Kefalonia Island
Kefalonia, the largest island of the Ionian Sea, is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands for the richness, variety and harmony of its natural beauties. A perfect mix of sea, beaches, mountains, verdant plains, flora and fauna. The island is ideal for a direct contact with nature. It's long coastline extends for 237 km offering 39 beautiful pebbly and sandy beaches.
The coast of Kefalonia is quite varied, offering powerful contrasting landscapes. Stretches of sandy beaches on shallow crystal waters, white pebbles, large and small creeks (many still unexplored) offering the best Greek beaches, among the best in the world. Along the coasts of Kefalonia live rare sea animals, in danger of extinction, like the “Monk seal” and the "Careta-Careta" sea turtle.
The shape and the limestone stratification of Kefalonia determines the presence of important geological phenomena all over the island (such as the corrosion of the limestone that gives life to caves, abysses, etc.). Particularly interesting are the caves of Melissani, Agalaki, Saint Theodoron, Zervati, Drogarati & Sakou . These geological phenomena are are very interesting especially with regard to the behavior of waters. Not by chance that Kefalonia has been called the island of the "bizarre", because of its numerous and unusual natural phenomena, such as moving rocks, waters that disappear, strange flowers and more.
Agios Thomas beach
Agios Thomas consists of two sandy beaches which are the closest to the village of Karavados and is 12 km away from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. The first beach is small with soft sand and right above it there is a picturesque tavern. Next to the beach there is a rocky slab that ends in the crystal blue waters and is an alternative spot for sunbathing. Above it there is a snack bar offering refreshing shadow, cold drinks and a beautiful view over the bay. The second beach is larger and reachable through a rocky path.
The combination of the sandy coves surrounded my enchanting lush greenery and the rocky slabs will leave you speechless.
Agios Thomas presents a special gelogical , paleontological, aesthetic and mythological interest and it is part of the Kefalonian geopark.
Find out more : Geosite no17: Agios Thomas
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Argostoli - Capital
Argostoli is the island's capital since 1757. It is a modern town, which preserves its traditional character, built amphitheatrically with a view of the Koutavous lagoon, which is a crossing area for the migratory birds. The city has many neoclassical buildings, big squares, churches and remarkable cultural activity.
Myrtos Beach
Myrtos Beach is a one-mile stretch of white shingle backed by steep limestone cliff
Is often lauded as one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece with its mile-and-a-half long arc of dazzling white pebbles that cuts deep into a sheer cliff on the island’s northwest coast. Film buffs will recognise it as the location for the mine explosion in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and the first time you catch sight of it from the coast road high above is truly memorable.
Melissani Cave
Melissani Cave (Greek: Μελισσάνη) or Melissani Lake, also Melisani is a cave located on the island of Kefalonia, northwest of Sami, about 5 km SE of Agia Efthymia, NE of Argostoli and NW of Poros. The Ionian Sea lies to the east with the Strait of Ithaca. Forests surrounds the cave and the mountain slope is to the west. Near the cave is the entry to the cave with parking lots and is passed almost in the middle of the main road linking Sami and Agia Efimia especially to the northern part of the island.
In Greek mythology, Melissani was the Cave of the Nymphs. It features a lake surrounded with trees and forest, and is located east of the mountains of Evmorfia and Agia Dynati. Tourism is common.
The lake's bottom is covered with stones. Plants grow at the opening of the cave. The color of the stone near the opening is stucco to honey-like brown. The cave was rediscovered in 1951.
Drogarati Cave
The Drogarati Cave in Kefalonia was discovered 300 years ago and opened to the public in 1963. It was discovered when a strong earthquake caused a collapse that revealed the cave's entrance.
Drogarati is an impressive cave with remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Speleologists say that this cave is about 150 million years old and constitutes a rare geological phenomenon.The cave is about 60m deep and has a constant temperature of 18ΊC. The humidity of the cave reaches 90%.
Makris gialos beach
Makris Gialos is a nice tourist resort that lies around a beautiful and crystalline bay. It is located 4 km south of Argostoli,the capital of Kefalonia. It is one of the most frequented beaches of Kefalonia, popular for its shiny golden sand, the azure and clean waters. Similar to most of the island's beaches, Makris Gialos boasts a stunning landscape with dense vegetation and tall pine trees. Some rock formations are scattered creating an exotic atmosphere.
Due to its close proximity to the main town, Makris Gialos has become an important pole of attraction for tourists and Greek travelers. During the summer, the well-organized beach is a famous meeting point. It is easily accessed by all means of transport. There is a beach bar and a water sports center available.
Agios Theodoros lighthouse
The Agios Theodori lighthouse was built in 1829 under the British administration of Sir Charles Napier, and then rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1875. It's become one of the distinctive symbols of Kefalonia, and still operates as a lighthouse guiding passing boats around the rocky peninsula into Argostoli harbour.
Monastery & Cave of St Gerasimos
The Monastery of Agios (St.) Gerasimos is the most holy Church of the island. It is build located in the village Omala, at the top of the green valley with 40 wells, near the villages Fragata and Balsamata.Agios Gerasimos is the patron saint of Kefalonia, and its relic is kept in the monastery, in a silver urn. Agios Gerasimos was a monk from Trikala of Corinth and founded the monastery in the 16th century, renovating an older one, which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Agios Gerasimos died in 1597 and sanctified in 1622. He became famous for his miraculous abilities on people suffering from mental illness. The monastery is impressive, with a chapel and a new church with very rich decoration.Below the Monastery (in early years the Monastery was in front) is a cave, built by Agios Gerasimos, where he held his daily prayeres. Pilgrims from all over Greece come to pray and honor the saint here.
Mountain Ainos - National Park
Mt. Ainos is the only National Park situated on a Greek Island. You will find it on Kefalonia Island in the Ionian Sea! The park stretches over 3,000 hectares and its highest peak is Megas Soros that reaches 1,628 m. What is so special about this Park is that a singlespecies of fir called Abies Cephalonica grows at altitudes of 600-1,600 metres and covers ⅔ of the park’s area. This endemic species was classified by British JW Loudon in 1838. As impressive as this forest might be you will also be amazed by your encounter with the small semi-wild horses (Equus caballus) which you’ll see mostly at the SE side of the mountain.Mt. Ainos was first declared as a National Park in 1962 and houses the heart of Kefalonia’s biodiversity. Visitors and environmentalists flock to Mt. Ainos as it is the island’s most precious reserve. Hop into your car and head towards the mountain where you can explore nature by hiking.
