The magnificent sights, amazing beaches, rich cultural heritage, great monuments, mountains, castles, remote monasteries and cheerful, hospitable people are the treasures making Kefalonia one of the most attractive destinations.
It is the biggest island of the Ionian Sea, at the outlet of Patraikos Bay, between Zakynthos (Zante) and Lefkada. It stretches over an area of 904 km2 with a coastline length of 250 km.
The island has a splendid natural beauty and a diversified geological structure with innumerable small bays and rich vegetation; the mountain Aenos (National Park since 1962 supporting rich flora and fauna) looks impressive from far away.
During the Byzantine period Kefalonia formed part of the province of Achaia and the prefecture of East Illyria. It was conquered by the Normans, the Franks, the Venetians and the Turks.
It joined the rest of Greece along with the other Ionian Islands, on May 21st, 1864. The inhabitants’ resistance against the Italians and the Germans during World War II was considerable.
The movie ‘’Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’’ shot in the natural scenery of the island refers to a history of the Resistance movement.
Argostoli is the island capital (as well as the capital of Kefalonia and Ithaca prefecture) since 1757. It is a modern town, which preserves its traditional character, built amphitheatrically with a view of the Koutavous lagoon, which is a crossing area for the migratory birds. The city has many neoclassical buildings, big squares, churches and remarkable cultural activity.
Kefalonia is the biggest Greek island in the area of the Ionian Sea and Mount Ainos is the highest mountain in the same area, with an altitude that surpasses 1,600 m. Mount Ainos is well known not only for its altitude but also due to its dense forest of Kefalonian fir trees (Abies cephalonica), which dominate at the upper altitudes.
This species is endemic to Greece and was described for the first time in the same region. In the area three different habitats can be discerned: the fir tree forest, which can be pure or at lower altitudes be mixed with elements of maquis (Arbutus ssp. Quercus ssp. etc.), the rocky or pebbly slopes which are characterized by more sparse vegetation and on which one can often come across interesting floral elements and the rocky peaks and the non-forested upper regions of Mount Ainos, on which several endemic plants of Kefalonia or the Ionian Islands can be found.
The area has been designated as a National Park.
The fir forest of Mount Ainos as an ecosystem and as a natural heritage is of particular significance as it is the only one of its kind in the Ionian region. It is also noted that the significance of this forest lies in the genetic pureness of the species Abies cephalonica, since in mainland areas of Greece, where this species can also be found, it is often crossbred with the Balkan fir species Abies borisii-regis. Mount Ainos is important from a biogeographical point of view since on its slopes and peaks endemic plant species can be found.
Also, the spread pattern of several plant species which are found in the area indicate close biogeographical ties between the Greek and Italian peninsulas.
Map of Kefalonia
BEACHES
North Kefalonia
Foki Bay
The ‘Tselentata village’ beach, about 1km south of Fiskardo along the coastal road. A secluded shingle and pebble beach, surrounded by a forest of Cypress trees is one of the most photographed bays on the island (with the exception of Myrtos). The small sea caves with a colorful array of small tropical fish, make it a snorkel’s paradise. There is a taverna on site.
Emblissi Beach
Just north of Fiskardo, along the Fiskardo – Assos road. A favourite beach amongst the locals from the nearby villages. A white pebble and shingle beach surrounded by Cypress trees. A great spot for swimming and snorkeling. There are no facilities here, only a taverna on the top of the road.
Dafnoudi Beach
Accessible by walking through a short gorge at the end of the village of old Antipata. A secluded pebble beach with crystal clear waters also visited by motor boats from Fiskardo. There are no facilities here, so pack a picnic basket before you go.
Alaties Beach
A short drive from Manganos village to this tiny sandy beach. View the red cliffs and the very deep bay used by the Greek submarines to hide during the 2nd World War. There is a tavernabut no umbrellas or sun beds for hire. Walk over the rocks and explore the little natural salt pools (Alati = salt) where the villagers used to find relief from their arthritis.
Agia Ierousalim
Further south of Alaties beach, along a winding road, through some lovely old villages that were not completely destroyed with the 1953 earthquake. A secluded sand and shingle bay that has a taverna during the summer months. A romantic spot for swimming and watching the sunset.
Assos Village Beach
A small stone and pebble beach harbored in the village of Assos. The waters are crystal clear for swimming and snorkeling with views up to the remains of the Venetian castles. Surrounded by tavernas and small shops, there are no umbrellas or sun beds for hire. Either side of the village there are some wonderful shingle beaches only reached by boat.
Myrtos Beach
Voted one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world and the most photographed beach in Kefalonia. The view from the cliffs above is incredible. The bay is reached by a long and winding road sign-posted at Siniori. This is a large pebbled and shingle beach with a canteen, and umbrellas and sun beds for hire.
Agia Kyriaki
Another photographed beach, just south of Myrtos Beach. Reached by a winding road from Zola on the Lixouri - Assos road or from Angona on the Argostoli - Assos road. The beach is a mixture of sand, pebble and shingle. An ideal bay for those who like snorkeling and fishing. There are motor boats for hire, a local taverna serving fresh fish, as well as a canteen with sun beds and umbrellas.
BEACHES
South Kefalonia
Andisamos Beach
A famous and picturesque bay, enclosed by rolling hills and fir trees, on the east coast of Sami. A pebble and stone beach, with a large cafe bar and sun beds and umbrellas for hire.
Makri Yialos & Platis Yialos
Two of the busiest and cleanest beaches on the island, just off the main and busy road of Lassi. Fine golden sand, and shallow blue waters make it ideal for families with children. The two beaches are separated by a platform of rocks, however, it is possible to walk or swim from one to another. Beach canteens and a large variety of water sports can be found on both.
Avithos Beach
Sign-posted from the Svoronata junction. A shallow and sandy beach , ideal for children. There is a canteen with umbrellas and sun beds for hire, and a family-run taverna nearby.
Ammes Beach
Easily found near Svoronata. This is a small, clean, sandy beach, ideal for children. There is a canteen, with sun beds and umbrellas for hire. There are some undercurrents, so stay close to the shore.
Ai Helis Beach
Found near Ammes beach. There are a number of steps leading down to the black- shingled beach that is favored by the locals around the area. There is a canteen, with sun beds and umbrellas for hire.
Lourdas Bay
The second largest bay on the island, located along a steep and winding road down from the village of Vlahata. A sandy and shingle beach with wonderful views of Mount Ainos and the neighboring island of Zakynthos. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for hire, and a couple of tavernas to choose from, on the beach coast.
Trapezaki Beach
Situated in the bay of Lourdas, accessible by a steep road from the village of Moussata. A sandy beach with crystal clear waters and a beach taverna.
Koroni Beach
A wonderful beach backed by sand dunes and fresh running springs. Reached by a dirt road from the village of Valianos. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for hire.
Mounda Bay
Below the village of Ratzakli, are the two long and beautiful beaches, Potamakia and Kaminia Beach. These sandy shores with clear shallow waters are perfect for families with children and even during high season, does not get too crowded. There is a small canteen, with umbrellas and sun beds for hire.
If you are bringing your own umbrella, take care to place it close to the shoreline so you don’t disturb any turtle’s nests. This whole area is one of the places that the endangered Loggerhead Turtle lays its eggs from around May to August.
Lepeda Beach
Just 2km outside of Lixouri town, is this picturesque beach with fine red sand and shallow waters, and some interesting rocks for snorkeling. There is a beach bar and umbrellas and sun beds are available for hire as well as boats and canoes. Along this beach you will also find the cave and the old monastery of Agia Paraskevi.
Xi Beach
A sandy reddish-colour beach backed by lows cliffs on the southern part of the Lixouri peninsula. Mix some clay from the rocks with water and enjoy a mud bath! There is a beach canteen, with umbrellas, sun beds and boats for hire.
Mega Lakos
Adjoining Xi beach, although a lot quieter during the summer months, is this long red sandy beach with a snack bar, and umbrellas and sun beds for hire.
Rocky white cliffs embrace the aquamarine waters offering a stunning view from the road above the beach. This spectacular sand and shingle beach is found on the north of Lixouri along a winding road. A taverna serving fresh fish is available as well as sun beds and umbrellas for hire.
CAVES
Sakkos Cave
THE SAKKOS CAVE is a site of archaeological interest, found at the homonym location, between Skala and the Temple of Apollo. It consists of two cavities linked by a small tunnel. The findings verify its usage by prehistoric people.
Melissani cave
Melissani cave is located not far from Karavomilo. It is a lacustrine cave of unique beauty and fully developed cave, which is 3.5 km long, 40m wide and 36m high. Melissanthi cave constitutes a unique geological phenomenon. It was created by a mechanical and chemical process called karstikopoiisi (dissolution of rocks) during which water enters the calcareous rocks, erodes them and creates hollows.
The underground Melissanthi lake was discovered in 1951 by speleontologist Giannis Petrochilos. A big part of its roof has fallen down revealing an amazing sight. During antiquity the lake was a place of worship dedicated to Pan and Nymph Melissanthi. Myths mention that Melissanthi committed suicide and fell in the lake because Pan was not responding to her love for him.
The lake includes also an islet on which archeologist S. Marinatos discovered Pan's sanctuary. The findings are at present in the Archeological Museum of Argostoli. These findings include a clay figure of Pan, a clay disc depicting dancing nymphs, a clay plate depicting the procession of nymphs and a small plate with a woman figure relief.
Visitors reach the lake by an underground tunnel and have the opportunity to explore it with a boat and a guide. Therefore, they can admire this unique natural work of sculpture created by the stalactites and the crystal blue-green color of the waters.
Drogarati Cave
The grandiosity of nature has created here a unique work of art. Once inside the cave, the visitor is instantly captivated by this remarkable workshop of the earth, where stalactites and stalagmites have been forming for thousands of years. The reflection of sunlight on the stalactites creates an unrealistic atmosphere. The cave contains a 44-m-long descending passageway that leads to a chamber of 30 x 40 m. The latter, decorated with multi-hued stalactites and stalagmites, is renowned for its excellent acoustics and is prearranged for concerts on a special platform which is along the back wall of the cave. Its domed roof is intact and is of a unique, magical formation. The Drogarati Cave is a rare geological phenomenon and attracts thousands of visitors.
sources: visitgreece - addicted2kefalonia
