More about Kefalonia

Kefalonia is dominated by a range of wooded hills and one of the highest mountains in Greece (Mount Aenos 1628 M around 5,350 ft ). These hills descend dramatically to the shoreline creating exciting coves and caves to explore along the coast.

Despite being the largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia can easily be explored thanks to an excellent road network - the smaller roads however, are merely dirt tracks.

The success of the movie, 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' which was set in Kefalonia, show-cased the beauty of the island to such an extent that it draws more and more tourists every year.

Many of the old traditional buildings on Kefalonia were destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 and consequently most of the resorts are architecturally uninspiring.

Tip: Take a torch to find your accommodation after a night out. Many streets are unlit and conceal dangerous pot-holes.

Excursions:

• The main architectural attraction on the island is the roman villa on the outskirts of Skala which dates to the 2nd century. A superb set of mosaics have been well-preserved on the floors of the site depicting scenes from the time they were laid

• In 2000 Hollywood took over the town of Sami for the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin which was set in war-time Kefalonia.

• Boat trips go inside to the so-called Cave of Nymphs with its huge caverns carved deep into the rock.

• Myrtos Bay (above) is one of the most photographed on Kefalonia.

• Further afield is the Drogarati cave with its unusual stalagmites and stalagtites. One of the natural 'halls' in the rock has perfect acoustics and is occasionally used for music concerts.
• In August every year the village of Markopoulo becomes home to thousands of harmless snakes which disappear into the local church as part of their migratory ritual.
• Coach/ferry trips to Athens - two days from Poros.
• Boat trips to Zakynthos
• Mantzavinata winery

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