Xionodromika

Kefalonia: Picturesque bays, crystal waters and spectacular caves

Kefalonia


Κεφαλονιά, Επτάνησα

Kefalonia is one of the islands of Ionian Sea; the biggest among Eptanisa and the sixth among the Greek islands in order of size. It is opposite Korinthiakos Gulf, south of Lefkada and north of Zakynthos. Argostoli is the capital of the island, where there are two ports, this of Sami and this of Poros.

It’s about an island with luxuriant vegetation and unique natural beauties. The countless sights, the remarkable historical monuments, the steep slopes, the scenic settlements, the wonderful beaches with the golden sands and the crystal-clear waters, and the rare geologic phenomena captivate the glances of admiration of a lot of Greek and foreign tourists.

Kefalonia Map

Kefalonia Attractions & Surrounding Area

Kefalonia is the most mountainous island of Ionian Islands cluster. The peak of “Megalos Soros” (1628 m) of Ainos Mountain is the highest in Eptanisa. Ainos has been characterized as National Park since 1962, as an ecosystem of particular value. On this earthly paradise, there are rare species of flora, as the cephalonian fir and wild orchids, as well as species of fauna under distinction, as wild horses, foxes, reptiles and birds.

In the capital of the island there are many important sights. Visit the Firehouse of Saint Theodoroi that took its name from the small church of Saint Theodoroi which is close. In Argostoli there is the tower and square of Kampana. It concerns the most historical square of the town that was also the centre of it in past.

Enjoy walking to the big Avenue of Rizospastes, along it, palms overlook. One of the greatest sights in town is the Theatre of Argostoli “Kefalos”. Korgialeneios Library that constitutes the third richest library in the whole Greece, entertaining more than 59.000 volumes, is housed in a neoclassic building near the Theatre.

The Garden Of Napier is a picturesque, verdurous from a heavy variety of trees, park, enclosed by walls of traditional cephalonian type, which constitutes a place of peace and pleasure.

In Argostoli, you can also visit the Memorial to the dead Italians, the Gymnasium, the Cathedral, the Statue of Kavvadias, the Bridge De Bosset and the house of Kosmetatos, a sample of the architecture of the island before the earthquake.

Kefalonia has also Archeological Museum and Historical-Folklore Museum, which are situated in Argostoli. The Museum of Natural History of Kefalonia and Ithaca is located in the village of Daugata, 10 km north of Argostoli. Great findings from the history of the island are exhibited in the Nautical and Environmental Museum of Fiskardo.

Do not miss to visit the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island, which is situated on the top of a hill, at the valley of Omalon, and where the bones of the saint are entertained. Near, there is the cave of Saint Gerasimos, where he secluded in order to pray. You can also visit the church of Saint Spyridonas in Argostoli, with the astonishing gilt carved wooden screen, and the Monastery of Virgin Mary of Lamia, where you can bow before the wonder-working icon of the Birth of Virgin Mary and admire the wonderful woodcut screen.

It’s worth visiting the imposing Venetian castle of Saint Georgios, a building of 13 th century, in village of Peratata, and admiring the fascinating view, as well as the castle of Assos with the impressive vaulted entrance.

In Kefalonia, you will find a lot of caves. The cave of Drogarati with the impressive interior decoration from stalactites and stalagmites, which is near the village of Katapodata, impresses with its excellent acoustics. In the lake-cave of Melisanthi, because of the powerful earthquakes, particular geologic phenomena have been created. Just as rare and interesting geologic phenomenon is swallow-holes, at a distance of 2,5 km from Argostoli.

Kefalonia can demonstrate a variety of beaches with natural beauty, some cosmopolitan, other isolated and peaceful, some sandy, and some else pebble. The most famous beaches of the island are: Myrtos, Makrys Gialos, Platys Gialos, Xi, Kaminia, Ammes, Avythos, Lourdata, Agios Thomas, Agia Irini and Spartia. Many of these are organized with umbrellas, showers, parking, restaurants, taverns and cafeterias, but all offer an enchanting landscape with aquamarine crystal-clear waters.

Kefalonia with the unique natural beauties, the remarkable historical monuments, the picturesque beaches, the vivid night life and the warm hospitality of its habitants invites you to live memorable experiences.

How to get there

By road-Coastally: In order to visit Kefalonia, you have to arrive roadly at Kyllini, and from there you will go to Kefalonia by Ferry Boat. There are daily time-tables from Patra’s port to Sami. There are also daily time-tables between Kefalonia and Ithaca, Lefkada and Astakos of Aitoloakarnania.

By air: There are daily flights from the Airport of Eleutherios Venizelos to the airport of Kefalonia. The flight duration is about 1 hour.

Kefalonia Photos

Kefalonia Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Argostoli Municipality
26710 22230
Kefalonia Airport
26710 29900
Argostoli Hospital
26710 24641
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
210 3530000
Lixouri Hospital
26740 94245
Argostoli Bus Station
26710 22281
Sami Health Center
26740 22222
Athens Bus Station
210 5150785
Argostoli Police Station
26710 22200
Iakovatios Library
26710 91325
Kefalonia Tourist Police
26710 22815
Archaeological Museum
26710 28300
Argostoili Port Authority
26710 22224
Historic Folkloric Museum (Korjialenio)
26710 22584
Patras Port Authority
2610 341002
Municipal Theater of Argostoli
26710 22847
Kyllini Port Authority
26230 92211