Page 9 - Ionian and Aegean Island Holidays: Online Brochure

KEFALONIA

KEFALONIA

Kefalonia, is the largest island in the Ionian and has
some of the most spectacular scenery. There are the
famous fir forests of Mount Ainos, the spectacular
caves of Melisani and Drogorati, magnificent
sea-cliffs in the west and the gentler beauty of
Erissos Peninsulas in the north.

It’s easy to understand why so many visitors return to Kefalonia is an island of contrasts: the high mountains
Kefalonia year after year. As well as the stunning natural of the interior separate landscapes and ways of life that
beauty of the island, the Kefalonian people are genuinely are uniquely different; south to north, east to west, each
friendly and possess a marvellous sense of humour. region has its own distinctive atmosphere.

Popularised by the hit Hollywood movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Fiskardo
Mandolin’, the island has become a ‘must visit’ destination. Tucked into the northern tip of Kefalonia and lined with
However, despite its increasing popularity, it seems able elegant Venetian houses, Fiskardo was spared by a quirk
to soak up a lot of people without feeling at all crowded. of geology from the devastation of the Great Earthquake
in 1953. Natural beauty, an intriguing history, attractive
A cosmopolitan history, that includes rule by the Turks and waterfront shops and tavernas and the comings and
the Venetians, has left behind a wealth of sites of cultural goings of fishing boats, ferries and yachts, Fiskardo has it
and historical interest. As well as Venetian fortresses and all but on an intimate scale and with none of the brashness
various Roman ruins, there’s an ancient acropolis that of the larger Mediterranean resorts.
predates its more famous counterpart in Athens. British
designed roads and bridges are a legacy from the period Assos
when they governed the island in the early 1800s. The main coast road from Argostoli, Kefalonia’s capital,
to Fiskardo rivals any of the more renowned corniches of
m 10 the French Riviera. Constructed over two centuries ago
km 10 Dafnoudi Beach
Emblisi Beach by the islanders it is a marvel of civil engineering and
To Ithaka hard manual labour, allowing the modern traveller access
& Lefkada
Antipata•• Fiskardo
Markandonata• • Katsarata to one of the island’s most historic settlements; the tiny
Manganos•
Foki Beach
Tzamarelata• • Matsoukata harbour and village of Assos, with its clifftop fortress and
Vigli•
Touliata• • Evreti sheltered cove. Just a few minutes drive away is the world
• Assos To Ithaka famous Myrtos Beach, a crescent of white shingle and
Myrtos Beach & Lefkada sand enclosed by towering cliffs.
To Patras (mainland)
Agia Efimia• The South Coast
Petani Beach Antisamos Beach
Argostoli, the island’s thriving capital, rebuilt since the
Melissani Cave• earthquake in 1953, is the gateway to the southwest coast,
• Sami with its superb blue flag beaches. Lassi, Platis Gialos
Drogarati Cave• and Skala are the most popular but there are many other
Lixouri• Ragia Beach smaller stretches of sand tucked in secluded coves. Just
• Argostoli KEFALONIA a few miles inland is a different world altogether; fertile
Kourkomelata• Mt. Ainos• Poros• valleys fed by springs from the Ionian Islands highest
Makris Gialos ✈ •Svoronata peak, Mount Ainos are still cultivated for vines, wheat
AIRPORT Pessada• Skala• and vegetables. Traditional villages, historic castles and
Ai Heli Beach monasteries connected by traffic free lanes through fields
Lourdas Beach
Avithos Beach and woodland lend themselves to gentle exploration.
To Zakynthos From the summit of Mount Ainos, a rewarding expedition
on foot, one can view virtually the whole of the Ionian.

Book online or call us on 020 8459 0777 07