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Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, covering about 773 km² with a population density of around 55 people per km². The tourist season generally runs from May to late October.
The island lies near a major tectonic fault, where the European Plate meets the Aegean Plate. In August 1953, a series of four powerful earthquakes struck the island, causing widespread destruction and destroying most of the houses.
In 2001, the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage, was filmed in several locations on the island, including Sami and Antisamos Beach. The story is set during World War II in the Ionian Islands in September 1943, when the islands were occupied by the Italian army.
Near the village of Skala is the famous Kaminia Beach, also known as Mounda Beach. During summer nights, loggerhead sea turtles come here to lay their eggs, so walking on the beach is restricted until morning. It is a peaceful, family-friendly beach with beautiful views of Zakynthos.
Mount Ainos is the highest mountain on the Ionian Islands island of Kefalonia, reaching 1,628 m. Most of the mountain area is protected as a national park and is covered with Greek fir and black pine forests. On clear days you can see the north-western Peloponnese, Aetolia, and the islands of Zakynthos, Lefkada and Ithaca.
Melissani Lake is a spectacular cave lake northwest of Sami. It was formed through the dissolution of limestone rocks by water over thousands of years. The cave was discovered in 1951 by speleologist Giannis Petrochilos. Seawater enters underground at Katavothres near Argostoli and travels across the island before emerging near Karavomylos and Melissani.
Drogarati Cave was discovered about 300 years ago when an earthquake revealed its entrance. It is famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites and is estimated to be 150 million years old. During summer the temperature inside remains around 18°C with humidity reaching about 90%.
Xi Beach is known for its distinctive red sand and white clay cliffs. The shallow waters and gentle waves make it ideal for families with children. The beach stretches for about 4 km and reaches up to 50 m in width in some areas.
Myrtos Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Greece. It is formed by white marble pebbles and dramatic cliffs, creating a spectacular natural setting. The beach appeared in the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin and has been voted many times among the best beaches in Greece.
In the northern part of Kefalonia lies the picturesque village of Assos, built like an amphitheatre around a small peninsula and surrounded by pine and cypress trees. Its main attraction is the impressive Venetian fortress, built in the 15th century to defend the island from pirate attacks.
Fiskardo is the northernmost port of Kefalonia, located close to Ithaca. The village has a charming harbour, rocky coastline and small pebble coves. Ferries connect it with Frikes (Ithaca) and Lefkada. Archaeological discoveries have revealed remains from ancient Greek and Roman times.
Markopoulo is known for the church where the “Snakes of the Virgin Mary” appear every year from 6–15 August. According to tradition, the snakes once protected the church and its icons from pirate raids, and since then they appear every year during the feast of the Virgin Mary.
The Monastery of Sisia dates back to the 13th century and was once one of the richest monasteries on the island. Tradition links it to Francis of Assisi. After many earthquakes and especially the 1953 earthquake, the old monastery was abandoned and partially ruined.
Lourdas Beach is a beautiful seaside village located about 17 km southeast of Argostoli. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and offers stunning views of Mount Ainos. It is well organized with sunbeds, restaurants and crystal-clear waters.
Poros is a charming coastal village about 40 km from Argostoli, surrounded by green forests and clear blue sea. It also has an important port with ferry connections to Patra and Kyllini in the Peloponnese.
The Castle of Saint George is located near the village of Peratata. Originally built by the Byzantines and later expanded by the Venetians in 1504, it once served as the capital of Kefalonia until 1757.
Katavothres is a unique geological phenomenon where seawater disappears into underground sinkholes near Argostoli and reappears on the other side of the island. Experiments in the 1960s confirmed this natural underground water route.
The circular Saint Theodoroi Lighthouse near Argostoli was built in 1828 and rebuilt in 1964 after the 1953 earthquake. It is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks.
Argostoli, the capital of the island, was rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake in a neoclassical style. The city is centred around Koutavos Lagoon and the lively pedestrian street Lithostroto, full of shops and cafés. Visitors can also explore the Korgialenios Library, the Historical Museum and the Archaeological Museum.
Makris Gialos Beach, located just 3 km from Argostoli, is one of the most popular beaches on the island. With its golden sand, shallow waters and beach bars, it is a favourite place for both locals and visitors.
Lixouri is the second largest town on the island. It has a long history and became popular with visitors already in the 19th century. It is also the hometown of the writer Andreas Laskaratos.
Saint Gerasimos Monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of Kefalonia. His relics are preserved in the monastery and are deeply revered by locals and pilgrims, especially during the celebrations on 16 August and 20 October.
The Robola wine factory collects and processes almost 85% of the total produce of Robola wine grapes. The island of Kefalonia is the most mountainous Ionian island and without any doubt, it hosts some of the most important vineyards in Greece. The mountainous morphology, the sunshine, the altitude, the variety of the mesoclimates and the marine aura favour viniculture, which is characterized by low yield per stremma and high quality.
Agia Efimia is a picturesque coastal village on the east coast of the island. Once a small fishing village, it is now a charming tourist destination and a perfect base for exploring nearby beaches such as Myrtos Beach and the area around Sami.
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