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| 'Captain Corelli’s Mandolin' the book by Louis de Bernières really captivated me. I loved particular this quote: ‘The half-forgotten island of Cefalonia rises improvidently and inadvisedly from the Ionian sea: it is an island so immense in antiquity that the very rocks themselves exhale nostalgia and the red earth lies stupified not only by the sun but by the impossible weight of memory’ His book and the film, made sure Kefalonia is no longer a half forgotten island and propelled our book 'Landmark Visitors Guide Kefalonia', now on its 3rd edition, to a best seller for the island in the guide book stakes. No Greek island is quite the same as another no matter how physically close they may lie and Kefalonia stands out as a different experience which has already gathered a following of devotees intent on returning year after year. Scenery makes the first impression, it is so different to its Ionian neighbours. Not here the luscious green mantle of Corfu or the pastoral ambience of Zante, instead fir-capped limestone mountains thrust high to meet an achingly blue sky. A jumble of scenic cameos follow one by one around an indented coastline with picturesque headlands, bays, peninsulas, inlets within inlets and beaches of silver and gold. If nature provides the backcloth, people and culture provide the interest. The tradition of friendliness found throughout the Ionian Islands is found in good measure on Kefalonia. Do not expect to see an old way of life on the island. Kefalonia's cultural heritage may well stretch back to Mycenaean times, and there are rich traces still to be seen around the island, but the thread of history is not continuous. A massive earthquake in 1953 proved to be one of those staggering events which totally reset the course of the island. It emerged from total devastation to rebuild from the ruins but old ways, old habits and old customs disappeared with the earthquake only to be reborn in modern ways in new surroundings. Now the island looks to tourism and its resorts are in the development phase. There is no headlong rush, the path into tourism is being taken quite slowly and it is wrong to think of the island as one great builders yard. Most of the resorts are comparatively small but all the services are in place to help the visitor make the most of the day but not necessarily of the night. It is a place to relax, to enjoy the beach, catch some sightseeing, delve into Mycenaean history, eat well and feel content. Kefalonia is really two islands for the price of one. Just a short sail away is Ithaka, another island awaiting exploration. Homeric associations lie around every corner and it is a place to let fantasies run freely while exploring its harbours and villages. Hotspots not to be missed on Kefalonia: Argostoli: good waterside atmosphere, delightful main square, pedestrianised shopping, excellent fruit market and museums Assos: scenic position on the neck of a peninsula, natural beauty, intimate atmosphere and Venetian castle. Fiskardo: delightful yachting harbour, atmospheric water front, ancient remains Melissani cave: Watery cave explored by boat Dragorati cave: cave to explore on foot Myrtos beach: scenic beach of silver sand Lassi and Gialos beaches: golden sandy beaches, water sports and tourist facilities. Ithaka (Ithaki): mountainous island, pretty fishing villages and attractive main town. from Landmark VG Kefalonia by Brian & Eileen Anderson Accommodation: check out Vivian Villas Back to Contents see also Walk & Eat Kefalonia Back to Greece |
Moni Ag. Agrilion near Antisamos beach
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