The Ionian island of Kefalonia
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Anyone who has ever been to the island of Kefalonia (Cephalonia), wants to come back here again! As one Englishman, who has been living on the island for ten years, said: "You like Kefalonia not for something special, but just as a whole thing! You fall under its charm and give up to that feeling without a trace! "
Give yourself a few days of bliss! Take a dip in the gentle waves of the Ionian Sea, enjoy the local lamb, seafood, and Greek salad, enjoy the silence of one of the many temples, dance Sirtaki together with the local islanders sharing with them their sincere joy! Try a tart wine at a modest vineyard, rent a small boat, and explore the azure coves and tiny secluded beaches! Visit the fish market on the waterfront of the island`s capital Argostoli if not to buy seafood then at least to admire the huge turtles Caretta Caretta, plying the waters of the bay, here and there, sticking out of the water their curious heads thus attracting the tourists!
The island of Kefalonia, of course, can offer you a friendly "d’luxe", but we recommend small family hotels and studios, attracting with its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service. These budget hotels conquer you with the hospitality of the hosts and cleanliness of the rooms, cool pools, and convenient locations. They will be happy to tell you how, where, and what to see on the island, arrange for car rental at an affordable price, and will advise what restaurant or tavern to visit.
Do you prefer a more secluded getaway, or, conversely, to pick up a great company? If you are interested in
villas and houses, they are offered to you at more than a moderate rent. You will find here everything you need for a stay, including hospitality and helpfulness of the owners.
Are you still in doubt whether to spend your holiday on Kefalonia so loved by us? Then let us introduce it to you to know it better!
Kefalonia is the largest by area of the Ionian Islands, occupying about 780 square kilometers. The distance from Fiskardo, located at the northern end of the island, to Scala, which is located on the opposite side of Kefalonia, is 76 km away. Argostoli, the capital of the island, is the home town for about 14,000 people. Taking off on a rental car, be prepared to enjoy not only the beauty, which the island so generously shares with the guests, but a rather extreme ride on the local serpentine, where every turn offers unforgettable scenery!
Kefalonia is famous for natural disturbances and wonders! Fans of underground beauty advise to visit the cave Drogarati with artfully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, creating the feeling that you are trapped in a fairy tale. The cave is located near Sami, the second largest port of Kefalonia, where ferries depart to Killiney, Patras, neighbouring islands, and Italy. The cave was discovered 300 years ago, when part of it collapsed due to the earthquake. This underworld, going to 60 m deep, is pretty cool - about 18 ˚C with 90% humidity. Since 1963, the cave has been accessible to visitors. In one of the rooms of 900 square meters, concerts take place - a real pleasure thanks to the excellent acoustics.
2 km from Sami, in the town of
Karavomylos there is another natural wonder of Kefalonia – the
lake Melissani. Once upon a time, the lake was hidden from sunlight and human eyes. During the earthquake its dome collapsed, forming above the surface of the water the hole in the rock through which the sun`s rays penetrate now, causing the lake to flicker all the shades of blue and green colours, reflected in the vaults of the cave extravaganza of colours. This gem of nature is 160 meters long and 40 meters wide. The lake is located in the path of the underground river, which originates in
Katavotres, near Argostoli. Seawater penetrates into the ground here and moving toward Sami crosses the island in fourteen days and gets back into the sea at the town of Karavomylos. 50 years ago while studying this phenomenon, scientists coloured the water in a special way - it allowed them to make sure that there was an underground river.
In the south-west of the peninsula Pali, you can visit one of the many natural wonders of Kefalonia – the Kounopertra. This rock used to rhythmically sway until in 1953 the earthquake shifted its base, thereby stopping the oscillation. However, local residents claim that the chip, tightly wedged into the cleft, soon will be in the water, assuring you that the Kounopertra movement has not stopped!
The most famous beach of Kefalonia -
Myrtos is wearing a blue flag status, like many other beaches of the island. Small white pebbles and shell rock from a distance look like snow-white sand, lapped by the incredibly beautiful sea colours, having milky blue. Feed green forest, as if coming down into the depths of the waves, is flowing down from the giant rocks framing the azure-blue lagoon! Check out the
Beaches to get an idea of the diversity of magical coves, where you can enjoy the freshness of the Ionian Sea.
People from all over the world come to pray at the shrines of Kefalonia and see with their own eyes the miracle - dried lily blooming in the Feast of the Assumption, celebrated on the island on August 15, venomous snakes with crosses on their heads, quietly lying in the arms of pilgrims to this day. We dedicated the section
Christianity to stories about this and other churches and holy places of Kefalonia.
Kefalonia - a mountainous island, crossed along the rocky ridge, the highest point of which is above sea level at an altitude of 1628 m and is called
Ainos (Enos). There is a reserve, which took up the defence of unique black pine and wild horses, found only in this area. A pretty good road takes you to the park and the mountain Enos, where you will see a truly breathtaking panorama of the south-west coast of Kefalonia!
On the way to the top, be sure to visit the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, surrounded by mountains and silence of Kefalonian hinterland.
The
fortress of St. George stands majestically on a hill, looking proudly at the towns, which lie at the bottom. Narrow ribbon-streamers will take you to the top, where a tiny cafe offers Greek coffee, soft drinks, and snacks. Leisurely enjoy the magnificent views of the shadow of sprawling, lush flowering shrubs and vines.
The island is strewn with small, cute towns, located in picturesque bays and intermountain. Check out the
Cities to get an idea about the actual beauty and memory of them and, perhaps, choose a location for a future stay!
Be sure to try the local wine! The largest winery Kefalonia is Robola. This company arranges the annual fiesta, treating everyone with sweet wine with the freshly prepared lamb, inviting to their festival folk dance groups, setting the tone at the beginning of the holiday, inviting to the dance floor all those present to join Sirtaki!
In our opinion, perhaps one of the best wines is offered by a small grape-farm Sclavus. The red wine, produced by this winery, called Orhíon hits the market in very limited quantities.
Light, table wine sold in plastic bottles, blends well with the local cuisine and the taste is quite acceptable.
Kefalonians like holidays and celebrate them quite explosively. In fact, this is a religious event as the church in Greece plays a big role in people`s lives. For example, the patron saint festivities in temples are a lot of fun in the evening after the service with often arranged fireworks, barbecues, and festivities. At Easter, the whole island shudders at the deafening explosions that emit a homemade "bombs" of local pyrotechnics. Miraculous Icon of the day of celebration of the procession is carried through the town, stopping almost at every home. The main celebrations of the island, perhaps, will be the Assumption (15 August) and St. Gerasimos (16 August). This time, Kefalonia attracts not only the Greeks from all over the country, but also pilgrims from around the world. Services are especially solemn, with the presence of the Metropolitan and local civil authorities. During the August 16 procession, to the sound of trumpets, believers carry the relics of the Saint from the old church, built over the cave, where he spent the last years, to a new church. People lie down on the road in a long chain praying St. Gerasimos to hear their requests while the relics are carried over them.
Emotional and mysterious, hospitable and welcoming, bright and rich spiritually, Kefalonia will not leave anyone indifferent, generously sharing with you its wealth and secrets!
