"KEFALLONIA" Top 5 Page for this destination Cefalonia Island by Christianne

Cefalonia Island Travel Guide: 149 reviews and 291 photos

Kefallonia (Kefalonia) is the largest of the Ionian Islands and the sixth of all the Greek Islands, with a surface of 688.8 square kilometres. To the north-east of Kefallonia is situated Ithaki which is separated from Kefallonia with a channel of 3-4 kilometres.
A few historical facts
The human presence on the island dates back to the Paleolithic period.
During the Mycenaen period the island was flourishing and had connection with Ithaki, Lefkada and the far-off Cyclades which was terminates in 1500 B.C. probably because of the explosion of the volcano of Santorini.
The island is mostly mountainous, the most mountainous from the Ionian Islands.Ainos' highest peak is Megas Soros at the 1628 metres.
As for all the other mountains, such as Roudi, Sela, Vrohonas, Omorfia and Avgo their highest peaks are not more than 1000 metres.
In Kefallonia I spent most of my summers since my childhood.

Mountain

Kefallonia and Ithaki create the Prefecture of Kefallonia . The capital is Argostoli which is the largest town and the capital of the Province (Eparchia) of Kranea.
Lixouri is the capital of the second Province (Eparchia) with the name Paliki.
The third Province is Sami with its capital Sami. See more on my Sami page.
Before the destructive earthquake of 1953 Kefallonia had almost 365 villages. Nowadays, remain only 200 villages most of them located next to the coast and some of them in the plains.

Myrtos

Kefallonia is connected to the other part of Greece through the airport of Argostoli and the ports of Sami, Poros and Agia Efimia. It has laso connection with the other Ionian Islans and Astakos in Epirus.
For more information on the itineraries of the boats, check out my transportation tips.
It is believed that Kefallonia took its name from the hero Cephalus (Kefalos).
It is also believed that "cephales" comes from the worl "cephales" refering to its mountains or to the fact that it is the biggest Ionian Island.

According to the Hellenic Mythology, the first Kefallonians were the Taphioi (or Teleboes) named after their first King Taphios who was the son of the god Poseidon and Hippothoe.
When Amphitryon, king of Theba declared the war to Pterelaos, king of Kefallonia, Kefalos, who lived in Attica, helped the king of Theba to win the war.
Amphitryon, gave Kefallonia to Kefalos as present for his help.
Kefalos became the king of Kefallonia.
The four main town of the island were named after his four sons:
-Krani after his son Kranios
-Samos or Sami after his son Samos
-Pali after his son Paleus
-Pronni after his son Pronessos
These four town remained autonomous till the Roman conquest of Greece as well as their were independent from each other.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Picturesque and unusual island!

Last visit to Cefalonia Island: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Oct 8, 2005
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Reviews (25)

POROS-MUNICIPALITY OF ELIOS-PRONNOI Favorites (13)

Poros is the biggest district of new Elios-Pronnoi municipality. Is a beautiful,colourful village, surrounded by the... more travel advice

LIXOURI-MUNICIPALITY OF PALLIKI Favorites (13)

Lixouri is located on the Paliki peninsula opposite Argostoli and Lassi. It is second largest town on the island.... more travel advice

Lithostroto-Argostoli - Cefalonia Island

ARGOSTOLI-THE CAPITAL Favorites (13)

The Drapanos Bridge, at the harbour which dates back to the period of the British protection, connects the town with... more travel advice

FISKARDO-MUNICIPALITY OF ERISSOS Favorites (13)

Fiskardo ( old Panormos) is situated at the northern part of Kefallonia and it is famous for its architecture and... more travel advice

Things to Do (3)
See All THE LITTLE SNAKES OF THE VIRGIN OF...
Local Customs (2)
See All KEFALLONIAN MEAT PIE ( KREATOPITA)...

Shopping (4)
See All MANDOLES
Transportation (3)
See All KTEL

Comments (9)

mustertal Jan 14, 2010 at 5:32 AM Report Abuse

I've enjoyed reading your pages, this is another place for me to visit.
col&mand Sep 3, 2007 at 2:27 PM Report Abuse

we've been wondering what was in a cefalonia meat pie for years, the tour reps just kept us guessing what was inside, that was 16 years ago and now thx to you we have found out, we loved the island and we will visit again.
ShanaRo Jul 17, 2006 at 2:06 PM Report Abuse

Hi, i'd like to ask u how can i get to this island without going to Patras first. For exemple can i get there from Igoumenita?or anywhere closer to that? If u could answer that would be great! Thanks
debs1 May 22, 2006 at 2:01 AM Report Abuse

can u get to this beach on foot
Ruthwi Feb 20, 2004 at 5:35 AM Report Abuse

Great Page - I went to Cefalonia last year and thought it was fantastic!! Will definately go there again!
ettenaj Dec 28, 2003 at 9:30 AM Report Abuse

I must try these menus they sound great
mangueirense Jul 31, 2003 at 1:12 PM Report Abuse

I saw the film Corellis Mandolin which seems to be filmed on this special island and loved the place, would definitely want to go there to see it with my own eyes!!!
Rale Mar 20, 2003 at 9:12 PM Report Abuse

Nice information and pics!
dsantosh Mar 13, 2003 at 11:59 PM Report Abuse

Excellant page...Truly professional...great job.....simply fantastic