Excursion to the island of Kefalonia from Patras. Open the left menu of kefalonia. Amazing natural beauty of Kefalonia
Everything about the island of Kefalonia: hotels, entertainment at sea, holidays on the beaches and excursions. Author's photos and videos, reviews of tourists. Location of Kefalonia on the map.
In the very center of the Ionian Sea lies the island of Kefalonia - majestic, mysterious, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. For beach lovers, its resorts are a real find. Whether you prefer secluded corners where you can lie back and lose yourself in thought, or lively beaches where you can always find a cheerful company - there is sure to be an optimal place.
The landscapes of Kefalonia amaze with their diversity, and each of them is endowed with a specific atmosphere. Here you will meet romantic bays, beaches with entertainment programs, and mysterious caves. Geologically, Kefalonia is divided into two parts. The east coast is dominated by the soft outlines of the mainland, while the west (called Paliki) is replete with sheer cliffs.
The name of the island "Kefalonia" refers to the mythology of Ancient Greece. A hero named Cephalus, according to legend, is the founder of the clan from which King Odysseus descended, who ruled Ithaca. Cephalus took possession of the island, four kilometers from Ithaca, and named it after himself. By the way, the modern local population often calls themselves the descendants of Odysseus. Another legend says that the word "Kefalonia" is associated with the name of the rock of Kefalus, thanks to which the place received the nickname "Island with a head".
The history of Kefalonia goes back to the Paleolithic era. The first people settled it in the 15th century BC: they were a tribe of Lelegs who worshiped Poseidon. The development of the region turned it by the time of the Trojan War from a pagan settlement into a highly organized civilization. Wealthy ship owners and bankers have long originated from Kefalonia.
Climate of Kefalonia - treatment by nature
Kefalonia has long become the epicenter of tourist life, and everything has it: outlandish nature, and a lot of opportunities for recreation. The climate of Kefalonia is Mediterranean, typical of Greece. Most of the precipitation falls in winter, while summers are usually hot and dry.
Peak temperatures come in July, which is when tourism reaches its peak. Gentle waters are warmly welcomed into their smooth surface, because the sea temperature never drops below +25 degrees in the summer. The winter season in Kefalonia is mild in the Mediterranean, there is practically no snow cover. Healing sea breeze, coniferous air, radiant sun - all this makes the weather in Kefalonia a real edge of health.
Excursion rest of tourists on the lands of Kefalonia
From the first minutes of the traveler's stay, the riot of the colorful life of the local population captures. It reigns everywhere here: in noisy squares and shopping markets, in narrow streets with original houses and elegant red tiles, in national cafes, where the vacationer gets acquainted with the traditions and centuries-old customs of this corner. The Greek island of Kefalonia opens up to tourists with a string of numerous excursions. Activity is the main thing that is required from a wanderer in order to keep up with the change in the visual range of beauties.
Excursions to Kefalonia have become an occasion for local residents to proudly declare themselves, revealing the brilliance of wealth, and for tourists - a great opportunity to enrich themselves with impressions from the miracles they have seen. Every traveler will certainly take the opportunity to take a sightseeing tour that covers the key sights of Kefalonia: Katavotres, Myrtos beach, the castle on the Assos peninsula, the Drogarati caves or the Melissani cave lake , the epicenter of religious customs is the monastery of St. Gerasimos. You can recuperate between exploring all these beauties in a cozy cafe in the pretty village of Fiskardo.
The journey begins from the very foundations of the universe, originating 300 centuries ago, it was then that grandiose caves were formed - an indispensable component of modern excursion life. The stalactite relics in the caves of Drogarati and Melissani will swirl the vacationers with a phantasmagoria of relief and transfer them to a completely different dimension, hidden deep underground.
A visit to the monastery of St. Gerasimos - the real talisman of the island - makes you think about the high and join the local spiritual culture. Satisfied with the spirit of righteousness, travelers will merge with the world of idleness by visiting the Robolla factory, a famous wine producer, where everyone can taste the whole bouquet of a Greek drink. And, finally, travelers will be given the opportunity to debunk for themselves an intriguing myth generated by the snakes of Kefalonia. - a miracle, which is considered in the surroundings due to the likeness of a cross on the heads of reptiles.
However, not only the land of the island of Kefalonia promises to satisfy curiosity, the azure expanses of water promise to saturate every vacationer with a route around the islands. Cruise "Onassis's Dreams" - a sea voyage covering a whole complex of three islands, at the end of which you will reveal the secret of the Onassis' ancestral past. The starting point of the cruise will be the port of Sami , whose ships are heading for the picturesque island of Meganisi. Connoisseurs of the saga of the victorious adventures of Odysseus will discover the whole bouquet of heroism in the lands of Ithaca, where a string of cruise ships is heading. There, everyone will be able to pay tribute to the man-made statue erected in honor of the Homeric hero, who has become a symbol of more than one generation of Greeks.
Kefalonia has an inexhaustible supply of curiosities that can be imprinted in the hearts and memories of everyone who once touched them. You can appreciate the scale of this splendor thanks to excursions, the cost of which ranges from $ 50 to $ 300, this is the best opportunity to spin in the whirlpool of Greek passions.
Outstanding sights of Kefalonia
Once in Kefalonia, it is impossible to limit yourself to a beach holiday. This is a land with a rich culture, where almost at every step there are ancient monuments with a rich history.
A series of sights will help open the course to the Fortress of St. George. Its powerful walls were laid 7 km from the capital of Kefalonia. The fortress was erected on an elevation of 320 meters above the sea, having conquered the height of the ascent, an emerald carpet of greenery will open to the eyes of vacationers, in which the island is buried. The first mention of the fortress was recorded in folios in the 12th century. during the reign of the Byzantines. The architectural sculpture had the shape of a polygon, the scale of which extended to 16,000 meters, the fortress was known as a protector and took the inhabitants under its care, protecting them from hostile raids by invaders and marauders. Having steadfastly stood in battles, the fortress fell in 1953: not a single creation of man can withstand the power of natural forces. Thus, the glorious times of St. George ended, where stone ruins mournfully rise on the site of their former power.
Antique hunters are attracted by the Venetian Castle - a majestic stone fortification located in the picturesque village of Assos. The construction seemed to have descended from the pages of fairy tales about brave knightly times. The castle harbors the spirit of fierce wars and real battles, when in 1798-99 the Russians and the French met here in a deadly battle.
Traveling to the holy religious places of Kefalonia will help you feel harmony and peace. In the existing temples and monasteries you can see the rarest icon paintings, unique altars and ritual attributes. The monastery of St. Gerasimos is one of the religious sites revered by the Greeks. Tourists visit it almost every day, and on October 20, the inhabitants of the island celebrate the day of its founder.
The ascetic led a moderate hermit life for 5 years in the caves of Lassi, where a temple has now been erected, and in 1560 the first stone of the majestic nunnery was laid by his hands. The relics of Gerasim to this day peacefully rest in the walls of the temple.
In conclusion, you should pay attention to the miraculous sights of Kefalonia - those that nature itself gave us. Drogarati Cave enjoys special fame, which excites the imagination with its bizarre relief. Located at a depth of 60 meters, the cave was formed as a result of a powerful earthquake. It was opened to the eyes of residents in 1963, since then a lot of spectators have been gathering there, who make their way down the 40-meter ladder to appreciate the scale of the room's height of 20 meters. This is how Kefalonia appears to all guests, striking them with an incredible concentration of miracles, curiosities and a lot of entertainment.
The beaches of Kefalonia
The fame of the coasts of Kefalonia has long gone beyond the borders of Greece. These attractions have received worldwide recognition and officially bear the label of the Blue Flag - an international award for the exceptional properties of water, which everyone can appreciate while relaxing in Kefalonia .
The crown of championship here is Myrtos - a well-maintained, beloved by many beach, protected from the winds by mighty rocks. The calm water surface of Myrtos is striking in its color variation, playing in all shades from sky blue to soothing dark blue. The glory of Myrtos beach thundered all over the world in 2006, when it was included in the prestigious Forbes list, awarded with comparisons of “cleanest” and “comfortable”.
Kefalonia's Xi Beach is a real gem among other beach destinations, with a rich sand color that can easily be compared to Burgundy wine. This recreational place is very popular among all the supporters of balneotherapy, where everyone can appreciate the healing properties of mud baths. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to improve their health by relaxing in Kifalonia with children .
The real peak of tourist life reigns on the coasts of Atysamos, but for those who dream of silence and merging with nature, the sands of Dafnoudi can become a tempting haven. To feel the whole kaleidoscope of the nature of the "island with a head" will allow a visit to the legendary Skala Beach - an example of cleanliness and well-equipped. The temperature of the waters in Kefalonia is another reason to fall in love with this paradise.
How to get to the island?
Kefalonia since ancient times enjoyed special love among the Greeks themselves and many itinerant tourists. The island is closely connected to the mainland through air routes and ferry lines. Flights from Athens are a favorite way of fast and comfortable transportation. Upon arrival, the doors of Kefalonia Airport, located near Lassi and Argostoli, are opened for each guest.
Sea waters connect the ancient island with the Peloponnese peninsula. The largest ports of Kefalonia - Kyllini and Patra, offer all travelers an exciting one and a half hour trip, cruising between the nearby islands.
Another opportunity to get to the land of Kefalonia is given by buses from Athens. They are more time consuming, but within 7 hours they will allow you to view many significant points and amazing landscapes of these places.
The largest in the Ionian archipelago. Travelers come here in search of cultural experiences, and the island fully rewards those who are tired of all-inclusive secular holidays.
Nature in Kefalonia has tried to create a maximum of beautiful views and natural attractions. Climbing the mountains, you will be able to see unique pine forests, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
You will see a breathtaking panoramic view with golden beaches, numerous coves, the purest deep blue water.
The water off the coast of the island is considered one of the cleanest and safest, so fur seals, turtles, dolphins and numerous representatives of the underwater kingdom feel great here.
Some of the lucky ones who take long walks around the island and the local National Park manage to meet wild horses, beautiful and graceful creatures.
In Kefalonia, cafes, fish markets, shops and souvenir shops are not scattered in all corners. But vacationers will be able to see and touch the architectural and natural attractions that carry incredible energy.
Among the local treasures: caves, underground lakes, grottoes, ancient mountain monasteries, historical buildings of the Venetian, Roman, period of early Christianity.
The major cities of the island are Lixouri and Argostoli (the capital).
Fortress of St. George
Fortress of St. George, one of the most famous and most visited historical buildings of the island, is located 7 km from the current capital.
Once a majestic castle-fort and a developed administrative center of Kefalonia, today it is a ruin heavily damaged by numerous earthquakes.
The first official mention of the fortification of these places dates back to the 12th century. In the 16th century, the Byzantines rebuilt the castle in the style in which it has survived to this day.
The construction site was not chosen by chance: the powerful walls of the fort perfectly protected the locals from pirate raids. The total area of the polygonal building is 16,000 sq.m.
In the past, life was seething here. Behind the strong walls of the castle, city and administrative houses, churches, hospitals, and prisons were built. After strong natural disasters, the inhabitants of the fort gradually moved to another part of the island, founding Argostoli.
Monastery of St. Gerasimos - the pearl of Greece
The monastery was founded by St. Gerasimos in the middle of the 16th century in the central part of the island and named by him "New Jerusalem".
The building was badly damaged during an earthquake in the middle of the last century, and was later rebuilt. A cave-cell and a garden, laid out by the Saint himself, have survived to this day.
The relic of the monastery is the incorruptible relics of St. Gerasimos, who was canonized in the 17th century.
Every year, on the day of remembrance, which falls on August 16, a service is held in the temple and relics are carried over people suffering from various ailments.
Read also: Weather in Crete in September: air temperature and water temperature
It is believed that the monk retained his gift as a healer even after his death, which he possessed during his lifetime.
On October 20, the inhabitants of the island celebrate the official state holiday in honor of St. Gerasimos.
Venetian castle
The castle attracts the attention of antiquities hunters with an interesting history and beautiful views that open from the side of the almost destroyed walls.
Once excellent protectors of the locals, now these are impressive ruins stretching for several kilometers.
Behind them you can see the beautiful expanse of the sea and the popular Myrtos beach.
Not far from the ruins of the castle, which became the scene of a fierce battle between the Russians and the French at the end of the 18th century, lies the fabulous village of Asos. It was she who was once surrounded by the stone walls of the Venetian castle.
Those who come to see the castle do not miss the opportunity to walk along the old narrow streets of the village, admire the low houses with red roofs, as if grown into a rocky shore.
Asos and Myrtos beach
Overgrown with cypresses and old pines, the village of Asos has about 100 inhabitants. But all year round tourists come here who want to appreciate the well-known hospitality and cuisine of the village.
Colorful taverns and cozy cafes of Asos are located in the central part of the village and on the waterfront.
Not far from Asos and the ruins of the Venetian castle is the pearl of the island and the national treasure of the country - Myrtos beach.
It is marked with the UNESCO Blue Flag, which since the last century has been awarded to beaches and marinas, the waters of which meet the most stringent and highest standards of cleanliness and safety. The beach reveals all its luxury and beauty during sunset, travelers wait for the evenings on purpose.
There are many underground caves on the island. Famous and visited is the Melissani cave with a huge hole at the top, through which sunlight penetrates into the grotto, dissipating in the waters of the underground lake located here.
The water in the lake is clear to the very bottom. Tourists are taken on boats and given the opportunity to see with their own eyes the magic happening in the lake waters.
At different times of the day, their color changes, shimmering from delicate turquoise to green, from deep blue to black.
Drogarati Cave is one of the oldest and deepest in the region, its approximate age has exceeded 150 million years. The cave goes 60 meters deep into the ground, inside it keeps a constant temperature of 18 degrees.
Drogarati was discovered by accident, more than 3 centuries ago, after a strong earthquake that destroyed one of the parts of the grotto and opened the entrance.
The main attractions of the cave are created by herself. Numerous stalactites and stalagmites, whose height reaches 2 meters, have been growing in Drogarati for thousands of years!
Enos National Park
The property of Kefalonia and all of Greece, which deserves the attention of vacationers, is Enos National Park.
On its territory is the highest point of the entire Ionian archipelago, Mount Megolos Soros.
On the slopes of the mountain you can visit several important monasteries: St. Gerasim, St. Omal, St. Eleutheria. You can get to the park by car, and then walk and enjoy all the natural beauties, rare representatives of fauna and flora.
In the park you can see rare Kefallinian fir or black pine, small purple violet growing in rocky crevices, arbutus and old oaks.
There are over 400 plant species in total. During a short hiking trip, you will definitely meet falcons, partridges, black woodpeckers, hazel grouses, and other birds.
Kefalonia (Κεφαλονιά) is a Greek island, which combines natural beauty and tourist infrastructure, while remaining truly authentic!
Kefalonia is a green island surrounded by the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea, it is an island of secrets and interesting phenomena:
♦ here the sea water disappears from Argostoli and ends up in the atmospheric cave of Lake Melissani, where it creates a reflection on the walls of the cave
♦ according to the stories of the inhabitants of Kefalonia, every year in mid-August, harmless snakes crawl into the church of Panagia in Markopoulo and St. Gerasimus (the patron saint of the island), these days they celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin
♦ in Kefalonia, goats have golden teeth, although this phenomenon was explained - the soil of the island is rich in minerals, so goats have golden teeth
Kefalonia has a rich history from prehistoric times. The island prospered during the classical era and was the prey of many conquerors due to its strategic position. The ruins of powerful ancient cities have been found in various places on the island, castles and monasteries with magnificent views, such as the castle of St. George and the monastery of Kipouraion are remnants of the Byzantine and Venetian periods.
The libraries in Argostoli Korgialleneios and Lixouri Iakovateios have rare collections of books. The philharmonic orchestras of the two cities are very popular with residents and guests of the island. The religion and culture of Kefalonia come together and organize great events and festivals here, especially those dedicated to the feasts of St. Gerasimus and the Assumption of the Virgin.
Even though the devastating 1953 earthquake hit the island and destroyed Kefalonia almost completely, the island managed to rise from the ashes and become a tourist attraction both in Greece and around the world without losing its authentic character.
Most of the beaches are unspoilt and offer spectacular scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. The hallmark of Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, but there are other beaches no less famous and beautiful, such as Antisamos, where the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed, Xi beach in Lixouri, where reddish sand and mountains of blue clay act as a natural spa, crowded beaches in Skala , in Platys Gialos and Makryialos, for those who prefer sun loungers and other services.
It goes without saying that staying will not be a problem in terms of accommodation in Kefalonia, as there are many hotels, villas, studios and rooms in the capital of the island and tourist resorts in Lassi and Skala or picturesque towns such as Sami and Lixouri.
Nightlife may seem very limited to you, in some areas it doesn't exist at all, but in Argostoli you are guaranteed fun until the early hours of the morning.
However, Kefalonia is an island where you can get away from modern city life and spend amazing holidays in nature and by the sea. The taverns of Kefalonia, located on the seashore, will delight you with traditional village food, be sure to try Kefalonia meat pies - aliada (aliada) and patisiada (pastitsada).
The island of Kefalonia is not only famous for its unusual phenomena, it is a place where a modern lifestyle is harmoniously combined with traditions and calm Mediterranean habits. Any visitor to the island of Kefalonia, if desired, can stay here forever!
In traveler polls about the best island in Greece, many vote for Kefalonia, sometimes the island comes in second place after Santorini, and sometimes competes with Crete, Paros, Skiathos or Mykonos.
Visit the paradise of Kefalonia and see for yourself whether it rightfully takes first place in the public opinion polls. Anyway, Kefalonia will definitely remain in your heart!
Resort villages of the island of Kefalonia:
Capital of the island of Argostoli (Αργοστόλι)
Argostoli combines the mobility and intensity of city life, lively nightlife, shopping, refreshments in cozy cafes and relaxing on beautiful beaches under the Greek sun.
This is the largest city on the island and has been the capital since 1757, and although the earthquake of 1953 completely destroyed it, the architectural buildings of the old city with its typical Venetian mansions were still preserved.
For those who want to get to know the history and culture of the island better, we highly recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum and the City Library of Argostoli.
Argostoli is home to the ancient city of Kaski, which was one of the four most powerful cities of Kefalonia in ancient times. Parts of the ancient city walls have been preserved, which are known as the Cyclopean walls because of their size. The De Bosse Bridge is part of the modern history of Argostoli and was built during the British occupation.
Near Argostoli are the sandy beaches of Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos. These are the two most popular organized beaches of Kefalonia. There are other beaches in the area such as Gradakia and Kamaroules.
Huge sea turtles have chosen several beaches in Argostoli to come and lay their eggs every year, they are also a local attraction.
The city has an airport and has a permanent maritime connection with the mainland and nearby islands and Ithaca. Argostoli also has a regular ferry service to the second largest city of Kefalonia, Lixouri (distance 3 nautical miles). As a confirmation of maritime traditions, the city has a higher nautical school.
Lixouri (Ληξούρι)
Lixouri is one of the most picturesque towns on the island, yet big enough to provide you with everything you need for a city life. It is the second largest city after Argostoli and is located on the largest peninsula of Paliki.
The ancient city was called Pali and was so powerful that it had its own coin. The modern name of the city - Leksuri is first mentioned in a document of 1534, he played an important role in the alliance with mainland Greece.
The Typaldos-Iakovaton Mansion, which today has been converted into a library, is one of the most important sights in Lixouri.
The main sights in the region are also the ancient city of Pali, which was probably a Corinthian colony, and the Church of St. Charalambos, the patron saint of the city of Lixouri.
Lixouri has numerous hotels and studios to cater for travelers of all kinds and all preferences. The locals will welcome you with all their hearts and offer you the best services to have the most wonderful holiday in Kefalonia!
Of course, relaxation also means good food, in Lixouri there are many taverns and restaurants serving Greek and international cuisine. In addition to Greek cuisine, many Italian dishes are prepared here, as Kefalonia is very close to Italy and the Venetian influence of the past is still evident in many aspects of Ionian culture.
The beaches of Lixouri
Here is the famous Xi beach, which is a natural resort! The beach is rich in deposits of blue clay blocks, you can feel the benefits of clay baths for yourself, because all vacationers will certainly try to make a clay mask for the whole body, knowing the beneficial properties of blue clay.
Lepeda beach with its impressive cliffs is suitable for underwater excursions, while at Kounopetra beach you will see one of the island's attractions - a moving rock. A large stone located on this beach moves rhythmically and no one can explain this strange phenomenon.
By the way, not far from Xi beach, towards Kunupetra, there is a small water park, here you can relax with the whole family, the ticket costs 5 euros.
Lixouri has two of the most beautiful beaches of Kefalonia - Petani beach and Platia Ammos. Both are relatively unspoilt and therefore ideal for couples and nature lovers or just for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Petani Beach has a Blue Flag and competes in beauty with Myrtos Beach. White pebbles combined with the turquoise color of the sea, leave an indelible impression of natural beauty.
Sami (Σάμη)
Sami combines a rich history and beautiful nature and therefore falls in love with travelers at first sight. Surrounded by lush vegetation, underground caves and beautiful lakes, Sami offers incredibly beautiful scenery.
The city was and is one of the four largest cities of Kefalonia. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Sami is still a safe haven for domestic and foreign ships. Ancient monuments show that Sami was a flourishing city. Here are the ruins of the ancient castle of Paleokastro, on the top of the hill is the monastery of Agrilia (Agrilia), named after the trees of the same name that surround it. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Sami and the island of Ithaca.
You can get to these settlements by bus or by rented car. Patras is closer to Athens than Kyllini, but the ferry ride will take longer.
The bus leaves from Athens, KTEL (bus station) Kifisu, 100. The bus reaches Patras or Kyllini and also calls on the ferry, i.e. you will be sold a ticket for both the bus and the ferry.
From the city of Patras, the ferry will take you to Kefalonia to Argostoli or to the village of Sami, the sea journey will take 3.5 hours, the ticket costs 25 euros. Patras can also be reached by train.
From Kyllini you arrive at the port of Poros, the sea journey takes 2 hours, the cost of the ferry ticket is about 10 euros.
A combined bus + ferry ticket costs about 50 euros.
If you arrive at Athens airport, the X 93 express goes from there, its final stop is the KTEL you need.
For a trip to Kefalonia, you may need phone numbers:
KTEL (Athens) information on Kefalonia +30 210 51 50785
port city of Patras +30 2610-341002
Port of Killini +30 26230-92211
Sami port +30 26460-41052
airport about. Kefalonia +3026710 29900
Crete, Rhodes, Athens, Halkidiki and other popular resorts in Greece are visited by thousands of tourists during the season. At the same time, independent travelers, on the contrary, do not like the “promoted” places where every travel agency offers vouchers. It is these lovers who look for very beautiful and rare tourist “pearls” that will be interested in the Greek island of Kefalonia. The resort is remembered for its unusually beautiful landscape with bizarre cliffs, plains immersed in greenery and cozy bays washed by the blue of the sea. And this place is also famous for its local color, traditions and history, which we offer to get to know better.
What is the island of Kefalonia
Geographically, the island of Kefalonia is included in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. And among them, it is considered the largest: the area of Kefalonia has 734 km 2. But only 36 thousand people inhabit this rocky beautiful island ( for comparison, 41 thousand people live in neighboring Zakynthos, and 102 thousand local residents live in Kerkyra). Therefore, there is almost no city bustle and noise in Kefalonia, but many corners of nature have been preserved in their original form.
History of the island
The first settlements in Kefalonia appeared in the 15th century. BC. They were founded by the Leleg tribes, who worshiped Poseidon. The region was actively developing and already in the classical period was known in the "big" Greek land. For example, the Cefallenes are mentioned as participants in the Trojan War in the famous Homeric Iliad.
By the way, Greece did not immediately christen the island with the name Kefalonia. Initially, it was known as the island of Sama (Sarmos), and owes its renaming to the mythological hero Cefalu. According to legend, Cephalus is considered the ancestor of Odysseus, who founded the clan. Therefore, many local residents still proudly call themselves descendants of the glorious Greek hero. However, there is another version of the origin of the name. According to her, the term "Kefalonia" comes from the toponym "Kefalus", which is the name of the local rock. By the way, because of its height, Kefalonia is often called the "island with a head."
After the collapse of Greece, the island was ruled by foreign invaders. In particular, the episode when in 1798 Admiral Ushakov knocked out the French legions from the Ionian Islands and restored the power of the local population is noteworthy. When the Russian fleet departed, the Greeks even presented Ushakov with a nominal gold medal depicting local lands.
With the revival of the Greek state, the island receives a new round of development. But as a result of a powerful earthquake in 1953, Kefalonia loses much of its historical heritage, and its cities and villages are almost completely destroyed. Later, most of the settlements were restored, and today they are considered the resort centers of the island.
Here, first of all, we note the city of Argostoli, which is the island capital. It was badly damaged by the already mentioned earthquake, but the capital of the island of Kefalonia in Greece was quickly restored. Today, life here is in full swing day and night, when the lights of numerous bars and clubs are lit.
The second main place of Kefalonia is the port city of Sami. He is responsible for the ferry service to the neighboring island of Ithaca, as well as Patras, Astakos and even Italy. True, the last route is not served regularly, but nevertheless, during the season, a direct connection with Italy adds to the resort's advantages.
Also on the island there are small, but very colorful and impressive towns. For example, the following resort places are worth the attention of tourists:
- Fiskardo;
- Rock;
- Aiya-Efimiya;
- Lassie;
- Poros;
- Lixouri.
Read also: An unforgettable holiday in Kefalonia
Note that almost all resorts are connected by well-established transport links, so traveling around the island will be easy and carefree.
Weather and climate of Kefalonia
Climatic conditions on the island of Kefalonia are similar to other Greek regions. Winters are warm and humid, while summers are hot and dry. The peak of temperature records falls on July and August, when the air warms up to +35°C, and the water to +28°C. It is during these months that most visitors come to Kefalonia, although the beach holiday season lasts from May to October. Therefore, if you want to find the island in relative peace and quiet, it is better to come in June or September.
Where is the island and how to get to Kefalonia
The island of Kefalonia on the map of Greece should be looked for in the northwest direction, where the Ionian Sea is located: in the archipelago, Kefalonia is located between Zakynthos and Lefkada. And since we are talking about an island resort, there are only two ways to get to Kefalonia - by plane or by ferry.
If we talk about air traffic, then Kefalonia Istland International Airport, located 10 km from Argostoli, is responsible for it. This is a small terminal with one lane, however, flights from Athens are accepted here all year round. Tourist charters of European companies still arrive in the season, as well as flights from neighboring Corfu and Zakynthos. So there are several ways to fly to Kefalonia, but all of them are with transfers. The most common way is through the Greek capital: from Athens, the flight will take 1 hour, and the price of a one-way ticket will be 50-75 euros.
As for ferries, Kefalonia on the map of sea roads is connected with the Peloponnese peninsula. Ferries from the mainland depart from the main local ports: Patras and Kyllini. Depending on the exact route and weather conditions, the crossing will take from 1.5 to 3 hours, and the ticket price starts from 10 euros.
How to get around the island
Domestic travel in Kefalonia is easiest to carry out by bus. They run all over the island, connecting cities and villages. So tourists can visit not only the main attractions in the city, but also see the beauty of small resorts. The price of the trip depends on the length of the route and is in the range of 1-5 euros. The only negative is that on Sundays public transport goes to rest.
Taxi and car rental services are also common on the island. Taxis are usually used to get from the airport to hotels in Kefalonia, and a personal car is rented for comfortable trips around the island. And with that, and with other transport, there will be no difficulties, because. More than enough offers.
Thus, travelers only need a map of attractions and beaches to explore the island of Kefalonia, and there will definitely be no problems with transport links.
Recreation and attractions
Make tours from Russia to the island of Kefalonia or stop by for a couple of days from other Greek resorts for the sake of the unimaginable beauty of the island. It was the natural attractions and beaches that glorified Fr. Kefalonia among travel lovers. But there are cultural monuments on the island that are also worthy of the attention of tourists. We offer you a closer look at the "interesting things" of this Greek resort.
The main attractions of the island of Kefalonia
For sightseeing holidays, tours to Kefalonia are not complete without a stop in the capital Argostoli. Various cultural entertainments await tourists here. So worth a visit:
- Archaeological Museum;
- Church of St. Nicholas;
- Theater "Kefalos";
- Church of St. Spyridon;
- Bell tower.
Transport
From the bus station in Argostoli, which is located on the southern embankment, there are up to 11 buses per day in the direction of Lassi, 4 per day to Sami, two to Poros, two more to Skala and two to Fiskardo. The east coast is also connected by bus services, but more rare. They connect Katelios with Poros, Skala, Sami, Agia Efimia and Fiskardo. Buses do not run on Sundays. And, of course, taxis.
You can also rent a car or bike. In Lassi, which is a 20 minute walk from Argostoli, the best choice: there is even Avis / Liberatos (26710 29112), another of their offices is based at the airport. Greekstones Rent a Car (26710 42201) is also popular, they promise to deliver cars within 15 km from Svoranatha, where their office is located (near the airport, 7 km from Argostoli).
Between Argostoli and Lixouri in the season, ferries leave almost every hour, which take on board and cars (from 7:30 to 22:30). The journey lasts 30 minutes, the cost is 3 EUR per person, 4 EUR per car.
And in Agia Efimii, you can still rent a boat to swim to secluded beaches, which can only be accessed from the water. The friendly local population will tell you the exact addresses.
Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Maps of Kefalonia
Cuisine and restaurants of Kefalonia
The rich and fertile island of Kefalonia is famous for its Robola wine, honey and locally produced cottage cheese. It is worth trying the traditional almond confection "mandoles", as well as original local dishes - meat pies and garlic salad ("allada").
The beaches of Kefalonia
At 4 km from the capital there are pretty beaches - Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos. Lourdata has a wonderful sandy beach. Also popular: the long sandy beach of Katelios, the pebbly beach of Myrtos, Skala - a tourist resort by the sea with wonderful clear water.
Popular hotels in Kefalonia
Entertainment and attractions of Kefalonia
The capital of the island Argostoli is a city built anew after the 1953 earthquake on the site of the old one. Here, during the English rule, a multi-arch bridge was built, which is still in operation today. Main attractions: Archaeological Museum, Koryalenios Library, Ethnographic Museum. At 2.5 km from the city there is a cave Katavotres, in which the saint lived as a hermit - the patron saint of the island Gerasim.
Lixouri is the second largest city in Kefalonia on the Pali Peninsula. The city is connected by ferries to Argostoli. Here, the palace of Jacobates deserves attention, which houses the library of the same name, the libraries of Petritzion and the Philharmonic School. Near Lixouri in Paleokastro are the ruins of ancient Pali.
Fiskardo is a famous fishing harbor and the only village not affected by the 1953 earthquake, which is why the local houses have preserved the original old architecture.
Assos, perhaps the most picturesque village of Kefalonia, stands on the isthmus of the peninsula, on top of which rises the Venetian fortress.
Sami is the second port of Kefalonia, a new city with a beautiful waterfront. Nearby are the ruins of ancient Sami and the acropolis.
Melissane is a deep cave with a lake, which was discovered after its "ceiling" collapsed, and the sun's rays penetrated inside. You can only get here by boat.
Agia Efimia is a village with a port from which communication is maintained between Kefalonia and Astakos in Aetolo-Akarnania. From here there are also irregular boat trips to Piso Aetos in Ithaca. To the north of Agia Efimia stands the Monastery of Our Lady of Them.
Lake Avithos or Akola is so deep that, according to local legend, it has no bottom at all. Drongorati Cave, richly decorated with 300 m long stalactites. St. George's Fortress dominates the entire spacious Livafu plain. Around are the ruins of the medieval capital of the island.