Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the western Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. Known and very popular with sailors from all over the world. Package tourism is just developing. The innumerable small bays of Kefalonia, one more beautiful than the other, surprise the visitor and captivate him. Kefalonia has a total of 40,000 inhabitants, most live in the capital Argostoli. The highest attitude is the Mount Enos with its 1628 m. This mountain was called "Monte Negro" by the Venetians because of its endemic fir trees. The port of Sami connects Kefalonia with the mainland and the port city of Patras in the Peloponnese. In the season there are 3 ferry connections (car ferries) of the shipping company Levante Ferries from Patras-Port. The crossing takes 4 hours from Patras and from Kyllini to the south of Kefalonia only 90 minutes, but with smaller boats. The coasts are mainly made up of limestone cliffs carved out by the sea. Sandy bays with small sea caves shape the landscape. The most famous beach on the Kefalonia island is Myrtos Beach (fine white gravel / sandy beach). The journey takes about 40 minutes from the capital Argostoli. Water sports are not allowed here, but paragliding. Well-known beaches of Kefalonia are also Lixouri, Skala, Svoronata, the red-sand XI-Beach, Lassi and the beach of Assos.

The beautiful coastal village Assos in the northwest of Kefalonia. (20 minutes from Myrtos beach) is located on a headland. Many small colourful houses and cafes surround the small harbor. A romantic place with a view of the pine trees and the sea. Sitting at the harbor, with view of the fortress wall is an experience. Vegetation, uncontaminated nature and this coast with coves and grottos, create areas of a beauty that no sea and nature lover can resist. A small path leads from the harbor to the fortress wall and castle. The path is paved with natural stones, but a bit strenuous due to the incline. The reward makes everything good with the 360 degree view of the surrounding small bays. When you arrive at the fortress, you can visit the remains of the palace of the Venetian administrator as well as the St. Mark's Church. After the 4th Crusade, Kefalonia was awarded to Venice. Even today, the latin-sounding places bear witness to the Venetian siege, such as the place name Fiskardo in the north. In 1479 the island was conquered by the Ottomans, the conquest lasted until around 1500, then the Venetians managed to conquer the island again. After the loss of Crete, Kefalonia became an important trading post for the Venetians. Due to the liberal attitude of the locals, Kefalonia became a printing site for many Venetian books. Like all Ionian Islands, Kefalonia was conquered by the French in 1797 and a short time later by the British. It was not until 1864, at the request of the local population, that Kefalonia was returned to Greece. Due to a severe earthquake in 1953, many residents emigrated and the population decreased. Today the population is increasing again continuously. It's a very turbulent story, the small beautiful island of Kefalonia. Christians and Jews lived peacefully together on Kefalonia until the Second World War.

Worth to see on the Island of Kefalonia/attractions: The lake Melissani, the Venetian castle Agios Georgios and the stalactite cave Drogarati. The Kipouria Monastery and St. Andrew Monastery south of Peratata. The patron saint of Kefalonia is Agios Gerasimos. The small, picturesque coastal town of Fiskardo is embraced by a romatic bay. It was not destroyed by the earthquake in 1953. The small town with its beautiful old houses from the 18th and 19th centuries is known to celebrities and sailors. Many students live on the island due to the University of Economics and Musical Instrument Making. In the capital Argostoli is the University of Marine Biology and the Marine Academy. The island lives from shipping and fish farming (organic fish) and a manageable tourism. An exciting day trip destination is the neighboring island of Ithaca, the island of Odysseus. Eating out in Kefalonia: Influenced by the Venetian occupiers, Kefalonia's cuisine is strongly Italian-inspired with a little French cuisine. The numerous fish dishes, as well as the stockfish, are typical. The meat pie and the pligouri, a meat stew with barley. Typical cheese from Kefalonia is the "Kefalotiri", a kind of hard cheese, similar to the Italian peccorino. The soft, white almond nougat bars "Komfetto" are typical desserts. The fruity quality white wine "ROBOLA" from Kefalonia should not be missing on your table. What we noticed immediately: The island is very clean, the beaches are very well-kept. The picturesque capital Argostoli with its beautiful natural harbor. The clean waters of Kefalonia, no wonder that the turtle Caretta Caretta feels particularly at home here. The cafes full of young students from the various faculties. I would have liked study here too!