Kefalonia in brief
Kefalonia is a place with rich history, as it has been inhabited since the Paleolithic age! The first inhabitants of Kefalonia were the so-called “Leleges” and used to worship the ancient Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. For those who are looking for archeological tips, you can find ruins of big ancient towns, Mycenaean tombs, ancient treasures, castles and monasteries! Among others, the island was conquered by Romans, Ottomans, Venetians and French, until it finally reunited with Greece in 1864.
A big earthquake in 1953 destroyed almost all the buildings of the island, causing huge damages to the island. Despite this natural disaster and the mass immigration from the island, Kefalonia managed to recover, thanks to shipping and tourism development.
The goats have golden teeth
It’s strange, but it’s true. Indeed, there are goats with golden teeth in Kefalonia!
The soil in Kefalonia is rich in inorganic metals, which are responsible for the goats’ golden teeth. Kefalonian goats live in the wild nature and can survive many days without drinking any water, thanks to the island’s humidity!So, keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful goats climbing on the steep cliffs of the island!
Kefalonia is home to the endangered caretta-caretta sea turtles
If you are a nature lover, you’ll love the adorable caretta-caretta turtles!This sea turtle species is the only one that finds shelter in Greece. They are between 1-1.2 meters long and can live up to 65 (!) years.
Many beaches in Kefalonia are protected during caretta-caretta reproduction period. This is because the female caretta-caretta turtles drag themselves out of the sea at night and bury their eggs in the sand to hatch. After about 60-70 days, the newborn caretta-caretta turtles get out of their eggs and drag themselves to their natural environment, the ocean!
Try its delicious wine…
Did you know that Kefalonia has a long tradition in wine making? Kefalonia is famous for its local wine varieties“Robola”, “Mavrodafni” and Kefalonian Moschato. “Robola”, specifically, is one of the three best wine varieties in Greece! About 500 tons of “Robola” wine are produced every year, many of them exported mainly in Europe and the USA.
One of the must things to do in Kefalonia,one of the best tips , is to visit one of the local wineries, tour around the vineyards and, of course, indulge in wine tasting!
…and the local cuisine
When it comes to food, Kefalonia is a top choice. Local products and traditional recipes join forces to create some of the most delicious dishes you’ve ever tasted! To start with, local people love pies! Some of the most delicious pies you have to taste are the meat pie, the artichoke pie, the hake pie and the cheese pie.
Meat dishes are also a specialty in Kefalonia! Rabbit with red sauce, goat with red sauce and potatoes, wild duck with wine and roasted goose with potatoes are musts! As for the sweets, they don’t disappoint! Taste the traditional “mandola”, a type of caramelized almond, “mandolato”, “mistopita” and “pastokidono”.
Kefalonia is a beach paradise
In case you didn’t know the beaches in Kefalonia are amazing! There are some of the best beaches not only in Greece, but also in the world! Exotic landscapes, emerald waters and fine sand will make you feel as if you’re in the Caribbean!
The biggest and themost famous Kefalonia beach is Myrtos beach! This beach is covered with shiny white pebbles and has mesmerizing turquoise water. Its landscape is breathtaking, as it is surrounded by verdant hills. And if you happen to be a photography lover, the best spot to capture amazing photos of Myrtos is from the road above the beach!
Another top Kefalonia beach is Antisamos beach, a beach similar to Myrtos, regarding its landscape. It also has emerald waters and white pebbles, while it’s surrounded by the breathtaking Avgo mountain.Antisamos became famous thanks to the movie “Captain Corelli’s mandolin”, which was filmed there!
Water disappears mysteriously in Kefalonia
“Katavothres” is ageological miracle, happening in Agioi Theodoroi cape, just 2 km away from Argostoli. “Katavothres” are basically cracks next to the sea, inside which the water enters and crosses almost all the island, underground. This interesting geological effect used to be a mystery for scientists for many years, as they had no clue where the water was going when it disappeared! So, they decided to put 16 kg of paint inside the water, in order to detect its movement.
Two weeks later, they found the colored water 14 km away from its initial position, as well as inside Melissani lake cave. The mystery was solved!
Kefalonians love music and dancing
Kefalonia has a rich culture, so music and dancing couldn’t be missing from the islanders’ everyday life! So, it’s not really a surprise that traditional feasts based on the local music and dances are often organized in the island.
Two of the most famous cultural events are the International Music Festival in Argostoli and the “Varkarola” festival in Assos village. The International Music Festival takes place every year on August and hosts concerts of both local and foreign artists. As for the “Varkarola” festival, it is also organized every August. Just imagine singers inside little boats, singing traditional Kefalonian serenades, while fireworks light up the summer sky. It’s a must event to attend in Kefalonia!
Donkey Trekking
Take your chance and get of the beaten path, you can discover the beauty and history of Kefalonia the traditional way. Enjoy amazing views over the bay of Sami, evergreen valleys of the area and dive into the history of the island. Let the donkeys slow you down! No matter if you are 2 years old or 99! Waterbottles supplies and tired little legs will be carried by the donkey.
Glass bottom boat cruises
Discover the undiscovered marine world! The deep dark depths of the sea with all its marine life hiding under, waiting to be discovered!Dive with the dolphins and explore the magic of the deep Ionian sea in style by taking a glass bottom boat cruise! For the first time you can see the mysteries of the sea-bed , which make fantastic dreams come true, a journey, fathoms beneath the sea.
Paragliding over Myrtos beach
The blue waters and white beaches of Kefalonia island are breathtaking! Discover them from above during a paragliding flight!
Fly over the island of Kefalonia enjoying the most spectacular views of the blue Ionian sea, the sandy bays, the small fishing harbors, and the dry, rugged landscape. Thanks to the experts pilots, it’s a harmless activity that requires no experience or exercise whatsoever. You can simply enjoy it!
Watersport activities
Kefalonia island is a pure and virgin place with amazing water and natural beauty.
Test your limits and have a blast with a variety of sports for you to choose. Alone or with a friend, or even your family. There are rides that you can enjoy these magical beaches and have fun, or rides that will make your heart pump.
Hiking in the “Black Mountain”
Mountain Ainos, is known as Monte Nero (Black Mountain) during the Venetian period due to thick forestation of the dark Kefalonian Fir tree, is the tallest mountain of the Ionian islands with an elevation of 1,628 metres (5,341 ft).
In 1962 the Greek government declared the Ainos forest a national park and thus protected it by law.Thyme, amaranth and wildflowers thrive on the forest floor. More than 100 species of birds have been identified in the park, including eagles and honey buzzards. The Enos National Park also offers a sheltered herd of wild horses that roam the southern slopes of Aenos in particular.
Kefalonia… an amazing place to visit!