Catalonia island in Greece. Unforgettable holidays in Kefalonia
Crete, Rhodes, Athens, Halkidiki and others popular resorts Greece is visited by thousands of tourists during the season. At the same time, independent travelers, on the contrary, do not like the “promoted” places where every travel agency offers vouchers. It is these lovers who look for very beautiful and rare tourist “pearls” that will be interested in the Greek island of Kefalonia. The resort is remembered for its unusually beautiful landscape with bizarre cliffs, plains immersed in greenery and cozy bays washed by the blue of the sea. And this place is famous local color, traditions and history, which we offer to get to know better.
What is the island of Kefalonia
Geographically, the island of Kefalonia is included in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. And among them, it is considered the largest: the area of Kefalonia has 734 km 2. But inhabits this rocky beautiful island only 36 thousand people ( for comparison, 41 thousand people live in neighboring Zakynthos, and 102 thousand in Corfu. local residents ). Therefore, there is almost no city bustle and noise in Kefalonia, but many corners of nature have been preserved in their original form.
History of the island
The first settlements in Kefalonia appeared in the 15th century. BC. They were founded by the Leleg tribes, who worshiped Poseidon. The region was actively developing and already in the classical period was known in the "big" Greek land. For example, the Cefallenes are mentioned as participants in the Trojan War in the famous Homeric Iliad.
By the way, Greece did not immediately christen the island with the name Kefalonia. Initially, it was known as the island of Sama (Sarmos), and owes its renaming to the mythological hero Cefalu. According to legend, Cephalus is considered the ancestor of Odysseus, who founded the clan. Therefore, many local residents still proudly call themselves descendants of the glorious Greek hero. However, there is another version of the origin of the name. According to her, the term "Kefalonia" comes from the toponym "Kefalus", which is the name of the local rock. By the way, because of its height, Kefalonia is often called the "island with a head."
After the collapse of Greece, the island was ruled by foreign invaders. In particular, the episode when in 1798 Admiral Ushakov knocked out the French legions from the Ionian Islands and restored the power of the local population is noteworthy. When the Russian fleet departed, the Greeks even presented Ushakov with a nominal gold medal depicting local lands.
With rebirth Greek state the island receives a new round of development. But as a result of a powerful earthquake in 1953, Kefalonia loses a lot historical heritage, and its cities and villages were destroyed almost to the ground. Later majority settlements restored, and today they are considered the resort centers of the island.
Here, first of all, we note the city of Argostoli, which is the island capital. It was badly damaged by the already mentioned earthquake, but the capital of the island of Kefalonia in Greece was quickly restored. Today, life here is in full swing day and night, when the lights of numerous bars and clubs are lit.
The second main place of Kefalonia is the port city of Sami. He is responsible for the ferry service to the neighboring island of Ithaca, as well as Patras, Astakos and even Italy. True, the last route is not served regularly, but nevertheless, during the season, a direct connection with Italy adds to the resort's advantages.
Also on the island there are small, but very colorful and impressive towns. For example, the following resort places are worth the attention of tourists:
- Fiskardo;
- Rock;
- Aiya-Efimiya;
- Lassie;
- Poros;
- Lixouri.
Read also: Unforgettable vacation in Kefalonia
Note that almost all resorts are connected by well-established transport links, so traveling around the island will be easy and carefree.
Weather and climate of Kefalonia
Climatic conditions on the island of Kefalonia are similar to other Greek regions. Winters are warm and humid, while summers are hot and dry. The peak of temperature records falls on July and August, when the air warms up to +35°C, and the water to +28°C. It is during these months that most guests come to Kefalonia, although the season beach holiday lasts from May to October. Therefore, if you want to find the island in relative peace and quiet, it is better to come in June or September.
Where is the island and how to get to Kefalonia
The island of Kefalonia on the map of Greece should be looked for in the northwest direction, where the Ionian Sea is located: in the archipelago, Kefalonia is located between Zakynthos and Lefkada. And since we are talking about an island resort, there are only two ways to get to Kefalonia - by plane or by ferry.
If speak about air traffic, then Kefalonia Eastland Airport is responsible for it International Airport, located 10 km from Argostoli. This is a small terminal with one lane, however, flights from Athens are accepted here all year round. Tourist charters of European companies still arrive in the season, as well as flights from neighboring Corfu and Zakynthos. So there are several ways to fly to Kefalonia, but all of them are with transfers. The most common way is through the Greek capital: from Athens, the flight will take 1 hour, and the price of a one-way ticket will be 50-75 euros.
As for ferries, Kefalonia on the map of sea roads is connected with the Peloponnese peninsula. Ferries from the mainland depart from the main local ports: Patras and Kyllini. Depending on the exact route and weather conditions, the crossing will take from 1.5 to 3 hours, and the ticket price starts from 10 euros.
How to get around the island
Domestic travel in Kefalonia is easiest to carry out by bus. They run all over the island, connecting cities and villages. So tourists can visit not only the main attractions in the city, but also see the beauty of small resorts. The price of the trip depends on the length of the route and is in the range of 1-5 euros. The only negative is on Sundays. public transport goes on vacation.
Taxi and car rental services are also common on the island. Taxis are usually used to get from the airport to hotels in Kefalonia, and a personal car is rented for comfortable trips around the island. And with that, and with other transport, there will be no difficulties, because. More than enough offers.
Thus, travelers only need a map of attractions and beaches to explore the island of Kefalonia, and there will definitely be no problems with transport links.
Recreation and attractions
Make tours from Russia to the island of Kefalonia or stop by for a couple of days from others Greek resorts stands for the unimaginable beauty of the island. It was the natural attractions and beaches that glorified Fr. Kefalonia among travel lovers. But there are cultural monuments on the island that are also worthy of the attention of tourists. We offer you a closer look at the "interesting things" of this Greek resort.
The main attractions of the island of Kefalonia
For sightseeing holiday tours to Kefalonia are not complete without a stop in the capital Argostoli. Various cultural entertainments await tourists here. So worth a visit:
- Archaeological Museum;
- Church of St. Nicholas;
- Theater "Kefalos";
- Church of St. Spyridon;
- Bell tower.
Greece - amazing country, half consisting of islands, each of them is beautiful and interesting in its own way. One of the most beautiful is the Greek island of Kefalonia (Kefalonia), a paradise for tourists. Here, even the most demanding and sophisticated will find something to their liking.
Location of the island of Kefalonia, how to get there
Kefalonia is one of the most big islands Ionian group in the western part of Greece. The island is located in the Ionian Sea, the closest neighbor of Kefalonia is the legendary Ithaca.
A feature of the island are dense pine forests that completely cover the mountains. Therefore, the air in Kefalonia is very clean and healthy, saturated with the aromas of pine needles and the sea. Also, due to the climate, rare plants grow on the island, many of them are listed in the Red Book (Kefalinian fir and violet).
There are only a few large cities on the island, the most significant are Lixouri (almost completely rebuilt after the earthquake) and Sami (a brand new port city). The capital of Kefalonia is the city of Argostoli, which was also badly damaged by the earthquake in 1953.
There are only two ways to get to the island: by air and by sea. There are flights to Kefalonia from Athens airports, and ferries to the island also go from the capital. But the most interesting will be the boat trip.
Kefalonia on the map of Greece
Kefalonia weather
The area of the island of Kefalonia is 786.6 km 2, and the length of the coast is 267 km, it is inhabited by more than 35 thousand people. Like most of the islands of Greece, the relief of Kefalonia is mountainous, most high mountain considered Enos.
The island has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. In addition, strong winds are very rare on the island, which makes the rest here more comfortable. IN summer time the air temperature can reach more than 35 degrees, and in the sea the water warms up at least 25C.
According to legend, the island got its name in honor of the ancient hero Kefala, who became the king of the island. His sons divided the island among themselves and founded four cities named after their rulers:
- themselves,
- pronny,
- Krani,
- Pali.
Cephalus is also considered the ancestor of the legendary Odysseus, king of the island of Ithaca. Many more corners of the island are connected with myths and legends, but this will be discussed in more detail below.
And if you return to reality, then the history of the island of Kefalonia goes back to ancient times: these lands were inhabited in the Paleolithic times. And from the 15th century BC. An ancient Greek tribe called the Lelegs settled on the island, worshiping the god of the seas, Poseidon. Already during the war in Troy, the island could boast of a high level of civilization.
Archaeological research confirms that in ancient times the island was indeed divided into 4 regions with main cities. Philip V, the father of Alexander the Great, also tried to conquer Kefalonia, however, unsuccessfully.
But the Romans were able to subjugate the island, and from 187 BC. Kefalonia became part of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the island passed to the Byzantines.
From time to time it was captured by different peoples: the Venetians, the Normans, the Turks, and the French. During the 2nd World War, it succumbed to the occupation by the Germans and Italians. Now Kefalonia is part of Greece.
Since the island is located in a seismically active zone, it was often subjected to earthquakes. One of them, of great power in 1953, almost completely destroyed several cities of Kefalonia.
Natural attractions of Kefalonia
The nature of the island is truly amazing, thanks to the mountainous landscape, there are many picturesque harbors and bays. But the caves of Kefalonia, Melissani and Drogarati, deserve the greatest admiration.
Melissani is not just a cave, it is an underground lake in the middle of the rock, and the ceiling of the cave is missing. The cave acquired such an unusual shape due to an earthquake that brought down its dome.
Over time, the edges of the cliff were overgrown with grass and trees, reflected along with the sky in the waters of the lake. This gives both the lake and the entire cave an even more fabulous look.
Like all more or less significant places in Greece, this cave is also associated with myth. In ancient times, a nymph named Melissani lived in this place, who was desperately in love with the god of fertility and fun, Pan.
But her love was unrequited, and the nymph, out of grief, threw herself into an underground lake. Be that as it may, but the study of the cave showed that in ancient times this cave was a place of worship for the nymphs and Pan.
The Melissani cave is located 2 km from the town of Sami. The depth of the lake is 14 m, but the water in it is so clean and transparent that the bottom is visible even at such a distance. Further, where the lake ends, the actual cave begins, with stalactites and stalagmites.
Another feature of this great place is that fresh groundwater is mixed with salty sea water in this lake. It is impossible to convey in words all the beauty of the Melissani Cave - you just need to visit it.
Drogarati cave also arose due to frequent earthquakes on the island, and was discovered about 300 years ago. Speleologists were engaged in its research, and only in 1963 it was opened to the public.
The cave is located at a depth of almost 90 m, its dimensions are 45x65 m, and the height of the room is 20 m. It was not possible to establish exactly when this cave was formed, but researchers believe that it was about 100 million years ago. It is also known that Drogarati is connected by passages to other cavities in the rock, but all of them are still filled up and not explored.
Drogarati got its name due to the legend, according to which, a dragon with that name once lived in the cave. Once a month, he attacked human settlements and ate one person at a time. But one day, a brave inhabitant of the island killed the dragon and freed people from bloody tribute. And since then the local population calls the cave "Dragon's Mouth".
It is one of the most beautiful caves in all of Greece, thanks to the stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes and sizes. The Drogarati cave has another unique phenomenon - perfect acoustics.
Thanks to these data, it is also called the “Hall of Excellence” or “Music Cave”. Sometimes a symphony orchestra is invited to the cave, which performs various works. Impressions from what he saw and heard are simply unforgettable.
The climate of the island is conducive to passive rest: you want to soak up the sun and a light breeze, and then plunge into the clear waters of the Ionian Sea. And here you can’t do without beaches, fortunately, there are plenty of them in Kefalonia - there are 28 equipped beaches here.
The island can rightfully be proud of their status as "The Best Beaches in the Mediterranean". Here are some of the most beautiful and popular beaches of the island:
This beach ranks first in beauty on the island, and is recognized as one of the five the best beaches in the world. Myrtos is located in the west of the island, between the peaks of Kalos Oros and Agia Dinati. The coast is covered with white sand and pebbles, and the sea water is crystal clear even in the deepest places.
The beach is well equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. in large numbers, bars and cafes, rescue teams. Complementing the beauty of Myrtos beach is the grotto located nearby - a wonderful place for photo shoots.
In terms of luxury, this beach can be compared with Myrtos, but in terms of their natural "data" they are very different. Petani is located in a secluded bay at the foot of the mountains, so you have to get here along a mountain road, but the beach is worth it.
There is no such influx of tourists as on flat beaches. The coast is covered with small pebbles, and the water is of a rich azure color, all this beauty is complemented by the pristine mountains surrounding Petani Beach in a semicircle.
Although the coast is gentle, but close enough to it, a depth of several meters is already reached. In addition to the standard set of "civilization benefits", you can rent scuba diving equipment on this beach.
A unique beach on the island, thanks to the unusual bright orange sand. In addition, along the line of the beach there are rocks made of clay of a bluish tint. The composition of the clay is very beneficial for the skin, so the softened mixture can be used as a full body mask.
Xi Beach is located on the Paliki Peninsula, and is adjacent to at least beautiful beach Megas Lakos.
Alathies
Another interesting beach of Kefalonia, its second name is "Salty". And all because of the salt deposits in the rocks surrounding the beach. Also in these rocks there are pools created by nature, the concentration of salt in which is much higher than in the sea, and the water in them warms up more strongly.
So on Alaties you can not only sunbathe, swim in the sea, but also take “salt baths”. This beach is located in the north of the island, not far from the town called Fiskardo.
In addition to the caves and beaches in Kefalonia, there are other attractions that have already been created by the inhabitants of the island.
One of the most significant architectural monuments is the fortress of St. George. The building is located (now it is ruins) at an altitude of 320 meters, 7 km from Argostoli, near the village of Peratata.
The land on which the fortress was built from ancient times was sacred - burials of the Mycenaean era were found here. The construction of the fortress falls on the 12th century - the time of the rule of Byzantium.
It was a well-fortified structure of 16,000 m 2 , having a rectangular shape. time and frequent earthquakes on the island, this monumental structure was almost completely destroyed.
In the west of Kefalonia, there is an ancient Venetian castle of the 16th century, inside which the village of Asos still exists. The decision to build a castle on this site was dictated by nature itself - a piece of land surrounded by steep rocky shores.
The castle was surrounded by walls, the total length of which is more than 2 km. For a long time it was an excellent protection for residents from various intrusions. Now both the castle and the walls are badly damaged.
This island is not as popular with tourists as Cyprus or Santorini, but it is definitely a wonderful holiday resort. And those who visit it will be satisfied with the nature of Kefalonia, the hospitality of the locals, and the service in hotels and on the beaches.
Kefalonia hotels
Useful for tourists
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Actually big island The Ionian archipelago - Kefalonia (modern Greek name Kefalonia) - has 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 troops 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. bus service 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 mid-range hotels - 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 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. Night club 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 among the first resorts of the island, and its modern look testifies 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.
From hotels comfortable and friendly small cozy hotel Captain's on an eastward offset street parallel to the main one, and the more expensive Tara Beach Hotel, offers rooms and private bungalows in a lush garden at 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, coastal Paspalis serves fish and home cooking, Sunrise not only Greek cuisine but they also make 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 the islands are located next to the Rock, under the village of Radzakli and around the sprawling resort of Kato Katellos, where there are already hotels: the intricate Odyssia and the almost completely German-occupied Galini Resort, offering and nice 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 nice beach Trapezaki, you need to turn off at Mussata, which is west of Wakhata; 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 hurt all the senses even more strongly in the entire archipelago: a brilliant strip of amazing 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 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 cape behind "Pama Travel" in Panormos there is much more low prices, and it's in a great location, with Lagonderia just around the corner serving delicious oven food and now has a space by the sea. 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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The largest in the Ionian archipelago. Travelers come here in search of cultural experiences, and the island fully rewards those who are tired of all-inclusive secular holidays.
Nature in Kefalonia has tried to create a maximum of beautiful views and natural attractions. Climbing the mountains, you will be able to see unique pine forests, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
You will have a breathtaking panoramic view with golden beaches, numerous coves, the purest water deep blue.
The water off the coast of the island is considered one of the cleanest and safest, so fur seals, turtles, dolphins and numerous representatives of the underwater kingdom feel great here.
To some lucky people who take long walks around the island and the local National park, manages to meet wild horses, beautiful and graceful creatures.
In Kefalonia, cafes, fish markets, shops and souvenir shops are not scattered in all corners. But vacationers will be able to see and touch the architectural and natural attractions that carry incredible energy.
Among the local treasures: caves, underground lakes, grottoes, ancient mountain monasteries, historical buildings of the Venetian, Roman, period of early Christianity.
The major cities of the island are Lixouri and Argostoli (the capital).
Fortress of St. George
Fortress of St. George, one of the most famous and most visited historical buildings of the island, is located 7 km from the current capital.
Once a majestic castle-fort and a developed administrative center of Kefalonia, today it is a ruin heavily damaged by numerous earthquakes.
The first official mention of the fortification of these places dates back to the 12th century. In the 16th century, the Byzantines rebuilt the castle in the style in which it has survived to this day.
The construction site was not chosen by chance: the powerful walls of the fort perfectly protected the locals from pirate raids. total area polygonal building - 16 thousand sq.m.
In the past, life was seething here. Behind the strong walls of the castle, city and administrative houses, churches, hospitals, and prisons were built. After strong natural disasters, the inhabitants of the fort gradually moved to another part of the island, founding Argostoli.
Monastery of St. Gerasimos - the pearl of Greece
The monastery was founded by St. Gerasimos in the middle of the 16th century in the central part of the island and named by him "New Jerusalem".
The building was badly damaged during an earthquake in the middle of the last century, and was later rebuilt. A cave-cell and a garden, laid out by the Saint himself, have survived to this day.
The relic of the monastery is the incorruptible relics of St. Gerasimos, who was canonized in the 17th century.
Every year, on the day of remembrance, which falls on August 16, a service is held in the temple and relics are carried over people suffering from various ailments.
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It is believed that the monk retained his gift as a healer even after his death, which he possessed during his lifetime.
On October 20, the inhabitants of the island celebrate the official state holiday in honor of St. Gerasimos.
Venetian castle
The castle attracts the attention of antiquities hunters with an interesting history and beautiful views that open from the side of the almost destroyed walls.
Once excellent protectors of the locals, now these are impressive ruins stretching for several kilometers.
Behind them you can see the beautiful expanse of the sea and the popular Myrtos beach.
Not far from the ruins of the castle, which became the scene of a fierce battle between the Russians and the French at the end of the 18th century, lies the fabulous village of Asos. It was she who was once surrounded by the stone walls of the Venetian castle.
Those who come to see the castle do not miss the opportunity to walk along the old narrow streets of the village, admire the low houses with red roofs, as if grown into a rocky shore.
Asos and Myrtos beach
Overgrown with cypresses and old pines, the village of Asos has about 100 inhabitants. But all year round tourists come here who want to appreciate the well-known hospitality and cuisine of the village.
Colorful taverns and cozy cafes of Asos are located in the central part of the village and on the waterfront.
Not far from Asos and the ruins of the Venetian castle is the pearl of the island and the national treasure of the country - Myrtos beach.
He's marked blue flag UNESCO, which since the last century has been awarded to beaches and marinas, the waters of which meet the most stringent and highest standards of cleanliness and safety. The beach reveals all its luxury and beauty during sunset, travelers wait for the evenings on purpose.
There are many on the island underground caves. Famous and visited is the Melissani cave with a huge hole at the top, through which sunlight penetrates into the grotto, dissipating in the waters of the underground lake located here.
The water in the lake is clear to the very bottom. Tourists are taken on boats and given the opportunity to see with their own eyes the magic happening in the lake waters.
At different times of the day, their color changes, shimmering from delicate turquoise to green, from deep blue to black.
Drogarati Cave is one of the oldest and deepest in the region, its approximate age has exceeded 150 million years. The cave goes 60 meters deep into the ground, inside it keeps a constant temperature of 18 degrees.
Drogarati was discovered by accident, more than 3 centuries ago, after a strong earthquake that destroyed one of the parts of the grotto and opened the entrance.
The main attractions of the cave are created by herself. Numerous stalactites and stalagmites, whose height reaches 2 meters, have been growing in Drogarati for thousands of years!
Enos National Park
The property of Kefalonia and all of Greece, which deserves the attention of vacationers, is national park Enos.
On its territory is located the most high point of the entire Ionian archipelago, Mount Megolos Soros.
On the slopes of the mountain you can visit several important monasteries: St. Gerasim, St. Omal, St. Eleutheria. You can get to the park by car, and then walk and enjoy all the natural beauties, rare representatives of fauna and flora.
In the park you can see rare Kefallinian fir or black pine, small purple violet growing in rocky crevices, arbutus and old oaks.
There are over 400 plant species in total. During a short hiking trip, you will definitely meet falcons, partridges, black woodpeckers, hazel grouses, and other birds.
This piece of sushi popular destination among those who want to see the real Greece with untouched landscapes, traditions and picturesque coastline. Before you is the island of Kefalonia - the largest of the Ionian Islands of Greece, and if you compare it with others Greek islands, then the influx of tourists here came at a later period. Only since 2001, after the release of the film "Captain Corelli's Choice", Kefalonia began to be included in the lists of "destinations to visit."
Kefalonia island, Greece: mountains and sea
Attractions of Kefalonia
Mountain villages immersed in greenery, Byzantine monasteries and natural attractions - Kefalonia is ready to offer tourists a rich program.
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Famous for magical beauty melissani cave. They don’t call it anything other than a miracle: for decades, the cave was carved by salt water in a limestone rock. One day, its arch partially collapsed, and the rays of the sun fall vertically through the hole formed, which seem to illuminate the azure water with elusive shades. In ancient times, Melissani was of particular importance. It was believed that nymphs lived here - this fact was established after the discovery of numerous cult figurines. Today, tourists ride boats on the transparent surface of the lake, looking at the ancient stalactites on the walls of Melissani.
The cave won no less popularity Drogarati. It is one of the most picturesque caves in Greece, famous for its large hall and stalagmites of incredible shapes. Excellent acoustics and capacity (almost 1000 people) make Drogarati not just natural monument. Live concerts are regularly held here, the hall for them has a length of 65 m, a width of 45 m and a height of 20 m.
Concert in Drogarati Cave, Kefalonia. Photo www.kefalonias.gr
Enos National Park occupies a significant part of Kefalonia. Here grow species of coniferous trees unique to Greece. In addition to them, you can see orchids and several varieties of wildflowers. For lovers of long walks in Enos, there are routes of varying length and complexity. On the territory of the park there are places for recreation (clearings and gazebos), but you need to take food with you. Since Enos is located at an altitude of 1600 m, it can be cool here - you should take care of suitable clothing.
Monastery of St. Gerasimos
Among the religious shrines of the island, the monastery of St. Gerasimos - the patron saint of Kefalonia. Saint Gerasimos was a descendant of a noble family and received a good education. Subsequently, he became a monk on Mount Athos and made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he lived for 12 years.
In 1555, the monk Gerasim settled in Kefalonia and lived for the first five years as an ascetic in a cave near Lassi. In 1560, he moved to the mountains, to a dilapidated chapel, and founded a monastery here, which he called New Jerusalem. Now this monastery bears his name, stores many icons and is a place of pilgrimage - on August 16, the relics of St. Gerasim, hundreds of people come to bow. A plane tree, planted by Gerasim during his lifetime, has been preserved on the territory of the monastery. And next to the monastery there is a cave with two rooms, which were the home of the saint.
The beaches of Kefalonia are some of the best in Greece
Poros beach, Kefalonia. Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
The beaches of the island have long received worldwide recognition. The most popular of them is Myrtos, which is among the best in Greece. Myrtos is located at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by rocks and its shape resembles a crescent moon. The beach is covered with white pebbles. Here you can not only swim in the azure waters, but also enjoy a spectacular sunset or explore a small grotto. There is a snack bar on Myrtos, it is possible to rent a sun lounger. A road leads to the beach, where observation platforms meet.
Kefalonia has one of the most amazing beaches in Greece - Xi, which resembles the letter "Xi" in shape. It stretches for 4 km and is strewn with dark orange sand.
Xi beach, Kefalonia. Photo http://ionianinfo.com/
There are many taverns on the edge of the beach, and hotels are located nearby. Another beach - Skala - also cannot be ignored. It captivates with cleanliness and is suitable for boat trip to isolated bays.
The beach of Agia Jerusalem is located near Fiskardo and is named after the dilapidated church on the edge of the beach. The bay here is small and is divided in half by a rock in the middle; seahorses are often found in clear water. The beach is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, there is a traditional tavern nearby.
The island has many small cozy beaches in bays and wide sandy ones in more open places, you can find a place to your liking: Platys Gialos, Makris Gialos, Platy Ammos, Dafnoudi, Alathies, Katellos, Kaminia and others.
Other things to do on the island
For entertainment in Kefalonia, you need to go to Argostoli - the capital and The largest city islands. Argostoli became the capital from the day of its foundation - since 1757. It is located like an amphitheater on the mountainside, and despite the fact that the city was almost completely destroyed by the 1953 earthquake, you can still find corners with old architecture.
Old Kefalonia… Photo by www.iefimerida.gr/
…and the new Kefalonia. Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
On central square concentrated bars, shops for every taste and restaurants. Shopping can be done on the Litostroto pedestrian shopping street.
Souvenirs at Litostroto. Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Nightlife in Kefalonia is not very intense, but there are many decent options for an evening out in the capital. In local places you can listen to reggae, dance or go to a traditional Greek evening. If you go out to evening walk around the city and you are lucky, you can meet the local orchestra, which often brightens the atmosphere with traditional melodies.
In addition to the central square, in Argostoli there is a Kambana (Bell) square, named after the high bell tower located on it. Climbing to the very top of the bell tower, you will admire panoramic views of the city and the sea, it is also worth seeing a photo exhibition showing the city as it was before the earthquake.
It is also worth visiting the local Archaeological Museum and the Korialennio Library, which, in addition to storing books and manuscripts, is also an ethnographic museum. In addition, in Argostoli you can see the ruins ancient city Krani, with remains of cyclopean walls. Of course, this is not all that can be seen in the city, there would be a desire to learn and explore the history of the city and its surroundings!
fiskardo
There are good bars and taverns in the village of Fiskardo. This is a cozy village with a beautiful promenade that has preserved the Mediterranean flavor.
Diving enthusiasts will find several diving spots in Kefalonia. In Fiskardo there are two equipped dive centers at once. Their instructors will indicate the most reserved places off the coast of the island for observing underwater life. The dive club in Lassi organizes dives near canyons, caves, reefs and shipwrecks. By the way, there is a special program for children from 8 years old.
And Kefalonia will be of interest to lovers of gastronomic tourism. The fertile soil gives the island organic products, from which cheeses, the famous bacagliaropita pie, quince jam, caramelized almonds and Robola wine are produced here.
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Kefalonia will be remembered as an island of aristocratic beauty that adorns Greek advertising brochures. Here you can choose a vacation to your liking: relax or spend time actively, retire to protected places or allow yourself to become local for a while, fully recognizing the hospitality of the inhabitants of the island.
