KEFALONIA

The largest Ionian Island is noteworthy for its enchanting landscapes and clear blue waters. Kefalonia hosts a variety of sandy and pebbled beaches, the most prominent of which are Myrtos, Antisamos, Skala, Makris Gialos, Petani, and Xi. 

The multiple award-winning Myrtos Beach is a magnificent pebbled beach surrounded by tall cliffs and crystal waters, and an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and sea sports. Antisamos beach, which became famous as the location of the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, is a long and wide beach with waters that reflect its exotic beauty. Opposite to Antisamos is the beach of Skala, which, although lacking the verdant environment of the former, nevertheless stands out as a top destination for those who enjoy sea sports such as jet skiing, paragliding, and kayaking. Makris Gialos beach is a favorite destination for diving, beach games, sunbathing, and entertainment for all ages, on account of both its great length and the fact that its main extension is Platys Gialos beach. Petani and Xi, situated at Paliki, are also exceptional: the former for its striking landscape and unique shade of blue of its waters, and the latter for its distinctive red sand, which is said to have medicinal qualities.

Among the most popular activities offered by Kefalonia is the visit to the Melissani lake cave, which is notable for its crystal waters and outstanding geomorphological features. A unique geological phenomenon linked with this lake cave are the Katavothres (sinkholes) of Argostoli, where the water mysteriously returns to Melissani through currents and underground routes. Moreover, Drogarati cave is yet another equally noteworthy park of stalagmites and stalactites, which, due to its outstanding acoustics, has also served as venue for significant music concerts. 

Sports tourism has become more and more popular over the past few years, and a growing number of tourists seek to combine their love for sports with their passion for travelling. The Ionian Islands are a popular destination for this particular type of tourism – and below you will find out why.

Mount Ainos, the highest mountain of Kefalonia, is also a popular hiking destination. Mount Ainos features several well-marked trails leading through dense forests and offering a stunning view of the countryside. In addition, the mountain also the venue for Ainos Marathon, a ten-kilometer-long marathon trail race for entertainment and competition purposes, whose aim is to promote and upgrade the mountain areas of the region. This activity is part of the wider effort to further develop and promote the island’s cultural and natural environment and local identity and attract lovers of alternative tourism, hiking, and sports tourism. Kefalonia also hosts the annual Kefalonia Gym Festival “Anna Pollatou”, held under the auspices of the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation. This festival, which is both the oldest and the only of its kind in Greece, is regarded as a tradition of Kefalonia and recognized as one of the most important mass-sporting events in Greece and Europe, due to hosting participants that include both Greek and foreign sports teams. This event helps promote sports in Kefalonia, showcase the Ionian Sea region, and attract new guests to the islands. For example, there are approximately 1,500 athletes and athlete chaperones who participate in the event on a yearly basis. Kefalonia also offers the opportunity to engage in shooting sports, which is a new activity aiming at promoting and advancing new sports activities in the island, in a manner that is fertile and integral and in conditions of safety and good sportsmanship, attracting participants from all over Greece and advertising the region at the same time. 

Visitors may also explore the village of Palia Vlachata, which was abandoned after the devastating earthquake of 1953.

Equestrian tourism is for those who enjoy riding through nature on trained horses. Equestrian centers are staffed with people who will teach everything there is to know about horses and the noble sport of horseback riding. Kefalonia already hosts special “farms” for this particular activity and there is a clear potential for further development of this type of tourism.

Are you thinking about which destination to choose for your next family vacations? Gift your loved ones with valuable and unique moments and memories in the Ionian Islands, a small “family” of Greek islands, and explore the wide range of experiences and thrills they can offer.

Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Sea, is prominent for its astonishing beaches and impressive mountains. Its top landmarks include the Melissani Cave, which is a stunning underground lake, the Drogarati Cave, which is an impressive limestone cave with astonishing acoustics, the village of Assos, a picturesque fishing village with a medieval castle, the traditional town of Fiscardo, and the Mount Ainos National Park with its rich native rare vegetation.

The Ionian Islands offer a rich and diverse cuisine, a blend of traditional Greek gastronomy and influences from other cultures. By emphasizing locally produced ingredients and the power of taste, it is made evident that the Ionian Islands are a special destination for all food lovers.

The Ionian Islands are famous for their “trademark” tasteful qualities, combining traditional Greek dishes with influences from the Italian, Turkish, and Venetian cuisine. The islands offer a wealth of fresh local ingredients such as fish, seafood, olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and wines. Their gastronomy constitutes a unique experience that is bound to thrill and delight all connoisseurs of fine food. 

Each Ionian Island features a variety of traditional recipes and dishes which are unique to the region.

Kefalonian meat pie – The legendary pie of Kefalonia, combining three different types of meat (pork, goat, and veal)

Bakaliaropita – The second famous codfish pie of Kefalonia, served in various versions, the most popular of which features a stuffing that combines leek and pumpkin.

Kefalonian aliada (Garlic spread) – This is an Ionian version of the traditional Greek skordalia, prepared exclusively with garlic and potatoes, and no bread, nor any nuts. Best served with a side of tsigaridia (see below).

Tsigaridia – A mix of wild and cultivated vegetables which are blanched and sauteed with short-grain rice, onion, garlic, and herbs (a perfect dish for any person fasting, as well as for vegans).

Astakomakaronada (Lobster pasta) – The ultimate luxury summer dish, which Kefalonians traditionally regarded as the “fisherman’s dish”. Nonetheless, it first became known from Fiscardo and eventually rose to prominence as a gourmet trend all over Greece.

Kokkinistos patsas (braised tripe) – A dish that highlights the island’s Italian influence, inspired by the recipe of Tripa Alla Fiorentina.

The Ionian Islands have been a hub of religious activities for hundreds of years, hosting a vast number of churches, monasteries, and Byzantine monuments, many of which are open for religious tourists during the months of summer and spring, whether for pilgrimages or just out of desire to explore the rich history of the region through its religious tradition.

Church of Panagia Lagouvarda in Kefalonia: Built in the 16th century in the town of Markopoulos, it is decorated with excellent frescos and has a bell tower with a panoramic view. On the celebration of August 15, the namesake people-friendly snakes with the characteristic cross on their foreheads, whose history is linked with Greek religious tradition, come crawling towards the church.

Kipouria (Kipouraion) Monastery: Built on a standing rock on the sea and located at a distance of 15 km. from Lixouri, its name is derived from the multitude of gardens tended by the monks to ensure their living. In this monastery, devotees can pray to the miraculous icon of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and to the sanctified skulls of the saints Chrysanthos, Konstantinos, and Efrosynos, who were the owners of the monastery, and other holy relics.

Atros Monastery: The only monastery still in operation whose beginnings go all the way back to the Byzantine Period. There are many details about this monastery recorded in the land registry of monasteries of Kefalonia, which is known as the “Praktikon of 1264”.

Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, Patron Saint of Kefalonia: Located at the foothills of Ainos and built atop an old monastery dating back to 1200 A.D. (the era of the Crusades), near the village of Fragata. The monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and was named “New Jerusalem” by the villagers of Valsamata. Saint Gerasimos, who lived “in the caves and holes of the earth”, passed away on the August 15, 1579. The monastery houses the holy relic of Saint Gerasimos, as well as his hermitage, which is open for visitors.

Cultural tourism is becoming more and more popular, and the Ionian Islands are among the best destinations for this type of tourism. By virtue of their exceptional natural beauty and rich history, the Ionian Islands offer a wide variety of cultural landmarks and activities.

In Kefalonia, the De Bosset Bridge at Argostoli and the pyramid (obelisk) have been declared historical protected monuments. The Lighthouse of Saints Theodore, also known as “Fanari”, was built in 1829 during the island’s British Rule, and was designed by the British governor Charles James Napier. At the region of Erisos, the two local towns of Assos and Fiscardo weren’t as badly affected as other towns by the earthquake in 1953, and include many buildings which are representative examples of the architectural style of the Ionian Islands. At Tzanata, in the area of Boutzi, the archaeologist Lazaros Kolonas recently unearthed a large vaulted tomb from the Mycenean period, thus proving that there existed a major Mycenean center, which can very well be the actual Homeric Ithaca.

The island of Kefalonia is home to the Roman Villa of Skala, which is another majestic ancient monument found in the Ionian Island. The Villa was built in the 2nd century A.D. and is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman Villas all over Greece. Visitors can wander its many rooms, where they can admire the impressive mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the Greek mythology.

Saint George’s Castle, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, is also one of Kefalonia’s monuments of major importance, and sits on a hilltop with an amazing view to Argostoli, the capital city of Kefalonia, and the surrounding countryside. Visitors are given the opportunity to explore and learn about its fascinating history, considering it has been periodically used as fortress and as prison.