Find Everything

Kefalonia

Geography and climate

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands (Corfu, Paxi, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos e Kithira) in Greece, with a surface of about 780 skm. The island is placed just in front of Corynth gulf entrance, at a distance of 30 km from the west coast of the Peloponnese.
In Kefalonia the coasts are really jagged and there are many gulfs: Sami gulf and Antisamos gulf in the north, Argostoli gulf in the center and Lourdas gulf in the south. There are also two large peninsulas: Paliki and Erissos. Kefalonia is also the most mountainos of the Ionian Islands in Greece with Ainos Mount (Enos 1628 mt), that divides the island in two parts, and in the east area the Mounts Kokkini Rachi, Atros and Merovighli.

The peak of Enos Mount is also a beautiful national park with a local breed of free-range horses and a wonderful place where you can enjoy various excursions.
The island of Kefalonia has many caves, culverts and hot springs.The winters here are mild and the summers are warm but not muggy.
The Department of Kefalonia includes the neighboring island of ITHACA and several uninhabited islands closer to the mainland Greece.
In the last years the island of Kefalonia has seen a great tourist development and today can offer to the tourists modern structures and different services, while maintaining its traditional style and natural beauty.

Satellite Map

How to get in Kefalonia

  • The main airport, Kefalonia International Airport is located near Argostoli and Lassi. Well connected with Athens by daily flights that take about 1 hour. Moreover, during the summer, Kefalonia island is directly connected with many European cities by daily charter flights.
  • You can also arrive by frequent ferry from Italy, the Greek mainland and other islands (main ports are Argostoli, Sami and Poros). From Athens, KTEL buses go from the bus terminal in Kiffisou Street to various destinations on the island (the ferry is included in the bus ticket).

The Island

This green island with its breathtaking beaches and crystal clear waters of greenish-blue colours will take your breath away. Kefalonia a gem in the Ionian Sea. It carries a rich history in cultural tradition. It’s the largest Ionian Island and the green of its mountains blend with the blue of the water making it truly unique and a beloved destination. Pine, cypress and olive trees cover Mt. Ainos’ peak, while at its foot you’ll come across vineyards where the popular Kefalonian Robola wine variety is produced.

If you happen to love snorkeling or diving then the seabed around the island will definitely satisfy you. You might even get the chance to encounter the rare,caretta caretta, sea turtle that take refuge here, as well as the monk seals monachus monachus. Kefalonia’s culinary tradition, history, traditional villages, upbeat nightlife and pristine beaches will make you fall in love with the island.

Kontogourata -Kardakata

Villa Mantenuta is located on the edge of the village of Kontogourata, a few minutes from the beach with magnificent views of the sea and the sunset.

The villages of Thinia, Kontogourata and Kardakata are built in nature and are among the most picturesque and quiet villages of Kefallonia and remain “hidden” by the many.

They are located next to the main road that connects Argostoli with the western peninsula of Paliki and the northern part with the famous beach of Myrtos and the cosmopolitan fishing villages of Assos and Fiskardo,

Due to the central location of the area, it is an ideal destination for the visitor of Kefalonia, who can easily visit the largest part of the island.

Sotiras Beach close to Kontogourata Village
Sotiras Beach close to Kontogourata Village

Argostoli

The biggest town and capital of the island is Argostoli.  It is a town built around a hill, with a city-like life, filled with various types of entertainment: shops for you shopping lovers, cafes to sit back and relax, bars and beaches nearby.

Although Argostoli was totally ruined by the earthquake in 1953, there are still sites that depict the old venetian architecture. You can see the old town Krani with the Cyclopean Walls;
walk along the pedestrian street, where if you have the opportunity you may encounter the local philharmonic orchestra playing traditional Ionian Island songs; you can complete your promenade by the port.

Visit the Korgialeneios Library with its rare collection of books and manuscripts that operates as a folk art museum.

If you enjoy night life, you can find clubs where you can stay up till dawn.

Lithostroto, Argostoli
Lixouri overview

Lixouri

The westernmost of the two peninsulas of Kefalonia is the one of Paliki. The houses here were gravely damaged in the earthquake of 1953 but were rebuilt from scratch, taking into account traditional architecture.

It is the second biggest town of the island, however it is a peaceful town that is ideal for those who love peace and quiet.You can enjoy your coffee, your pastry sweets and the local cuisine at the port and at the square with the famous ficus plant.

Pass by the manor of the Typaldon-Iakovaton brothers built in 1866, which use to house the Iakovateio Library (a listed building), but due to the 2014 eathquake the building suffered damage and is temporarily closed to the public and under reconstruction. It is home to 25,000 books and a small museum, where three Christian parchments of the 10th, 14th and 15th century, old furniture, sacred vessels and vestments are kept.
Visit the Kipouria Monastery where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunsets on the island.

Firscardo

Fiscardo survived the destructive earthquake of 1953. Most of the buildings preserve their traditional local colour that travels you back in time: the grand mansions with their elegant balconies, the old two-storey houses, the dark red tiled rooftops, the green mountainsides, the blue of the sea and the overall scenery is enchanting.

This picturesque village is the home town of the Greek poet Nikos Kavvadias who usually wrote about the sea

Fiscardo
Melissani lake

The Cave Lake of Melissani

The cave lake of Melissani is a wonder of nature and one of the most impressive sights on Kefalonia which is located in Karavomylos, an area close to Sami town. Melissani was discovered in 1951 and following construction works in order to make it accessible it has become one of the most famous tourist attractions.

The magic of the landscape is  partly because of the roof that has collapsed and you have a view of the sky while being in a cave. If you visit during the day when the sun is high and the sunshine drops on the lake it makes the light blue waters shine giving off a magical soothing feeling.

Assos

At the north part of the island, picturesque Assos village is built alongside of cliffs, among pine trees and cypresses. Sparsely built with traditional color, in an impressive landscape, Assos fascinates with the peace and simplicity it depicts. Apart from the wonderful waters of Assos, at a nearby distance don’t miss Myrtos beach as well as many other picturesque small bays that wait to be discovered.

Assos
kourkoumelata village

Kourkoumelata

A wonderful village  at the south part of  the island. The village is called Kourkoumelata and lies at the southwest part of the island.

The earthquake of 1953 ruined Kourkoumelata, as it ruined most areas of the island, however, the way that this area was rebuilt is the feature that makes it stand out.

This resettlement has occurred abiding by both to modern rules of city planning and to the preservation of neo-classic features. You can’t miss this!.

Ainos


The mountain that prevails in Kefalonia is Ainos, whose peak reaches 1.628 meters, and is the only national park that can be found on a Greek Island. The fir tree grows natively on this mountain on Kefalonia. The black needles of the Kefalonian fir tree gives an impressive dark colour to the mountain.

In the cliffs of the mountain you might also be lucky enough to see small wild horses. The mountain is ideal for excursions and hiking in its verdant nature around the paths that vary in difficulty.

Wild horses in Ainos mountain