OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Kefalonia is the largest and greenest of the Ionian Islands. Located between Lefkada on the north and Zakynthos on the south, most of the island’s population is gathered in Argostoli. The economy of Kefalonia is based on agriculture, fishing and most of all tourism, which is why the island comes alive in summer, where visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the sea, the sun and the beautiful nature.

Kefalonia is a mountainous island. The highest mountain, Mount Ainos, rises at an altitude of 1628 metres and this is the only mountain in the Mediterranean that possess a unique fir forest species called Abies Cephallonica. Those trees are protected and the area where they grow has been declared as National Park. Many fruitful plains, amazing lakes and rivers, caves, thick and verdant forests and wonderful beaches with golden sand and crystal water embellish the island. The most famous beach in Kefalonia is Myrtos, but equally picturesque beaches are Antisamos, Lourdas, Xi and Makrigialos.

During World War II, Kefalonia was under Italian and German domination and the capitulation of Italy led to the massacre of 5,000 Italian soldiers. This event inspired the writer Louis de Bernieres its famous book, entitled “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” which became later a movie.

Apart from the capital, Argostoli, the island of Kefalonia has a multitude of picturesque villages and small towns scattered all around it. The most famous of those villages is the particularly picturesque Fiscardo, the only village that wasn’t destroyed by the disastrous earthquake of 1953, and which keeps its beautiful neoclassical buildings until today.

Because of its amazing beauty and charm, Kefalonia is one of the most popular of the Ionian Islands.

The island of Kefalonia is a member of the Global Unesco Geoparks.

Kefalonia – Ithaca UNESCO Global geopark

for more information: https://kefaloniageopark.gr/en