About Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the seven Ionian Islands which includes, from North to South, Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, the sister island to Cephalonia, Zakynthos (Zante) and Kithira. It has an area of 780 square kilometres, so there is plenty of exploring to be done. Only 36,000 people live on the island, and as yet it is still unspoilt as far as tourism development goes, even though it has been a tourist destination for mainly British package holiday makers for over 20 years.
The island has extreme beauty in many ways, with the dramatic highest point on the island being Mount Aenos, which is 1628m above sea level where you will find a unique tree which originally grew on the mountain slopes, the Kefalus Silver fir. There are also the geological phenomena of the underground cave of Drogarati and the cave/lake of Melissani, both near Sami in the East. Apart from that, there is the coastal beauty at Myrtos Bay and Assos in the North West and Caminia/Potamakia beach in Ratzakli, in the south and historical land marks like the castle of St. George at Kastro, above the village of Travliata.
Argostoli
Argostoli is the island's capital where 10,000 live. It is a working capital, which serves the local people of the island, therefore, they do not need to go over to the mainland to find their supplies, and the centre virtually remains the same Winter and Summer. It is located on the Argostoli Gulf
overlooking the mountains. Life in Argostoli centres around Platia Vallianou
(the central square) - take a coffee and relax reading the paper here in the
morning or of an evening enjoy a pre or after dinner drink and soak up the
atmosphere as many locals congregate to share their days news. There are a
selection of shops here and many tavernas and restaurants to choose from.
Katelios
This is a small, sleepy resort in the south of the island developed
around a fishing port. A selection of seafood restaurants can be found here
serving the fresh 'catch of the day' and there is a sandy beach here also.
Places of Interest
Skala
Located on the south east coast of the island Skala is both a residential village, winter and summer, and a busy holiday resort from May to October. The 'new' village is built around a main street which runs up through the centre. Here, you will find tavernas, restaurants, mini markets, cafes, bars, a bakery and several souvenir and gift shops. Backing the impressive sand/shingle/fine pebble beach just below the square, is a pine forest and then the beach stretches along the coast for about 4km. The central bathing area at Skala has a baywatch and this coast line has been awarded a blue flag for cleanliness and hygiene.
Assos
Assos is very pretty and charming, with brightly painted well kept houses, a few holiday accommodations and tavernas and cafes, set around a small sheltered bay which has a tiny pebble beach. The village is set on the neck of a peninsula, then going up to the headland are the remains and walls of another Venetian fortress which was built in the 16th century to protect the islanders against attacks from pirates and Turks, along with the St. Georges Castle down in the south. After 1684, the fortress was used as a prison, until 1815.
Lixouri
Lixouri is the second largest town on Kefalonia and is on the Paliki
peninsula. It is built around a port and is a modern town with a more
working atmosphere than Argostoli, however, it is worth a visit to soak up
the traditional Greek atmosphere here. There is a regular ferry from
Argostoli to Lixouri which takes approximately 20 minutes.
Fiskardo
Kefalonia's most northern harbour is Fiskardo and is the main village in the Erissos peninsula. It has been inhabited for thousands of years and evidence of its heritage can be seen all around the area. That includes everything from the Roman sarcophagae by the water's edge to Venetian buildings and the British built lighthouse. Fiskardo was very fortunate to escape the full force of the 1953 earthquake and many of its buildings still remain intact. It also has an incredibly pretty harbour, packed with restaurants, tavernas and bars.
Lourdas Beach
The village of Lourdata is located behind one of the longest beaches on the south coast of Kefalonia.
This, again, is a very picturesque area and is an old favourite with many visitors who return year after year. This is a mid-sized resort with a collection of villas, apartments, hotels, and tavernas at its heart. Finally, Lourdas is a clean and well maintained village and resort and as it is situated at the end of the road, there is very little passing traffic.
Myrtos Beach
This beach is white pebble/shingle and shelves very quickly into the most turquoise sea, caused by the limestone which tumbles from the surrounding hillsides into the sea. The viewpoint is high up above the bay on the main road which leads to Fiskardo and gives you the opportunity to take some of the most beautiful photographs of your holiday.
Ithaca
This is the most legendary of all Greek islands, Ithaca is still one of the least known yet still beautiful and unspoiled by tourism. Also, the island of Odysseus is only a short distance from Kefalonia and these two islands are undoubtedly the jewels of the Ionian. Ithaca is the second smallest of the island and here, you will find a special majic at every turn. In the trees and mountains. In the stunning blue sea and in every little village, with their brightly coloured blue doors and rough walls lost under countless layers of whitewash.
Sami
A place to visit if you like a harbour, good food, impressive scenery of surrounding hills and mountains and a lively but relaxing evening scene, in the warm summer months. The ferryboats leave from here for Patras on the mainland, Ithaca and Lefkas. Not forgetting, this is the place where filming took place for Captain Corellis Mandolin.
Things To Do
Agios Giorgios Castle
The medieval castle is situated near the village of Peratata, on a 320m. high hill. Agios Giorgios Castle was built in the 13th century to fortify the islands' old capital which was housed here until 1757 AD. The Castles' entire surface area is 16,000 square metres and the walls are 1,015m. high. The three ramparts face Argostoli and also includes loopholes, observatories and cannon positions.
Agios Gerasimos Monastery
Agios Gerasimos is the patron saint of the island and his feast day sees many pilgrims flocking to the monastery. It is said that he was born in Trikala of Korinthia and was a member of the famous Notaras family. He became a monk and lived in the Holy Land for a number of years and then spent five years in Zakynthos. He came to Kefalonia in 1560 and stayed in the cave of the same name, south of Argostoli.
Later, he founded the monastery and took residence there until his death in 1579. His relics were then placed inside the monastery and we was canonized in 1622. At the courtyard, there is a large plane tree and a well and it is said to have been dug by Agios Gerasimos himself. Inside, there is also a trap door, where it is said that he spent the greater part of his life. On the 15th August and 20th October, festivals and processions take place and many miracles are connected to the saint's relics and icons.
Assos Castle
The castle of Assos (Kastro), is the focal point of Assos's peninsula and was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century in order to protect the city from pirate raids. From within the castle, you can see the ruins of the Venetian High Commissioner's house, the barracks and the church of Agios Markos. From here, the view of the sea and the beautiful bay of Mirtos is so unique it attracts many tourists.
Captain Correli's Mandolina
In the summer of 2000, Kefalonia was the setting of the film Captain Correli's Mandolin and was "buzzing" with film crews and of course, the stars of the movie, Nicholas Cage, Penelope Cruz and John Hurt. Most of the filming took place in Sami, where a huge and beautiful set was built. The story line, for those of you who don't know it, is: "In 1941, a young Italian Officer, Captain Antonio Corelli, is posted to the island, as part of the occupying forces. Initially, he is ostracised by the locals, but as a conscientious but far from fanatical soldier, he proves to be a civilized, humorous, and consummate musician. When the local doctor's daughter's letters to her fiance and members of the underground go unanswered, the working of the eternal triangle seems inevitable.
Boat Hire and WatersportsThe wonderfully clear sea around the island and secluded beaches make
this a haven for sailing. Hiring a boat is a fantastic way of exploring the islands coastlines (a licence is not required), nor do you need previous experience as novices will receive introductory instruction in boat handling.
The clear waters and rocky shoreline are also ideal for diving. All
scuba-diving schools have qualified instructors who will choose dive
locations according to your experience. (Please check with your insurance
policy as to their cover with regards to scuba-diving). Snorkelling with a
mask and flippers is also equally rewarding.
Glass Bottom Boat
Based in the Southern resort of Skala, 'Nautilus' is a specially constructed boat of high standards, built with "glasss at the bottom" of the boat. The possibility to watch the beautiful seabed, to view the rocky coast or, to cruise the Ionian Sea waters, at a speed of up to 30 knots, will ensure you have a pleasant cruise.
Loggerhead Turtle Sanctuary
The sea Turtle Protection Society work hard to protect the fascinating creatures when they come in to nest on the Kaminia beach. The Martine Turtle Project was set up some years ago, to observe and record the nestling female turtles on the south-eastern tip of the island. This project has continued to this day and incorporated a conservation programme to promote the protection of the beaches where these creatures lay their eggs.
Horse Riding
The nearest riding schools are located near Sami and Lixouri where you can learn to ride or simply, improve your riding skills. Mountain trails to beach riding and swimming with the horses.
Helpful Info
Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT. The clocks advance one hour for
summertime starting the last Sunday in March and ending the last Sunday in
October.
Passports & visas
There are no visa requirements for EU citizens. If required, visa
information can be obtained by calling the Consulate General of Greece on
020 7221 6467 or www.greekembassy.org.uk
The Greek Tourist Board can be found at:
4 Conduit Street
LONDON
W1S 2DJ
Their telephone enquiry line is 020 7495 9300 and website address is
www.mintour.gr
Currency
The currency used in Greece is the Euro. The approximate exchange rate is 1.05 Euros (€) to the English Pound. (£)
Travellers cheques, in sterling or Euros, are accepted at banks, Post Offices and exchange bureaux. Credit and charge cards are also widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants in the main resorts, Visa and most bank cards can be used in ATMs. Always take your passport when changing money. Do always check commission charges before the transaction commences.
Driving
Driving on Cephalonia is on the right hand side of the road. By law, seat belts must be worn. Unleaded petrol, amolivthi venzini, is readily available on the island. Please observe parking restrictions as illegal parking can result in a ticket and a hefty fine. Take care when driving, many roads have potholes or uneven surfaces.
Electricity
Mains electricity is 220 volts. Electrical equipment should be fitted with a continental two-pin plug or used with an appropriate adaptor.
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