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. |
