Kefalonia is situated in the Ionian Sea on the west of mainland Greece and belongs to the Ionian group of islands. It is believed, according to mythology, that Kefalonia took its name from the hero Cephalus (Kefalos), the island’s first leader. According to reference of the island made by the historian Thucydides, the four city-states (Krani, Sami, Pali and Pronni), were named after Cephalus’ sons, who constituted the ancient “tetrapolis” (four-state).The islands’ geomorphology can be described as mountainous and semi mountainous with its highest peak on Mount Ainos (or Aenos) reaching 1628 m. which has been characterized as a National Park, but also by their verdurous plains. The coasts form safe gulfs, extensive capes and steep slopes, signifying the intense geological phenomena that separated the islands from mainland Greece thousands of years ago. The island has a Mediterranean climate and which is generally mild with hot summers and mild winter, guaranteeing good weather conditions for exploration all year round. The islands’ cultural features were intensely marked due to their strategic position whilst passing from mainland Greece to the Western Mediterranean. Their long and disrupted history has passed down an abundant cultural heritage, which harmoniously assimilates the Western-European influences into the authentic Greek character as can be seen from relics of the Ionian Island. The island culture is displayed by the simple Ionian Island architecture, the Venetian castles, the monuments and relics of a long-lasting spiritual and religious tradition and a vivacious local gastronomy adorned by the local wine of the Robola grape variety. Lively, authentic island settlements, tourist resorts and picturesque ports discreetly evade the hustle and bustle of tourism and open-handedly offer their warm hospitality to those that respect the grandeur and beauty hidden by the “journey” itself.Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island, takes you by surprise; it is not where you are searching for it! It is in a revived settlement, in a colourful medieval port, in an archaeological site amongst wild flowers,in a small museum with photographic material of 1930, in a small chapel amongst old farm houses and inaccessible cobbled paths...trends. In this context, Kefalonia offers remarkable painting, sculptures, ecclesiastical art, architecture and literature to the spiritual rebirth of the Ionian Islands and Greece. Local traditional architecture undoubtedly played a significant role in the local culture with its dominant and characteristic form having a strong Renaissance and Baroque influence. Nevertheless, the successive earthquake of 1953 caused major destructions in the northern part of the island and leaving very few old buildings intact.During the Reunion of the Ionian Islands with the liberated mainland Greece in 1864, Kefalonian representatives of the Ionian Parliament in a pioneering manner put forward both significant and innovative social demands. World War II was marked by the German Occupations, huge destructions andthe tragedy of the Infantry Division Acqui. In 1953, continuous earthquakes finalised the work of the war and levelled the island with the most damage being in the southern part. The years that followed were characterised by mass exodus/immigration and the enormous efforts to restore and reconstruct the island. Kefalonia has three towns, each with its own beauty. The capital is Argostoli, has a beautiful harbour comprising of one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean and for centuries now is a calm retreat for the sea-beaten sailors. Although the city was almost destroyed in 1953 and is today characterised by its modern design, certain features have preserved its charm such as the harbour, its roads, its monuments and the central square, where the city meets in the evenings. Fiscardo constitutes the island’s most cosmopolitan tourist resort, whilst at the same time it conceals images of times gone by. Finally, Lixouri is ideally positioned and is a contemporary settlement with good tourism infrastructure and noteworthy tradition in the arts and literature.The most unique area of agricultural Kefalonia is the area Omala Community, which is situated at a 390m elevation on the western foot of Mt. Aino. The old village of Valsamata and the picturesque abandoned homes and cobbled paths take you back to 1953. The broader area has abundant vineyards and olive groves and acts as trustee of an enormous agricultural tradition and cultural inheritance: This is where the zone of the famous Robola can be found. Assos, which is located on the peninsular with the steep slopes and the Venetian Castle is one of the island’s most beautiful, scenic settlements and it has lately become a popular destination for those wanting to get away from the main tourist resorts. Tesserae from the island’s distant and contemporary history can be found scattered all over the island. Argostoli’s trademark is the Drapano Bridge (1813), which joins the city with the other side of the Koutavo lagoon. The bridge was constructed by the British and was restored after the earthquake according to plans of Takis Pavlatos, Civil Engineer. The Column situated midway, stands as a monument in honour of the British. Furthermore, when in Argostoli don’t miss out on visiting the church of Aghios Spyridonas with the exceptional gold-plated wood carved iconostasis and the Cabana Square. For the admirers of architecture, the Kosmetatos Residence on Vas. Georgiou Street adorned by palm trees constitutes one of the few manors that were not affected by the earthquake.The most significant historical museum on Kefalonia is possibly the grand Venetian Fortress of St Georgios, which is located at Travliata, the former capital. The fortress was most probably constructed during the Byzantine period, although the Venetians (1504), gave it its current form. Furthermore, the island has yet another impressive fortress, the Fortress of Assos, which was built by the Venetians at the end of the 16th century in order to protect from pirates raids. Situated on the plateau of Mt Omala, amongst well-attended fields of the Robola zone is the Monastery of Aghios Gerasimos (16th century), dedicated to the island’s patron saint. During the procession of the saint’s relics The well-preserved Vaulted Mycenaean tomb is yet another significant monument and it is situated just outside the Tzanata village. It is also worth visiting the Lighthouse of Aghii Theodori, an elegant, circular building with a lighthouse, rebuilt after the earthquake; the Division Acqui monument that stands on a hill with an amazing view In the broader area, close to the Koutavos lagoon, the watertower (19th century) and findings of a Doric temple, dedicated in honour of goddess Demeter has also been preserved.The museums on Kefalonia introduce you to the local culture. The Archaeological Museum of Argostoli accommodates a noteworthy exhibition of findings from the island that date back to the Palaeolithic up tothe Post-Romaic Period and it displays these in three rooms. Furthermore, the Historic and Folklore Museum, which is housed in the Korgialenio Library in Argostoli, takes you on a journey to the tradition, folklore and culture of the urban and farming life from the period of Venetian Rule until 1953. Kefalonia’s unique natural wealth is displayed in its exceptionally natural ecosystems. The national park of Mount Ainos, the magnificent fir-tree forest as well as the rich flora and fauna, have immense significance. You can also find horses on Ainos, that are distinctive for their small size, thin head, stronglegs and rich mane and tail. They belong to the Pindou breed and are ancestors of tame horses that were set free during the midwar period. They have nowadays adapted and live under difficult conditions away from human presence.The island offers many more significant biotopes. Kalo Oros has been designated as an Important Bird Area of Greece, particularly due to the colonisation of the Gyps fulvus vulture, the Koutavos lagoon is the home and reproduction area of various breeds of ducks and swans, whilst the Livadi wetlands is a permanent retreat for wild life offering hospitality to an exceptional variety of birds. Other rare and endangered species that can be found on Kefalonia are the Caretta – Caretta turtle.Finally, the island is ideal for birdwatching!Kefalonia is distinguished for its particular geological formations that are the results of “strange” natural phenomena. The caves at Kefalonia are magnificent; the first and foremost being the Melissani Cave at Karavomylo in Sami, where a boat tour is conducted. The view at this point is unique as the sun’s rays pierce through a collapsed section of the roof and reflect on the water of the lake. The Drogarati Cave located at Haliotata in Sami, is 150 million years old and has rare red stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an exceptional acoustics in the main area making it ideal for concerts! For those that love trekking and roaming around nature’s beauties, Kefalonia is a favorite destination. Begin with, the area around Mount Ainos offers a number of alternative and extremely interesting paths.The main path is considered to be the one that starts from the Aghios Eleftherios pass, cutting through the fir-trees forests and finishing at Mega Soros, the highest peak (route length: 10 km; small degree of difficulty). When reaching the peak you will find ruins of the Temple dedicated in honor of Zeus Aniesius, as well as a unique view. Continuing from Mega Soros on to Arginia and the area of the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigis (source of life-giving), the trekker would be able to admire the wild horse biotope (routelength: 5 km; average degree of difficulty). In recent years, with the contribution of European funding, an organised network of tourist trips has been created, which includes information and rest and thematicpaths throughout the island’s inner land. An interesting path begins at Aghia Efimia, cuts through a small, but beautiful valley such as the ones in the traditional settlements and animal farming areas of Falaris and Pylarro and ends up at Myrtos beach. The Pastra – Katelios, Sami – Acropolis – Antisamos paths, as well as those in the area of Poros, are equally beautiful.The beach that stands out is the calm and easily accessible beach at Koroni with its exceptional sandy beach and crystal clear waters. At the island’s most southern point you will find Skala. This is a favourite tourist resort with an organised beach and magnificent waters. The sea route from Skala to Poros is one of the most fascinating in all of Kefalonia. Rent a boat, sea-bicycle or canoe and discover hidden sandy beaches and coves. During this trip you will come across beautiful remote beaches such as Kako Lagadi, Ragia, Limenia and Makria Petra.From the large town of Sami a small road leads to Antisamos, an elliptic, pebbled beach that is surrounded by verdurous mountain slopes. Understandably, the coast of Antisamos constituted the natural setting for the movie “Captain Corelli’s mandolin”. The view from above takes your breath away! At a short distance from Sami, you will find the picturesque harbour of Aghia Efimia. Along this road you will find beautiful, remote, pebbled coves.Passing through the Pylarou valley, you will find yourselves on the western side of the island. A steep descending road, which starts at Diavarata leads to the splendid Myrtos beach. The transparent waters, white sand and small white pebbles, no doubt classes Myrtos beach as the most beautiful beach on the island.The red sand on Xi beach offers unique scenery to visitors. The beach was given this name due to its strange shape, which resembles the respective letter in the Greek alphabet. The beach has an organised infrastructure for many water sports, a beach bar, deckchairs and umbrellas and is ideal for the youngerswimmers due to its waters being shallow and warm. The closest organised beach to Lixouri is Lepeda, which comprises of red sand and a sombre rock in the middle of the sea. There is an infrastructure for beach volley, boat or canoe rental or you can even go on foot to the ruins of the Cave Monastery of Aghia Paraskevi.Platia Ammos. Access to this beach is easier by sea, or for the more adventurous that prefer land, there is a steep path along the cliff with a lot of stairs. One thing is for sure, the crystal clear waters are worth it! Don’t forget to take supplies with you, such as water, some fruit and an umbrella. After you have visited Platia Ammos don’t forget to watch the sunset from the balcony of the Monastery Kipoureon.The beautiful Petani beach is situated on the western side of the Paliki peninsula and for many it is the rival of Myrtos beach! Kefalonia has a significant and organized infrastructure for water sports. At the larger more cosmopolitan beaches such as Skala, Makris Yialos, Lourdas and Xi, there are a number of water activities of varying difficulty degrees for the more or less adventurous and for every age. For the more powerful athletic types there are beach ball facilities on many beaches such as Makris Yialos, Lassi, Ai Helis, Livatho, Xi.
