Kefalonia, Greece. Islands of Greece: Kefalonia

The largest island of the seven Ionian islands is Kefalonia (Greece). It is located between the islands of Zakynthos and Lefkada. The island covers an area of about 800 square meters. Km. The highest point is the Great Soros Mountain (1628 m). The capital of the island is the town of Argostolion. The population of Kefalonia is about 35 thousand. The length of the coastline stretches for 250 km (you can see this by looking at the island of Kefalonia on the map of Greece). The island is widely known for its excellent beaches, magnificent nature, ancient architecture, shrines and unique natural caves.

History of the island

The island was inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The first inhabitants who inhabited Kefalonia were the tribes of Leleges (15th century BC), they worshiped the king of the sea Poseidon. In the Bronze Age here lived the ancient Greek peoples tylety and tafia.

According to one version, the island of Kefallinia (Greece) got its name in honor of the mythological hero Kefal. Some historians associate the name of the island with the genus Kefalins. Homer called Sami Island, but in his time he was still a little populated. Since the classical period, the island is known under today's name.

In the Middle Ages the island was part of the Byzantine Empire. Later it was captured by different peoples: the Venetians, the Turks and the Normans. Since 1797, Kefalonia was under the protectorate of Venice, and later the island was occupied by the French. Under the influence of the French revolutionaries, the local population overthrew the feudal system. Subsequently, Kefalonia entered the so-called state of the 7 Ionian Islands. In 1864, all the Ionian islands united with Greece.

Kefalonia, Greece: tours

The island of Kefalonia since 2013 has become more accessible to Russian residents due to the introduction of weekly charter flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It should be noted that the complex tours of Kefalonia-Zakynthos are also in great demand. Thus, you can fly to one island, and fly home from another. Impressions, respectively, you can get twice as much.

Getting to know the island

At first glance, the island is mountainous and stern. Nevertheless, like all of Greece, Kefalonia (the photos are simply impressive) does not lose its charm. During the course of the steep serpentine, landscapes of fairy-tale beauty open up: azure sea, harmoniously outlined rocks, and green small islands of seaside villages. The landscape picture of the island is complemented by olive and myrtle groves with trembling leaves, vineyards, distinctive and unlike each other coastal towns. The special colors of Kefalonia are added to the snow-white yachts and fishing boats moored off the coast.

Its extraordinary beauty is shattered by all the islands of Greece. Of course, Kefalonia was no exception. Travelers in this region conquer with its cypress alleys, fresh air with the scent of pine trees, the crystal smooth sea. In general, rest in this place is distinguished by calmness and dimensionality.

Capital of Kefalonia

The capital of the island is the town of Argostoli. Just 10 km from this village there is an international airport that serves charter flights and flights from Athens. The region is located in the zone of increased seismic activity, in 1953 a devastating earthquake with magnitude 7 on the Richter scale was observed in Argostoli . As a result of the disaster, the city was seriously damaged. It had to be rebuilt literally. Now the capital is buzzing with life, and at night its lights are lit by numerous clubs, bars and discos. The port of Argostoli has a ferry connection to other cities of Greece.

The second port of the island is Sami. This is the main gate for ferries that follow from Italy, Astacos, Patras, Lefkada and other places.

Resort Towns

The main resorts of Kefalonia are Luksuri, Skala, Lassi. The rock, in particular, was most liked by tourists from the UK. In the city there are about 30 hotels, 3 supermarkets, more than 10 bars and a few dozen souvenir shops. Lassie and Luxurs are also famous for their busy nightlife and golden beaches.

The hottest weather in the region is observed in August - about 35 ^o C. There are beaches for every taste - from secluded "wild" to very noisy ones with developed infrastructure.

Better beaches

• Beach of Myrtos (Kefalonia). This beach is considered a visiting card not only of the island, but of all Greece. This is the most beautiful white pebbly and sandy beach of the country with a great depth of the sea. In addition, he even enters the top 10 of the best beaches of the planet. Myrtos is well equipped, there are sunbeds with umbrellas, a team of rescuers, bars. It is located on the western shore of Kefalonia between the mountains of Kalos Oros and Agia Dinati. From the city of Assos to him to go only 20 minutes. However, buses to the protected area are not allowed. Despite its wide popularity and landscapes of incredible beauty, tourists here are usually few. This is due to the inaccessibility of this place. The beach of Myrtos (Kefalonia, Greece) has repeatedly been a springboard for filming. For example, some scenes from the film "Captain Corelli's Choice" were filmed here.
• Xi is a shallow beach with unique red dense sand. It is framed by limestone cliffs with healing blue clay.
• Caminia is a sandy beach. It is located 34 km from the capital of Kefalonia. It is considered one of the longest beaches of the island.
• Skala Beach - is located on the southern tip of the island in the homonymous town. It has an excellent layout, surrounded by picturesque hills and cliffs.
• Antisamos is near the port of Samos. It is considered a rather favorable place for sunbathing and bathing.

Own names have more than 20 beaches in the region, many of them were awarded the "Blue Flag". In general, Kefalonia (Greece) is a great place to relax from May to mid-October.

Sights of the island

• The resort village of Agia Efimia is a favorite place for divers and admirers of yachting.
• Argostoli. Ethnographic and archaeological museum, as well as an arched ancient bridge.
• Luxurie. The ruins of ancient Pali and the Ipkovatov Palace with a unique library.
• Mount Rudi and Enos are natural attractions of the island of Kefalonia (Greece). These mountain ranges are covered with relict species of trees, which have a dark green color (the so-called black firs).
• Assos. Here you can visit the Venetian fortress, dating from the 16th century.
• Fiskado is a fishing village with ancient architecture. By the way, it was the only one that did not suffer from the earthquake of 1953.
• Cave of Drongarati or the House of the Dragon. One of its descents reaches 44 meters and ends in the cave hall with the abolition of acoustics. Here you can admire the incredible beauty of stalactites.
• Castro. The city was the capital of Kefalonia in the Middle Ages.

Shrine of Kefalonia

After seeing all of the above attractions on the island, you can continue to tour Kefalonia for shrines. There are two monasteries - St. Andrew Miliapidias and St. Gerasim. Both of these monasteries are feminine.

Saint Gerasim, who led the hermit life in the caves, is the patron saint of Kefalonia. The ascetic was born in 1506 in the city of Trikala (Peloponnese). After receiving his education, he began to travel throughout Greece, had time to visit Constantinople. On Mount Athos, he began his monastic life in the cave of Kapsala. Later he went to Jerusalem, where he served for 12 years in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Wishing tranquility and solitude, the saint rides to the island of Zakif. And in 1555 he moved to Kefalonia, where he lived for five years in the cave of Lassi near Argostolion (at this time the temple was built over it). Since 1560, he moved to the Omal region, where he is restoring the chapel and is building a convent with the sisterhood. He called it the New Jerusalem.

Until now, there is a cave with a narrow entrance, where a saint lived for about 19 years. Gerasim died in 1579. His relics are in a glass cane in the temple of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. In the monastery there are three plane trees, planted even by the most Gerasim, 37 small wells and three springs. The saint is known for being able to rid himself of obsession.

The monastery of St. Andrew Milapidias was founded in the Byzantine era. In 1264 he was transferred to the Latin episcopacy. After a hundred years, it falls into decay and reborn only in 1579, when it is bought by three sisters - Leontius, Benedict and Magdalene. They settle in it, and soon the monastic community increases. In 1639, after the shipwreck, the Greek-Romanian princess Roxana enters the monastery. She made a huge property contribution to the monastery, but most importantly - the princess gave the monastery the relics of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called from Mount Athos. In the monastery there is also a museum with rare ancient icons and relics.

Phenomenal phenomenon

A rather unique phenomenon occurs in the village of Markopulo. There, on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin, an incredible number of non-venomous snakes slide, on the heads of which there is a small cross. They rush to the church, climb directly into its dome, and then crawl to the icon of the Virgin. It's amazing, but until the end of the service they do not depart from it. Local people revere snakes as saints. Many people consider this phenomenon a good omen.

Island of Kefalonia, Greece. Hotels

• Emelisse 4 *. The hotel is located near the village of Fiskardo, an hour's drive from the capital. There are junior suites, luxury and standard rooms. The rooms have everything you need. Emelisse has 6 swimming pools, one children's pool, a bar, a restaurant, a spa, etc.
• Porto Scala 4 * (first line). This hotel is 3 km from the town of Skala. According to architecture, the hotel strongly resembles a Greek village. All rooms are very bright, comfortable and with a view to the sea. The rooms have all the amenities: refrigerator, safe, air conditioning, TV. Porto Scala also has a restaurant, snack bar, internet, swimming pool, mini market.
• Marina Bay 3 *. The hotel is also located near the resort of Skala. The hotel is divided into 3 buildings. But the most important thing is that there are 4 rooms for people with physical disabilities.
• Muses Hotel 3 *. It is located almost in the center of the Rock. The beach is 50 meters from here. The Muses Hotel has standard rooms, studio rooms, suites and one family room.
• Mouikis 2 *. The hotel is located in the capital of Kefalonia, just a few steps from the promenade. The hotel has 30 rooms with private facilities. The hotel has a room for watching TV, a bar, air-conditioned lounges. In the taverns that are located near Mouikis, they sell very tasty fish, honey and excellent local wine.

Finally

Millions of tourists from all over the world visit the islands of Greece every year. Kefalonia also attracts the eyes of travelers not only with its stunning nature, but also the opportunity to engage in various sports. Here you can play tennis, basketball, go fishing or go horseback riding. Especially gambling guests can try their luck at the casino. Fans will simply fall in love with the resort, because local beaches are considered the best throughout the Mediterranean.

Kefalonia is an island where miracles happen, at least as the locals say. Rather, consider where Kefalonia is on the map of Greece, and pack your bags.