Kefalonia (video). Greek Islands. An unforgettable holiday in Kefalonia Kefalonia Ionian Sea

On the largest island of the Ionian archipelago - Kefalonia (modern Greek name Kefalonia) - there are real cities and resorts. Like its neighbors, Cephalonia suffered greatly from the Germans and Italians in World War II, and the island's transition from one occupier to another after Italy's surrender in 1943 was marked by a massacre in which over 5,000 Italian troops were killed by invading German forces. These events are described by Louis de Bernieres in the novel “Captain Corelli Mandolin” (Louis de Bernieres, Captain’s Corelli Mandoline).

Until the end of the 1980s, the island was not developed by tourism - partly, apparently, because adapting Kefalonia to the market seemed to be a difficult undertaking. The 1953 earthquake literally razed all the towns and villages of the island, and the lost masterpieces of Venetian architecture were perhaps the only graceful touch enlivening the harsh mountainous landscape. The delay in tourism can be explained in a simpler way: they say that the Cephalinians have a very firmly established reputation as intractable, stubborn, proud people, who are also eccentric, if not foolish.

However, there is something to attract guests: the beaches of Kefalonia are no worse than their rivals on other islands of the archipelago, and the local (admittedly expensive) wine – dry white Robola – is also famous. Fortunately, the merciful heavens sent down the “Corelli factor” and the island has not yet become too crowded with visitors and too expensive, although there are trends. The island itself seems ready to absorb a huge number of people, and it won’t get crowded anyway, but 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.

There is only one airport on the island, information about which is given in the article about. The bus service is not very convenient, but the schedule is maintained, and with transfers you can get to almost any point on the island. The main routes connect the main tourism centers with Argostoli - Sami, Fiskardo, Skala and Poros. The route connecting Sami with the resort of Ayia-Efimia, where many vacationers are drawn on vouchers, is also convenient.

Motorcyclists are advised to be extremely careful: the paths, especially those off the beaten path, can be very difficult, although the highways and highways along the main routes are now mostly paved. Please note that small engines often cannot cope with steep road inclines. The island is connected by ferry service to many island and mainland ports: from Fiskardo ferries go to Ithaca, from Sami to Ithaca, Astakos and, from Argostoli and Poros to the mainland, to Kyllini, and from the port of Pessada to. Almost every year during 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

Ships mostly land at the large and functional port of Sami, built and then rebuilt on the southern edge of the strait separating Cephalonia from Ithaca, roughly where ancient Sami once stood. In the Homeric era, the capital of the island was in Sami, and Cephalonia itself was part of the sea kingdom of Ithaca. Today, everything has changed in the power ladder, and on the contrary, it is considered a quiet backwater.

Ferries link the city with Patras, many more ferries go to Ithaca, and there is also a direct (though unpredictable) connection with, 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 ancient Sami on the beautiful pebble beach of Andisamis you can have a cool drink at the Mojito Beach Bar.

There are three large hotels in town: the friendly Athina Beach is the better of the two at the far end of the beach, essentially in Karavomylos, while the Pericles, with extensive grounds, two swimming pools and sports facilities, is more than 1 kilometer from the road to Argostolion. The best option for a mid-class hotel is the convenient Kastro on the waterfront. Close on his heels is Melissani behind the ferry dock. Camping Sami - Karavomilos Beach - has 300 shaded sites, a tavern, a shop, a bar and access to the beach. There is no doubt that it is much better than its competitors (there are two official sites on the island for those who like to spend the night in the fresh air).

There are few taverns outside the waterfront: the best in the center are Mermaid and Faros, which serve decent meat and vegetarian dishes, including the famous meat pie (a local delicacy). It's much quieter at Dionysos, which offers fresh seafood at low prices and live music on weekends. Obviously, some pub must bear the name "Captain's Corelli" - it, together with Aqua Marina, makes up a couple of the most beloved evening bars, and you can have breakfast or treat yourself to ice cream at the "other captain" while at the club Asteria bouzouki is a fun night out. Rent a motorcycle on the embankment, in “Sami Center”, and rent cars in a reliable local company “Island”.

Drogarati and Melissani caves on the island of Kefalonia

Another reason to stay in Sami is the city’s proximity to the caves of Drogarati (5 kilometers towards Argostoli) and Melissani (3 kilometers to the north, direction towards Agia Efimia). Drogarati (April-October daily 9:00-20:00) has 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 up from an underground fissure, and this crack runs through the entire island to a point near Argostoli.

There - the place is called Katavotres - the sea constantly flows into the underground tunnel, and before the earthquake of 1953 that destroyed everything, the current rotated water mills, not river ones, but sea ones. Glowing paint in the cave marks the water level in the cave - current and previous, before 1953. The play of light leaking through the collapsed roof of the cave creates bizarre patterns and shadows, and there is always a rare fog in the air, like a haze, made up of water droplets.

Fishing harbor of Agia Efimia on the island of Kefalonia

The friendly little fishing harbor of Ayia-Efimia, 9 kilometers north of Sami, although it has been chosen by tour operators who bring vacationers here on tour packages, there are no large construction projects or other “development” here. There are two significant flaws. The first is the beaches, or rather, the lack thereof: the largest, called, in no way mockingly, “paradise”, Paradise (Greek name paradisos), is a measly 20 meters of small pebbles, although there are other coves to the south. The second is poor transport links (only 2 bus services daily, to Sami and Fiskardo). But accommodation 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 along the headland past the harbor, offers island cuisine at reasonable prices. Pergola and To Steki Tou Kalofaga also prepare dishes typical of the island, as well as those that are common throughout the country. As you would expect, the cafe-bar, where filmmakers and actors whiled away their time during the filming of the film, was renamed Captain’s Corelli; it’s better to have breakfast at Strawberry. Nightclub Paranoia - 700 meters from the village, in the direction of Fiskardo. And if you are traveling on your own, know that between Ayia Efimia and Sami in the Ayia Paraskevf tavern above the bay of the same name you will be treated to famous spaghetti with pickled mussels, and the places around are majestic.

South-eastern part of the island of Kefalonia

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

Poros was once one of the island's first resorts, and its modern appearance suggests that the place has seen better days. There are few hotels and high-rise buildings with apartments for visitors in Kefalonia - something rare, even unique; the poor promenade and unsightly pebble beach do not improve the impression. But from Poros there is a ferry to the Peloponnesian port of Kyllini, which is worth keeping 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 a few minutes' walk behind the cape. There are many rooms and apartments for rent, and there are also hotels. It is best to stay at the cozy Santa Irina hotel at the crossroads away from the sea, and the neighboring Odysseus Palace often offers good discounts. Among 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, makes 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 rental rooms called Golden Beach Palace, a Roman villa was excavated (daily 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, longer in summer; free) and some mosaics. Many adherents of Skala 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 the Dionysus Rooms also offer studios and apartments, Dionysus Rooms, a block south of the main street, and Etam Travel Service also helps with accommodation.

Among the hotels, the small cozy Captain’s Hotel on a street shifted to the east, parallel to the main one, is convenient and friendly, and the more expensive Tara Beach hotel offers rooms and separate 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 atmosphere, the coastal Paspalis serves fish and home cooking, Sunrise serves not only Greek cuisine, but also pizza. It's a good idea to have a drink at the Veto cocktail bar or at the seaside restaurant-bar Stavento, accompanied by the most fashionable music.

From Skala to Ludrata

Some of the island's best sandy beaches are located near Skala, below the village of Radzakli and around the growing resort of Kato Katelios, where there are already 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 your local CBR Travel office. Of the half a dozen local restaurants and cafes on the embankment, the Blue Sea tavern is praised for the freshness and good quality of the fish, and people go primarily to the Cozy bar for drinks. The coast around Kato Katelios is the main breeding ground for loggerheads in Kefalonia. Therefore, resting and spending the night in the open air are prohibited here.

The village of Markopoulo in the island's hinterland 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 "snake 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, the monastery was once attacked by pirates, and the nuns began to pray to be turned into snakes, just so as not to be captured. It is believed that their prayers were answered, 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 precision a schedule not invented by it, a suspicion arises: are the (individual, of course) village holy fathers keeping an inconspicuous snake nursery? It is impossible to approach the shore until the village of Vahata, where rooms are rented out and restaurants operate, but there is little point in staying here, and turning downhill, after 2 kilometers you will find yourself at the Lourdata resort: on a 1 kilometer long beach, small pebbles are mixed with imported sand. Adonis and Ramona offer rooms on the outskirts, on the access road, and the 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 is Dionysus, where they serve food as you would expect in an ordinary tavern. On the beach itself, Patritsia is good if you want good, inexpensive fish, and Lorraine's Magic Hill offers quality food. Cafe Platanos is located outside the village. To get to another good beach, Trapezaki, you need to turn off at Mussata, which is west of Vahata; This is a very pleasant spit, with the only restaurant near a small pier.

West Bank and road to the north of Kefalonia

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

On the beach itself there is only a snack bar, but above and below this establishment there is a shore that makes an incredibly strong impression - there is no landscape that would touch all the senses even more strongly in the entire archipelago: a brilliant strip of amazingly white sand with pebbles. Only there is little shade, and 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 clings to a small isthmus between the island and a huge hill, on top of which there are the ruins of an ancient fortification.

Accommodation is in short supply, so it's best to book in advance at 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 the small pebble 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 the earthquake. It’s a bit cramped there, but you won’t find anything like it in the entire Ionian archipelago.

Located at 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 noticeable on the cape are said to remain from the 12th century church, which the Norman conqueror Robert Guiscard began to build, and the current name of the town reminds us of Gixar. The harbor embankment remains the same as it was in the 19th century, only now it is surrounded by luxurious restaurants and chic boutiques.

It is also home to 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 behind the village. The volunteers who take care of the museum study the environment, not without valuable results, and can also organize scuba diving. There are two good pebble beaches nearby: Emblisi, about 1 kilometer on the way back from the city, and Fokis, about the same distance, but to the south, along the path to the northern cape. Daily ferries link Fiskardo with Lefkada all year round, and with Ithaca only in season.

As the main resort of the island, Fiskardo is busy until the end of October, so that accommodation is practically unaffordable. 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 convenience store. A little further from the ferry pier, on the embankment, there is the Pama Travel office, where they can also help you find a room or (more expensive) apartment.

There are a lot of restaurants, many good ones, but almost all are expensive. On the embankment, the 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 Cephalonian cuisine. Near the cape behind Pama Travel, Panormos has much lower prices and is superbly located, and Lagonderia around the corner offers delicious oven-fired food and now has premises on the seafront as well. Among the most successful harbor bars are Irida's and the Yacht Inn. In the Kastro club on the outskirts of the village, among other things, they dance.

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Myrtos Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Ionian Sea, the calling card of Greece.

The beach has repeatedly won the title of best beach in Greece. This magnificent beach with crystal clear water and white sand is located on the west coast of Kefalonia. Myrtos has repeatedly received the EU blue flag, which indicates its cleanliness and safety.

Myrtos is known for its clear, light blue water, which in reality looks exactly like in the photographs of professional photographers.

The beach is all white pebbles. In the southern part there are several small caves opening out to the sea. Children need to be careful on Myrtos Beach - the depth starts abruptly and drags slightly upon entry.

Melissani Cave

The cave is surrounded by mysterious forests, and to the west of it there is a lake of the same name, part of which is hidden under stone arches. After the earthquake, the dome of the cave collapsed, and now sunlight penetrates inside. The rays penetrate the underground lake, and numerous tourists can spend hours admiring the blue, transparent water. A boat ride on the lake will be a memorable experience for a long time.

There are many ancient legends associated with the cave. According to one of them, the god Pan and nymphs used to live under stone arches. One of them, Melissa, fell in love with God and confessed her feelings to him, but he did not reciprocate her feelings. The poor nymph's heart could not withstand such a blow, and Melissa drowned herself in an underground lake. Since then, the cave bears her name.

What sights of Kefalonia did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Monastery of St. Gerasim

One of the main attractions of the island of Kefalonia is the monastery of St. Gerasimos, founded in 1560 near the village of Valsamata. A small narrow cave-cell, located under the monastery building, and a huge plane tree, once planted by the saint himself, have survived to this day. During the strong earthquake of 1953, the monastery was significantly damaged, but was soon rebuilt. The main attraction of the monastery is the incorruptible relics of St. Gerasim. An interesting fact is that after the death of the saint, his body was exhumed twice, and each time it remained incorrupt. Every year on August 16, on the day of remembrance of St. Gerasim, a solemn service is held in the monastery, and the relics of the saint are carried over the infirm and sick.

In the cells of the monastery there are many icons, many of which were donated by local residents. There is also a narrow descent into the cave where the monk retired in the last years of his life. The monastery has a cozy, calm atmosphere; many tourists note that when leaving the monastery they feel spiritual harmony and balance.

Penati is a pebble beach surrounded by high mountains, located near the resort town of Lixouri.

This soft pebble beach is one of the favorite destinations for beach lovers.

The length of the beach is 600 meters.

Here you can enjoy the extraordinary beauty of its hilly surroundings and swim in the warm, clear blue water, which changes color to deep blue as the sun sets.

The shore is quite steep and in some places is equipped with an awning and sun umbrellas. Therefore, you can only move a short distance from the shore, since it is very deep here.

Not far from the beach you can visit two good restaurants.

Xi Beach

10 kilometers from Lixouri is the most amazing beach in all the Ionian Islands - Xi. It got its name from the bay, which is shaped like the letter X of the Greek alphabet. The total length of the beach is 4 kilometers and the width is 50 meters. There is one big road leading to it, which in front of the coast diverges into many small branches, each of which ends in different places on the beach.

Getting to Xi is very easy, you can use both taxis and public transport. On its outskirts there are a large number of cafes and restaurants where you can have a good time and have a snack. For those who don't want to spend a lot of time traveling to the beach, there are many hotels and villas located nearby.

When going here on vacation, be sure to take a camera with you, because you will definitely want to capture the unusually bright, rich, red-yellow sand and white clay rocks. There are umbrellas and sun loungers on the beach, which you can use absolutely free.

Lourdas Beach

Near the village of Lourdata, located on the southern side of the island of Kafalonia, there is a magnificent beach - Lourdas. It is secluded in the middle of huge mountains with lush green vegetation and crystal waterfalls. The beach is distinguished from others by its incredibly clean water and well-developed infrastructure. Small cafes with wonderful views and private hotels with all amenities are always at your service.

The beach is surrounded by dense vegetation consisting of olive trees, pine trees and cypress trees. Thanks to the local unique microclimate, a variety of tropical plants and orchards coexist on the coast. Be sure to visit the village of Lourdata, where you can see a large plane tree with an ancient bath located near it - Vkhash.

Lourdas Beach experiences strong winds most of the year. Despite this, tourists love it very much because of the unique exotic landscape and untouched original nature. There are few places where you can see the forest adjacent to the beach and wonderful, untouched by man, mountain landscapes.

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Skala beach

Skala Beach is one of the popular tourist beaches, which is located next to the fishing village of the same name on the southern tip of the island of Kefalonia.

The beautiful sandy beach is bordered by hills covered in dense bush and small rock formations. The water here is crystal clear. It is worth noting that in 2003 the beach received the Blue Flag.

On the main part of the beach there are umbrellas and sun loungers. Despite the high tourist activity, you can find a calm and secluded place if you walk a little further.

There is a water sports center on the beach. There is also the opportunity to take a boat ride with a transparent bottom to observe the underwater world. There is a bar in the central part of the beach. In the village itself you will find souvenir shops, taverns, restaurants and pubs.

The most popular attractions in Kefalonia with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Kefalonia on our website.

If you have long dreamed of an unforgettable vacation, it’s time to go to Kefalonia: there are so many attractions on this small island that it will be enough for several trips.

Kefalonia is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, with a rich history and beautiful beaches. Tourists come here in search of an unusual holiday, acquaintance with ancient culture and vivid impressions. There are beautiful quiet bays and centers of beach recreation and entertainment, preserved ancient buildings and mysterious caves, beautiful nature and modern service.

The area of Kefalonia is more than 780 square kilometers. It is located between Lefkada and Zakynthos, in the very center of the Ionian Sea. Therefore, Kefalonia's weather is warm and humid all year round. In summer, the average air temperature is +32°, and the water warms up to +26°. In January, the thermometer rarely drops below +14°, while sea water warms up to +16°.

In Kefalonia (Greece), the weather is favorable for the tourist season to last throughout the year. You can relax on the beach from April to October inclusive. The rest of the time, not everyone will risk taking a dip in the cool water. But this time you can visit a variety of excursions in Kefalonia.

Village of Assos

How to get to Kefalonia

You can get to the island by air or water. There is one airport here that accepts domestic flights within Greece - regular and charter from Europe.

How to get from Athens to Kefalonia? By plane only: flights operate all year round. During the summer, Kefalonia Airport receives flights from Corfu and Zakynthos.

You can get here by ferry almost all year round from the cities of Sami, Killini, Argostoli, Poros. The Kefalonia – Zakynthos ferry runs only in summer.

Inside, the main transport is buses. They connect almost all populated areas. Buses run every day except Sunday - keep this in mind when planning your travel route around Kefalonia. The fare ranges from 1 to 5 EUR, depending on the length of the route.

Petani Beach

Another type of local transport is a taxi: Kefalonia offers quite affordable prices and the opportunity to book a transfer from the airport on a budget.

Car rental in Kefalonia is a common service; you can arrange it right at the airport. There are companies that rent a car and deliver it to the client within 15 km. It is convenient to travel around Kefalonia by car, and if desired, you can load it on board a ferry: water transport often provides such services for private transport and taxis. Driving around the island by car is convenient: you don’t need to adapt to the traffic schedule, you can break away at any time and go to see the next attraction. Or drive further away in search of a secluded beach.

It’s worth renting a car if you’re traveling to Kefalonia with children: the little one will be comfortable in a car with air conditioning, and you can go to the hotel or have lunch at any time.

In Kefalonia, the roads are suitable for traveling by bicycle and moped: almost the entire local population travels this way. Visitors, wanting to save money on renting a car in Kefalonia, often also choose two-wheeled transport.

Argostoli

Where to stay

How to get to the island of Kefalonia on your own? The easiest way to fly is from Athens. If you are vacationing in Greece, you can devote 1-2 days to visiting this island. If you are not initially planning a trip to Kefalonia, you should take care of overnight accommodation in advance.

The cost of living here depends on the area and the degree of distance from the coastline. At the same time, even the most budget hotels on the island of Kefalonia offer a high level of service and luxurious rooms.

The largest hotel complex is located in the town of Lassi, near beaches with golden sands. There are quiet hotels for families with children and a corresponding beach. Hotel Lassi is located 300 meters from the sea and has its own swimming pool. From here to the airport is only 5 kilometers.

Before booking a room, read reviews about hotels in Kefalonia. The low level of service here is nonsense. But if you are looking for a quiet option, away from noisy parties, finding such a hotel is quite possible. You can also rent a room in a villa or an apartment.

Hotel Maria Anna in Trapezaki is surrounded by a picturesque garden, located near the sea. Guests can use the grill. There is a restaurant and grocery store on site.

Listostrotos (Bobble Street) in Argostoli

What to see in Kefalonia Island?

There are many sights and interesting places here, which you can wander around from morning until night.

Kefalonia Island: Attractions to see:

Village of Assos

Miracle with snakes in Kefalonia

Miracles on the island of Kefalonia are associated with the mysterious icon of the Virgin Mary. Many years ago, she was found on a tree after a fire, safe and sound. Several times it was transferred to the church, but the icon mysteriously disappeared, after which it was found in the roots of a burnt tree. Later a church was built here. One day the temple was attacked by pirates. But mysteriously snakes appeared around the building. Since then, in Kefalonia, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15) has been accompanied by the appearance of snakes in the temple in this church of Kefalonia. If they do not appear, this indicates impending troubles, most often an approaching earthquake.

Wild beach in the northern part of the island

Local beaches

Looking at the map of Kefalonia with beaches, you will see that they are located almost along the entire perimeter of the island. They are in every city, near every major beach resort. Usually the hotel is a stone's throw from the beach. But in some places it is prohibited to build any buildings at a distance of 5 km from the water line - it is better to get to such beaches by rented car or bicycle.

Xi Beach

Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia) has a UNESCO award as the cleanest and most beautiful. There is a very high level of security here, so among the vacationers there are many families with children. And in the evening, the coast is flooded with sunset light, which makes it incredibly beautiful.

Popular local beaches include Xi, Atisamos, Skalou.

Kefalonia's nudist beaches are usually located behind the cliffs. Some of them can only be reached by water - for this you will have to rent a boat.

Foki Beach

Enjoy your holiday on the island of Kefalonia: excursions to interesting places

A sightseeing tour of the island is the easiest way to see absolutely all the sights of Kefalonia and take photos of memorable places. The main routes begin with a visit to the caves, which are the pride of the island.

Other popular routes include:

Excursion to the monastery of St. Gerasimos;
Visit to the Robolla winery with tasting;
Sea cruise around the coast of Onassis's Dream.

The average cost of excursions is from 50 to 300 EUR, depending on the duration and route.

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 square meters. 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 (you can see this by looking at the island of Kefalonia on a 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 Cephalonia were the Lelegi tribes (15th century BC), they worshiped the king of the sea, Poseidon. During the Bronze Age, the ancient Greek peoples of the Tylevoi and Tafii lived here.

According to one version, the island of Kefalonia (Greece) received its name in honor of the mythological hero Kefal. Some historians associate the name of the island with the Cephalin family. Homer called the island Sami, but in his time it was still sparsely populated. Since the classical 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 French revolutionaries, the local population overthrew the feudal system. Subsequently, Cephalonia became part of the so-called state of the 7 Ionian Islands. In 1864, all the Ionian Islands united with Greece.

Kefalonia, Greece Tours

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

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 your eyes: 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, and distinctive and different coastal towns. Snow-white yachts and fishing boats moored off the coast add a special flavor to Kafalonia.

All the islands of Greece are stunning with their extraordinary beauty. Kefalonia, of course, was no exception. This region captivates travelers with its fresh air with the scent of pine trees and the crystal surface of the sea. In general, a holiday 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 locality there 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 with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale was observed in Argostoli. As a result of the disaster, the city was seriously damaged. It had to literally be rebuilt from scratch. Now the capital is bustling with life, and at night numerous clubs, bars and discos light up their lights. The port of Argostoli has ferry connections with other cities in Greece.

The second port of the island is Sami. It is the main gateway for ferries coming from Italy, Astakos, Patras, Lefkada and other places.

Resort towns

The main resorts of Kefalonia are Luxouri, Skala, Lassi. The rock, in particular, is most favored by tourists from the UK. The city has about 30 hotels, 3 supermarkets, more than 10 bars and several dozen souvenir shops. Lassi and Luxouri 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” ones to very noisy ones 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 great depth of sea. In addition, it is even included in the top 10 best beaches on the planet. Myrtos is well equipped, there are sun loungers with umbrellas, a team of lifeguards, and 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 takes only 20 minutes to get there. 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 film “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. It is 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 a rather 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. Overall, Kefalonia (Greece) is a great holiday destination from May to mid-October.

Island attractions

The resort village of Agia Efimia is a favorite place for divers and yachting enthusiasts.
Argostoli. Ethnographic and archaeological museum, as well as an ancient arched bridge.
Luxouri. The ruins of ancient Pali and the Ipkovat Palace with a unique library.
Mounts Roudi and Enos are 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 a 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 damaged by the 1953 earthquake.
Drongarati Cave or House of the Dragon. One of its descents reaches 44 meters and ends in a cave hall with acoustic cancellation. Here you can admire the incredibly beautiful stalactites.
Castro. The city was the capital of Kefalonia in the Middle Ages.

Shrines of Kefalonia

Having seen all of the above attractions on the island, you can continue excursions to Kefalonia’s shrines. There are two monasteries here - St. Andrew Myliapidias and St. Gerasimos. Both of these monasteries are female.

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

Desiring 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 Lassi cave near Argostoli (at this time a temple was built over it). From 1560 he moved to the Omala region, where he restored 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 shrine 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 his ability to relieve obsession.

The monastery of St. Andrew Milapidias was founded in the Byzantine era. In 1264 it was transferred to the Latin Bishopric. A hundred years later it fell into decay and was revived only in 1579, when it was bought by three sisters - Leontia, Benedicta and Magdalene. They settle there, and soon the monastic community grows. In 1639, after a shipwreck, the Greek-Romanian princess Roxana ended up in the monastery. She made a huge property contribution to the monastery, but most importantly, the princess donated to the monastery the relics of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called from Mount Athos. The monastery also houses a museum with rare ancient icons and relics.

Phenomenal phenomenon

A rather unique phenomenon occurs in the village of Markopoulo. On the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, an incredible number of people with small crosses on their heads crawl there. They rush to the church, climb straight into its dome, and then crawl to the icon of the Virgin Mary. Amazingly, they do not leave it until the very end of the service. 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 planet visit the Greek islands every year. Kefalonia 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. Particularly adventurous guests can try their luck in the casino. Lovers will also love the resort, because the local beaches are considered the best throughout the Mediterranean.

Kefalonia is an island where miracles happen, or so the locals say. Quickly look at where Kefalonia is located on the map of Greece and pack your bags.

Excursions in Kefalonia from private guides and travel agencies.
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Kefalonia- the largest of all the Ionian islands, located opposite Patras and an ideal place for those who like to relax in Greece. The area of the island of Kefalonia is 900 sq.m., the capital is Argostoli. The main cities are Lixouri, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1953. and the new port city of Sami.

The island of Kefalonia takes its name from the mythological hero Kefal, who took possession of the island and gave it his name. It is believed that Odysseus, the legendary king of the nearby island of Ithaca, descended from the handsome Cephalus. The population of Kefalonia is only about 40 thousand people, the length of the coastline is 254 km. At the same time, Kefalonia is known for its wonderful nature, beautiful beaches, as well as such attractions as the monastery of Agios Gerasimos, Mount Enos, the village of Fiskardo with Venetian architecture, etc.

The coasts, with their bizarre outlines, form many picturesque bays and capes. The most famous are the bays of Sami, Myrtos, Lourdes, Argostoli and Livadia. The coast of the island on the Ionian side mainly consists of sheer cliffs, while the eastern part of the coast of Kefalonia has soft continental contours.

The island of Kefalonia is famous for its caves - such as the underground cave and at the same time the bottomless lake Melissani, the Drogkarati cave, etc. Attractive for tourists in Kefalonia, of course, is the most beautiful beach - Myrtos, which is located in the northwestern part of the island. This beach has been repeatedly voted the best beach of the Greek sea, as well as the best beach in the Mediterranean. The western part of the island of Kefalonia (Paliki) can rightfully be proud of the Petani beach, which is not inferior in beauty to Myrtos.

Video from Kefalonia

Kefalonia is rich in sights and interesting places. For example, the National Nature Reserve, which is the majestic ENOS mountain range. This is the highest peak of the island (about 1628m). Numerous plants growing here are listed in the Red Book, since their numbers are extremely small - these are some violets, rare species...

O. Kefalonia: tours and activities

Kefalonia still remains untouched by mass tourism, however, tourists are offered interesting routes. For example, a sightseeing tour of Kefalonia. It covers all the most important attractions of the island: Myrtos, Katavotres, the castle on the Asos peninsula. Lunch and some free time in Fiskardo are provided. After lunch, guests will visit the unique caves of Melissani and Drogarati, explore the monastery of St. Gerasimos and visit the Robolla wine factory with a mandatory tasting. The duration of the journey is approximately 8 hours, it starts at 9:00 and ends approximately at 17:00.

Cruise on the water “Onassis Dreams”. Provides a unique opportunity to visit three islands and get in touch with the history of the Onassis family. The excursion begins on the island of Kefalonia in the port of Sami, from which pleasure boats head north from the village of Fiskardo. The first on the program is the island of Meganisi - in the village of Spartochori you can enjoy a charming view of the islands of Madouri and Skorpios. The latter is privately owned, but tourists will have the opportunity to swim in the clear emerald waters. On the island of Lefkada, in the port of Nydri there is provision for lunch and shopping.

Tour from Kefalonia to Ithaca. Starting from the hotel, tourists take a comfortable bus to the port of Sami, where they transfer to a ferry going to this legendary island, which occupies an honorable place in Greek history. During the tour, the guide will remind you of the travels of Odysseus, once sung by Homer. First, guests will get acquainted with the capital of the island - Vathi, located on the shore of a very beautiful bay, in the center of which is the small island of Lazaretto. The village of Kioni, the pearl of the island, is built in the northeast of the island. And in the village of Stavros, where there is a bust of the ancient Greek hero Odysseus, you can taste local sweets.

Another exciting excursion is a visit to the Monastery of St. Gerasimos, who is the patron saint of the island. The program also includes a tour of the Rubola winery and tasting of local wines, and the magnificent stalactite cave of Drogaratti. Guests will definitely have lunch and a walk in Sami. This excursion will take approximately 7-8 hours.

History of Kefalonia

Historical studies of Cephalonia have shown that the island was inhabited even in the Paleolithic era. The first to inhabit it were the Greek tribe Lelegi, who lived there since the 15th century BC. The Lelegs worshiped the pagan god Poseidon, the king of the sea. The history of Kefalonia, thanks to the...

The climate in Kefalonia belongs to the Mediterranean climate zone, which is characterized by hot and dry summers and rainy, mild winters. In August the air warms up to +35°C, and the average temperatures of Kefalonia island range from +37°C in summer (highest temperatures) to +5°C in winter (lowest temperatures). A more detailed picture of the island's climate can be seen by looking. Kefalonia is also characterized by the absence of strong winds, even in summer.

The most favorable time to go to the island of Kefalonia is from May to September. At this time, the water in the sea is already warming up enough and there is no sharp temperature difference between day and night. In October it is still warm, but in the early mornings and at night it becomes much cooler.

O. Kefalonia: entertainment and active recreation

Kefalonia has a lot of interesting offers for lovers of active recreation. And although the main entertainment for tourists from all countries remains beach holidays and sightseeing, active entertainment always arouses interest among travelers. On Xi Beach, for example, vacationers are offered jet skis, water skis and parachutes for rent. Here you can go canoeing, play tennis or basketball, ride a horse, or go fishing.

Each resort of Kefalonia has traditional entertainment venues, nightclubs, restaurants and markets filled with local flavor that will pleasantly surprise shopping lovers. Fans of diving in Kefalonia will also find entertainment to their liking - diving into crystal clear waters and exploring the beauty of the local underwater world. If you wish, you can rent a yacht or boat in the port to enjoy the beauty of the island from the sea and visit interesting places accessible only by water.

At the end of summer and until the beginning of autumn, travelers who can get to the embankment of the city of Argostoli will be able to see and capture as a souvenir the most interesting sea turtles “Careta-Careta”, which annually swim to the shores of Kefalonia. For those who are close to eco-tourism and walks in the fresh air, the main objects of excursions remain amazing caves and grottoes, ancient rocks and beautiful beaches. You can also explore the bottomless lake-cave of Melissani, formed as a result of the earthquake. There, travelers will be invited to go down into the cave to admire the crystal clear underground lake, the water of which has a unique bright blue hue.

Transport features of Kefalonia

The main coastal towns and villages of the island of Kefalonia are connected by bus service. It is characterized by irregularity, as a result of which tourists travel by bus least often. The best option is to rent a car, motorcycle or bicycle. Most Rent-a-Car bureaus are located in Lassi and Argostoli. Taxi prices are low and you can always ask the driver to pick you up at the appointed time from any point on the island.

From the Argostoli bus station (located on the southern embankment), up to 11 buses per day depart towards Lassi (fare €1), 4 buses per day to Sami (fare €2.50), two buses to Poros (fare €4.50) , and two buses to Skala (€4.50) and to Fiskardo (fare €5). The eastern coast of Kefalonia is also connected by bus services, but less frequent. They run between Katelios and Poros, Sami, Skala, Agia Efimia and the village of Fiskardo. Buses do not operate on Sunday.

Ferries run between Argostoli and Lixouri almost every hour (in season), they accept cars on board (operate from 7:30 to 22:30). The journey takes about 30 minutes, the cost is 1.6/4/1 Euro per person/car/motorcycle. In Agia Efimia you can rent a boat and visit secluded beaches on it. From Skala in the summer, 2 buses depart in the mornings to the capital - Argostoli; In winter the bus runs only once a day. The return bus from Argostoli to Skala leaves in the afternoon, as most shops in the island's capital close at 14:00.