Kefalonia

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  • Overview

Just 30,000 people are fortunate to call Kefalonia (Cephalonia) home - but they're more than happy to share their island with the hundreds of thousands who visit, year after year, in search of a week or two in the warm Greek sun.

Perhaps the tourists are coming in search of the land immortalised in Captain Corelli's Mandolin, or perhaps it's the island's natural beauty that's reason enough to make the annual pilgrimage.

Part of the Ionian group, Kefalonia was mentioned in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. He called the island Deuchalion. In 188BC the Romans conquered Cephalonia and they sold its inhabitants as slaves and looted the island. In fact, despite its calm, peaceful atmosphere, the island has suffered pirate attacks, looting and invasion many times in its history. But the most recent turbulence was the major earthquake which struck without warning in 1953. The quake destroyed most buildings on the island, and killed many. Only the northern village Fiscardo was saved, and is today the only village on the island with architecture dating back earlier than the 20th century.

Ringed by sublime beaches, interrupted occasionally with picturesque fishing villages, Kefalonia's coast is where most visitors head. But there is great beauty to explore within the island's surprisingly lush, green heart. Its vineyards produce some of Greece's highest quality wines - you can sample their produce at a number of island wineries (Calliga and Robola are two producers worth visiting).

As you travel through the quiet lanes of the interior you'll be aware first of the island's unique scent - a warm, sensual mixture of thyme, mountain tea, and a host of wild herbs. Your island tour should also include the cave Drogarati and the underground lake Melissani, the monastery of Ag (St.) Gerasimos, and the slops of Mount Roudi.

The incredibly pretty village of Kourkomelata, rebuilt as it was before the earthquake, is another must see. Just 10 kms from the capital, the village is a set piece of neoclassical villas and elegant churches.

In the busy capital, Argostoli, there is an archaeological museum and a folklore museum worth a look if you want to find out more about this resourceful island, and the major rebuilding project it undertook after the earthquake.

But, for more leisurely thrills, you can¿t beat a stroll around the harbour, or a drink in one of its many atmospheric bars. In Argostoli too is a rare geological phenomenon, where the sea pours into spectacular swallow-holes and disappears endlessly into subterranean tunnels of turquoise and indigo lakes. It's an impressive sight. Two of the best beaches on the island are in Lassi, but there are lovely stretches of sand near to all the resorts.

Kefalonia is an island that's hard to forget. One of the largest Greek islands, it's a land rich in culture and full of wonders. The island's natural features, unique character, friendly inhabitants and excellent tourist facilities make it an ideal choice for those who seek island life without the sacrifices.

Fast Facts

Flight Time : 3hrs 30mins
Time Difference : +2 hours

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