Legend has it that Kefalonia is named after Kefalos, son of
Hermes, one of the twelve gods of the Olympic Pantheon. With
a father renowned for bringing a stroke of luck, we believe
that this island will live up to its mythological associations and
will reflect the nature of your magnificent stay here!
There were settlements here in 50,000BC long
before the modern Mediterranean had taken
shape. Wood from the prized Kefalonian fir trees,
named Abies Cephalonica after its native island,
has even been found in the Minoan Palace at
Knossos in Crete.
By the 7th century BC the island had already
established democratic rule, when it was split
into four kingdoms, city states with government
by consensus. Perhaps this explains why
Kefalonians, who have had so many different
nations wanting to possess and rule their lovely
island over the centuries, have such a healthy
disregard for unnecessary bureaucracy.
Individuality, genuine friendliness and a
marvellous sense of humour characterise the
island people. Kefalonia has some of the most
dramatic scenery in the region, such as the
national park of Mount Ainos, the Ionian Islands
highest peak, with its famous fir forests and
elusive wild ponies left behind by the Crusaders.
The spectacular caves of Melissani and
Drogarati near Sami, the magnificent sea cliffs of
the northwest coast near Assos and picturesque
villages such as Fiskardo, it is easy to understand
why so many visitors return year after year.
The island has seen some commercial tourist
development in areas around Lassi near Argostoli
and Skala, further south. Here one can find some
of the best beaches with the cleanest water in the
Mediterranean, however they may be crowded in
high and peak season.
Although all of our properties are situated in much
quieter areas of the island, a visit to the beaches
Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos near Lassi or
the fine sandy beach at Skala can be great fun,
especially if there are children in the party. Greeks
in general and the Kefalonians in particular still
believe in the principle of the extended family.
This is the perfect island for a family holiday.
Friendships quickly develop, especially when the
common language is laughter.
On the other hand Kefalonia has so much to offer
those wishing for a quieter holiday away from it all.
Some of the best walking in Greece can be found
here, especially in the undeveloped Erissos peninsula
in the north.
Take a leisurely coastal stroll through forests of oak
and strawberry trees to an empty cove, often with
its own tiny chapel set amongst the olive groves.
Venture through the old wheat fields and vineyards
of Vari, now reclaimed by carpets of wild flowers in
spring and autumn, or join a guided expedition from
coast to coast with a knowledgeable local guide.
Walking in parts of Kefalonia is as far removed from
the crowded footways of other parts of Europe as
one could imagine.
Kefalonia is an island for all seasons. The surrounding
sea has long been a mecca for yachtsmen, but
nowadays the land-based visitor also has the
opportunity to explore Kefalonia by water.
Its said that you cant have your cake and eat it.
Possibly not, but surely the next best thing must be to
stay in a comfortable waterside villa or apartment with
the use of a motor boat to reach any one of a dozen
or more little coves only accessible by sea; return in
the evening to a friendly taverna serving an island
speciality such as Kefalonian meat pie!
The islands romantic associations go back long
before a certain Italian soldier plucked his mandolin,
won the heart of a local girl and invited Hollywood
over for a visit.
Poros in the south and Agios Spiridion in the Lixouri
peninsula both have strong claims to be the site of
Odysseus palace. Here the ever faithful Penelope
waited ten years for the return of her husband.
Much later Lord Byron, perhaps the most romantic
poet of a very romantic age, stayed on the island at
Metaxata near Argostoli. Here he is commemorated
by a statue in the small plateia where his house once
stood. It was from Kefalonia that he set sail on his
last voyage to the mainland in support of the struggle
for Greek independence. The Kefalonian people took
him into their hearts and even today O Vyronos as he
was called, is spoken of with great affection.
A week in a restored cottage surrounded by orange
trees, wild rosemary on terrace walls with the moon
rising above Ithaka might not be romantic enough, but
a fortnight certainly would.
Kefalonia is the home of Ionian Island Holidays, so
although we may have to plead guilty to a slight bias,
we would love to share our home island with you.
SATURDAY FLIGHT
London Gatwick or Manchester direct to Kefalonia Airport
Transfers
You will be transferred at to your accommodation by coach or taxi. Where applicable hire cars will be waiting for you to the accommodation.
Approx Time:
Assos - 50 mins, Fiskardo - 1 hour 10 mins.
Highlights of Kefalonia
Explore secluded coves around Fiskardo in your own motor boat
3 island cruise: Skorpios, Lefkada & Meganisi
Visit Melissanis underground lake
See the stalactites and stalagmites of Drogarati Cave
Tour the Robola winery
Enjoy Kefalonias 11 Blue Flag beaches including Myrtos Beach near Assos
Horse riding in the Sami area
Visit the peak of Mount Ainos (1627m) the highest mountain in the Ionian
Visit St. Gerassimos monastery
Snorkeling tour with the Marine Adventure
Natural history, dolphin spotting and mythical Ithaka tour from Fiskardo
Visit the ancient Venetian remains at St. Georges Castle and Assos
Visit the Archaeological and Folk Art museum in Argostoli
Celebrate St. Gerassimos feast days: 16th August & 20th October
Visit FNECs nautical and environmental museum in Fiskardo
