Kefalonia Attractions

Kefalonia is a famous Greek island, the largest in the Ionian Archipelago.

Travelers come here in search of cultural experiences, and the island fully compensates those tired of an all-inclusive secular vacation. Nature on Kefalonia has tried to create a maximum of beautiful views and natural attractions. Climbing the mountains, you can see unique pine forests, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the world

A breathtaking panoramic view opens up before you with golden beaches, numerous coves, the clearest water of deep blue color. The water off the coast of the island is considered one of the cleanest and safest, so seals, turtles, dolphins and many representatives of the underwater world feel great here.

Some lucky people who take long walks around the island and National Park happen to meet wild horses, beautiful and graceful animals.

Kefalonia is not scattered in every corner with cafes, fish markets, stores and souvenir shops. But tourists can see and touch the architectural and natural sights, carrying an incredible energy.

Among the local treasures: caves, underground lakes, grottoes, ancient mountain monasteries, historic buildings Venetian, Roman, early Christian period. The major cities of the island are Liksuri and Argostoli (the capital).

St. George's Fortress

St. George's Fortress, one of the most famous and most visited historical structures of the island, is located 7 km from the capital.

Once a majestic castle-fort and developed administrative center of Kefalonia, today it is a badly damaged ruin from numerous earthquakes.

The first official mention of the fortification of these places dates back to the 12th century, in the 16th century the Byzantines rebuilt the castle in the style in which it has survived until today. The building place was not chosen by chance: the powerful walls of the fortress perfectly protected the local residents from pirate raids. The total area of the polygonal building is 16 thousand square meters.

In the past there was a lot of life here. City and administrative houses, churches, hospitals and prisons were built behind the strong walls of the castle. After severe natural disasters, the inhabitants of the fort gradually moved to another part of the island, founding Argostoli.

The Monastery of St. Gerasimos

The monastery was founded by St. Gerasimos in the middle of the 16th century in the central part of the island and was called "New Jerusalem" by him.

The building was badly damaged during an earthquake in the middle of the last century and was rebuilt later. The cave-kelja and the garden planted by St. Gerasimos himself have been preserved to this day. The relic of the monastery is the imperishable relics of St. Gerasimos, who was canonized in the 17th century.

Each year, on Memorial Day, August 16, services are held in the church and the relics are carried over people suffering from various illnesses. It is believed that the monk continued to possess the gift of a healer even after his death, which he possessed during his lifetime. On October 20, the islanders celebrate an official public holiday in honor of St. Gerasimos.

Venetian Castle

The castle attracts the attention of hunters of antiquity interesting history and beautiful views that open from the almost ruined walls.

Once excellent defenders of the locals, now they are impressive ruins stretching for several kilometers. Behind them you can see the beautiful surface of the sea and the popular beach of Myrtos.

Those who come to see the castle do not miss the opportunity to walk through the old narrow streets of the village, admire the low houses with red roofs, as if grown into a rocky shore.

Assos and Myrtos Beach

The village of Assos, overgrown with cypresses and old pines, has about 100 inhabitants. But all year round tourists come here, attracted by the welcoming and cuisine of the village. Colorful taverns and cozy cafes of Assos are located in the central part of the village and on the waterfront.

Not far from Asos and the ruins of the Venetian castle is the pearl of the island and the national treasure of the country, the beach of Myrtos.

Caves of Kefalonia

There are many underground caves on the island. The best known and most visited is the Melissani Cave with a huge hole at the top, through which the sunlight enters the grotto, which diffuses into the waters of the underground lake that is located there. The water in the lake is clear down to the bottom. Tourists are taken on boats and given the opportunity to see with their own eyes the magic that happens in the lake waters. At different times of the day their color changes, shimmering from delicate turquoise to green, from deep blue to black.

Ainos National Park

On its territory is located the highest point of the entire Ionian Archipelago, Mount Meholos Soros.

On the slopes of the mountain you can visit several important monasteries: St. Gerasimos, St. Omala, St. Eleutheria. You can get to the park by car, and then walk and enjoy all the natural beauty, rare representatives of fauna and flora.

Acropolis Sami

In the past Sami was a powerful and prosperous city that attracted the attention of many invaders and was conquered by the Romans during a long siege.

Kefalonia wineries

At the family winery Gentilini, six unique varieties of wine can be tasted.

The Robola winery, located near the monastery of St. Gerasimos, is one of the largest in the country and grows a rare variety of the eponymous white grape called Robola.