ISLAND

Kefalonia: The Island with strong contrasts

Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Sea, an area of 737 square kilometers with rich division of her coast, offering this way many options to tourists to select where they will have their holidays.

The island has natural beauty, historical sites, beautiful beaches, rich and unique flora and spectacular settlements. All this makes it a popular destination for both Greeks and foreign tourists.

The island's capital is Argostoli, which was rebuilt after the earthquake that permanently changed its image. Inhabited by 8,000 people, it has many attractions and suggestions to entertain tourists.

It is an island of great contrasts. More specifically, it has green areas and rugged cliffs, rugged coastline and golden sands, gulfs, bays and quaint villages. Elements that consist the unique character of Kefalonia.

Apart from the endless beauty, the island is famous for its rich history, that is displayed by the remarkable historical monuments, forts and archaeological site. The islanders are distinctive for their religious stance. The churches and monasteries illustrate their faith. The patron of the island is Agios Gerasimos.

The touristrial infrastructure of Kefalonia is constantly improving and has turned the island into a resort with high standards. An island that will capture the heart and mind of visitors.

Tour of the island

The tour of the island for the tourists may start from the capital of Kefalonia, visiting the Archaiological Museum of Argostoli. The museum contains many exhibits from the first sign of life on the island. A substantial proportion of Argostoli is the Korgialenios Library, which is one of the largest in Greece. At the same building guests can find the Historical and Folklore Museum. The tourists can also reach the bridge of Drapanos, that its construction was made by France and connects the city with the coast.In the lagoon of Koutavos, visitors will have the opportunity to see from up close the ruins of ancient city, Krani.

However, much interest and concern gather tha place Katavothres, in peninsula Lasi. Specifically, in this area takes place a rare geological phenomenon where large amounts of seawater continuously penetrate continuously into the gaps of the earth to reach the lake Melissani and Karavomylos, on the other side of the island.

Those who visit the lighthouse of St. Theodoron, in Fanari area, will be charmed by the beautiful sunsets of the island.

The patron of the island is Agios Gerasimos and those who want can visit the cave, in which the Saint led his asceticism for six years. The cave is located 3 km south of the city. In the monastery of St. Andrew's, which operates as a church museum since 1988, the right foot of the Saint is kept.

The heart of the city lies on Lithostroto place, where all shops are gathered.In that place the tourists are able to do their shopping and their walks. Furthermore, there is the church of St. Spyridon, from that place each year starts the procession for earthquakes in 1953, with the accompaniment of the Municipal Band.

The island has two other museums which worth visiting.The Museum of Natural History of Kefalonia and Ithaca and the Maritime Museum, which offers interesting exhibits from the nautical tradition of the island.

Villages in Kefalonia

As we already said, Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian sea and for that reason it consists of several villages.The following villages, are the most known and with an increasing tourism.

Saint Euphemia: This is a seaside village with beautiful nature landscape, that will fascinate all visitors. The area is renowned for its incomparable, unspoilt environment. The village is connected with Astakos and Ithaca. It is located 31km from the capital and has a great number of residents.

Assos: Assos is one of the most picturesque villages of Kefalonia. It stretches between two small bays formed by the overgrown piece of land that goes into the sea. The entire peninsula is adorned by beautiful pine and cypress trees and the houses retain their traditional architecture. It lies 36 km north of Argostoli and has few permanent residents.
It worths visiting the Venetian castle and the wall surrounding Assos, which was built to protect the residents from the invaders, in the late 16th century. Also, the church of San Marco and the church of Prophet Elias gather great interest and the tourists can see the remarkable wooden temple beneath the castle.

Lixouri: This is the second largest town of Kefalonia, after Argostoli. Lixouri is situated near the ancient city of Pali or Paliokastro. The face of the city has changed radically after the earthquake and it was rebuilt with new buildings, streets and extended squares. It has 3,000 inhabitants and it is famous for its Philharmonic. Lixouri has many attractions that visitors should see.

Lourdata: The area is characterized by abundant vegetation, which is fed by the waters of the mountain Anos. The village has beautiful beaches, and along with the beautiful landscape ends up increasing tourism. Located just 16km from Argostoli is inhabited by 150 people

Poros: It is a picturesque village situated on the coastal fringes of the mountains Atros and Paxni. It is an important junction that connects the island with the rest of Greece, because of its harbor. Visitors will be charmed by the idyllic landscape, which is created by the contrasting colors of the mountains and sea. It is 41 km away from Lixouri and has 1500 inhabitants.

Sami: Sami is the second largest commercial center of the island, and the most important tourist resort. The port connects Kefalonia with Italy. The settlement’s characteristics are the natural beauty and the archaeological sites, which attract thousands of visitors. The village of Sami lies 22km northeast of Argostoli.

Skala: This is a village which has developed tourism as it has bars, taverns, restaurants and a great nightlife, which will satisfy the most demanding visitor. The road from Poros to Stairs goes through an area with rich vegetation, which is called ‘‘Steno tou Porou’’ and it is a microcosm of the valley of Tempi. Skala is 31km away from Argostoli.

Fiskardo: Fiskardo is one of the most beautiful areas of  Kefalonia, which attracts many Greeks and foreign visitors every year. It has remained untouched by the devastating earthquake and for this reason it is considered to be a settlement with great natural beauty and many houses are preserved. Fiskardo is also the center of protection for the meditteranean seal and it is located 52 km northeast of Argostoli.