karavomilos near Sami, lies the Melissani cave which is undoubtedly among Kefalonia's most breathtaking attractions. This unique cave has much to offer to each and every visitor. Discovered in 1951 by speleologist Yiannis Petrohilos, Melissani cave also includes a beautiful lake with crystal blue waters which is 22 metres below ground level and its maximum depth is about 30 metres.
The complete tour is done by boat, first making a round trip around the first hall with the hole in the roof. Then the boat passes the island on the opposite wall, where a small channel exists. This channel is too narrow to row, but there is a rope at the wall and the gondolier pulls the boat through. The second hall is a huge cavern with an arched roof, which was also formed by a collapse, but this cave is more to the centre of the island and because of the slope of the hill, the overlying rock is still thick enough. The second chamber has numerous big stalactites and stalagmites.
Drogarati's Cave, which is also close to Sami, was discovered 300 years ago, when a part of it was destroyed because of a strong earthquake, and so the entrance was created. The cave's depth is 60 metres from the ground level, the temperature is 18 C and the humidity is 90%. Initially the cave was developed and used by the community of Haliotata, under the supervision of the speleologist Mrs. Petrocheilos and since 1963 it has been open to the public.
The Robola wine cooperative winery is located at Kefalonia Island, Ionian Islands, and western Greece. More specific at the plateau of the Community of Omala, in an altitude of 700 metres, in the slopes of the gorgeous and green full Ainos Mountain
In Kefalonia the unique wine, Robola, is grown and produced. A harmonious white wine of high quality, it is one of the most well known wines in Greece (Hellas). Its wonderful balanced taste, strong note and unique white colour are just a few of the qualities which have established its reputation world-wide.The cultivation of this particular grape is known to be really hard work on the slopes of Mountain Ainos, where the soil is poor and stony, and vineyards can be found as high as 800 m.
The winery is open from 9am to 8.30 pm and is well worth a visit.
In 1962 Mount Ainos was declared a National Park by the Greek state. The forested area of the range now covers an area of 2826 hectares. The larger part of Mount Ainos is given over exclusively to the unique Kefalonia pine (Abies cephalonica), with its straight trunk, its rich pyramid-shaped foliage and its characteristic pine needles. The species retains its purity on Kefalonia since it is protected by the isolation of the island.
The highest mountain on Kefalonia, Ainos, extends like a spinal cord through the southern part of island. It has a total length of 10 km and its highest peak is Mount Soros, at 1628m. Mount Roudi is an extension of this range to the north-west, the highest peak being Yioutari, which rises to 1125m.
The medieval castle of Agios Georgios is situated near the village of Peratata, on a 320 m. high hill. The castle was built in the 13th century to fortify the island's old capital which was housed here until 1757 AD. The castle owes its name to the large church of Agios Georgios, which is situated in the region and is celebrated glamorously.
The castle, along with the island, fell in succession into the hands of the Byzantines, the Franks, the Turks and the Venetians. On 24 December 1500, after a persistent battle with the Venetians, the Spanish and the people of Kefalonia, the castle was liberated from the Turks.
The severe damage to the buildings led to a restoration supervised by the mechanic Tsimaras, which lasted for four years. Until the earthquake in 1636, the castle thrived and housed storage rooms, a hospital, barracks, private residencies and a prison in which the more liberal people of Kefalonia were kept, whom the current conquerors considered dangerous.
The Castle's entire surface area is 16,000 square metres, and the walls are 600 m. long and 1,015 m. high. The three ramparts face Argostoli, the East and Peratata, respectively. The Castle also includes loopholes, observatories and cannon positions. Inside the Castle, one can admire the tower called "Old Fortress", as well as part of the walls, underground arches, the throne of the Venetian Lord and a catholic church, where the nobles of Kefalonia were buried.
Agios Gerasimos is the patron saint of the island. On its feast day, the monastery is swarming with pilgrims. According to tradition, he was born in Trikala of Korinthia and was a member of the famous Notaras family. He became a monk and spent twelve years in the Holy Land and five years in Zakynthos. He came to Kefalonia in 1560 and stayed in the cave of the same name, south of Argostoli.
Later, he founded the monastery and took residence there until his death on 15 August, 1579. Two years later, on 20 October, 1581, his relics were placed inside the monastery. He was canonized in 1622. At the courtyard, there is a big plane tree and a well, which is said to have been dug by the saint himself. Inside, there is a trap-door where he is said to have spent the greater part of his life. On the 15th of August and the 20th of October, big festivals and processions take place. Many miracles are connected to the saint's relics and icon.
The castle (Kastro) of Assos, the focal point of Assos's peninsula, was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century in order to protect the city from pirate raids. Today, one can still admire part of the walls and the arched entrance gate. In the Castle, one can see the ruins of the Venetian High Commissioner's house, the barracks and the church of Agios Markos.
From here, the view of the sea and the lovely bay of Mirtos is so unique it attracts many tourists.
Kefalonia was buzzing in the summer of 2000 with film crews and the actors Nicholas Cage Penelope Cruz and John Hurt who were starring in the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
Most of the filming took place in Sami, a village 9 km south of Agia Efimia, where a huge and beautiful set was built. The campsite of the Italians was built on the beach of Antisamos bay (see left). North of Agia Efimia village you will find the bay shown above (where part of the filming took place), and it can be reached in ten minutes by boat.
Myrtos beach, which is shown to the left and on top of this page was used in the film as well and is situated approximately 5 minutes by car west of Agia Efimia. Myrtos Bay (left) is where the bomb explosion on the beach took place in the film.
For those of you who don't know it - here is the story line -It is 1941 and Captain Antonio Corelli, a young Italian officer, is posted to the Greek island of Kefalonia as part of the occupying forces. At first he is ostracised by the locals, but as a conscientious but far from fanatical soldier, whose main aim is to have a peaceful war, he proves in time to be civilized, humorous and a consummate musician. When the local Doctor's daughter's letters to her fiancé - and members of the underground - go unanswered, the working of the eternal triangle seems inevitable.
You should bring the book with you and spot the locations
Kefalonia's most northern harbour is Fiskardo and the main village in the Erissos peninsula. Ferries from neighbouring Lefkas and Ithaca dock here. A cluster of old houses, tavernas and apartment blocks hug the shoreline around the harbour, backed by a low hill.
Fiskardo has been inhabited for thousands of years and evidence of its heritage can be seen all around the area. That includes everything from the Roman sarcophagae by the water's edge to Venetian buildings and the British built lighthouse.
The moorings at Fiskardo have long been favoured by yachtsmen and there are always a flotilla or two of yachts bobbing in the harbour. These days, many head for Agia Efimia, a little further to the south. If you are in the north of Kefalonia, this historical village is definitely worth a visit as it is one of the few places in this part of the Ionian that escaped the 1953 earthquake.
Fiskardo with its pretty harbour packed with restaurants, tavernas and bars, was very fortunate in escaping the full force of the 1953 earthquake and many of its buildings remain intact. Many people hire small motorboats to explore the coastline of northern Kefalonia, where numerous small and secluded coves can be found.
The price premiums of Fiskardo have lead to such a degree of renovation of its Venetian buildings that you can hardly tell whether they were built four hundred years ago or just four. The new tiles and perfectly-painted buildings give the village a chocolate box look. Although building has been stopped in the immediate harbour area, new development continues a hundred metres to the south as well as around the coastline of northern Kefalonia .
The northern tip of Kefalonia is a great place to explore on foot or by boat. There are numerous footpaths that run close to the coast around Fiskardo, including a path to the Venetian and British lighthouses. There is a trail whcih leads you around the area and introduces you to some of its more interesting points.
The Fiskardo museum has an exhibition of natural history of the area, which is worth a look. There are also some Roman graves down by the waterfront, although they could be better maintained.
Katelios is a very laid back resort which has a loyal following and grows in numbers every year. It is a real 'get away from it all' resort, with a handful of shops and a few more tavernas. Aside from this, there is not much down here.
There are some buildings along the waterfront road, but the newer development is about half a kilometre inland, in the fertile valley behind the beach.
The area around Katelios in the south east of Kefalonia has some of the island's most dramatic beaches. Mounda (or Kaminia), Kefalonia's major turtle nesting beach, is about a fifteen minute walk around the headland, if you go over the rocks at the end of Katelios beach.
There are two parts to the resort; the beach side development, which comprises a strip of tavernas and a couple of shops. This strip is shaded by big trees, and makes for a pleasant place to sit and watch the world go by. Katelios is renowned as one of the friendliest resorts on Kefalonia, with taverna owners and shop keepers all wanting a chat.
Originally a fishing village and a few boats still do work from the harbour, the village is increasingly reliant on tourism now and Katelios would definitely be classed as a resort, rather than a village. Katelios does have a resident community which remains during the winter. It is one of the friendliest resorts on Kefalonia.
Lixouri is the capital of the Paliki Peninsula, the western arm of Kefalonia and is the second largest town on Kefalonia and houses Greece's second oldest Philharmonic school.
It is essentially an agricultural town, somewhat looked down upon by the more cosmopolitan inhabitants of Argostoli across the water. The town was once split in two by a river, its dry bed can still be seen in the town today, crossed by three bridges.
There are good views across the Argostoli bay to the island's capital and the Lassi peninsula of Kefalonia. There is a small ferry that crosses the channel from Argostoli. Pull up a chair in the main square for a drink in the morning or evening, or even take a trip for an adventure.
The Tipaldon Mansion was one of the buildings that survived the earthquake and today it is Lixouri's public museum and library. Its ornate rooms house a large collection of books, manuscripts and icons. There are numerous churches in Lixouri including the Church of Panagia ton Perligadon, which has a festival between 1st and 15th August. Three rockets are fired outside the church each night until the fifteenth when there are fireworks and feasting.
Lourdas, or Lourdata, is situated behind one of the longest beaches on the south coast of Kefalonia . The resort of Lourdas, or Lourdata, has grown up by the original village. This is a mid-sized resort with a collection of villas, apartments and hotels plus about twenty tavernas at its heart.
This is an old favourite on Kefalonia (Cephalonia) that has visitors coming back year after year. Lourdas is a pretty resort, especially the area around the original village of Lourdata.
Lourdas is a clean and well maintained village and resort and the beach is kept clean during the summer months. As it is situated at the end of the road, there is little traffic passing through.
There are a number of good tavernas and bars in Lourdas, but it is a quiet resort with no noisy nightclubs.
There are a couple of nice walks along the coast towards the Monastery of Sission and Katsonas beach but aside from that, you really will need a car if you are to do anything away from the beach at Lourdas.
Skala is divided into two areas. The old part of Skala is a working village with church, school and square and numerous brightly-coloured Parapigmata, or wooden buildings built for immediate relief after the earthquake. This part of town has a lot of character and is a pleasant Kefalonian village. The old part of town is still a pleasant place to sit for a drink and Skala is saved a little by the huge number of pine trees that keep the place cool and filled with a wonderful aroma.
Skala beach is admittedly dramatic, with several kilometres of sand and pebble. The resort and village are well maintained and clean and the beach cleaned regularly during the summer. Skala beach is a busy resort with a wide range of tavernas, shops, swimming pools, fairly quiet bars and the usual range of tourist amenities.
There is a self-guided trail around Skala which will help you to get a feel for the old village. It will take you to Skala's oldest villa, from Roman times, with its spectacular mosaics. The trail will also lead you to the ancient walls of the village.
The area immediately around Skala is quite flat, so makes for an interesting day out on bikes. You can also follow the coastal path to Poros, which is quite a long way but a nice walk. Leaflets are available locally on Kefalonia (Cephalonia).
Trapezaki is a resort that has only come into being in the past few years. Situated in the south of Kefalonia, a short distance west of Lourdas, this is a resort in its early stages.
Trapezaki is pleasantly uncrowded and an uncommercial resort, very spread out amidst olive groves and countryside. It is ideal for those who like walking and exploring and who are looking for seclusion. Accommodation is set sparsely on the hillside with attractive fields and olive groves to explore on either side.
There are few pavements in this resort but, since Trapezaki is at the end of the road, there is not much traffic either. Take a torch for safety when going back to your villa at night.
The area around Trapezaki is great for exploring by foot. The olive groves make for an area shaded from the extreme heat of the summer. The area is filled with fauna and flora, especially in the cooler spring and autumn. These spread out sideways from the resort, so you are not always forced to climb uphill. . Trapezaki is surrounded by Kefalonian countryside though and makes for a good introduction to the wildlife and cultivation of the island
