Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and perhaps one of the most mountainous. Over eighty-five percent of the island is composed of rugged hilly terrain. Mount Ainos at the southern end of the island soars to a peak of 1628 meters and comprises a national park, featuring the rare Abies cephalonica fir trees and a unique band of wild horses believed to be descended from the steeds of Alexander the Great. From the slopes of Mount Ainos, the visitor can enjoy a panoramic view of the north-western Peloponnese and Aetolia as well as the islands of Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaka.
To the west of Mount Ainos is Argostoli, which has been the capital and administrative center of Kefalonia since 1757. Most of Argostoli was destroyed by the massive earthquake of 1953, but the city, which sits on a beautiful natural harbor, has been rebuilt, and you can still visit the medieval Castle of St. George on the hill above Argostoli. Like most of the Greek islands, Kefalonia has seen more than its fair share of foreign occupiers, and the Castle was built by Venetians between 1500 and 1540 on a site occupied since Byzantine times. A second larger castle is located north of Argostoli. Assos Castle was constructed in the late 16th century and was used as a prison first by the Venetians and subsequently by the Germans during their occupation of Kefalonia in World War II.
There are two museums well worth visiting in Argostoli.The Archaeological Museum on G. Vergoti Street houses an impressive collection of Mycenaean artefacts from Kefalonia’s rich prehistoric past. The Korgialenios History and Folklore Museum exhibits local costumes, furniture and household items, as well as historical archives.
To the east of Argostoli lies the beautiful Koutavos lagoon, home to a wide variety of birds as well as Caretta caretta, a protected species of Loggerhead sea turtles. You may also spot Mediterranean monk seals swimming in the azure waters off Kefalonia. The many sea caves along the rocky coast provide refuge for these increasingly rare mammals. The Museum of Natural History of Kefalonia and Ithaka in Davgata, about 5 km north of Argostoli, gives the visitor a good overview of the environmental history of Kefalonia.
A holiday in Kefalonia offer access to some of the best beached in the Greek Isles. Sandy or pebbly, washed by the crystal clear blue and turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, the beaches and sea caves of Kefalonia can be accessed from land or water. Near the town of Sami on the eastern shore of Kefalonia are two remarkable land caves: The subterranean lake of Melissani cave can be explored by rowboat, and spectacular stalactite-filled Drogorati cave is over 150 million years old.
The town of Sami is also famous for the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, which was filmed here in the summer of 2000. Situated on a wide bay, Sami was a prosperous timber port in ancient times. At the northern tip of Kefalonia is the village of Fiskardo, a jewel of well-preserved architecture.
