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Kefalonia

Calcium carbonate loaded in the port of Argostoli.

Fiscardo is a tourist attraction on the northern part of the island.

The Church of Gerasimus of Kefalonia, patron saint of Cephalonia, in Skala.

Cambana Square, Argostoli.

The Lixouri Philharmonic Orchestra during Easter.

The ferry between Lixouri and Argostoli.

Constantine Phaulkon.

Kefalonia

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Greece

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14 out of 50 Places to visit in Greece

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Kefalonia Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 2 - 3 days

Best Time: Mar - May, Sep - Oct Read More

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Top places within Kefalonia

Argostoli

Poros

"The Island Of The Seafarers"

Kefalonia Tourism

Located in the west of mainland Greece is the magnificent island of Kefalonia, just near the much popular island of Zakynthos. Although pretty underrated and less touristy, Kefalonia has some of the spectacular views of lush green forests, heart throbbing mountains, and glittering high white cliffs sloping down to turquoise sea.

The largest of all sister islands of the Ionian group, Kefalonia has some of the raw sites to offer, literally untouched by tourism. The island's natural landscape ranges from idyllic beaches and bays to verdant mountains and its valleys. Kefalonia is also home to a national park and two different species of turtles. The island is the best combination of golden sand beaches on one side and beautiful white sand beaches on the other. Hiking up Mount Ainos and Castle of Assos, hiring a boat to explore hidden beaches from Sami or Agia Efimia, wandering around the ghost town of Old Vlachat, and spotting turtles on Koroni beach are the best things to do in Kefalonia.

Apart from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, Fiscardo, an original northern town that remained untouched during the 1953 earthquake, is the only place to get in touch with history. Skala is also one of the most important and visited towns on the southern, eastern edge of the island. Lassi is another village close to Argostoli and is pretty popular among tourists. Kefalonia got its much-deserved attention from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the 2001 film.

The bus service might be cheaper but infrequent. The best way to explore the island is by renting a car or a yacht/motor boat.
Be careful when following google maps, there are numerous dirt roads leading to nowhere.
Taxis are also fairly affordable and arrangements can be made about pick up and drop off or even waiting time(depends greatly on one’s communication skills).
Katelios is a tiny village near Skala, which must be visited if one wants to have seafood and taste authentic cuisines.
Kefalonia is famous for its local wines; Robola, Mavrodafni, and Kefalonian Moschato. Different kinds of pies are pretty famous among locals. Some of the must try pies are meat pies, cheese pies, hake pie and artichoke pie.
Shops open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to reopen at 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM. Most shops are closed on Sundays.
Restaurants open around 9:00 AM to close by 12:00 PM(depends on the owners), Cafes may close by evening.
Mosquitoes can be a minor issue while staying inland.
Keeping cash is recommended.

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Things To Do In Kefalonia

Melissani Cave

Antisamos Beach

Fiskardo

Myrtos Beach

Assos Village

Scuba Diving in Kefalonia

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Shopping in Kefalonia

Although some of the developed towns and villages may have shops and mini markets, Argostoli is the place that gives chances to shop around in the main street of Lithostroto. The pedestrian-only street has small boutiques and shops that sell handmade souvenirs, clothes, and art pieces. There are few shops that sell traditional local sweets including mantolato, mantoles and pasteli.

Food in Kefalonia

Kefalonia is famous for its authentic Greek food made with local ingredients including fish, meat, olive oil, cheese and vegetables. Some of the popular traditional dishes are Meat pie and Bakaliaros with agliada. Some of the famous starters one could try are Taramosalda, Tzatziki, Melitzanosalada, Tyropithakia, and Dolmadakia. Popular meat dishes include Bifteki, Mousakas, and Kreatopita. One should always taste local cheese considering the local produce. Some of the most famous cheeses are Feta, Manuri, Kefalotiri, and Tirokafteri.

Nightlife in Kefalonia

Kefalonia is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and the most naturally amazing landscapes, Hence, it is not popular for its nightlife, which is not that wild. The most cosmopolitan environment one would get will be in Fiscardo with waterfront first taverns, bars and cafes. There are a couple of clubs just outside Fiscardo that play loud music as well giving one a disco feel. Skala and Lassi are two resort towns that have lounge bars. In Argostoli centre, there are few bars that close by 2:00 or 3:00 AM. Although nightlife is not much celebrated on Kefalonia, there are numerous taverns all around Kefalonia where one can enjoy drinks in quiet and calm. For calmer nights, seaside taverns with romantic views can be chosen. Lourdas beach has some of the best taverns.

History of Kefalonia

Kefalonia is believed to have been formed by an earthquake and remains prone to tremors. The name Kefalonia is said to have been derived from its first king, Kephalos, who ruled the area in the Palaeolithic era. The island at that time was divided into four parts and named after the king's four sons and was called cities. Each city practised their own democracy and had its own currency. The greatest of all earthquakes was experienced in 1953 when almost all of the island incurred huge losses. Hence, Kafelonia started again afresh during the 60s and 70s by rebuilding everything. The island was ruled by many dynasties for a long period. Some of them were Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, British and Ottomans. The island was reunited with Greece in 1864.

Suggested Itinerary for Kefalonia

Day 1: Start reaching early from Argostoli and grab sun loungers at Myrtos Beach. In the afternoon, head to Fiscardo town and by evening explore Asos village before heading back to stay.

Day 2: Drive to Petani Beach or Xi Beach and spend the afternoon soaking in the sun. Explore Argostoli street on foot in the evening.

Day 3: Head towards Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave. After lunch, hit Antisamos Beach for a much more relaxed swim.