Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea and one of the most popular destinations for vacations. It has many beautiful places, unique sandy beaches with crystal blue waters, magical caves, traditional villages, and historical monuments.
The tourist infrastructures on the island are excellent. There are numerous hotel units, apartments and rooms to let and organized camping sites in Argostoli and Sami.
The capital of the island, the beautiful ARGOSTOLI, is a typical septinsular town, built on the peninsula of Fanari in a sheltered bay.
Sights worth visiting include the Bridge of Drapano (built by the British in 1813 to link the harbor with the coast of the island opposite), the Lagoon of Koutavos, the Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum (tel. 26710 28300) which houses unique samples of art of Mycenaean and Hellenistic period, and the Korigalenios Historical and Folklore Museum (tel. 26710 28835).
Lithostroto is one of the most tourist and commercial roads of the capital, with picturesque shops, restaurants, and cafes.
In Argostoli there are numerous hotel units, apartments and rooms to let of all categories, restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars and clubs for your nightlife.
Some 2,5 kilometers north of the town are the famous “Katavothres”, a rare geological phenomenon in which the seawater disappears into natural fissures on the coast reappearing several kilometers away, outside the village of Karavomylos, near Sami.
The cave of Agios Gerasimos, 3 kilometers south of Argostoli, is where the patron saint of the island lived as a hermit for six years. After this he went to the valley of Omala, in the foothills of the majestic Mount Ainos, where he founded the monastery named after him. His relic is now kept at the monastery and venerated by the faithful on 16 August and 20 October.
A short distance to the south of the cave are the tourist beaches of Platys and Makrys Gialos, which are two of the finest beaches near the town, with extensive facilities and equipment for water sports, many hotel units, cafes, taverns and shops.
LASSI is one of the most famous regions on Kefalonia. It is located north-west of the capital. It distinguishes for its natural beauty and the excellent tourist infrastructure: there are hotel units, apartments and rooms to let of all categories, restaurants, taverns where you can taste the local recipes, café and bars. In Lassi, you will see the Lighthouse of Saints Theodori, built in 1829, during the period of English Possession. Lassi has a beautiful beach, one of the most famous and cosmopolitan of the island.
KARAVADOS village is located 10 kilometers from the capital in a beautiful location ideal for those wanting a quiet staying.
AGIA PELAGIA is a coastal and traditional settlement located 11 km. from the capital with a beautiful sandy beach and crystal waters.
LIXOURI is the second town on Kefalonia, 31 kilometers north-west of Argostoli, with which it is connected by ferry (distance 3 nautical miles). It has a small archaeological collection and several notable churches, some of them containing icons transferred from churches in the town destroyed during the earthquake of 1953. Lixouri has wide streets and squares adorned by statues.
Near Lixouri there are many fine beaches: Platia Ammos is on the road to Kaminarata village, Megas Lakkos is located north south of Lixouri. Close to it you will find Vatsa beach.
Lixouri has a good tourist infrastructure. You will find hotels, apartments and rooms to let of all categories, taverns, restaurants where you can taste the local recipes of the island. For your nightlife there are many bars and clubs.
Just to the north is Paleokastro and the ruins of ancient Pale.
The monastery of the Panagia Kechrionos, 2 kilometers to the north, has old icons and a wood-carved icon, and Mycenaean tombs have been excavated at Kontogenada, 12 kilometers north-west of Lixouri.
There are two other notable monasteries west of the town: those of Tafii and Kipoureon, which have some fine post-Byzantine icons.
To the south, near Akrotiri is Kounopetra, a rock in the sea that used to sway until earthquake of 1953, when it established. Opposite is the small island of Vardiani.
There are beautiful beaches in this area at Lepeda, Xi, Mia Lakkos and Petani.
Xi is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches on Kefalonia. It is an extended beach with crystal clear waters and fully organized. It also provides the possibility for water sports and beach volley. On the beach there is a beach bar.
Lepeda is an attractive golden sandy beach.
LOURDATA village is located 16 km. from the capital. It is built in a place with dense vegetation and fertile valleys. The beautiful and extended beach of the village, Lourdas Beach, attracts many tourists. In the region you will find hotels, apartments and rooms to let.
SAMI, 22 kilometers north-east of the capital is the largest harbor of the island and there are ferry services from here to Italy. It is a busy tourist center, with a good infrastructure and has several interesting sights and some superb beaches. In the organized beach of Sami you can enjoy the sun, the clear sea and there are all the appropriate infrastructures for water sports. The beautiful beaches of Agia Paraskevi and Karavomylos are ideals for those wanting some privacy.
In the area of ancient Same, one of the four powerful cities on the island, excavations have brought to light remains of Cyclopean walls, a section of Hellenistic walling, the ruins of the monastery of the Agii Fanendes, traces of an ancient theater, various grave monuments and a Roman bath-house with mosaic floors.
A short distance away from the town, in the location of Karavomylos, is the cavern-lake Lagoon of Melissani, the walls of which are covered with stalactites.
There are other caves in this area: Angalaki, Agii Theodori, Agia Eleousa and Zervati.
It is worth also visiting the monastery of Agrilia, built on a hill right above the beautiful beach of Antisamos viewing to Ithaca island. Antisamos is one of the best beaches on the island and the entire Ionian region as well.
Between the villages of Chaliotata and Pouliata lies the famous Cave of Drongarati, which has numerous stalactites and stalagmites, and has perfect acoustics; part of it has been converted into a concert hall. It lies at a height of 120 meters, is 95 meters deep and its greatest width is 45 meters.
The beautiful town of POROS, 41 kilometers south-east of Argostoli, is one of the busiest holiday resorts on the island. Here you will find modern hotel units, apartments and rooms to let, restaurants, café, bars and many shops.
The beach of Poros is considered as one of the most cosmopolitan of the island. Its long beach with a length more than 2 km. is surrounded by smaller and protected ports and shores with crystal clear waters.
In Bourtzi location, the excavations brought into light a dome-shaped grave of Mycenaean period, one of the most important findings that proves that the region was inhabited since 1400 BC.
A small road to the north-west of Poros leads to the monastery of the Panagia Atrou, the oldest monastery on the island, built in a wonderful setting with a magnificent view. To the north of this monastery is Lake Avythos.
AGIA EFIMIA is a beautiful village located 31 kilometers north-east of the capital. The small port of the village attracts many tourists. The region is considered a popular summer resort. You can swim at the white pebbled beach. You will find hotels and taverns.
ASSOS is built in an idyllic setting at the narrowest point of the small peninsula of the same name. Its Venetian Castle (late 16th c.) survives in fairly good condition. The small settlement keeps its traditional architectural style.
Near Assos you will find some beautiful beaches with crystal shallow waters.
The road continues north from Asos to Divarata, Ancona and Zola. Nearby are some of the finest beaches on the island, in the beautiful bay of Myrtos. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, it is a true paradise with gigantic rocks which protect the beach by winds.
FISKARDO, 50 kilometers north-east of Argostoli, is a traditional Kefalinian village with picturesque houses, many of which have been restored by the Greek Tourist Organization and are now used as hostels. Its graphic harbor connects Kefalonia with Ithaca and Lefkada. In the region of Fiskardo are the beaches of Eblisi and Foki that combine natural beauties and clear waters.
SKALA : The small fishing village of Skala is at the southern point of the island and it is considered as one of the most famous tourist resorts. It has an extended beautiful sandy beach with crystal blue waters. In the region of Skala is located the famous cave of Sakos. In Skala village there are hotels, rooms to let, taverns, cafes, bars, shops, car and moto rentals.
PESSADA is a small coastal village located in the south-west part of the island. It has a graphic port and a fine beach. Due to the fertile valleys in the region, oil and vine cultivation are developed.
SVORONATA is a small settlement built at the south-west part of the island in a fertile area. Svoronata is the ideal destination for those want quiet holidays. You will find rooms to let with all comforts.
TRADITION – EVENTS
There is a festival of theater and dance every summer on Kefalonia. The icon of Agios Gerasimos is carried in procession, and the traditional carnival is kept alive.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Before you leave Kefalonia, don’t forget to buy the famous thyme honey and the excellent Robola wine.
The most known local specialties that you can taste in the taverns of the island are the meat pies, the garlic sauce called aliada and the unique braised rabbit. The traditional sweets of the island are mandoles, mandolato and pasteli.
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