Kefalonia - very picturesque and the largest of the Ionian Islands - is located in the western part of Greece and is adjacent to the small but world-famous island of Ithaca, the birthplace of the mythological Odysseus.

However, today there is a version of historians that the great Homer "settled" Odysseus not at all on Ithaca, but had in mind the island of Kefalonia. This fact alone for many could become attractive from a tourist point of view. But, besides this, Kefalonia is famous for its amazingly beautiful nature even by Greek standards and rich historical heritage, since the Republic of Venice left a noticeable mark on the architecture of the cities of the island, under whose rule it was for almost two centuries. All this has made Kefalonia one of the most popular destinations in the Ionian Islands, and every year more and more people flock here to relax or just visit with an excursion from the capital of Greece or from neighboring islands. And there is something to see here!

How to get to the island of Kefalonia

The fastest

Airplane is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Kefalonia. The island has a small international airport with one runway (indicated by the code EFL on aviation scoreboards and in ticket search engines), which receives regular Olympic Air flights from Athens all year round, as well as seasonal (in the spring and summer) flights of many European airlines and charter tour operators. From Moscow and St. Petersburg to the island of Kefalonia in the "high" tourist season, you can fly with a transfer at one or another European airport, or buy a direct ticket to Athens, and then transfer to an Olympic Air flight.

Travel time, for example, from the Greek capital of Athens on an Olympic Air plane to the island is 1 hour, a significant part of which is take-off and landing in Kefalonia. Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the season and day of the week, as well as various holidays. On average, it is worth focusing on 100-150 euros for a ticket to Kefalonia from Athens (round-trip). The earlier you book tickets, the lower, as usual, the prices.

Alternative

However, the main means of transportation in the Greek Mediterranean Sea are ferries. It is they who connect Kefalonia with mainland Greece and other islands.

There is also a way to fly to the capital of Greece, and then get to the island by two modes of transport - by bus, which will bring you to the port (Kyllini or Patras), and then by ferry (travel is included in the price of the bus ticket).

This method is quite long and much less convenient than the previous one (by air), and is more suitable for experienced independent travelers without children and luggage. It is as follows: from Athens airport, take the X93 bus to the KTEL Kifis bus station (this is the final stop), and buy a bus ticket to Kefalonia at the office of the transport company. Arriving at the port of Kyllini, the bus enters the ferry, and the passengers get off and sit down. The approximate travel time to the island of Kefalonia is 7-8 hours, and most of them are taken by bus from Athens to the port of Kyllini (~ 320 kilometers).

You can also take a ferry to Kefalonia:

From the island of Zakynthos;

From the island of Corfu;

From the island of Lefkada and some other small islands. There is also a ferry service from Kefalonia to the Italian city of Brindisi in the Apulia region (from where it is very close to the city of Bari, where the great Christian shrine is located - the temple and relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker)

Ferries mostly operate only seasonal (summer) flights, so you need to check the schedule just before your trip. For example, here is the site of one of the many maritime companies Kefalonian Lineswhose ferries run on Kefalonia - Kyllini Port(on the mainland) and Kefalonia - Zakynthos, and where the relatively recent flight schedule for 2019 is indicated.

Important: To see all current ferry flights in Greece, it is convenient to use the search site ferries.gr. The fact is that the schedule and routes of different ferry companies are constantly changing, so it is not possible to track all the changes within the framework of this article.

As a sightseeing trip, it is most convenient to sail to Kefalonia from Zakynthos or Corfu to explore the island in a few days. In this case, the road will not be very tiring. It is also worth bearing in mind low-cost flights between the Greek islands of local airlines.

For moving around Kefalonia, as well as almost everywhere in Greece, it is most convenient to rent a car. The fact is that ferries are not only the main means of communication between the island and the mainland, but also the main transport between the settlements of the island. There is a bus service in Kefalonia, but buses run infrequently.

Car rental in Greece

You can choose a car in advance for traveling around Kefalonia here

(instant comparison of offers, prices and conditions of the world's leading car rental companies, online booking confirmation and flexible conditions, discounts, there are super offers)

There are 4 major ports on the island: in Sami, in Poros, in Argostoli (the capital of the island) and Fiskardo.

There will be a separate article about architecture and preserved artifacts on Kefalonia, but for now I will list the best natural attractions of this island, namely - beaches. They occupy the top lines of all ratings compiled by tourists.

Here I give the top ten beaches of the island and the nearest settlements of the island to them:

Myrtos beach

Petani Beach (Lixour)

Kaminia beach (Skala)

Antisamos beach (Sami)

Makris Gialos Beach (Lassi)

Emblisi Beach (Fiskardo)

Skala Beach (Skala)

Lourdas beach (Lourdata)

Ames beach (Svoronata)

Katelios beach

Kefalonia photo

The beaches of Kefalonia, including the most famous and popular Myrtos Beach

Fiskardo, Kefalonia

"Venetian trail?"

Assos is one of the most beautiful towns on the island.

The largest island of the group of seven Ionian Islands is Kefalonia (Greece). It is located between the islands of Zakynthos and covers an area of ​​about 800 sq. km. The highest point is Mount Big Soros (1628 m). The capital of the island is the city of Argostoli. The population of Kefalonia is about 35 thousand. The length of the coastline stretches for 250 km (this can be seen by looking at the island of Kefalonia on the map of Greece). The island is widely known for its excellent beaches, magnificent nature, ancient architecture, shrines and unique natural caves.

History of the island

The island has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The first inhabitants who settled Kefalonia were the Leleg tribes (15th century BC), they worshiped the king of the sea, Poseidon. In the Bronze Age, the ancient Greek peoples Tilev and Tafi lived here.

According to one version, the island of Kefalonia (Greece) got its name in honor of the mythological hero Kefala. Some historians associate the name of the island with the Kefalin family. Homer called the island Sami, but in his time it was still sparsely populated. Since the Classic period, the island has been known by its current name.

In the Middle Ages, the island was part of the Byzantine Empire. Later it was captured by different peoples: Venetians, Turks and Normans. Since 1797, Kefalonia was under the protectorate of Venice, and later the island was occupied by the French. Under the influence of the French revolutionaries, the local population overthrew the feudal system. Subsequently, Kefalonia became part of the so-called state of the 7 Ionian Islands. In 1864, all the Ionian Islands united with Greece.

Tours in Kefalonia, Greece

Since 2013, the island of Kefalonia has become even more accessible for Russian residents thanks to the introduction of weekly charter flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It should be noted that complex tours of Kefalonia-Zakynthos are also in great demand. Thus, you can fly to one island, and fly home from another. Impressions, respectively, can be obtained twice as much.

Getting to know the island

At first glance, the island is mountainous and rugged. Nevertheless, like all of Greece, Kefalonia (the photos are simply impressive) does not lose its charm. While moving along the steep serpentine, landscapes of fabulous beauty open up to the eye: the azure sea, harmoniously outlined rocks, as well as green small islands of seaside villages. The landscape picture of the island is complemented by olive and myrtle groves with fluttering leaves, vineyards, original and unlike each other coastal towns. Snow-white yachts and fishing boats moored off the coast add a special touch to Kafalonia.

All the islands of Greece amaze with their extraordinary beauty. Kefalonia, of course, is no exception. This region conquers travelers with its freshest air with the aroma of pines, the crystal smooth surface of the sea. In general, rest in this place is calm and measured.

Capital of Kefalonia

The capital of the island is the city of Argostoli. Just 10 km from this settlement is an international airport that serves charter flights and flights from Athens. The region is located in a zone of increased seismic activity; in 1953, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale was observed in Argostoli. As a result of the disaster, the city was seriously damaged. It had to be literally rebuilt. Now the capital is seething with life, and at night numerous clubs, bars and discos light their lights. The port of Argostoli has ferry connections to other cities in Greece.

Sami is considered the second port of the island. This is the main gate for ferries from Italy, Astakos, Patras, Lefkada and other places.

resort towns

The main resorts of Kefalonia are Luxuri, Skala, Lassi. The rock, in particular, was most chosen by tourists from the UK. There are about 30 hotels, 3 supermarkets, more than 10 bars and dozens of souvenir shops in the city. Lassi and Luxuri are also famous for their vibrant nightlife and golden beaches.

The hottest weather in the region is observed in August - about 35 o C. There are beaches here for every taste - from secluded "wild" to very noisy with developed infrastructure.

Better beaches

  • Myrtos beach (Kefalonia). This beach is considered the hallmark of not only the island, but the whole of Greece. This is the most beautiful white pebble-sand beach in the country with a great depth of the sea. In addition, it is even included in the top 10 best beaches in the world. Myrtos is well equipped, there are sunbeds with umbrellas, a lifeguard team, bars. It is located on the western coast of Kefalonia between the mountains of Kalos Oros and Agia Dinati. From the city of Assos it is only 20 minutes to go to it. However, buses are not allowed into the protected area. Despite its wide popularity and landscapes of incredible beauty, there are usually few tourists here. This is due to the inaccessibility of this place. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia, Greece) has repeatedly been a springboard for filming. For example, some scenes from the movie "Captain Corelli's Choice" were filmed here.
  • Xi is a shallow beach with unique red dense sand. It is framed by limestone rocks with healing blue clay.
  • Kaminia - sandy beach. It is located 34 km from the capital of Kafalonia. Considered one of the longest beaches on the island.
  • Skala Beach - located on the southern tip of the island in the town of the same name. It has an excellent layout, surrounded by picturesque hills and rocks.
  • Antisamos is located near the port of Samos. It is considered quite a favorable place for sunbathing and swimming.

More than 20 beaches in the region have their own names, many of them have been awarded the Blue Flag. In general, Kefalonia (Greece) is a great place to stay from May to mid-October.

Attractions of the island

  • The resort village of Agia Efimia is a favorite place for divers and yachting enthusiasts.
  • Argostoli. Ethnographic and archaeological museum, as well as an arched ancient bridge.
  • Luxuri. The ruins of ancient Pali and the Ipkovatov Palace with a unique library.
  • Mounts Rudi and Enos - natural attractions of the island of Kefalonia (Greece). These mountain ranges are covered with relict tree species that have a dark green color (the so-called black spruce).
  • Assos. Here you can visit the Venetian fortress dating back to the 16th century.
  • Fiscado is a fishing village with ancient architecture. By the way, she was the only one not affected by the 1953 earthquake.
  • Drongarati Cave or Dragon House. One of its descents reaches 44 meters and ends in a cave hall with acoustic cancellation. Here you can admire the incredible beauty of stalactites.
  • Castro. The city was the capital of Kefalonia in the Middle Ages.

Shrines of Kefalonia

Having seen all the above sights on the island, you can continue excursions to Kefalonia to the shrines. There are two monasteries here - St. Andrew Miliapidias and St. Gerasimos. Both of these monasteries are for women.

Saint Gerasimus, who led a hermit life in the caves, is the patron saint of Kefalonia. An ascetic was born in 1506 in the city of Trikala (Peloponnese). After receiving his education, he began to travel throughout Greece, managed to visit Constantinople. On Mount Athos, he began his monastic life in the cave of Kapsala. Later he went to Jerusalem, where he served for 12 years in

Wishing for peace and solitude, the saint travels to the island of Zakif. And in 1555 he moved to Kefalonia, here he lived for five years in the cave of Lassi near Argostoli (at the present time a temple was built over it). Since 1560, he moved to the Omala region, where he carried out the restoration of the chapel and built a convent with a sisterhood. He called it "New Jerusalem".

A cave with a narrow entrance has survived to this day, where the saint lived for about 19 years. Gerasim died in 1579. His relics are in a glass reliquary in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The monastery has three plane trees planted by Gerasim himself, 37 small wells and three springs. The saint is known for being able to get rid of possession.

The monastery of St. Andrew Milapidias was founded in the Byzantine era. In 1264 it was transferred to the Latin Episcopacy. After a hundred years, it falls into decay and is revived only in 1579, when three sisters buy it - Leontia, Benedict and Magdalene. They settle in it, and soon the monastic community grows. In 1639, after a shipwreck, the Greek-Romanian princess Roxana entered the monastery. She made a huge property contribution to the monastery, but most importantly, the princess gave the monastery the relics of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called from Mount Athos. The monastery also has a museum with rare ancient icons and relics.

Phenomenal phenomenon

A rather unique phenomenon takes place in the village of Markopulo. There, on the day of the Dormition of the Mother of God, an incredible amount creeps on the heads of which there is a small cross. They rush to the church, climb right into its dome, and then crawl to the icon of the Virgin. Amazingly, until the very end of the service, they do not depart from it. The local population reveres snakes as saints. Many consider this phenomenon a good omen.

Kefalonia island, Greece. Hotels


Finally

Millions of tourists from all over the world visit the islands of Greece every year. Kefalonia, on the other hand, attracts the eyes of travelers not only with its stunning nature, but also with the opportunity to engage in various sports. Here you can play tennis, basketball, go fishing or ride horses. Especially gambling guests can try their luck at the casino. Lovers will also fall in love with the resort, because the local beaches are considered the best throughout the Mediterranean.

Kefalonia is an island where miracles happen, at least that's what the locals say. Rather, consider where Kefalonia is located on the map of Greece, and pack your bags.

On the largest island of the Ionian archipelago - Kefalonia (modern Greek name Kefalonia) - there are real cities and resorts. Like its neighbors, Kefalonia suffered greatly during the Second World War from the Germans and Italians, and the “transition” of the island from one occupier to another after the capitulation of Italy in 1943 was marked by a massacre in which over 5 thousand Italian soldiers were killed by the invading German troops. These events are described by Louis de Bernieres in the novel Captain's Corelli Mandoline (Louis de Bernieres, Captain's Corelli Mandoline).

Until the late 1980s, the island was not developed by tourism - partly, apparently, because the adaptation of Kefalonia to the market seemed to be a difficult undertaking. The earthquake of 1953 literally razed all the cities and villages of the island to the ground, and the lost masterpieces of Venetian architecture were perhaps the only elegant touch that enlivened the harsh mountainous landscape. The delay in tourism is explained in a simpler way: they say, the fame of intractable, stubborn proud people, moreover, eccentric, if not foolish, has been firmly entrenched in the Kefalinians.

However, there is something to attract guests: the beaches of Kefalonia are no worse than rivals on other islands of the archipelago, the local (expensive, though) wine is also famous - dry white Robola. Luckily, heaven has sent down the "Corelli factor" and the island has not yet become too overcrowded and too expensive, although there are trends. The island itself seems to be ready to absorb a huge number of people, and it won’t get crowded anyway, while the majestic nature speaks for itself: steep slopes and slopes reach their maximum expression in Mount Enos (1632 meters above sea level), declared a national park.

The island has the only airport, information about which is given in the article about. The bus service is not very convenient, but the schedule is maintained, and with transfers it is possible to get to almost anywhere on the island. The main routes connect with Argostolion the main centers of tourism - Sami, Fiskardo, Skala and Poros. The route connecting Sami with the resort of Ayia-Efimiya is also convenient, where many holidaymakers go on trips.

Motorcyclists are advised to be extremely careful: the paths, especially those at a distance from well-worn roads, can be very difficult, although highways and highways along the main routes are now mostly paved. Please note that low power engines often cannot cope with the steepness of the road. The island is connected by ferry service to many island and mainland ports: from Fiskardo, ferries go to Ithaca, from Sami to Ithaca, to Astakos and, from Argostoli and Poros to the mainland, to Kyllini, and from the port of Pessada to. Almost every year in the high season there is a direct ferry service between Sami and one of the Italian ports, usually Brindisi, but this route is operated by only one company.

Greek town of Sami and surroundings

Most ships land in the large and functional port of Sami, built and then rebuilt on the southern edge of the strait separating Kefalonia from Ithaca, roughly where the ancient Sami once stood. In the Homeric era, the capital of the island was in Sami, and Kefalonia itself was part of the maritime kingdom of Ithaca. Today, everything has changed in the power ladder, and vice versa, it is considered a backwater.

Ferries link the city to Patras, many more ferries go to Ithaca, and there is a direct (albeit unpredictable) connection to Sami, so Sami is clearly poised for a boom in the near future. The long sandy beach surrounding the bay is quite good, and 2 kilometers behind the ancient Sami on the beautiful pebbly beach of Andisamis, you can enjoy refreshing drinks at the Mojito Beach bar.

There are three large hotels in the city: the friendly Athina Beach is the best of the two at the far end of the beach, in fact, it is already in Karavomylos, and Pericles, which has a vast territory, two swimming pools and sports facilities, is more than 1 kilometer away from the road to Argostoli. The best option for a mid-range hotel is the convenient Kastro on the waterfront. Melissani is on his heels behind the ferry dock. Camping Sami - Karavomilos Beach - 300 shady places, tavern, shop, bar and access to the beach. No doubt, it is much better than its competitors (on the island there are two official sites for lovers of spending the night in the fresh air).

There are few taverns outside the waterfront: the best in the center are Mermaid and Faros, they serve decent meat and vegetarian dishes, including the famous meat pie (a local delicacy). Much calmer at Dionysos, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at low prices and live music on weekends. It is obvious that some zucchini must bear the name "Captain's Corelli" (Captain's Corelli) - he, along with Aqua Marina, makes up a couple of the most favorite evening bars, and you can have breakfast or indulge in ice cream at the "other captain" while in the club Asteria bouzouki can be a fun night out. Rent a motorbike on the waterfront, at Sami Center, and rent cars from a reliable local company called Island.

  • Drogarati and Melissani caves on the island of Kefalonia

Another reason to stay in Sami is the proximity of the city to the caves of Drogarati (5 kilometers towards Argostoli) and Melissani (3 kilometers to the north, towards Ayia Efimia). In Drogarati (April-October daily 9:00-20:00) there are impressive stalagmites, and on occasion it serves as a concert hall: the acoustics are excellent, Maria Callas herself sang in the cave. Melissani (daily 8:00-19:00) is partly flooded with saline waters, which, surprisingly, seep upwards from an underground fault, and this crack runs through the entire island to a point near Argostoli.

There - a place called Katavotres - the sea constantly flows into the underground tunnel, and until the earthquake of 1953 that destroyed everything, the current turned water mills, only not river ones, but sea ones. Luminous paint in the cave marks the water level in the cave - the current and the former, until 1953. The play of light seeping through the collapsed roof of the cave creates bizarre patterns and shadows, and there is always a rare fog in the air, like haze, from water droplets.

  • The fishing harbor of Ayia Efimia on the island of Kefalonia

The friendly small fishing harbor of Ayia-Efimiya, 9 kilometers north of Sami, although it was chosen by tour operators who bring holidaymakers here on tours, there are no major construction projects and other “development” here and never have been. There are two significant flaws. The first is the beaches, or rather, their absence: the largest, called, in no way in mockery, "paradise", Paradise (the Greek name for paradisos), is a miserable 20 meters of small pebbles, although there are other coves to the south. The second is poor transport links (only 2 bus trips daily, to Sami and Fiskardo). But housing is very good, there are two nice hotels - Boulevard Pyllaros, but prices are lower in Moustakis, and Yerasimos Raftopoulos offers apartments.

Paradise Beach Tavern, further up the headland past the harbour, serves reasonably priced island cuisine. Pergola and To Steki Tou Kalofaga also serve dishes that are typical of the island, as well as what is usual for the whole. As expected, the cafe-bar, where the filmmakers and actors whiled away the time during the filming, was renamed Captain's Corelli, it is better to have breakfast in the Strawberry (Strawberry) zaharoplastio. Nightclub Paranoia - 700 meters from the village, in the direction of Fiskardo. And if you are traveling on your own, be aware that between Ayia Efimia and Sami, in the Ayia Paraskevf tavern above the cove of the same name, you will be treated to the famous spaghetti with pickled mussels, and the places around are majestic.

Southeastern part of the island of Kefalonia

Traveling from Sami to the southeast became much easier when the paved highway to Poros was completed and a bus was launched along the Sami-Poros route (2 trips daily). Poros is connected to the Skala resort in the south by another paved road running along the coast.

Poros was once one of the first resorts on the island, and its modern appearance indicates that the place has known better days. A few hotels and high-rise buildings with apartments for visitors in Kefalonia - something rare, even unique, a wretched promenade and an unsightly pebble beach do not improve the experience. But from Poros there is a ferry to the Peloponnesian port of Kyllini, which is worth bearing in mind - in case the Sami-Patra route is not suitable.

Actually, the resort is built around two bays: the first, where there are more tourists, and the current harbor is a short walk behind the cape. Rent a lot of rooms and apartments, there are hotels. It is most advantageous to stay at the cozy Santa Irina Hotel at a crossroads away from the sea, and the neighboring Odysseus Palace often offers good discounts. Of the travel agencies, Poros Travel at the ferry dock also helps with accommodation, and not only sells ferry tickets and rents cars.

Bars and restaurants are mostly concentrated along the main promenade. The Fotis Family tavern has good food and a pleasant environment, and the Mythos bar has internet access. The mentioned road, leaving Poros, describes an arc of 12 kilometers along the coast and comes to Skala at the southern tip of the island. The route is pleasant and there are almost no buildings along the way, not counting the church 3 kilometers before the Rock near the ruins of a Roman temple.

As if in contrast to Poros, the resort of Skala consists of low buildings among large pine trees that literally hang over a good sandy beach. In the 1950s, near the rented rooms called Golden Beach Palace, a Roman villa was excavated (daily 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, longer in summer; free of charge) and some mosaics. Many adherents of the Rock do not leave the resort even when Poros closes until the next season, so it is difficult to find an overnight stay almost all year round. The owners of Dionysus Rooms also offer Dionysus Rooms studios and apartments in the block south of the main street, Etam Travel Service also helps with housing.

Of the hotels, the small, cozy Captain's Hotel is convenient and friendly on an eastward offset parallel to the main street, and the more expensive Tara Beach hotel offers rooms and individual bungalows in a lush garden on the edge of the beach. There are many taverns in Skala: The Old Village and Flamingo offer the usual range of Greek and European dishes in a pleasant environment, the coastal Paspalis treats fish and home cooking, Sunrise not only Greek cuisine, but also pizza. Have a good drink in the Veto cocktail bar or in the seaside Stavento restaurant-bar, and to the most fashionable music.

  • From the Rock to Ludrata

Some of the best sandy beaches on the island are located near Skala, under the village of Radzakli and around the sprawling resort of Kato Katellos, which already has hotels: the fancy Odyssia and the almost completely German-occupied Galini Resort, which also offers good apartments for four. Rooms and apartments can be found at the local branch of CBR Travel. Of the half-dozen waterfront restaurants and cafes, the Blue Sea tavern is praised for its freshness and good quality fish, while the Cozy Bar is the go-to for a drink. The coast around Kato Katelios is Kefalonia's main breeding ground for loggerheads. Therefore, halts and overnight stays in the open are prohibited here.

The village of Markopulo, in the hinterland of the island, is sometimes claimed to be the birthplace of the multilingual explorer Marco Polo, but today it is better known as the site of the outlandish "serpent rite" performed annually on the Assumption of Our Lady, August 15th. The church in which the ritual is performed stands on the site of an ancient monastery. According to legend, pirates once attacked the monastery, and the nuns began to pray to turn into snakes in order not to be captured. It is believed that their prayers were heard, and the annual "return" of many small and harmless snakes is perceived by the villagers as a good omen, promising good luck.

And since it is unlikely that nature is ready to observe with such accuracy a schedule that was not invented by it, a suspicion arises: do the (individual, of course) village holy fathers keep an inconspicuous nursery snake? It is impossible to approach the shore to the village of Vahata, where rooms are rented and restaurants are open, but it makes little sense to linger here, and turning downhill, after 2 kilometers you will find yourself in the resort of Lourdata: on a 1 kilometer long beach, small pebbles are mixed with imported sand. Adonis and Ramona offer rooms on the outskirts, on the driveway, while the brand new Thomatos Apartments behind the beach also have studios with kitchens.

Vegetarian dishes are prepared at the Diamond Tavern under a plane tree in the tiny village square. Further, on the hill - Dionysus, in which they are fed as it should be in an ordinary tavern. The beach itself is Patritsia if you want to eat good inexpensive fish, and Lorraine’s Magic Hill offers quality food. Cafe Platanos is located outside the village. To get to another good beach of Trapezaki, you need to turn off at Mussata, which is west of Wahata; it is a very pleasant spit, with the only restaurant at a small pier.

West coast and road to the north of the island of Kefalonia

The road from Argostoli to Fiskardo is the most picturesque in the archipelago. After leaving the city, the road climbs the spurs of Eumorphia, where you can turn inland to visit the modern Museum of Natural History (daily 9:00-13:00, and Monday-Saturday another 18:00-20:00; 1.50 € ) in Davgata. After passing Agonas, the road continues to climb uphill, clinging to almost sheer cliffs, until it hits the village of Divarata, where some rooms are rented out, for example, there are a couple of restaurants in the Mina studios, and this is the starting point of the path to Myrtos beach. This path leads downhill - 4 kilometers along the road, feasible for a car or motorcycle.

On the beach itself there is only a snack bar, but above and below this institution there is a coast that makes an incredibly strong impression - there is no landscape that would even more hurt all the senses in the entire archipelago: a brilliant strip of amazingly white sand with pebbles. Only now there is not enough shade, well, at the height of the season there are a lot of people. After 6 kilometers there will be a turn to Asos, this original village clung to a small isthmus between the island and a huge hill, on top of which are the ruins of an ancient fortification.

Accommodation is in short supply, so it's best to book in advance, for this, contact the friendly Cosi's Inn, the chic Kanakis Apartments, or the more standard rooms at Andreas Rokos on the driveway, all three on the driveway. In addition to a small pebbly beach, Asos has three taverns, two of them - Nefeli and Platanos Grill - under plane trees in a square surrounded by mostly restored mansions, so there are no signs of an earthquake. It's a bit crowded there, but you won't find anything like it in the entire Ionian archipelago.

Located on the northernmost tip of the island, the town of Fiskardo is built on a limestone bed that protects the city from strong tremors. The bay is guarded by two lighthouses, Venetian and Victorian, and those ruins that are visible on the cape, they say, remained from the church of the XII century, which the Norman conqueror Robert Guiscard began to build, and the current name of the town reminds of Giksar. The harbor embankment has remained the same as in the 19th century, only now it is surrounded by luxurious restaurants and chic boutiques.

It also houses the new Museum of Nature and Navigation (summer Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-14:00; donations), housed in a renovated neoclassical mansion built on a hill outside the village. Volunteers taking care of the museum study the environment, not without valuable results, and can also organize scuba diving. There are two good pebbly beaches nearby: Emblisi about 1 kilometer on the way back from the city and Phokis, about the same distance, but to the south, along the path to the northern cape. Daily ferries link Fiskardo with Lefkada all year round, but with Ithaca only in season.

Being the main resort of the island, Fiskardo is busy until the end of October, so housing is almost inaccessible. The cheapest rooms are in the hospitable Regina’s with its own cafe behind the building, near the car park, as well as in the Sotiria Tselenti agency. At the bakery, 50 meters behind a tiny square. An excellent, if ruinous, option is the beautifully remodeled Archontiko mansion behind and above the harbor mini-mart. A little further from the ferry pier, on the waterfront, is the Pama Travel office, where they also help you find a room or (more expensive) apartment.

There are a lot of restaurants, a lot of good ones, but almost all of them are expensive. On the waterfront, rich seafood at Tassia is recommended (just watch your order - otherwise they will bring the wrong fish and not as much as you wanted) and Captain’s Table: hearty Greek and Kefalonian cuisine. Near the headland behind Pama Travel, Panormos has much lower prices and a great location, while Lagonderia around the corner offers delicious oven food and now has a seafront facility. Among the most successful harbor bars are Irida's and Yacht Inn. In the Kastro club on the outskirts of the village, among other things, they dance.

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Kefalonia or, as it is also called, Kefalonia - if not the most popular island of the Ionian Sea, then, for sure, the largest. The length of its coastline exceeds 250 km, and the highest point - Mount Enos - has risen to 1628 meters above sea level. However, the popularity of the island is also all right. After the release of the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz, he experienced a real pilgrimage of tourists.

Local residents still remember the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin with a grateful sigh. As the ubiquitous press sniffed out, in 2001, coastal restaurants in the town of Sami "raised" three times the income of the usual. And only because they closed their establishments to please filmmakers, so that the latter could calmly film the harsh military atmosphere, and not the celebration of life reigning here in the summer. Now that distant summer has become part of history, and restaurateurs have long returned to their usual earnings. Should they be sad: in the summer, Kefalonia is experiencing an influx of Western European tourists who have heard about the magnificent beaches and amazing sights.

Like other islands of the Ionian Sea - Lefkada and Zakynthos - Kefalonia survived the devastating earthquake of 1953. Rumor has it that the blooming island lost more people from it than in all previous wars. And although the number of victims of the elements was indeed great, the real reason that forced the inhabitants to leave Kefalonia was the destruction, which was so strong that many simply despaired of restoring what was lost.

A few years ago, Myrtos beach was recognized as the most beautiful in Greece.

Be that as it may, those of the islanders who remained found the strength to breathe new life into their homeland. The destroyed settlements were rebuilt, and the growing number of tourists from year to year allows the inhabitants of Kefalonia to hope for the best even in times of financial crisis that are not the easiest for the Greeks.

How to get there

Kefalonia is a very popular destination and not only in Greece. Located not far from the capital of the island - the city of Argostilion - the airport receives charters from all over Europe in summer. You can also get to Kefalonia from Athens with regular flights operated by both major Greek air carriers, Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. During the summer months, local flights to the relatively nearby Zakynthos and Corfu are also often added to this air route.

It may make sense to buy tickets in Greece through a specialized aggregator. This is a system that tracks the schedule and cost of air tickets for many airlines and agencies at once, allowing you to find the best deals.

You can also get to Kefalonia from Athens by regular bus routes. The latter depart from Terminal A several times a day and are on the way (including the ferry crossing) for about 7 hours. You can read more about the schedule, prices and ways to get to the bus station in our post.

In addition, Kefalonia is connected by regular sea lines to and Kyllini in the Peloponnese, as well as to Ithaca, Lefkada (from Fiskardo) and Zakynthos (in summer). You can get acquainted with the current schedule of ferry routes, as well as purchase ferry tickets online on this website.

Hotels

Like other popular tourist destinations in Greece, Kefalonia has a developed hotel infrastructure. You can choose a hotel in the capital of the island - Argostilion, having previously read the offers, at this link.

Climate and weather

Kefalonia is characterized by a Mediterranean type of climate. Summers are hot and winters are relatively mild with rare days when temperatures drop below freezing. The season starts in May and lasts until mid-September, but often the temperature allows you to swim in the sea even in November.

The hottest months are July and August. The temperature can easily rise to 35C. According to the film crew who worked on the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the temperature during the high season reached 50C.

Things to do and see

Kefalonia is rich in sights of both natural and man-made character. In the capital of the island - Argostilion - there are interesting archaeological and historical museums. However, in order to get to know Kefalonia fully, it is still advisable to take a car and drive along the main routes on your own.

Among the remarkable places, it is especially worth highlighting the Drogarati Cave, where you can not only look at the stalactites, but also get unforgettable impressions from the natural acoustics of this place. The latter is so perfect that sometimes even real concerts are held in the cave.

Not far from Sami there is another noteworthy cave - Melissani. Unlike the previous one, you can get here only by boat. The history of the discovery of the Melissani cave is very interesting. It was not known about her until the “ceiling” collapsed in the cave, revealing a lake with water shimmering in different colors in the sun.

When exploring the northern part of Kefalonia, one should not miss the acquaintance with the town of Fiskardo. This is the only settlement that survived the 1953 earthquake. The architecture of the 18th century, which Fiskardo is proud of, will allow you to get a better idea of ​​how the cities of the island looked before they were destroyed by the elements.

On the northwestern slope of Mount Enos, the highest peak of the island, is the medieval capital of Kastro, Kefalonia. There is also a Venetian fortress, called Agios Georgios, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings.

Another place worth visiting is Assos. The settlement is considered to be the most picturesque on the island. Here is another Venetian fortress, which has guarded the area since the end of the 16th century.

Assos is considered the most picturesque place in Kefalonia

Beaches

Like other Greek islands in the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is famous for its beaches. In the summer they are very popular and many of them can be filled with tourists to the eyeballs. But do not be upset prematurely. There are so many beaches here, and their quality is so high that with little effort you will surely find for yourself what suits you.

Here are some beaches from which you can start your acquaintance with the island well:

  • Emblissi Beach is a secluded beach in the north of the island. Shallow water and stunning views of Ithaca opposite.
  • Beach in the village of Assos – nice beach, beautiful place and view of the Venetian fortress
  • Myrtos - The view from the mountains to the Myrtos Bay rarely leaves anyone indifferent, and the local beach is probably the most photographed in Kefalonia. A few years ago, the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism even recognized Myrtos Beach as the most beautiful in Hellas. So thoughts away - you should certainly familiarize yourself with Mirtos.
  • Skala Beach - Skala is one of the most popular resorts on the island. And in many ways this glory relies on the local beach. Well-maintained and with clean clear water, Skala Beach wins the blue flag from year to year, confirming its high quality.
  • Katelios Beach - The long sandy spit of Katelios is a serious competitor to the nearby Rock. Here, too, blue flags fly proudly, and local taverns serve delicious seafood dishes.

Kefalonia (Κεφαλονιά) is a Greek island that combines natural beauty and tourist infrastructure while remaining truly authentic!

Kefalonia is a truly green island surrounded by the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea., it is an island of secrets and interesting phenomena:

♦ here the sea water disappears from Argostoli and ends up in the atmospheric cave of Lake Melissani, where it creates a reflection on the walls of the cave

♦ according to the stories of the inhabitants of Kefalonia, every year in mid-August, harmless snakes crawl into the church of Panagia in Markopoulo and St. Gerasimus (the patron saint of the island), these days they celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin

♦ in Kefalonia, goats have golden teeth, although this phenomenon was explained - the soil of the island is rich in minerals, so goats have golden teeth

Kefalonia has a rich history from prehistoric times. It flourished during the classical era and was the prey of many conquerors due to its strategic position. The ruins of powerful ancient cities have been found in various places on the island, castles and monasteries with magnificent views, such as the castle of St. George and the monastery of Kipouraion are remnants of the Byzantine and Venetian periods.

The library in Argostoli Korgyallenios (Korgialleneios) and in Lixouri Iakovatos (Iakovateios) - have rare collections of books, philharmonic orchestras of the two cities, are very popular with residents and guests of the island. The religion and culture of Kefalonia come together and organize great events and festivals here, especially those dedicated to the feasts of St. Gerasimos and the Assumption of the Virgin.

Even though the devastating earthquake of 1953 hit the island and destroyed Kefalonia almost completely, the island managed to rise from the ashes and become a tourist attraction both in Greece and around the world without losing its authentic character.

Most of the beaches are unspoilt and offer spectacular scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. The hallmark of Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, but there are other beaches no less famous and beautiful, such as Antisamos, where the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed, Xi Beach in Lixouri, where reddish sand and mountains of blue clay act as a natural spa. center, crowded beaches at Skala, at Platys Gialos and at Makryialos, for those who prefer sun loungers and other services.

It goes without saying that staying will not be a problem in terms of accommodation in Kefalonia, as there are many hotels, villas, studios and rooms in the capital of the island and tourist resorts in Lassi and Skala or picturesque towns such as Sami and Lixouri.

Nightlife may seem very limited to you, in some areas it doesn't exist at all, but in Argostoli you are guaranteed fun until the early hours of the morning.

However, Kefalonia is an island where you can get away from modern city life and spend amazing holidays in nature and by the sea. The taverns of Kefalonia, located on the seashore, will delight you with traditional village food, be sure to try Kefalonia meat pies - aliada (aliada) and patisiada (pastitsada).

The island of Kefalonia is not only famous for its unusual phenomena, it is a place where a modern lifestyle is harmoniously combined with traditions and calm Mediterranean habits. Any visitor to the island of Kefalonia, if desired, can stay here forever!

In many polls of travelers about the best island in Greece, many vote for Kefalonia, sometimes the island comes in second place after Santorini, and sometimes competes with Crete, Paros, Skiathos or Mykonos.

Visit the paradise of Kefalonia and see for yourself whether it rightfully takes first place in the public opinion polls. Anyway, Kefalonia will definitely remain in your heart!

Resort villages of the island of Kefalonia:

Capital of the island of Argostoli (Αργοστόλι)

Argostoli combines the mobility and intensity of city life, lively nightlife, shopping, refreshments in cozy cafes and relaxing on beautiful beaches under the Greek sun.

This is the largest city on the island and has been the capital since 1757, and although the earthquake of 1953 completely destroyed it, the architectural buildings of the old city with its typical Venetian mansions were still preserved.

For those who want to get to know the history and culture of the island better, we highly recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum and the City Library of Argostoli.

Argostoli is home to the ancient city of Kaski, which was one of the four most powerful cities of Kefalonia in ancient times. Parts of the ancient city walls have been preserved, which are known as the Cyclopean walls because of their size. The De Bosse Bridge is part of the modern history of Argostoli and was built during the British occupation.

Near Argostoli are the sandy beaches of Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos. These are the two most popular organized beaches of Kefalonia. There are other beaches in the area such as Gradakia and Kamaroules.

Huge sea turtles have chosen several beaches in Argostoli to swim and lay their eggs every year, they are also a local attraction.

The city has an airport and has a permanent maritime connection with the mainland and nearby islands and Ithaca. Argostoli also has a regular ferry service to the second largest city of Kefalonia, Lixouri (distance 3 nautical miles). As a confirmation of maritime traditions, the city has a higher nautical school.

Lixouri (Ληξούρι)

Lixouri is one of the most picturesque towns on the island, yet big enough to provide you with everything you need for a city life. It is the second largest city after Argostoli and is located on the largest peninsula of Paliki.

The ancient city was called Pali and was so powerful that it had its own coin. The modern name of the city - Leksuri is first mentioned in a document of 1534, he played an important role in the alliance with mainland Greece.

The Typaldos-Iakovaton Mansion, which today has been converted into a library, is one of the most important sights in Lixouri.

The main sights in the region are also the ancient city of Pali, which was probably a Corinthian colony and the Church of St. Charalambos, the patron saint of the city of Lixouri.

Lixouri has numerous hotels and studios to cater for travelers of all kinds and all preferences. The locals will welcome you with all their hearts and offer you the best services to have the most wonderful holiday in Kefalonia!

Of course, relaxation also means good food, in Lixouri there are many taverns and restaurants serving Greek and international cuisine. In addition to Greek cuisine, many Italian dishes are prepared here, as the island is very close to Italy and the Venetian influence of the past is still evident in many aspects of the culture of the Ionian Islands.

The beaches of Lixouri

Here is the famous Xi beach, which is a natural resort! The beach is rich in deposits of blue clay blocks, you can feel the benefits of clay baths for yourself, because all vacationers will certainly try to make a clay mask for the whole body, knowing the beneficial properties of blue clay.

Lepeda beach with impressive rocks is suitable for underwater excursions, while on Kounopetra beach you will see one of the attractions of the island - a moving rock. A large stone located on this beach moves rhythmically and no one can explain this strange phenomenon.

By the way, not far from Xi beach, towards Kunupetra, there is a small water park, here you can relax with the whole family, the ticket costs 5 euros.

Lixouri has two of the most beautiful beaches of Kefalonia - Petani beach and Platia Ammos. Both are relatively unspoilt and therefore ideal for couples and nature lovers or just for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Petani Beach has a Blue Flag and competes in beauty with Myrtos Beach. White pebbles combined with the turquoise color of the sea, leave an indelible impression of natural beauty.

Sami (Σάμη)

Sami combines a rich history and beautiful nature and therefore falls in love with travelers at first sight. Surrounded by lush vegetation, underground caves and beautiful lakes, Sami offers incredibly beautiful scenery.

The city was and is one of the four largest cities of Kefalonia. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Sami is still a safe haven for domestic and foreign ships. Ancient monuments show that Sami was a flourishing city. Here are the ruins of the ancient castle of Paleokastro, on the top of the hill is the monastery of Agrilia (Agrilia), named after the trees of the same name that surround it. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Sami and the island of Ithaca.

Melissani Cave and Drogarati, the two most famous attractions of the island, are located in the town of Sami.

Sami is a dynamic city that has all the tourist infrastructure. Here you will find what you need from pharmacies and a medical center to ATMs, post offices, police, coast guard, there are many shops to buy souvenirs and jewelry, supermarkets and grocery stores.

In terms of accommodation, there are many options such as hotels, studios and apartments. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars along the waterfront in Sami, they are ready to offer you delicious meals and refreshing drinks!

If you love a beach holiday, the Sámi will reward you with beautiful white beaches and emerald waters. In addition, Karavomilos is the main beach of the Sami, just 4 km from the city, not far from the famous Antisamos Beach. This is one of the beautiful beaches where the movie about Captain Corelli was filmed, the scenery looks exactly like in the picture!

Poros (Πόρος)

Poros is located on the southeastern side of the island of Kefalonia, surrounded by the mountains of Atros and Frosta. Poros remains an active port, connecting the island of Kefalonia with mainland Greece and neighboring islands.

Poros is divided into three bays, the port of Poros is preferred by yacht owners visiting the island and those seeking privacy and security.

The islands of Ithaca and are also nearby, so if you want to change the island, Poros can be your starting point. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay in Poros, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the island of Ithaca, choose a hotel to your taste, dine in one of the taverns, where there is always fresh seafood and local dishes. Taverns can be found in both the old and the new port.

The beaches of Poros are sandy or have small colored pebbles. The beautiful beach is at Rayo, it has won the Blue Flag several times, from the village of Poros along the entire coastline to Skala (Skala) to Fiskardo (Fiskardo) you will see many caves that are the natural habitat for the rare Monachus seals.

Although today, Poros is a quiet fishing village, in ancient times Poros was one of the four most important cities of the island of Kefalonia. In the area, the remains of an ancient city and a Mycenaean tomb near the village of Tzanata were discovered. Just above the harbor, there is one of the most famous natural attractions of Kefalonia Cave Drakena - a Neolithic cave, a few meters from the beach you will see many large stones that the mythical Cyclops threw the pirates who attacked the island. In addition, the old monastery of Atros is located here.

Fiskardo (Φισκάρδο)

World famous, beautiful Fiskardo is located in the northern part of the island of Kefalonia, at the narrowest point of the channel separating Kefalonia from Ithaca.

Countless boats filled the harbor of Fiskardo, colorful houses with bright red roofs and narrow balconies, painted in different bright colors, create a unique picture together with the green nature and the depth of the blue sea!

Small stylish shops, restaurants and cafes for every taste, narrow streets and courtyards full of flowers are the face of Fiskardo.

The Venetians, during their reign on the island, built beautiful buildings here, but not all of them have survived to this day, most of the houses in Fiskardo were built in the 18th century and are preserved today as the architectural style of the era.

Fiskardo is located 50 km from Argostoli, not far from the famous Mirtos - a beach that is one of the ten best in the world and other equally beautiful beaches - Emplisi (Emplysi), Foki (Φώκι), Holy Jerusalem, on this beach there is a tavern "Odysseus", where fresh fish and seafood are always on the menu.

How to get to the island of Kefalonia:

Charter flights fly to Kefalonia from Moscow, Western Europe, regular flights from Athens (air ticket Athens - Kefalonia costs about 100 euros, travel time 40 minutes).

By sea, you can get there in 2 ways: through the city of Patras or through Kyllini.

You can get to these settlements by bus or by rented car. Patras is closer to Athens than Kyllini, but the ferry ride will take longer.

The bus leaves from Athens, KTEL (bus station) Kifisu, 100. The bus reaches Patras or Kyllini and also calls on the ferry, i.e. you will be sold a ticket for both the bus and the ferry.

From the city of Patras, the ferry will take you to Kefalonia to Argostoli or to the village of Sami, the sea journey will take 3.5 hours, the ticket costs 25 euros. Patras can also be reached by train.

From Kyllini you arrive at the port of Poros, the sea journey takes 2 hours, the cost of the ferry ticket is about 10 euros.

A combined bus + ferry ticket costs about 50 euros.

If you arrive at Athens airport, the X 93 express goes from there, its final stop is the KTEL you need.

For a trip to Kefalonia, you may need phone numbers:

KTEL (Athens) information about Kefalonia +30 210 51 50785

port city of Patras +30 2610-341002

Port of Killini +30 26230-92211

Sami port +30 26460-41052

airport about. Kefalonia +3026710 29900