Kefalonia is one of the 7 islands of the Ionian Sea. A very green island with fantastic beaches and crystal clear waters of turquoise and blue colours that take your breath away.
It’s the biggest of the Ionian Islands with rich history in cultural tradition and the green of its mountains blend with the blue of the water making it truly unique and a beloved destination. Pine, cypress cover Mt. Ainos’ peak, while at its foot you’ll come across olive groves and vineyards where the popular Kefalonian Robola, Vostilidi white and Muscat, Mavrodaphne red dry wines are produced.
Kefalonia’s culinary tradition, the rich history of Venetian, Italian, French and British occupation and influence, traditional villages, upmarket nightlife (not the extreems we see on other islands) and pristine beaches such as Myrtos beach, cave-lakes like Melissani and cute villages in small fiords like Assos and Fiskardo, will make your stay on the island an uforgettable one.
Argostoli
The biggest town and capital of the island is Argostoli. It is a town built around a hill, with a city-like life, filled with various types of entertainment: shops for shopping lovers, cafes to sit back and relax, bars and beaches nearby. Although Argostoli was totally ruined by the earthquake in 1953, there are still sites that depict the old venetian architecture. You can see the old town Krani with the Cyclopean Walls; walk along the pedestrian street, where if you have the opportunity you may encounter the local philharmonic orchestra playing traditional Ionian Island songs and you can complete your promenade by the port. The Korgialeneios Library with its rare collection of books and manuscripts operates as a folk art museum. If you enjoy night life, you can find clubs where you can stay up and in-style until dawn.
Lixouri
The westernmost of the two peninsulas of Kefalonia is the one of Paliki. The houses here were gravely damaged in the earthquake of 1953 but were rebuilt from scratch, taking into account traditional architecture. It is the second biggest town of the island, however it is a peaceful town that is ideal for those who love peace and quiet. You can enjoy your coffee, your pastry sweets and the local cuisine at the port and at the square with the famous ficus plant. Pass by the manor of the Typaldon-Iakovaton brothers built in 1866, which used to house the Iakovateio Library, but due to the 2014 eathquake the building suffered damage and is temporarily closed to the public and under reconstruction. It is home to 25,000 books and a small museum, where three Christian parchments of the 10th, 14th and 15th century, old furniture, sacred vessels and vestments are kept. Visit the Kipouria Monastery on the western side of the peninsula where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunsets on the island.
Fiscardo
Fiscardo survived the destructive earthquake of 1953. Most of the buildings preserve their traditional local colour that travels you back in time. The grand mansions with their elegant balconies, the old two-storey houses, the dark red tiled rooftops, the green mountainsides, the blue of the sea and the overall scenery is enchanting. This picturesque village is the home town of the famous Greek poet Nikos Kavvadias who wrote his poems as a salor and radio officer sailing around the world.
Photo by Alexandros Giannakakis on Unsplash
The Cave Lake of Melissani
The cave lake of Melissani is a wonder of nature and one of the most impressive sights on Kefalonia which is located in Karavomylos, an area close to Sami town. Melissani was discovered in 1951 and following construction works in order to make it accessible it has become one of the most famous tourist attractions. The magic of the landscape is partly because of the roof that has collapsed and you have a view of the sky while being on a lake in a cave. If you visit it during the day when the sun is high and the sunshine drops on the lake it makes the light blue waters shine giving off a magical soothing feeling.
Photo by Mac McDade on Unsplash
Assos
At the north part of the island, picturesque Assos village is built alongside of cliffs, among pine trees and cypresses. Sparsely built with traditional color, in an impressive landscape, Assos fascinates with the peace and simplicity it depicts. Apart from the wonderful waters of Assos, at a nearby distance don’t miss Myrtos beach as well as many other picturesque small bays that wait to be discovered.
Kourkoumelata
A must see, the village of Kourkoumelata which following its total destruction by the 1953 earthquake, was completely rebuilt in the old traditional style but with all modern rules of city planning, by a generous donation of the wealthy shipowner Georgios Vergotis and his family.
Ainos
The mountain that prevails in Kefalonia is Ainos, whose peak reaches 1.628 meters, and is the only national park that can be found on a Greek Island. The fir tree grows natively on this mountain on Kefalonia. The black needles of the Kefalonian fir tree gives an impressive dark colour to the mountain. In the plains of the mountain you might also be lucky enough to see small wild horses. The mountain is ideal for excursions and hiking.
Tastes of Kefalonia
Kefalonian cuisine is renowned. The island produces yellow cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, honey and local meats. It is also home to a large number of delicious recipes that were given from one generation to the next.
You must try the famous meat pie, the lagoto dish that is cooked with rabbit meat and sofigado dish with goat meat. You should not miss the fried cod fish with skordalia (a garlic-seasoned mushed potato puree boiled in cod’s broth with lemon or vinegar). You must also taste strapatsada (scrambled cooked eggs with tomatoes) and tsigaridia (fresh greens cooked with tomato sauce).
If you have a sweet tooth savour the island’s traditional sweets, such as mandoles (almonds assorted with sugar) and pastokydono (a sweet made of quince puree).
Having a good traditional meal don’t miss a sip of the local wines like the famous dry white Robola, or the red dry ones like Thiniatiko and Mavrodaphne (not like the Patras sweet one) and…Bon Appétit!
How to get to Kefalonia by AIR
How to get to Kefalonia by FERRY
How to RENT A CAR in Kefalonia