KEFALONIA ISLAND INTRODUCTION

KEFALONIA
Kefalonia is the largest and one of the most attractive islands in the Ionian Sea. It is ideal for peaceful holidays, and you will be enchanted by the beauty of the scenery.
The remains of an ancient civilazation, together with the idiosyncrasies of the locals, lend an air of mystery and uniqueness to the island.
Kefalonia is located in the centre of the Ionian Sea, between Lefkada (to the north) and Zakynthos (to the south) and lies parallel to Ithaca.
AREA: 781 sq klm.
POPULATION: 32.500
CAPITAL: Argostoli

THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE ISLAND


kefalonia is a unique combination of fascinating caves, strangely-shaped rocks, tree-covered slopes , a silvery coastline and imposing mountains.

THE SEASONS


Summer is the peak period for tourism on the island, with visitors from all over the world.

THE SIGHTS


The Drapanos Bridge, Katavothres and the lighthouse of Agioi Theodori in Argostoli.
Mount Ainos, and the Monastery of Saint Andreas, near Argostoli.
The Monastery of the virgin Mary in Themata, near Agia Efimia.
The Venetian castle and wall, and the church of the prophet Elias in Assos.
The Monastery of Sissia, the church of Agia Marina, and the villages of Markopoulo, Moussata and Elios near Vlahata.
The Palaiokastro castle, the house of the writer Laskaratos, the monasteries of the Virgin Mary in Kehrionas and Koronato, Agia Paraskevi (Saint Friday), Kipouria, Tafio and the area of Kontogenada in Lixouri.
The church of Agia Paraskevi (Saint Friday) in Lourdata.
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Atros and the Cyclopean walls in Poros.
The church of Agios Spyridonos, the Roman Baths, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Agrilia and the ancient city in Sami.
The church of the Virgin Mary, the villages of Lakithra and Kourkoumelata, and the Venetian castle of Saint George in Livatho.
The ruins of the Roman Palace, the Dorian Temple of Apollo and the old village in Skala.
The ruins of the early Christian church, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Platitera, the Church of Saint Gerasimos and the ancient stone baths in Fiskardo.

MUSEUMS


The Archaeological Museum, the Korgialenios Library and Folklore museum, and the collection of Byzintine icons in Argostoli.
The Lixouri Public Library with its extensive collection of very old editions.

NATURAL PHENOMENA


The Koutavos Lake and the cave of Saint Gerasimos in Argostoli.
The famous moving stone (Kounopetra) and the Drakospilia Cave in Lixouri.
The spring in Karavomilos and the caves of Zervati, Melissani, Drogerati and Aggelaki in Sami.
Sakos Cave in Skala.
The caves in Fiskardo.

SAILING HOLIDAYS


If you have a boat at your disposal you can explore the coasts of Kefalonia and Ithaca. Mooring is available in the marina at Fiskardo, and in the ports of Sami, Argostoli, Agia Efimia, Lixouri and Poros.

ENTERTAINMENT


You will find a wide variety of traditional tavernas, restaurants, cafes and bars in which to have a great time.

LOCAL EVENTS


The Theatre Festival on July 15th and various cultural events during the summer in Argostoli.
The celebrations marking the Union of the Ionian Islands on May 21st in the central square of Argostoli.
The festivals of Saint Gerasimos on August 16th and October 20th in Omala near Argostoli.
The festival of the Virgin Mary on August 15th in Agia Efimia, Lixouri and Assos.
The festival of the Virgin Mary of Argilia on August 23rd in Sami.
The festival of the Virgin Mary on September 8th in Fiskardo.
The cultural events during the summer in Poros.
The carnival celebrations, Kathara Deutera (Clean Monday- the start of Lent) celebrations, May Day and various other cultural events are held throughout the year.

LOCAL PRODUCTS


You can buy honey produced from thyme, the famous Robola wine, cheese products, cakes, and biscuits flavoured with aniseed and pine kernels from the pines on Mount Ainos.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES

ARGOSTOLI


Argostoli is the capital of the island and is an ideal holiday resort. The town was rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake and today is a picturesque area with leafy squares and traditional-style buildings.

LIXOURI


Lixouri is the second largest town on Kefalonia, located near the ancient city of Pali. Lixouri is a modern town with new buildings, wide roads and spacious squares.

SAMI


Sami is the largest port on the island. It is also one of the most popular tourist resorts, noted for its clean and wide roads, beautiful coastline and well-kept buildings, as well as its underground lakes ans caves and archaeological sites.

FISKARDO


Fiskardo is a picturesque region which is extremely popular with tourists. Located in a sheltered bay, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

AGIA EFIMIA


Agia Efimia is a seaside town surrounded by many small villages, such as Makriotika, Potamianata, Divarata, Drakopoulata and Ferentinata. Because of its beaches with their crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery, it is gradually developing into a popular tourist resort.

POROS


Poros is an important port and one of the most frequented areas of the island. Because of its ideal setting, Poros attracts many visitors.