Welcome to Visit-the-World's Kefalonia section ...

Visit Kefalonia

Kefalonia [Cephalonia or Kefallinia] is one of the Greek Islands. At 688.8
square kilometres, it is the largest of the Ionian Islands, off the west coast of the Greek mainland, opposite the mouth of the Gulf of Corinth.

Kefalonia has Zante [Zakinthos] to its south; Lefkas [Levkas] to its north and its sister island, Ithaki [Ithaca] just off its north-east coast.

Scenically, very beautiful, Kefalonia [Cephalonia], is dominated by one of the highest mountains in Greece, Mount Aenos [Ainos or Enos], which is 1628 metres high. The island offers a great deal of interest for those who wish to explore its rugged, natural land-scapes, dark pine forests and underground caves. The latter have stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean lakes to fascinate the visitor. The Drogorati caves are the finest.

There are also remnants of Venetian fortresses and quaint villages which attract travellers, without being swamped by mass tourism. Some of these villages had to be completely rebuilt after the massive earthquake of 1953.

There is an excellent road network on Kefalonia, allowing the whole island to be explored by hire car, taxi, local bus or excursion coach. This is an island discovered and revisited by discerning lovers of Greece who appreciate scenic beauty and quiet  beaches, rather than noisy resorts. Therefore, families, couples and singles are more likely to be attracted to Kefalonia than young people. However, film buffs who saw the island being featured in"Captain Corelli's Mandolin" now flock here in numbers. The value of the publicity was enormous.

Argostoli, on the south-west coast of the island, is the capital and largest town. It is not really a tourist resort.  However, it is a good place to shop for those "holiday gifts", especially local products like leather goods, ceramics, jewellery [or jewelry], wild thyme honey and perfume.

Plus, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants here! There are wonderful safe beaches of golden sand, called Makris Yialos and Platis Yialos, only about 2.5 miles away at the resort of Lassi, where there are also lovely, small sandy coves.

Ferries can be caught from Argostoli to the neighbouring islands of Ithaca, Lefkas and Zante.

Skala on the south-east corner of Kefalonia has a long beach of fine shingle and sand.  It caters specifically for British tourists in its  selection of tavernas and restaurants. There is a conservation area for rare Loggerhead turtles at nearby Potamaki beach.

At Skala, there are remnants of Roman buildings, with beautiful mosaics. Archaeologists also discovered the remains of a 7th century BC temple of Apollo, a mile outside town.

Spartia Bay on the south coast is an exclusive spot, with pretty houses perched on flowery hill-sides over-looking it.

Poros, on the east coast, is an attractive village, with a fine combination of sea and mountain scenery. A ferry goes from the harbour to Killini on the Greek mainland. The beach is mainly stone and shingle, so it is not really suitable for children. The village of Sami, north of Poros, is where "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" was filmed.

Kefalonia, or Cephalonia, is a truly beautiful Greek Island, with stunning natural  scenery. It is well worth visiting if you are looking for a restful holiday in wonderful scenic surroundings.