Kefalonia- A cocktail of myths and mystery, within an area of 688sq.km. It is the largest of the seven Ionian islands but with around only 45,000 inhabitants, it is not the most populated. The island is largely unspoilt with low- profile tourism., a very low crime rate and a rich cultural heritage. Lying almost opposite the entrance to the Gulf of Patras, it is located between Leftkas to the north and Zakynthos(Zante), in the south. Mountains dominate the island with the highest peak Mt. Ainos,in the south reaching an altitude of 1.626m. but there are as many as 10 peaks topping 900m.

 

There was a time when Mount Ainos was heavily forested with Abies Cephalonica(the endemic, unique kefalonian fir)In mass the trees look very dark which led the Venetians to call this range 'Monte Nero' or 'The Black Mountain'This area has been declared as a National Park. Flowers abound in spring- orchids being especially prominent,some 31 different species, recorded so far.The fauna is surprisingly good too: foxes, hares, weasels, pine martens and hedgehogs. Tortoises are around in great numbers. 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.

 

 Because of its huge, natural wealth, Kefalonia was, like all the other Ionian islands, dominated by various civilizations such as the Byzantine, the Frankish, the Ottoman, the Venetian but also the Napoleonic and the British Empires. During WW2, Kefalonia was under Italian and German domination and the capitulation of Italy led to the massacre of 5000 italian soldiers; this event inspired the writer 'Louis de Bernieres' to pen the famous novel 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', which became a hollywood movie. Apart from the capital Argostoli, Kefalonia has a wealth of small resorts and picturesque villages where you can relax, enjoy the beach, catch some sight seeing,delve into Myceanean history, eat well and feel content!