Kefalonia Introduction
Kefalonia an Island of Turquoise Sea and Dramatic Coastline
Kefalonia
Island Guide
With an area of 688.8 square kilometres, Kefalonia is the largest of the group of Greek Islands known as the Ionian islands, and the sixth largest of all greek islands. Although it is much less well known than the neighbouring islands of Corfu and Zakynthos, it has much to offer, especially to those looking for a for a more peaceful and scenic holiday! It is rugged and high, with mount Ainos dominating its landscape. It has some of the best views and beaches in the region.
Much of the architecture of Kefalonia was destroyed in the earthquake of 1953. This was the worst earthquake on record to have affected Kefalonia, with 113 tremors and aftershocks over six days from 9th to 14th August.The worst was on the 12th which levelled Argostoli and destroyed almost all the outlying villages.
About Kefalonia
Fiskardo and parts of Assos in the North of the island, survived the earthquake damage and remain very picturesque.Fiscardo with its red tiled roofs and pastel coloured houses is very attractive and accommodation prices here at at a premium.<p>It is especially popular with people on yachting holidays.(sunsail have a base here) There are lots of harbour side tavernas and gift shops here, but it is much pricier than elsewhere on the island.
Fiskardo is attractive, with its bustling quayside but overall is "trendy, commercialised and very expensive compared to all other resorts on kefalonia." There is now a large car park at the top of the village to accomodate the large number of visitors who descend on the resort daily.
Most island trips include the resort of Fiskardo in their scheduled stops. You can catch a ferry to Sami from Fiskardo, enjoying the brief journey to Ithaka.
Island Attractions
Kefalonia may not have a wealth of Ancient ruins or Archaeological sites, however there are some interesting Mycean tombs in Mazarakata and Lakithra. The findings from these are on display at the Museum in Argotoli.<p>Definitely worth a visit are Melissani, and the Drogarati caves and the tomb at Tzanata near Poros.Archaeologists are currently working at another cave site discovered near Poros and the remains of a small theatre have been uncovered in Fiskardo. Recent studies indicate that the lixouri peninsular may be the site of Odysseus's Ithaca.
At Katavotres, there is a phenomenon where sea water enters openings in the rock and then "disappears".Scientists fairly recently discovered by using a tracing dye that the water actually travels in a north-easterly direction underground and finally emerges at lake melissani, which is near Karavomilos.
There are also two museums in Argostoli which are both worth a visit as is the mount Enos national park.
Although Kefalonia in terms of its landmass is one of the largest islands, it has only three main towns:- Argostoli the capital, Sami,the islands main ferry port on the Eastern coast and Lixouri. Lixouri peninsular has a connection from Argostoli by a small car ferry.The ferry from Argostoli leaves on the half hour and returns from Lixouri on the hour. (check timetable at the portside in Argostoli as it does change seasonally)It takes approximately 25 minutes and costs approximately 7 euro for a car and two adults. If you are lucky you may get to see dolphins swim on the trip but often spot large jesllyfish!
The bus service operated by KTEL is quite good during the tourist season. Do consider hiring a car and drive to make the most of your visit to the island.The roads on the island have improved greatly over the last few years, and tarmac now extends for the whole of the routes from Skala to Poros and Poros to Sam and the road from Skala to Argostoli is in the process of being widened. Traffic lights have been introduced in Argostoli, although traffic here remains busy and at times chaotic.I would advise you park along the harbour front at either end and walk!
There has been quite a lot of tourist develoment over the last few years, particulary around Skala, Katelios and Trapezaki and Lourdas. There has been much development away from the main centres of resorts so do check the location of any accomodation before you book. Holiday accomodation is often scattered around the village and you may have quite a walk!