It is popular for being close to Italy and for the lack of winds during the summer time. Kefalonia gained world-wide fame from the Hollywood blockbuster movie « Captain Corelli's Mandolin», which was based and filmed there. The culture here, like the rest of the islands of the Ionian Sea, has clear Italian influences since it was under Venetian capture for almost 300 years.

You will notice the Italian current through the architecture, cuisine and music. Another interesting characteristic of Kefalonia is that it is seismogenous and a number of fierce earthquakes have changed its landscape, revealing caves and creating cliffs and new beaches, destroying ancient cities thus contributing to its current formation. Last but least you will be amazed by hidden cave lakes and the dazzling beaches some of which have been awarded as the best in the country!

Getting There

By plane: You can get a connecting flight to Kefalonia from Athens, Thessaloniki, Zakynthos, Corfu, Preveza and Lefkada. During the summer period you will find many direct international charter flights from main European cities. You can get a transfer to and from the airport via taxi, rented car or the public bus service.

By boat: From Athens you can drive for a couple of hours to one of the following ports to get a ferry: Patras which goes to Sami, Killini Port which goes to Argostoli and Poro and from Astakos Port to Sami. Kefalonia also connects via ferry with the rest of the islands of the Ionian Sea.

Getting around To move around the island you could get a taxi or use the local bus service; however it is recommended that you rent a car.

Where to Stay

The two main towns are Sami and the capital Argostoli. You can find a wide range of hotels in the capital as well as at the seaside outskirts of the island. A beautiful seaside destination is that of Agia Efimia, which has rooms with a wonderful view of the sea and a rare landscape. Other places that you could book your accommodation include Argostoli, Lasi, Erissos, Assos, Fiskardo, Levadow, Lourdata, Svoronata, Lixouri, Poros, Skala, Katelios and Sami.

Beaches Kefalonia is known for the spectacular beaches of fine white sand and deep blue waters. The most famous and awarded beach is that of Myrtos. Myrtos is surrounded by tall cliffs and getting there would require driving down a narrow road, however once you get there you will see it is worth it. The graciousness of the landscape is almost spiritual and swimming there is a must! Myrtos is discretely organized with a few umbrellas, sunbeds and a remote cantina that do not spoil the scenery. Other gorgeous beaches worth exploring are Kounopetra, Lourdas, Makris Gyalos and Mediteranne Beach. Some more remote beaches calling for you to explore are Avithos, Agios Thomas,Agia Kyriaki, family-friendly Asos and Lepeda, Emplisi, Kamini and Foki. Ai Chelis is the sportiest beach on the island hosting beach volley tournaments, Antisamos is the beach where the « Captain Corelli's Mandolin» was filmed! There are two beaches, Kaminia and Ratzakli, where the rare kind of Caretta-Caretta sea turtle lay their eggs to reproduce.

Highlights

You should arrange a trip to the old middle aged capital during Venetian capture which is found at Peratata village. In 1953 a strong earthquake caused great damages on the island, destroying entire rural areas that were never restored. Today you can take a stroll through the remains of the «Old Kefalonia» which give away the past architecture and traditions. One of the most interesting «old» areas is that of Farsa, on which an effort is being made to restore it with the help of nonprofit organizations.

Finally do not neglect to pay a visit to the cave of Drogarati. It is one of the numerous caves of the area around Melissani and has been open for the public since 1963. It is situated just 3km outside Sami and it is estimated to be more than 2.000.000 years old! It was revealed after a strong earthquake cause one of its walls to collapse. Its depth reaches 60 meters below the surface of the earth and it has a stable temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. There you will praise the astonishing shapes of the stalactites!