The island of Kefalonia (Greece) is a great place to relax, which will appeal to lovers of bright beaches and sunny resorts. It is located in the heart of the Ionian Sea and is the largest of the islands in the region.
The area of Kefalonia is 800 square kilometers. On its territory is the Enos mountain range, the highest point is 1628 m. The largest city is Argostolion, which is also the capital of the province of Kefalonia. The local population is only 40 thousand people.
Kefalonia is a fairly young resort in Greece. During the Second World War, it was badly damaged by enemy attacks, and in 1953 an earthquake occurred that destroyed everything that was built on the island. It was these events that caused the development of infrastructure and tourism on Kelafonia only in the late 80s of the 20th century.
On the territory of the island there is an airport, which is located near the capital of Kefalonia. Most often, planes from the Greek capital Athens land here, but the city also accepts charter flights from many European countries. To get to the neighboring islands of Greece, travelers can use ferries. In addition, this vehicle takes residents to the Peloponnese coast, to the ports of Patras and Kilini.
Kefalonia is popular for its modernised locations, such as nightclubs, cafes and cinemas, but there are also quiet coasts and beautiful mountains where the iron hand of progress has not yet reached.
Best beaches in Kefalonia
The most popular attraction of the island is its coast. Kefalonia has more than 60 beaches in total. Among the most popular, beautiful, picturesque and clean are the following.
Assos Beach
Located in a small village of the same name, 40 km from the island’s capital. The Ionian Sea here is very calm, the water is clear and clear, blue in color. The beach is pebbly and quite long. There are no sun loungers or umbrellas, but you can rent a boat and go on an exciting journey through the bays that are inaccessible by other means of transport. Restaurants and cafes are located in the immediate vicinity, and the village has an ancient castle with a panoramic view of the sea. Accessible by car, a great place for families with children. It is better to come to the beach in the morning to take a parking space, as it has a very modest size.
Myrtos Beach
Kefalonia is the owner of one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Greece — Myrtos. This is a real “pearl” of the island, which is the goal of every tourist to visit. The water here is azure in color and clear, which confirms the Blue Flag of UNESCO, the sand is white, dotted with pebbles.
The distance from Argostolion (30 km) can be covered by car. The beach has the shape of a crescent, surrounded by rocks, is located at the foot of two mountains. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent, and there are cafes and restaurants on the territory of Mirtos. The sea is deep, so it is not suitable for small children to swim in the best way. Depending on the weather, there may be both fairly large waves and complete calm.
Petani Beach
The length of the coastal strip is almost a kilometer, on both sides there are high rocks. The water here is clear, even at a depth of several meters you can see what is happening at the bottom. The waves are quite strong, you can not leave children unattended here, because there is no shallow water. The beach is covered with white pebbles.
Petani beach is fully equipped with sun loungers, a bathroom, outdoor shower and umbrellas. Snorkeling facilities are also available. There is a cafe and two large taverns. Argostolion can be reached by car, only 20 km away. There is a small parking lot nearby (9€).
Kaminia
The sandy part of the island, located in the west. The capital of Kefalonia is 34 km away. This is one of the cleanest and longest beaches in Greece. The water is warm and clear, calm in the daytime. Perfect for families, the depth near the shore is less than a meter, and adults need to walk 25-30 meters for swimming. If you are lucky, you can see turtles laying their eggs in the sand in one part of the beach.
You can get there by private or public transport (to the village of Skala, then 10 minutes on foot), there is a Parking lot. On the beach there is a snack bar and a cafe with soft drinks and fast food.
Antisamos
The shore and bottom are covered with white pebbles, the water is crystal clear, azure and warm. The beach stretches for 700 meters, is located 27 km from the island’s capital. It is stunningly beautiful by nature-there are hills with green vegetation all around, and the sea changes its color from blue to turquoise. Antisamos was awarded the Blue Flag.
The beach can be reached by private transport (parking is available) from the port of Sami. Suitable for families with children, there are all amenities, including cafes, sun beds, umbrellas and outdoor showers. By the way, sun beds can be used free of charge if you order a drink at the bar. If you do not order anything, a set of 2 sun loungers + an umbrella will cost 8 euros.
The disadvantages of Antisamos include the lack of natural shade, in some places the pebbles are quite large, which can cause some inconvenience.
Attractions and entertainment: what to do during your vacation
The best time to visit the island is summer. During the period from April to October, life here is full of life. It is at this time that you can enjoy various entertainment options that are offered on this island of Greece.
Kefalonia is rich in both natural and artificial beauty. Here you can see picturesque landscapes and dive in mysterious caves, or hang out in a club and spend time in an expensive restaurant. All travelers should pay attention to the sights that are listed in every travel guide of Kefalonia.
Drogarati Cave
Located 120 m above sea level, the limestone cave has been a victim of photo hunters and curious tourists for more than 20 years. At the same time, it can accommodate up to 800 people, the total length of the territory accessible for passage is 95 meters. Due to its natural acoustics and large area, it often hosts concerts, mainly of an operatic and classical nature.
The entrance to the cave is safe, open all year round from morning to evening. Inside there is high humidity, the temperature is +18°C. Nearby there is a parking lot and a souvenir shop.
Aqui Memorial
If you like historical sights, be sure to visit this place. The memorial is dedicated to the events of 1943 under the name “Kefalonian tragedy”, during which 10,000 Italian soldiers were killed who refused to go over to the side of Germany. This is a very important page of life for the inhabitants of the island, and for tourists – an interesting place that allows you to get a closer look at the culture of Kefalonia.
St. Gerasim’s Monastery
Locals consider Saint Gerasimus to be the patron saint of the island and all who live on it. That is why the convent named after him is the holiest and most revered place on the island of Kefalonia. It is located 8 km from the capital of the island, near Mount Ainos. The church is very beautiful both inside and out.
Boat tours
Since the coast is the main attraction of Kefalonia, the inhabitants of the island have compiled more than two dozen routes for tourists. Today, such excursions are the most popular among visitors to Kefalonia, as they allow you to see places that cannot be reached by other means of transport.
One of the most famous and visited boat tours is Captain Vangelis Special Cruises. This is a one-day trip (about 7-8 hours) to charming Ithaca, Fiscardo or colorful Zakynthos with the famous bay of Navayo. The large, state-of-the-art ship accommodates 40 tourists and a team of professionals who serve visitors and conduct guided tours. During the trip, there are several stops – be sure to visit the picturesque caves, the Odyssey monument, beaches, souvenir shops and cafes. In addition, the ship has a huge advantage-a glass bottom, which allows you to admire the view of underwater nature. This trip will appeal to both adults and children.
The price of such a full-day excursion averages 55-70 euros per person. The cost depends on the route and the company that provides the service.
Diving
For lovers of beautiful but extreme entertainment, Kefalonia is a paradise in Greece. The waters of the island are home to thousands of animal species, many of which are rare or even listed in the Red Book.
To go diving in Kefalonia, it is best to contact special centers. It offers suitable options for both beginners and professional athletes. Many clubs have modern dive boats that allow you to travel even through the mysterious caves of Kefalonia.
Weather and climate
Kefalonia, like all of Greece, has very hot summers, wet winters, and warm springs and autumns. You can plan your vacation as early as May, when the air temperature rises above 21°C. The water in the sea warms up to +19°C – not fresh milk, but you can swim.
The rest will be comfortable in the fall as well. Until mid-October, the island has a warm sea (+23°C). However, the average number of rainy days in October is 8.
The most peaceful and practical time to relax on the beach is May, June and September. The weather is already suitable, and the influx of tourists, as in July and August, is not yet there. Prices during this period are slightly lower than in high season.
July and August are traditionally the hottest months. The average temperature during the day is +29-30°C, can reach +35°C, at night +24-25°C. You can not leave the sea for hours, the water temperature of +26-27°C allows you to do this.
In winter, life on this island of Greece freezes, it becomes quiet and cozy. The temperature rarely drops below 7⁰, there are very warm days when January and February are absolutely no different from April.
What to try from food. Prices
The famous coast has played a big role even in this area of life. The main delicacies on the island are seafood, the cooking options of which vary depending on the region and time of year. While staying in Kefalonia, you should definitely try the following Greek dishes.
- Meat pie. In terms of its popularity, this culinary masterpiece is not inferior to seafood. It is prepared not only in restaurants, but also in various taverns around the island. Pie is often made from veal and cottage cheese, with the addition of yogurt (sour cream), flour, eggs, spices and herbs.
- Bakery products. Be sure to visit the local bakeries and bakeries, where you can not only find delicious desserts, but also have a hearty lunch of hearty pizzas, pies and cakes. It is worth paying attention to cheese tortillas (pies) and homemade fruit cakes.
- Squid. Stuffed squid, seafood with sauce and many other options – these sea creatures are very popular on the island. In the traditional recipe, garlic, olive oil, spices and lemon are added to them.
- Moussaka. Puff pastry, the pride of the hostesses of Kefalonia. For cooking, use vegetables (potatoes, eggplant, onions, tomatoes, garlic and pepper), minced meat, cheese, oregano and spices.
- The most popular drink on the island is frappe. This is a delicious cold instant coffee. It is perfectly refreshing and inexpensive. It is sold even on the streets and in small cafes.
The choice of food establishments on the island is great. The cost of meals in restaurants is significantly different: you can have lunch together for 10€, and you can have dinner for 80€.
For example, consider one of the high — rated middle-class establishments-Captain Nicolas (to enlarge the photo, click on it). The restaurant is in high demand among tourists. Located in the village of Lixuri on a site surrounded by trees and flowering plants with a beautiful view of the sea — . The staff is attentive, and the owner communicates personally with visitors.
Fish and seafood are perfectly prepared here, and they are also worth ordering. The average check is 20-25€ for two people.
Among the rest, you can distinguish establishments:
- Ladokolla stin Plagia in Liskura;
- Cafe Platanos-an atmospheric cafe in Lourdos with affordable prices;
- Kastro Cafe-near the castle of St. George, serves desserts at a price of 4-5€.
The island of Kefalonia (Greece) is a great place to relax. Here you will not only escape from everyday problems, bask in the bright sun and enjoy the turquoise waters, but also have fun at concerts, restaurants and ferries. Have a good trip!
Interesting facts
- The island was mentioned in his works by Homer. However, then it was called Sama.
- The first known people on Kefalonia lived in the XV century BC
- If you want to see the huge coach turtles, go to the town of Argostoli. There, fishermen on boats at the fish market at 8-9 in the morning clean the fish and throw the remains into the water, where turtles are already waiting for “treats”.
