Kefallonia Island Greece - Kefalonia Greece - Tour and Travel guide Hotels Flights
KEFALONIA sits in the clear blue Ionian sea between Corfu and Zakynthos. It is larger than the other islands and a good deal quieter having largely escaped the attentions of the tourist boom.
Kefalonia is one of Greece’s best secrets and once voted 10th in a world scenic beauty league, thus it demands and deserves exploration. Beautiful golden beaches, lofty mountains providing the scenic backdrop to hundreds of secluded white coves - many accessible only by sea, the strange cliffs like open-air sculptures, the cave of St. Gerassimos - the island’s patron saint, the Cave of Drongorati, the underground lake at Mellisani, churches and monasteries perched precariously on cliffs, timeless villages. Spectacular scenery, traditional housing and excellent wine are all worth studying them.
Kefalonia’s major settlements are Argostoli - the capital of the island - Poros, Scala, Lassi, Katelios, Svoronata, Lixouri, Sami, Asos. It’s archeological remnants refer to a civilization which developed thousand years ago and archeological excavations have brought to light many Mycenean graves. The history of Kefalonia is long and very interesting.
The island was under the Turkish empire at the decade of 1460’s and after under the Venetians and French. Finally England protected the island, until 1864 when all the Ionian islands joint the rest Greece.
How to get Kefallonia:
By Road and Sea: Kefallonia is serviced from Piraeus to Sami. Also from Patra to Sami one ferry daily. From Kyllini (on the Peloponnese) to Argostoli. It has also connection with many other Ionian islands
By air: There are two flights daily on Olympic Airways from Athens to the Airport of Kefalonia. Olympic Airways of Kefalonia: (0671) 28808
Getting around Kefallonia
Kefalonia is an unspoiled get-away island with so many beauties which deserve exploring. Here are some ways to find the "secret paths to Paradise".
By boat: Exploration by boat is a treat in itself. You will be surprised by the many peculiar shaped coves and who knows you may have the luck to be the first that he will probably discover a new one.
By ferry: There is a daily ferry-boat to Lixouri (a fun, 30 min.voyage between two points of land jutting into the Argostolian Gulf).
By bus: There is frequent public bus connection servicing the whole island whose schedules are posted at the bus station. However Kefalonia is so big and hilly that it takes forever to get to most places. So take your time and relax viewing the beauties.
By Car or Moped: There are 20 rental car companies in town, so shop around and book one early. You can also rent a jeep or a moped. Mopes are too slow to cover much ground, but they can be a lot of fun because the roads on wealthy Kefalonia are very good.
Where to go
Argostoli (the island’s capital), is an amusing, lively modern town full of boutiques, clothing shops, food markets, galleries, handcrafts. We recommend you some special products such as Gentillini (one of the very best wines in all Greece) and Kefalonia’s "Golden" brand honey uniquely rich and tasty.
Kefalonia is famous for its monasteries spread throughout the villages, many of which (including the famous one of St. Gerasimos) are considered to be wonder - working. Also, the cave of St. Gerassimos, the Cave of Drongorati, the underground lake at Mellisani, the Koutavos lagoon, the cesspools (a very strange geological phenomenon), 2,5 klm out of Argostoli, are all worth visiting and exploring.
One of the islands highlights is the incredible Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum where among the superb collection of artisans tools, costumes, European antiquities left by occupiers, there is also the collection of black-and-white photos 1904 depicting Argostoli as it was before the earthquakes. In addition the archeological museum and a tour in Galliga Vineyards are an absolute must for everyone visiting the island!!
Entertainment here is a low key. You will find café bars and clubs around the Argostoli peninsula, elsewhere you’ll find that Kefalonias ( and most visitors who come to share their island paradise) have little need of such diversions. After each glorious day of discovery, or lazing on a sun-drenched beach, the world simply retires to the taverna, in time - honored style, to swap tales over a bottle or two of the excellent wine.
Kefallonia Beaches
Kefallonia has many beautiful beaches, each one with its own character.
Myrtos beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece. It is almost 10km long and is covered by fine pearl-colored pebbles with blue waters.
Makris Yialos and Platis Yialos beaches in Lassi, where is also the cave of St. Gerasimos, shelve gently into beautiful clear waters which are busy with watersports.
There is also Spartia, a beach of rock and sand, an ideal place for quiet relaxation.
Lourdas bay is one of the largest bays of Kefalonia fringed by over two miles of sand and shingle beach.
Scala, Poros, Katelios, are also golden beaches of Kefallonia that are worth visiting.
Useful Information
Area code 0671 (Argostoli, Lixouri, Scala)
Banks
National Bank of Greece and most of the major banks
Post Office is located on Lithostroto street.
Argostoli Hospital tel 24 461
Tourist Police tel 22 200
