Kefalonia Travel Guide, Greek Islands

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Kefalonia Click on the map to see our photo gallery for Kefalonia. The map requested shows only a limited number of the resorts on the island, if the resort you are looking for is not indicated on the map, please don't give up. If you are looking for a specific resort or place, you may find by browsing through our image gallery that you will find the location you are looking for and a brief summary of the place or image submitted. We hope to give you a good idea about the location, hotels and places of interest to help you make your mind up and find the perfect holiday destination for you. Click HERE to see our image gallery of the island you have chosen. If you find the holiday destination you are looking for, why not submit your favourite holiday photos and help others in there quest to find their perfect holiday destination. About Kefalonia The Island is named after Celphalus, but some think its name means 'an island with a head', because 'Cephalus' comes from the Greek word for 'head'. The capital of the Cephallonia prefecture is Argostoli and the population of the island has reached nearly 45,000. It used to be the fastest-growing part of Greece, with a growth rate of 35% to 40% in 10 years and reaching 30,000 in the 1990’s. The size of the island is around 800 km², and the present population density is 55 people per km². Argostoli is home to one-third of the island's habitants. Lixouri is the second major city. The two cities account for almost two-thirds of the prefecture's population. In ancient times, before it was named Cephallonia, only around 100 to 300 people lived there. When Cephallonia was founded in ancient times, the population had trebled to around 500–1,000 people. The population steadily grew until the population reached 10,000 in the mid-20th century. The number topped 20,000 in the 1970’s. The island is covered by dense vegetation and includes plenty of natural beauty including beaches, many of them inaccessible from land, and spectacular caves. Mirtos, the most famous of these beaches, is a major tourist attraction, and has ranked fifth worldwide for its scenic view. Its tallest mountain is Mount Ainos with an elevation of 1628m. North west is the Paliki mountains where Lixouri is located. There are five harbours and ports in the prefecture, four main harbours on the island, Sami or Same, and a major port with links to Patras and Ithaca. Poros, in the south, has ferry routes to Kyllini. Argostoli, in the west, is the largest port, carrying local boats around, and ferries to Zante and occasionally to Lixouri. Vasiliki, in the north, has links to Lefkas and Ithaka. There is room for around 100 small boats in Argostoli, with the port stretching 1 kilometre around the estuary. Lixouri is situated 4km across the bay from Argostoli, on the Lixori peninsular. There is a road connection to the rest of the island; however, driving from Lixouri to Argostoli involves a 30 km detour. The island has one airport, Argostoli Airport, with a runway of around 1 km. The airport is about 10 km south of Argostoli. Almost every scheduled flight is an Olymic plane. The planes mainly fly to Athens; however, there is an Ionian Island Hopper service 3 times a week calling at Kefallinia, Zante and Lefkas. In summer the airport handles a lot of charter flights from all over Europe. Kefallonia is located in the heart of an earthquake zone. Dozens of Minor tremors occur each year. In 1953, a massive earthquake almost destroyed the island, with only Vasiliki in the north left untouched. In summer many tourists visit Kefalonia, however as one of the largest islands in Greece, it is well equipped to handle them. Most tourists stay in or around Lassi, a serene resort a few kilometres from Argostoli. Almost every community in Kephallonia has an ending with -ata like Lourdata, Favata, Delaportata, etc. Argostoli, Lixouri, and non-ata ending names are an exception.
Around Kefalonia Island Argostoli Argostoli is the capital of the island and was badly shaken by the earthquake between the (th and 14th of August 1953. In total it had over 100 tremors the worst was on the 12th August and it completly destroyed the old part of town and most of the Venetion architecture. Since 1953 the capital has been rebuilt to withstand earthquakes of even greater magnitude.The bridge across the harber is known as Thrapano Bridge and half way across you can still see where it was vandalised in the second world war.Tavernas, bars and restuarants now line the harbour and the fruit and vegetable market is prominent along the front. Further on past the market and you will find the quay and small harbour, boat trips can be had from here. Argostoli is the largest town on the island and is steeped in history, the Archaeological and Folklore museums are just two of places well worth a visit. Poros The resort of Poros is more typical of the old Greek beach resorts, shingle and stones on the beach with crystal clear waters. But the resort has a lot more to offer than just the beach. It is relatively quite clean and un spoilt.On the beach you can hire sun beds and umbrellas and there are plenty of small tavernas and cafes to cater for most tourists. Lassi Lassi was one of the first resorts on the island to be developed, so it is probably one of the biggest on the island. In the main the resort is made up of hotels and apartment blocks so there is not a lot of Greek architecture to be seen in Lassi. Having said this the surrounding area still holds some of its old charm and the resort has still not lost its Greek atmosphere at night when all the restaurants along the main road open and try to get your custom. Burger bars and fish and chip restaurants have still not taken over from the very good Greek food that is predominantly on offer. The night life in Lassi is fairly low key with most tourists happy to just visit one of the restaurants. From time to time the restaurants will put on a little show just to try and pull the tourists in, but it all adds to the atmosphere. The resort is centred around the main road that passes through the centre of Lassi and eventually reaches the Island capital, Argostoli. For this reason Lassi is a favourite beach with the locals who work and live in Argostoli. On either side of the road you will find small hotels and apartment blocks with some larger hotels situated in the prime positions to the beaches. There are of course the usual tourist gift shops and many bars that mingle in with the restaurants all along the main road.There are three beaches within the Lassi resort area, they are Avithos, Makris and Plati, the two main beaches being Makris and Plati with fine white sand and warm seas. All three beaches are within easy reach if you stay at Lassi and offer sun beds with umbrellas. For lunch you can wonder back to your hotel or visit one of the beach tavernas or bars.A short bus ride into Argostoli and you can take advantage of the many restaurants, bars, shops and museums that can be found in the Capital town. Skala The village of Skala is slowly turning into a main tourist attraction, the focus being the beautiful long, wide sandy beach. Large apartment blocks and tourist villages are springing up and further development needs to be considered before the resort is spoilt.The old part of Skala still keeps it old charm and is well worth a visit. Like most towns on the island a lot of property was destroyed during the earthquake of August 1953. Fiscardo Fiscardo is a pretty little fishing village on the north coast of the island. It has links with islands such as lefkas and Ithaca. Tourists are required to park in the car parks provided and walk down into the village so you do need to be mobile.The small tavernas that line the harbour are very popular with the tourists, who usually stop off here in Fiscardo on their way around the island. Fiscardo is well known as the one of the only villages on the island that did not feel the effect of the earthquake of 1953, so the village has retained some of it’s charm and beauty.Fiscardo can be used as a base for those who wish to explore the surrounding area either on foot or by boat. There are a few places where tourists can stay and they are in the main across the bay from the harbour but I am told they can be quite expensive. There does not seem to be any purpose made beach but it is possible to get into the water if you wish to swim. Assos Most tourists only visit Assos as they tour the island. As you drive down towards Assos from the main road the views are fantastic, the setting for this little resort with its small harbour tavernas and small stony beach is breath taking. You can swim here but most tourists drive down into Assos just to take in the view and visit the tavernas, shops and cafes that surround the village square. Lixouri Lixouri is out on it’s own away from the main part of the island. It is becoming more and more popular and some of the tourist companies do offer package tours to this part of the island. This peninsula is quiet and you will find deserted beaches that have a distinctive red sand. The beaches that I have visited did not have facilities on so you may need to go prepared. Sami Like Poros, Sami is made up of stones and pebbles only larger this does make it very difficult to walk on and tends to keep the crowds away. So if you looking for a quiet day by the sea this may be just to your liking. Just make sure you have some good walking shoes and shoes that you can wear in the water will always help.The beach can offer all the usual amenities such as sun beds, umbrellas, tavernas and cafes. If you get tired of the beach take a stroll into the nearby village of Sami where you will find many shops and restaurants. Agia Efimia On the way to Sami you will see a series of small stony beaches spread out along the coast road, some very small some a reasonable size. This series of beaches are Ok if you just want to stop off and have lunch and take a dip in the sea, while on your way around the island.The little beaches are only small, quite close to the road and do not offer any protection from the sun but they do offer crystal clear water and peace and quite. Lourdas The beach at Lourdas sweeps around the bay about 1km long. It is made up of shingle and course sand and very rarely gets too crowded. In the main this is due to the water shelving quite deeply and the prevailing winds that make the sea very rough at times. On parts of the beach there are tavernas and you can purchase sun beds and umbrellas but if your looking to get away from the crowds walk along the beach and you will find the beach is very quiet. Spartia The beach at Spartia is very attractive and lies next to the small harbour mainly used by visiting yachts and the local sailing centre.The beach is clean and tidy and made up of fine and course sand. There are no beach amenities at Spartia but there is a taverna just back from the beach. The resort is ideal if you just want to stop off for lunch and a swim while on your way around the island.
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Around Kefalonia Island

Argostoli

Argostoli is the capital of the island and was badly shaken by the earthquake between the (th and 14th of August 1953. In total it had over 100 tremors the worst was on the 12th August and it completly destroyed the old part of town and most of the Venetion architecture. Since 1953 the capital has been rebuilt to withstand earthquakes of even greater magnitude.The bridge across the harber is known as Thrapano Bridge and half way across you can still see where it was vandalised in the second world war.Tavernas, bars and restuarants now line the harbour and the fruit and vegetable market is prominent along the front. Further on past the market and you will find the quay and small harbour, boat trips can be had from here. Argostoli is the largest town on the island and is steeped in history, the Archaeological and Folklore museums are just two of places well worth a visit.

Poros

The resort of Poros is more typical of the old Greek beach resorts, shingle and stones on the beach with crystal clear waters. But the resort has a lot more to offer than just the beach. It is relatively quite clean and un spoilt.On the beach you can hire sun beds and umbrellas and there are plenty of small tavernas and cafes to cater for most tourists.

Lassi

Lassi was one of the first resorts on the island to be developed, so it is probably one of the biggest on the island. In the main the resort is made up of hotels and apartment blocks so there is not a lot of Greek architecture to be seen in Lassi. Having said this the surrounding area still holds some of its old charm and the resort has still not lost its Greek atmosphere at night when all the restaurants along the main road open and try to get your custom. Burger bars and fish and chip restaurants have still not taken over from the very good Greek food that is predominantly on offer. The night life in Lassi is fairly low key with most tourists happy to just visit one of the restaurants. From time to time the restaurants will put on a little show just to try and pull the tourists in, but it all adds to the atmosphere. The resort is centred around the main road that passes through the centre of Lassi and eventually reaches the Island capital, Argostoli.

For this reason Lassi is a favourite beach with the locals who work and live in Argostoli. On either side of the road you will find small hotels and apartment blocks with some larger hotels situated in the prime positions to the beaches. There are of course the usual tourist gift shops and many bars that mingle in with the restaurants all along the main road.There are three beaches within the Lassi resort area, they are Avithos, Makris and Plati, the two main beaches being Makris and Plati with fine white sand and warm seas. All three beaches are within easy reach if you stay at Lassi and offer sun beds with umbrellas. For lunch you can wonder back to your hotel or visit one of the beach tavernas or bars.A short bus ride into Argostoli and you can take advantage of the many restaurants, bars, shops and museums that can be found in the Capital town.

Skala

The village of Skala is slowly turning into a main tourist attraction, the focus being the beautiful long, wide sandy beach. Large apartment blocks and tourist villages are springing up and further development needs to be considered before the resort is spoilt.The old part of Skala still keeps it old charm and is well worth a visit. Like most towns on the island a lot of property was destroyed during the earthquake of August 1953.

Fiscardo

Fiscardo is a pretty little fishing village on the north coast of the island. It has links with islands such as lefkas and Ithaca. Tourists are required to park in the car parks provided and walk down into the village so you do need to be mobile.The small tavernas that line the harbour are very popular with the tourists, who usually stop off here in Fiscardo on their way around the island. Fiscardo is well known as the one of the only villages on the island that did not feel the effect of the earthquake of 1953, so the village has retained some of it’s charm and beauty.Fiscardo can be used as a base for those who wish to explore the surrounding area either on foot or by boat.

There are a few places where tourists can stay and they are in the main across the bay from the harbour but I am told they can be quite expensive. There does not seem to be any purpose made beach but it is possible to get into the water if you wish to swim.

Assos

Most tourists only visit Assos as they tour the island. As you drive down towards Assos from the main road the views are fantastic, the setting for this little resort with its small harbour tavernas and small stony beach is breath taking. You can swim here but most tourists drive down into Assos just to take in the view and visit the tavernas, shops and cafes that surround the village square.

Lixouri

Lixouri is out on it’s own away from the main part of the island. It is becoming more and more popular and some of the tourist companies do offer package tours to this part of the island. This peninsula is quiet and you will find deserted beaches that have a distinctive red sand. The beaches that I have visited did not have facilities on so you may need to go prepared.

Sami

Like Poros, Sami is made up of stones and pebbles only larger this does make it very difficult to walk on and tends to keep the crowds away. So if you looking for a quiet day by the sea this may be just to your liking. Just make sure you have some good walking shoes and shoes that you can wear in the water will always help.The beach can offer all the usual amenities such as sun beds, umbrellas, tavernas and cafes. If you get tired of the beach take a stroll into the nearby village of Sami where you will find many shops and restaurants.

Agia Efimia

On the way to Sami you will see a series of small stony beaches spread out along the coast road, some very small some a reasonable size. This series of beaches are Ok if you just want to stop off and have lunch and take a dip in the sea, while on your way around the island.The little beaches are only small, quite close to the road and do not offer any protection from the sun but they do offer crystal clear water and peace and quite.

Lourdas

The beach at Lourdas sweeps around the bay about 1km long. It is made up of shingle and course sand and very rarely gets too crowded. In the main this is due to the water shelving quite deeply and the prevailing winds that make the sea very rough at times. On parts of the beach there are tavernas and you can purchase sun beds and umbrellas but if your looking to get away from the crowds walk along the beach and you will find the beach is very quiet.

Spartia

The beach at Spartia is very attractive and lies next to the small harbour mainly used by visiting yachts and the local sailing centre.The beach is clean and tidy and made up of fine and course sand. There are no beach amenities at Spartia but there is a taverna just back from the beach. The resort is ideal if you just want to stop off for lunch and a swim while on your way around the island.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia

About Kefalonia

Around Kefalonia Island