The largest island of the group of seven Ionian islands is Kefalonia (Greece). It is located between the islands of Zakynthos and Lefkada. The island 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 coastline stretches for 250 km (this can be seen 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.
Island history
The island has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The first inhabitants who inhabited Kefalonia were the Leleg tribes (15th century BC), they worshiped the king of the sea Poseidon. In the Bronze Age, the ancient Greek peoples of Tilev and Tafia lived here.
According to one version, the island of Kefalonia (Greece) got its name in honor of the mythological hero Kefal. Some historians associate the name of the island with the genus Kefalins. Homer called the island of Sami, but in his time it was still little populated. Since the classical period, the island is 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, Kefallinia was under the protectorate of Venice, and later the French occupied the island. Under the influence of the French revolutionaries, the local population overthrew the feudal system. Subsequently, Kefalonia entered the so-called state of the 7 Ionian Islands. In 1864, all the Ionian Islands merged with Greece.
Tours in Kefalonia, Greece
Since 2013, the island of Kefalonia has become even more accessible for residents of Russia thanks to the introduction of weekly charter flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It should be noted that Kefalonia – Zakynthos package tours are also in special demand. Thus, you can fly to one island, and fly home from another. Impressions, respectively, can be obtained twice as much.
Acquaintance with the island
At first glance, the island is mountainous and severe. However, like all of Greece, Kefalonia (photos are simply impressive) does not lose its charm. While moving along the steep serpentine gaze, landscapes of fabulous beauty open up: the azure sea, harmoniously outlined rocks, as well as green small islands of coastal villages. The island’s landscape picture is complemented by olive and myrtle groves with quivering leaves, vineyards, distinctive and unlike each other coastal towns. White yachts and fishing boats moored off the coast add a special flavor to Kafalonia.
Its extraordinary beauty shakes all the islands of Greece. Kefalonia, of course, was no exception. Travelers conquer this region with its cypress alleys, the freshest air with the scent of pine trees, the crystal surface of the sea. In general, rest 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 village 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 destructive earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale was observed in Argostoli. As a result of the elements, the city was seriously damaged. It had to be rebuilt literally anew. Now the capital is full of life, and at night numerous clubs, bars and discos light their lights. The port of Argostoli has a ferry connection with other cities in Greece.
The second port of the island is Sami. This is the main gate for ferries that follow from Italy, Astakos, Patras, Lefkada and other places.
Resort towns
The main resorts of Kefalonia are Luxuri, Skala, Lassi. The rock, in particular, is most preferred by tourists from the UK. The city has about 30 hotels, 3 supermarkets, more than 10 bars and several dozen souvenir shops. Lassi and Luxuri are also famous for their rich nightlife and golden beaches.
The hottest weather in the region is observed in August - about 35 ° C. The beaches here are for every taste - from secluded “wild” to very noisy with developed infrastructure.
Better beaches
- Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia). This beach is considered a visiting card not only of the island, but of the whole of Greece. This is the most beautiful white pebble-sand beach in the country with great depths of the sea. In addition, he even enters the top 10 best beaches on the planet. Myrtos is well equipped, there are sun loungers with umbrellas, a rescue team, bars. It is located on the western coast of Kefalonia between the mountains of Kalos Oros and Agia Dinati. From the city of Assos to go to him just 20 minutes. However, buses are not allowed into the conservation 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 movie “Captain Corelli's Choice” were filmed here.
- Xi is a shallow beach with unique red dense sand. It is framed by limestone cliffs with healing blue clay.
- Kaminia is a sandy beach. 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 cliffs.
- 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. In general, Kefalonia (Greece) is a great place to relax from May to mid-October.
Island Attractions
- The resort village of Agia Efimia is a favorite place for divers and fans of yachting.
- Argostoli. Ethnographic and archaeological museum, as well as an arched ancient bridge.
- Luxuri. The ruins of ancient Pali and the Ipkovatov palace with a unique library.
- Mountains Rudi and Enos are natural attractions of Kefalonia island (Greece). These mountains are covered with relict species of trees that have a dark green color (the so-called black spruce).
- Assos. Here you can visit the Venetian fortress, dated to the 16th century.
- Fiskado is a fishing village with ancient architecture. By the way, she was the only one not affected by the 1953 earthquake.
- Drongarati Cave or Dragon House. One of its slopes reaches 44 meters and ends in a cave hall with the cancellation of acoustics. Here you can admire the incredible beauty of 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 in Kefalonia to the shrines. There are two monasteries here - St. Andrew Miliapidias and St. Gerasimus. Both of these monasteries are female.
Saint Gerasimos, who led an ascetic life in caves, is the patron saint of Kefalonia. An ascetic was born in 1506 in the city of Trikala (Peloponnese). After receiving his education, he began to travel throughout Greece, managed to visit Constantinople. On Mount Athos, he began his monastic lifestyle in Kapsala Cave. Later he went to Jerusalem, where for 12 years he served in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Wishing peace and solitude, the saint goes to the island of Zakif. And in 1555 he moved to Kefalonia, here he lives for five years in the Lassi cave near Argostoli (at the present time a temple was built above it). Since 1560, he moves to the Omala region, where he carries out restoration of the chapel and builds 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 crab in the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the monastery there are three plane trees planted by Gerasim himself, 37 small wells and three springs. The saint is known for being able to rid himself of obsession.
The monastery of St. Andrew Milapidias was founded in the Byzantine era. In 1264 he was transferred to the Latin episcopacy. After a hundred years, it fell into decay and was reborn only in 1579, when it was bought by three sisters - Leonty, Benedict and Magdalen. They settle in it, and soon the monastic community is growing. In 1639, after a shipwreck, the Greek-Romanian Princess Roxanne fell into the monastery. She made a huge property contribution to the monastery, but most importantly, the princess gave the monastery the relics of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called from Mount Athos. The monastery also has a museum with rare ancient icons and relics.
Phenomenal phenomenon
A rather unique phenomenon occurs in the village of Markopulo. There, on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin, an incredible amount of poisonous snakes crawl on their heads with a small cross. They rush to the church, climb right into its dome, and then crawl to the icon of the Virgin. Surprisingly, until the very end of the service they do not leave her. The local population reveres snakes as saints. Many consider this a good omen.
Kefalonia island, Greece. Hotels
- Emelisse 4 *. The hotel is located near the village of Fiskardo, an hour's drive from the capital. There are junior suites, suites and standard rooms. The rooms have everything you need. Emelisse has 6 pools, one children's pool, a bar, a restaurant, a spa, etc.
- Porto Scala 4 * (first line). This hotel is 3 km from Skala. The architecture of the hotel strongly resembles a Greek village. All rooms are very bright, comfortable and with sea view. The rooms have all amenities: refrigerator, safe, air conditioning, TV. Porto Scala also has a restaurant, snack bar, internet, pool, mini market.
- Marina Bay 3 *. The hotel is also located near the resort of Skala. The hotel is divided into 3 buildings. But the most important thing is that there are 4 rooms for people with disabilities.
- Muses Hotel 3 *. It is located almost in the center of the Rock. The beach is 50 meters away. Muses Hotel has standard rooms, studios, suites and one family room.
- Mouikis 2 *. The hotel is located in the capital of Kefalonia, just a few steps from the promenade. The hotel has 30 rooms with private facilities. The hotel offers a TV room, a bar, air-conditioned halls. In taverns located near Mouikis they sell delicious fish, honey and excellent local wine.
Finally
Millions of tourists from all over the world annually visit the islands of Greece. 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. Especially gambling guests can try their luck at the casino. Fans will simply fall in love with the resort too, because the local beaches are considered the best throughout the Mediterranean.
Kefalonia is an island where miracles happen, at least that's what the locals say. Rather, consider where Kefalonia is located on a map of Greece, and pack your bags.