2018 ~ Cambridge Greek Corner

Kephalonia or Kefalonia (Κεφαλονιά) is the largest island of the Ionian Sea to the west of mainland Greece and the Peloponessos.
According to mythology, the island takes its name from King Kefalos. King Kefalos founded the four main cities of the island which were Sami, Pahli, Krani and Pronnoi, and named them after his sons. Other sources claim that the name comes from the fact that Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea and thus constitutes the “kefali” or head of this group of islands.

During the Trojan War, it lent its support to the king of Ithaca, Odysseus. Kefalonians took part in the Persian Wars, and finally in the 4th century BC they became members of the Athenian Confederacy. Around 50 BC the entire island fell under Roman rule. During the Byzantine period Kefalonia was often raided and plundered by pirates. Between the 11th and 12th centuries the island suffered repeated destructive raids initially by the Normans and later by Crusaders of the First Crusade. At the end of the first Turko-Russian War (1463-1479) the Turks took over Kefalonia along with Lefkas and Ithaca. It was later retaken by the Venetian Tocco family, then came into Venetian hands and finally was conquered by the Turks in 1484. In 1500 the Venetians once more took possession of the island, which remained under their domination until 1797. The French became masters of the island in 1807, followed by the British (1809-1864).

During the British period various important constructions of public interest were effectuated including the Drapanos British Cemetery, the De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli, the Lighthouse of Saint Theodori and the impressive Municipal Theatre of Kefalonia. Despite the fact that Kefalonia, like the other Ionian Islands, remained under the English rule and escaped the Turkish yoke, its inhabitants financially helped the Greek Revolution for independence against the Ottomans who were ruling over the rest of Greece. After the end of the British rule the Ionian Islands were united with Greece on May 21st 1864. The main influences of Kefalonia, like the rest of the Ionian islands is Italian since the Venetians controlled it for almost 300 years. These influences can be found in the cuisine, architecture, art, literature and music of the island and in fact the Kefallonian's were playing the mandolin at least two centuries before Corelli picked it up!

Kefallonia is a nesting ground for the loggerhead turtles which lay their eggs on the southern beaches in June, and the Mediterranean Monk Seal, the rarest of seals and one of the six most endangered mammals in the world.

Earthquake of 1953

In August 1953, a huge earthquake destroyed the largest part of Kefalonia and demolished most villages of the island. Only Fiscardo was not touched by the earthquake, but the villages in the central and southern part of Kefalonia was almost entirely destroyed. Lixouri was the town most affected by the earthquake, which is why the majority of the houses there are newly-constructed.

Climate

The island enjoys a reliable Mediterranean climate with pleasantly warm days from May through to October and hot, dry summers with temperatures consistently in the high 30's.

Kefalonia Villages

Argostoli

Argostoli is the capital of the island, a new city which was built after an earthquake destroyed the old one in 1953, not the first time the island has been hit and probably not the last. The British built an arched bridge over the Koutavos Lagoon that connects the city with the rest of the island. There is a Museum of Archaeology on Rokou Vergoti Street, up from the waterfront with a collection of Mycenaean relics from the excavations around the island. A few blocks up is the Historical and Cultural Museum which contains many relics of the British and the various occupiers of the island, as well as traditional costumes, furniture and tools. There are a couple of beaches in the vicinity of Argostoli called Makri Yialos and Plati Yialos which can be reached on foot.

Lixouri

Across from Argostili is the town of Lixouri , the second largest town on Kefallonia which was built in 1534 and destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and rebuilt. It is visited mainly because of the museum and library of the Lakovates and because of its proximity to several beaches.
Near Lixouri and of very special interest is the place called Katavothres , which means pits , where thousands of tons of sea water pour into the earth and disappear, passing under the island and filling the lakes of Melissani and Karavomylos near Sami.

Sami

Sami is the main port of the island and like Argostoli it was also destroyed by the earthquake and not restored to it's previous beauty. There are Classical and Roman ruins in the area but the main reason people come here is to see the nearby Caves of Mellisani , a sea water lake which was discovered when the roof collapsed and the sun revealed the beautiful turquoise water, and the Drogarati Cave with it's long corridors and impressive stalactites. Both caves are within a few miles of Sami.

Fiscardo

The fishing town of Fiscardo is a favorite of yachters and an artist colony and was the only village not devastated by the 1953 earthquake.
Beach of Myrtos is one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece with tall cliffs and white sand and the color sea that most travelers are seeking when they come to the Greek islands.

Markopoulo

In the village of Markopoulo a miracle occurs every year. On the 15th of August, the saint day of the Panagia (Virgin Mary),the village church becomes infested with small snakes with crosses on their heads. The snakes are non-poisonous and are said to bring good luck to the village. As mysteriously as they have come, they disappear until next year, same time and same place.

Metaxata

Village where Lord Byron stayed for four months before going to Missolonghi to fight in the Greek War of Independence and become a martyr.It was here in Metaxata that he wrote the poem Don Juan.

Katelios

Definitely a traditional Greek beach bay location, small, warm & friendly, hospitable and relaxing. While transport could be a problem it's not devastating. Early and late in the year is perfect for those who want absolute peace and quiet, also to indulge in a little walking exploration as the area is now developing with tracks into the hills behind. During the mid season you can keep up to date with the Caretta Turtle nesting activities from the environmental centre, with the main nesting beach of Kaminia.

Poros

Poros is an attractive coastal settlement located 40 km south west of Argostoli. Today it has a population of about 1100 inhabitants. Built around a marvelous landscape of lush green forests, Poros is also home to a picturesque port that serves itineraries to Patra and Killini, in Peloponnese.

Assos

Assos is a small and charming village located 36 km north of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. Today, it counts about one hundred inhabitants and is one of the most charming spots of the island. Dominated by the ruins of a 16th century Venetian castle, the village of Assos is built on a small peninsula reflecting a beautiful and warm atmosphere. The traditional architecture, the peaceful landscape and the pebbled beaches compose the natural beauty of Assos. A stroll around the narrow alleys reveals colorful houses with pink and white blooms, lovely paths and old churches. Little taverns perched on the quayside overlooking the bay attract most of the visitors.

Agia Efimia

Agia Efimia is a coastal picturesque village 32 km northeast of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. It lies around the natural bay and it is home to a small and lovely port where fishing and excursion boats moor. The village of Agia Efimia is named after Saint Efimia and the village holds a Festival in Saint Efimia's honour each year on 11th July. Over the years the village of Agia Efimia has become one of the island's major attractions and every summer the streets of the village throb with activity. The village offers a nice choice of accommodation for all tastes and budgets. The beautiful beaches, the paved streets and the beautiful architecture compose the unique setting of the village.

Kourkoumelata

Is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and impressive villages of Kefalonia. Without being extremely famous among tourists and Greek travelers, Kourkoumelata distinguishes for its remarkable views to the endless sea and its unique layout. It is located 10 km from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. This idyllic village was totally destroyed by the major earthquake of 1953 but it was completely rebuilt with the financial support of the shipowner Giorgos Vergotis who managed to reconstruct the entire village according to the neoclassical architectural tendencies of those times. Kourkoumelata is considered the most elegant settlement in Kefalonia with well-maintained beautiful buildings known for their rich and diverse architecture. However, apart from these magnificent structures, the colorful and well-cared gardens are the main attraction of Kourkoumelata that is really worth admiring.

Sights in Kefalonia

Mount Ainos
Mount Ainos , standing at a height of 1,628 m is the tallest mountain in the Ionian Islands. Aenos was totally covered with dark green fir forests in ancient times. Much later during the period of the Venetian rule it became widely known as Monte Negro – or “black mountain” - because its forests gave it a dark appearance when viewed from afar. In 1963 Mount Aenos was declared a National Park by the Greek State. The largest part of Mount Aenos is covered exclusively by the unique Kefalonia fir species (abies cephalonica). The forest flora also includes many species of wild flowers and mushrooms, and its fauna includes various species of reptiles, birds such as the woodpecker, blackbird, and hawk, as well as mammals. These include the horses of Aenos, a species unfortunately threatened with extinction. They belong to the Pindos breed of horses and are small, strong and have great power and endurance.

Drogarati Cave

Consists of two caverns, the first of which was once an extension of the main cave. The part of the cave that is now opened to the public consists of a large chamber about 100 m long. This is divided into two areas by massive stone blocks that have broken away from the roof, forming a natural platform decorated with translucent stalactites, called the Royal Balcony. It has exceptionally good acoustics and has been converted into a concert hall seating an audience of 500.

Melissani Lake/Grotto

Is a unique geological phenomenon located 2 km northwest of Sami. The lake is 20m below the surface, is about 160m long and the depth of the water ranges from 10-40 m. Stalactites with an age of 20.000 years and odd shapes adorn most of the cave. Part of its roof has collapsed, admitting sunshine into its interior. This reflects off the water and creates wonderful images. The effect is enchanting especially when the sun’s rays fall vertically on the surface of the water, causing its still, green blue depths to shimmer and sparkle.

Katavothres

Katavothres is located 2 kilometres north of Argostoli on the island of Kefalonia. One of the most important geological phenomenon observed here is the seawater flows through underground tunnels and lands on the other side of the island near to the village of Karavomilos and in the caves of Melissani. Scientists have proven this in the '60s by throwing dyes in the water. In Katavothres are water mills which were used because of the strong streams. 500 meters from Katavothres is the lighthouse of Agioi Theodoroi.

Omala - Saint Gerasimos Monastery

Saint(Agios) Gerasimos : The island’s protector with the holly grave and its miraculous cave. Saint Gerasimos, born in 1503 in Trikala Thessaly,was ordained a monk at Mount Athos, then went to Jerusalem where he lived for 12 years, passed to Crete and Zakynthos to finally arrives in Kefalonia where he died in August 16th, 1579.Agios Gerasimos was known for his miraculous abilities to cure people with mental illnesses. His Monastery is the largest and most famous of all Kefalonia. It is situated in the south of the island near the villages of Valsamata and Fragata on Omala plateau, 400 meters above sea level.