Kefalonia Holidays
"A gorgeous island, with beautiful beaches and sapphire blue waters, Kefalonia is the ideal place to relax. "
An idyllic island, which blends beautiful natural scenery, with temperate weather and a host of fun activities. It is the ideal location to enjoy a traditional beach holiday and its coastline is filled with sandy beaches, which lead to the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea. Kefalonia is home to luscious green scenery that can be found inland, making it perfect for active people who want to get out and explore. Kefalonia is the ideal destination for enjoying a sophisticated family holiday boasting great food, a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful nature. It has been awarded with 10 Blue Flag Beaches some of which consist of pale sand or fine multicoloured shingle. For a day trip you can choose to go on a short boat ride to an island laying off the northeast coast of Kefalonia called Ithaca the home of the mythological hero Odysseus.
Chris
Greece Holiday Specialist
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Kefalonia Travel Guide
At A Glance:
Highlights:
Location
The Ionian island is located west of mainland Greece. It is known for its limestone cliffs, secluded bays and gorgeous golden beaches, making it ideal for people who want to have a classic beach holiday. The island is fairly small when compared to some of the other islands, with an area of 786 kilometres and a population of 35, 801.
Weather
Kefalonia has a traditional Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, making it a fantastic holiday destination. The best time to visit is between June and August when temperatures regularly sit in the mid-twenties, with the hottest month being August (25 degrees). Elevated areas can be slightly cooler during the summer with cool breezes to off-set the heat of summer. Hot weather often begins in May and can continue late into October, making this destination a great place to visit throughout the year.
History and Culture
In Greek mythology, Kefalonia is the spot where a young refugee from Athens, called Kefalos, landed and defeated a group of people known as the Tafi. The island shows evidence of inhabitation from more than 10,000 years ago, ensuring that it has a good history, specifically, in the middle ages. It was then, in 886-912 AD that Kefalonia was made capital of the Ionian islands. It was conquered by the Ottomans in 1479 and remained under the rule until the Napoleonic wars, when it fell under British control. Finally joining the rest of mainland Greece in 1864.
Cuisine
With an excellent culinary tradition visitors are sure to enjoy tasting the delicious Kreatopita, a mixed-meat pie wrapped in a flaky pastry is a must, or the tasty chicken or beef sofigido, a thick tomato stew with wine and cloves, which is Kefalonia’s version of the more famous stifado. The island also offers a great selection of fresh fish dishes, alongside some delicious local wines, making it the perfect destination for food lovers.
Family Activities
A place of unique natural beauty, it features an array of activities that are perfectly suited for children. Foremost, there are many beaches, which come sandy or pebbled and provide a variety of watersports, including snorkelling and surfing. There is also a wide selection of great inland areas, including mountains, waterfalls and luscious forests for families who want to hike around the beautiful scenery on their family holiday. Stables, are plentiful on the island for anyone who wants to explore the beautiful scenery from the back of a horse.
Tours and Attractions
The best thing about Kefalonia are the many beaches that decorate its coastline, such as Antisamos Beach, where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed or Petani Beach famous for the great watersports that it offers. There is also a great selection of nature inland, with hiking and camping popular on the island, while, the Melissani Cave, is a beautiful underground spot, known in Greek myth for being the place where a nymph committed suicide.
Events and Festivities
The island hosts all the traditional Greek religious events, alongside the Robola Wine Festival, which takes place during the third weekend of August in Fragata. This includes a range of delicious local wines, along with traditional dancing and music that lasts long into the night. The capital Argostoli also hosts an international music festival in late August, which combines international and local music, and is a great cultural event, which visitors are sure to enjoy.
Entertainment
The best nightlife in Kefalonia is found in the capital, Argostoli, replete with modern clubs, trendy bars and big discos, there are plenty of places to dance the night away with refreshing drinks and a fun atmosphere. Parties can also be found in other places like Sami, Skala, Fiscardo, Lixouri and Poros. The other parts of the island are perfect for relaxing times, looking out over the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
Kefalonia Holiday Blogs
Special Offers in Kefalonia, Greece
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