Cephalonia is the largest of the seven Ionian Islands offering some of the most exclusive luxury villa holidays in
Greece. The highest point of the island is Mount Enos which rises to 1627m (5338ft). It has one of the least spoilt environments and has some of the best beaches in the Ionian Islands. The south is dominated by Mount Enos, this is bordered by the Livathro Plain. To the west of the island is the Palliki Peninsula and the north coast is fringed by dramatic cliffs. No two
Greek Islands are alike no matter how close they may be to each other; Kefalonia is very close to
Zante and
Corfu but quite different. Limestone mountains capped by fir trees, many a hidden beach cove, mystical cave lakes and picturesque headlands makes kefalonia unique to itself.
Argostoli is the island's capital, it was devastated by the 1953 earthquake and very few original features remain. It has an attractive waterfront which features a colourful fruit market. Local fishermen sell directly from their boats on the quayside. The main street Lithostroto is pedestrianised and has lots of shops, (closed at 2.00pm until around 5.00pm.) including chemists and banks unlike some of the other towns! The town 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. This is the place to visit in the evening for a bit of nightlife. Argostoli has many historical places of interest including museums such as the Archeological Museum, Corgialeneion Historical and Folk Art Museum.
Katelios 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.
Along the northern part of the waterfront, you will come to the ferry terminal, here you can get a boat to many places including Lixouri which is just across the bay.
Myrtos Beach is situated in the region of Pylaros, in the north-west of Kefalonia. The beach is situated between the feet of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros (901m). Myrtos is world-famous for the magical colours of the water (from sky-blue to dark blue, green-blue and turquoise) contrasting with the bright white of the smooth marble pebbles from which it is formed. In the evening when the sun is on the horizon, the water is tinted by magnificent colours, (red, yellow, purple, orange), as the sun disappears. The location of the beach, with steep mountains and tall cliffs behind, is imposing and magical, a must visit!
There are many things to see and do in Kefalonia along with enjoying the fabulous sunshine and amazing beaches.
Take a sea-kayak, with one of the many tours available. Follow the coastline and travel through unique caves and rock formations, past limestone cliffs and remote beaches, whilst enjoying a relaxing glide in the crystal-clear waters.
There are many day trips possible, as well as the many charming fishing villages, traditional hamlets, and a host of spectacular beaches to visit. Other day trips on Kefalonia include the picturesque Fiskado, the harbour town of Sami (where the famous film 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' was filmed), the Caves at Melissani and Drogorati, and the neighbouring island of Ithaka.
The island hosts many feasts, festivals and religious and cultural events throughout the year, with most taking place during the summer. Join in the celebrations during events such as the Robola Wine Festival, the Feasts of the Virgin Mary and Agios Gerassimos as well as various music and theatrical festivals.
Kefalonia Info
Country |
Greece |
Airports |
Kefalonia (EFL) |
GMT |
+ 2 hours |
Currency |
Euros |