An unforgettable holiday in Kefalonia. Holidays on the island of Kefalonia - what you need to know? Kefalonia Ionian Sea
Kefalonia - the island of seafarers, an island of beaches where nymphs gather and miracles happen. The island got its name from the hero Cephalus from ancient Greek mythology.
Kefalonia is the most big Island in the group of seven Ionian islands. It is located between the islands of Zakynthos and Lefkada almost in the center of the Ionian Sea. The area of the island of Kefalonia is 671 square meters. km, and its length coastline stretches for 250 km.
Since May 2013 to the island of Kefalonia started for the first time direct weekly charter flights from Moscow, which together with the existing ones charters from St. Petersburg making the island of Kefalonia more accessible to tourists from Russia. Kefalonia is connected by air (30 minutes) and ferry (1.5 hours) connections.
Complex tours Zakynthos – Kefalonia are in particular demand for holidays on the islands of Greece, because you can fly to one island and fly back from your vacation from another. The islands complement each other, and the impressions from your tourist trip will be twice as great.
Holidays on the Island of Kefalonia in Greece.
At first glance, Kefalonia is a mountainous and harsh island. As you move along the serpentine road leading along the coast, landscapes of amazing fabulous beauty open up around every turn: a sea of incredible blue, framed by rocky bays with beaches, and green islands of seaside villages. Vineyards, myrtle and olive groves with trembling leaves of trees emitting an almost metallic sound, as well as distinctive coastal towns with yachts and small fishing boats moored at the embankments, complete the landscape picture of the island of Kefalonia.
The island of Kefalonia captivates travelers with grape valleys, slopes with cypress alleys and pine air. Kefalonia immerses tourists in an atmosphere of relaxation and gives joy! The hospitality and cordiality of the Greek residents towards the Russians proves that there is an invisible spiritual connection between the two countries.
Holidays on the island of Kefalonia are distinguished by their regularity and tranquility.
Cities and resorts about. Kefalonia.
The capital of the island of Kefalonia is city of Argostoli. 10 km from the capital is international Airport, which receives flights from Athens and charter flights.
The city of Argostoli was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1953 with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale. It's seething here today modern life, and at night a vacation “party” is added in discos, clubs and bars.
Patron of the Island of Kefalonia – Saint Gerasim, who lived as a hermit in the Katavotres cave 2.5 km from the monastery near Argostoli.
Ferry services operate from the main port of Argostoli, as well as Sami, Poros and Fiskado.
Sami is the second port of the island and the main gate for ferries from Italy, Patras, Astakos and Lefkas. Port Sami became the main filming location for the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” with the participation of N. Cage and P. Cruz.
The main resort towns of the island of Kefalonia: Skala, Lixouri, Lassi.
The beach season on the island of Kefalonia lasts from May to mid-October. The highest summer temperature of +35C occurs in August.
Beaches on the island of Kefalonia are presented for every taste: from “wild” and secluded to noisy with developed tourist infrastructure.
The best beaches of Kefalonia island.
- Myrtos is the most beautiful and photographed white sand and pebble beach in Greece with great depth of sea. He is in the top 10 best beaches planets;
- Xi is a shallow beach with dense red sand, framed by limestone cliffs with healing blue clay;
- Katelios – extended sand beach;
- Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos (4 km from the capital Argostoli);
- Antisamos – near the port of Sami;
- Petani Beach;
- Skala Beach is a long sandy beach near the town of Skala.
More than 20 beaches in Kefalonia have their own names, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
Hotels on the island Kefalonia.
Apartments and villas, small family hotels and 4* and 5* luxury hotels make up a significant part of the hotel map of the island of Kefalonia.
The best hotels for all categories of tourists: Cyprotel Kefalonia Garden Village 4*, Porto Scala Hotel Village 4*, Mediterranee 4*, Cephalonia Palace Hotel 4*, Utopia Resort & SPA 5*, Appolonion Resort & SPA 5*, White Rocks Hotel & Bungalows 5*.
Family holiday with children It’s better to spend it at the Ionian Sea Hotel and Aguapark 3*, where the SOLnechny Krug club has been created and animators-educators work.
Sights of the island of Kefalonia.
- Argostoli. Archaeological and ethnographic museums and an ancient multi-arch bridge;
- Mounts Enos (1627 m) and Rudi (1130 m) are the natural attractions of the island. They're covered relict rock trees of dark green color “black spruce”, which grows only here. mountain range Enos is a national reserve with an area of 1973 hectares;
- The resort village and port of Agia Efimia is a holiday destination for diving and yachting enthusiasts;
- Lixouri. Jacob's Palace with a library, ruins of ancient Pali;
- Fiscardo is a fishing harbor with ancient architecture, the only one not damaged by the 1953 earthquake;
- Melissana is a cave on the lake, which can only be accessed from a boat;
- Drongarati Cave (House of the Dragon) is one of the longest descents at 44 meters, which ends in a cave hall with excellent acoustics, where concerts can be held. The cave fascinates with stalactites up to 300 meters long;
- Assoc. Venetian fortress from the 16th century;
- Kastro is the medieval capital of the island.
What to bring as a gift from the island of Kefalonia? Great mood, video and photos! Honey, Robola wine, Feta cheese, quince and almond sweets and olive oil.
Kefalonia- the largest of all the Greek islands of the Ionian Sea. To the north of it is about. Lefkada, to the east is the famous Ithaca, the birthplace of Homer’s Odysseus, and to the south is about. Zakynthos The highest points of Kefalonia are Mount Enos and Rudi (1627 m and 1130 m respectively), its total area is 671 km².
The first mentions of the local inhabitants, the Cephalonians, are found in Homer’s poem “The Illiad”. In that distant era, their lands were part of the state of Odysseus. In subsequent periods of history, many conquerors visited the island. Its lands were dominated by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Turks, Venetians, French and English. And only in 1864 it finally became part of Greece.
The natural beauty of Kefalonia amazes you at first sight. The greenery of the mountain slopes covered with coniferous trees and the riot of colors of flowers that can be seen in every corner of the island are harmoniously combined here.
If you wish, you can travel around Kefalonia all year round, visiting a new place every day - after all, there are 365 villages! Each of them boasts something unusual, but all the villages are united by traditional Greek architecture, an abundance of greenery and flowers, which local residents love to decorate balconies, courtyards and building facades with.
Unfortunately, the powerful earthquake of 1953 also left its mark on the island. Many houses were destroyed, including magnificent buildings from the Venetian period. However, there is a lot to see in Kefalonia: modern architecture complements the appearance of cities and towns, and lush gardens still delight the eyes of visitors.
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Sights of Kefalonia
Monastery St. Andrew's And Church of Panagia Languvarda– the most interesting sights of Kefalonia that survived the earthquake. The monastery is notable for the fact that it houses a unique relic - part of the right foot of the Apostle Andrew from the monastery. There is also a museum here, where Byzantine icons and church vestments are displayed.
An interesting story is connected with Church of Panagia Languvarda, which is located in the village of Markopoulo. According to legend, during the period of Byzantine rule, pirates landed on the island. In order to save the nuns of the local monastery, the Mother of God turned them into small snakes. Since then, every year on the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (August 15), many snakes with crosses appear in the village. The parishioners catch them and bring them to the icon “Theotokos of the Serpent”. People believe that if you apply a snake to a sore spot or even just hold it in your hands, you can be healed of ailments. Naturally, on this day hundreds of pilgrims come to Markopoulo to see the miracle with their own eyes.
While vacationing in Kefalonia, you can visit other equally wonderful places:
- Unique underground Melissani cave lake, formed as a result of an earthquake
- Drogariti Cave at a depth of 44 meters, which is about 150 million years old
- The highest mountain reserve of the Ionian Islands Enos(1628 meters).
- Asos Fortress, built at the beginning of the 17th century
- Mycenaean period domed tomb of Zanatu, whose burials scientists date back to 1400-1000 BC.
- Ruins of a Roman villa, on the walls of which magnificent mosaics have been preserved
Beaches of Kefalonia
Among the beaches of Kefalonia, it is difficult to give preference to just one, because every corner of the island has a unique and charming atmosphere in its own way. But there are several world-famous beaches that visitors to the island try to visit first.
Ammes. A small, calm beach covered with golden, fine-grained sand, located in the village of Svoronata. A good bonus: there is an airport nearby.
Antisamos. The beach is located in a bay near the town of Sami, not far from the main port, and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful not only in Kefalonia, but throughout Greece. And it’s not surprising: here the green slopes of the mountains approach the crystal clear water, forming amazing idyllic landscapes.
Makris Gialos. This beach is known for the best infrastructure on the island: there are cafes, snack bars and restaurants, you can rent umbrellas, sun loungers and all the necessary equipment for relaxing on the water. Every year Makri Yialos is celebrated Blue flag– international quality mark.
Platys Gialos. This beach is part of the same coastline as Makris Gialos and is also well maintained and awarded the Blue Flag. But it is Platis Gialos that tourists call the Greek Riviera. Pines, flowers and other greenery form the special charm and charm of this stretch of coast.
Myrtos. A large number of tourists come to the island. Kefalonia is precisely for seeing the world famous Myrtos beach. It looks especially impressive from the heights of the surrounding rocks - a strip of snow-white sand with an incoming azure wave beckons you to go down the mountain serpentine and relax on the seashore.
Xi. Xi Beach, located near the town of Lixouri, is interesting for its unusual yellow-red sand. It is believed that the local clay has healing properties, so many vacationers smear themselves with it and thus take sunbathing. The descent into the water on Xi is gentle and shallow, so the beach is preferred by tourists with children. There are places to eat and relax - there are many eateries, hotels and apartments in the beach area. Xi is also awarded the Blue Flag for Quality.
Rock. The sandy beach of Skala is one of the widest and longest (about 3 km) on the island. It is located on the territory of the city of the same name, so all the amenities of civilization are at hand.
Kefalonia Island Map
Photo: Mouzenidis Travel
The largest in the Ionian archipelago. Travelers come here in search of cultural experiences, and the island fully rewards those tired of all-inclusive style holidays.
Nature in Kefalonia has tried to create as many beautiful views and natural attractions as possible. Climbing the mountains, you will be able to see unique pine forests, the likes of which are nowhere else in the world.
A breathtaking panoramic view with golden beaches, numerous coves, and clear, deep blue water will open before you.
The water off the coast of the island is considered one of the cleanest and safest, so fur seals, turtles, dolphins and numerous representatives of the underwater kingdom feel great here.
Some lucky people who take long walks around the island and local National Park, you manage to meet wild horses, beautiful and graceful creatures.
In Kefalonia, cafes, fish markets, shops and souvenir shops are not scattered in all corners. But vacationers will be able to see and touch architectural and natural attractions that carry incredible energy.
Among the local treasures: caves, underground lakes, grottoes, ancient mountain monasteries, historical buildings of the Venetian, Roman, and early Christian periods.
The major cities of the island are Lixouri and Argostoli (the capital).
Fortress of St. George
Fortress of St. George, one of the most famous and visited historical buildings islands, located 7 km from the current capital.
Once a majestic castle-fort and a developed administrative center of Kefalonia, today it is ruins badly damaged by numerous earthquakes.
The first official mentions of the fortification of these places date back to the 12th century; in the 16th century, the Byzantines rebuilt the castle in the style in which it has survived to this day.
The construction site was not chosen by chance: the powerful walls of the fort perfectly protected local residents from pirate raids. total area polygonal building – 16 thousand sq.m.
In the past, life was bustling here. Behind the strong walls of the castle, city and administrative houses, churches, hospitals, and prisons were built. After severe natural disasters, the inhabitants of the fort gradually moved to another part of the island, founding Argostoli.
Monastery of St. Gerasimos - the pearl of Greece
The monastery was founded by Saint Gerasimos in the mid-16th century in the central part of the island and was named by him “New Jerusalem”.
The building was badly damaged during an earthquake in the middle of the last century, but was later rebuilt. The cave-cell and garden laid out by the Saint himself have survived to this day.
The relic of the monastery is the incorruptible relics of St. Gerasim, who was canonized in the 17th century.
Every year, on the day of remembrance, which falls on August 16, a service is held in the temple and the relics are carried over people suffering from various ailments.
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It is believed that even after death the monk retained his gift of healing, which he possessed during life.
On October 20, residents of the island celebrate the official public holiday in honor of St. Gerasimos.
Venetian castle
The castle attracts the attention of antiquity hunters with its interesting history and beautiful views that open from the almost destroyed walls.
Once great protectors of the local people, it is now an impressive ruin stretching for several kilometers.
Behind them you can see the beautiful expanse of the sea and the popular Myrtos beach.
Not far from the ruins of the castle, which became the scene of a fierce battle between the Russians and the French at the end of the 18th century, lies the fabulous village of Asos. It was precisely this that was once surrounded by the stone walls of the Venetian castle.
Those who come to see the castle do not miss the opportunity to stroll along the old narrow streets of the village, admiring the low houses with red roofs that seem to have grown into the rocky shore.
Asos and Myrtos beach
Overgrown with cypresses and old pine trees, the village of Asos has about 100 inhabitants. But all year round tourists come here who want to appreciate the famous hospitality and cuisine of the village.
Colorful taverns and cozy cafes of Asos are located in the central part of the village and on the embankment.
Not far from Asos and the ruins of the Venetian castle is the pearl of the island and the national treasure of the country - Myrtos Beach.
It is awarded the UNESCO Blue Flag, which since the last century has been awarded to beaches and marinas whose waters meet the strictest and highest standards of cleanliness and safety. The beach reveals all its luxury and beauty during sunset; travelers specially wait for the evening.
There are many underground caves on the island. Famous and visited is the Melissani cave with a huge hole at the top, through which sunlight penetrates into the grotto, scattering in the waters of the underground lake located here.
The water in the lake is clear to the very bottom. Tourists are taken on boats and given the opportunity to see with their own eyes the magic happening in the lake waters.
IN different time During the day, their color changes, shimmering from delicate turquoise to green, from rich blue to black.
The Drogarati cave is one of the oldest and deepest in the region, its approximate age has exceeded 150 million years. The cave goes 60 meters deep underground, inside it there is a constant temperature of 18 degrees.
Drogarati was discovered by accident, more than 3 centuries ago, after a strong earthquake, which destroyed one of the parts of the grotto and opened the entrance.
The main attractions of the cave were created by her herself. Numerous stalactites and stalagmites, the height of which reaches 2 meters, have grown in Drogarati for thousands of years!
Enos National Park
The property of Kefalonia and all of Greece, which deserves the attention of vacationers, is National Park Enos.
On its territory there is the most high point of the entire Ionian archipelago, Mount Megolos Soros.
On the slopes of the mountain you can visit several important monasteries: St. Gerasim, St. Omala, St. Eleutherius. You can get to the park by car, and then walk and enjoy all the natural beauty, rare representatives of fauna and flora.
In the park you can see the rare Kefalini fir or black pine, small purple violet growing in rocky crevices, strawberry trees and old oaks.
There are over 400 plant species in total. During a small hiking you will definitely meet falcons, partridges, black woodpeckers, hazel grouse, and other birds.
This piece of sushi popular destination among those who want to see the real Greece with untouched landscapes, traditions and picturesque coastline. Before you is the island of Kefalonia - the largest of the Ionian islands of Greece, and if you compare it with other Greek islands, the influx of tourists here occurred more late period. Only since 2001, after the release of the film “Captain Corelli’s Choice”, Kefalonia began to be included in the list of “must-see destinations”.
Kefalonia Island, Greece: mountains and sea
Sights of Kefalonia
Mountain villages surrounded by greenery, Byzantine monasteries and natural attractions - Kefalonia is ready to offer tourists a rich program.
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Famous for its magical beauty Melissani cave. They can’t call it anything other than a miracle: the cave was carved out of limestone rock over decades by salt water. One day, its arch partially collapsed, and through the resulting hole, the rays of the sun fell vertically, which seemed to illuminate the azure water with elusive shades. In ancient times, Melissani had a special meaning. It was believed that nymphs lived here - this fact was established after the discovery of numerous cult figurines. Today, tourists ride boats on the clear surface of the lake, looking at the ancient stalactites on the walls of Melissani.
The cave has gained no less popularity Drogarati. It is one of the most picturesque caves in Greece, famous for its large hall and stalagmites of incredible shapes. Excellent acoustics and capacity (almost 1000 people) make Drogarati more than just a natural monument. Live concerts are regularly held here; the hall for them is 65 m long, 45 m wide and 20 m high.
Concert in the Drogarati cave, Kefalonia. Photo www.kefalonias.gr
A significant part of Kefalonia is occupied by Enos National Park. Species unique to Greece grow here coniferous trees. In addition to them, you can see orchids and several varieties of wildflowers. For lovers of long walks in Enos there are routes of varying lengths and complexity. There are places for recreation in the park (clearings and gazebos), but you need to take food with you. Since Enos is located at an altitude of 1600 m, it can be chilly here - it is worth taking care of suitable clothing.
Monastery of St. Gerasim
Among the religious shrines of the island, the monastery of St. Gerasim - patron saint of Cephalonia. Saint Gerasim was a descendant of a noble family and received a good education. Subsequently, he became a monk on Holy Athos and made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he lived for 12 years.
In 1555, the monk Gerasim settled in Kefalonia and spent the first five years as an ascetic in a cave near Lassi. In 1560, he moved to the mountains, to a dilapidated chapel, and founded a monastery here, which he called New Jerusalem. Now this monastery bears his name, stores many icons and is a place of pilgrimage - on August 16, the relics of St. Hundreds of people come to worship Gerasim. A plane tree planted by Gerasim during his lifetime has been preserved on the territory of the monastery. And next to the monastery there is a cave with two rooms, which were the saint’s home.
The beaches of Kefalonia are some of the best in Greece
Poros beach, Kefalonia. Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
The beaches of the island have long received worldwide recognition. The most popular of them is Myrtos, which is among the best in Greece. Myrtos is located at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by rocks and its shape resembles a crescent. The beach is covered with snow-white pebbles. Here you can not only swim in the azure waters, but also enjoy a spectacular sunset or explore a small grotto. There is a snack bar on Myrtos, and it is possible to rent a sun lounger. There is a road leading to the beach, where there are observation platforms.
Kefalonia has one of the most amazing beaches in Greece - Xi, which is shaped like the letter “xi”. It stretches for 4 km and is strewn with dark orange sand.
Xi Beach, Kefalonia. Photo http://ionianinfo.com/
There are many taverns on the edge of the beach and hotels nearby. Another beach - Skala - also cannot be ignored. It captivates with its cleanliness and is suitable for boat trip to isolated bays.
Agia Jerusalem beach is located near Fiskardo and is named after the dilapidated church on the edge of the beach. The bay here is small and divided in half by a rock in the middle; seahorses are often found in the clear water. The beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, and there is a traditional tavern nearby.
The island has many small cozy beaches in bays and wide sandy ones in more open places, you can find a place to suit your taste: Platis Gialos, Makris Gialos, Dresses Ammos, Dafnoudi, Alates, Katelios, Kaminia and others.
What else to do on the island
For entertainment in Kefalonia you need to go to Argostoli - the capital and The largest city islands. Argostoli has been the capital since its founding in 1757. It is located in an amphitheater on the mountainside, and despite the fact that the city was almost completely destroyed by the 1953 earthquake, you can still find corners with old architecture.
Old Cephalonia... Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
...and new Cephalonia. Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
On central square concentrated bars, shops for every taste and restaurants. Shopping can be done on the pedestrian shopping street Litostroto.
Souvenirs for Lithostroto. Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Nightlife in Kefalonia is not very intense, but the capital has many decent options for an evening out. In local establishments you can listen to reggae, dance or go to a traditional Greek evening. If you go out for an evening stroll around the city and are lucky, you may encounter a local orchestra, which often brightens the atmosphere with traditional tunes.
In addition to the central square, in Argostoli there is Kambana (Bell) square, named after the high bell tower located on it. Climbing to the very top of the bell tower, you will admire panoramic views of the city and the sea. It is also worth seeing a photo exhibition that shows the city as it was before the earthquake.
It is also worth visiting the local Archaeological Museum and the Korialennio Library, which, in addition to storing books and manuscripts, is also an ethnographic museum. In addition, in Argostoli you can see the ruins ancient city Cranes, with remains of cyclopean walls. Of course, this is not all that can be seen in the city; there would be a desire to learn and explore the history of the city and its surroundings!
Fiscardo
There are good bars and taverns in the village of Fiskardo. This is a cozy village with beautiful embankment, preserving the Mediterranean flavor.
Diving enthusiasts will find several dive sites in Kefalonia. There are two equipped dive centers in Fiskardo. Their instructors will point out the most protected places off the coast of the island for observing underwater life. The Lassi Dive Club organizes dives near canyons, caves, reefs and wrecks. By the way, a special program has been developed here for children over 8 years old.
Kefalonia will also be of interest to lovers of gastronomic tourism. The fertile soil provides the island with organic products, from which cheeses, the famous bacagliaropita pie, quince jam, caramelized almonds and Robola wine are produced.
Photo www.iefimerida.gr/
Kefalonia will be remembered as an island of aristocratic beauty that adorns the advertising brochures of Greece. Here you can choose a vacation to your liking: relax or spend time actively, retire to protected places or allow yourself to become a local for a while, fully experiencing the hospitality of the island’s inhabitants.
Transport
From the bus station in Argostoli, which is located on the southern embankment, up to 11 buses per day depart towards Lassi, 4 per day to Sami, two to Poros, two more to Skala and two to Fiskardo. East Coast There are also bus services, but they are more infrequent. They connect Katelios with Poros, Skala, Sami, Agia Efimia and Fiskardo. There are no buses on Sundays. And, of course, a taxi.
You can also rent a car or bike. In Lassi, which is a 20-minute walk from Argostoli, the best choice: There is even Avis/Liberatos (26710 29112), their other office is based at the airport. Greekstones Rent a Car (26710 42201) is also popular; they promise to deliver cars within 15 km of Svoranata, where their office is located (it’s near the airport, 7 km from Argostoli).
During the season, ferries depart almost every hour between Argostoli and Lixouri and accept cars on board (from 7:30 to 22:30). The journey lasts 30 minutes, costs 3 EUR per person, 4 EUR per car.
And in Agia Efimia you can also rent a boat to sail to secluded beaches, which can only be accessed from the water. Exact addresses The friendly locals will advise you.
Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Maps of Kefalonia
Cuisine and restaurants of Kefalonia
The rich and fertile island of Kefalonia is famous for its Robola wine, honey and locally produced cottage cheese. It is worth trying the traditional almond confectionery "mandoles", as well as original local dishes - meat pies and garlic salad (allada).
Beaches of Kefalonia
4 km from the capital there are beautiful beaches - Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos. Lourdatu has a wonderful sandy beach. Also popular: the long sandy beach of Katelios, the pebble beach of Myrtos, Skala - a tourist resort by the sea with wonderful clear water.
Popular hotels in Kefalonia
Entertainment and attractions of Kefalonia
The capital of the island, Argostoli, is a city rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake on the site of the old one. Here, during the time of English rule, a multi-arch bridge was built, which is still in use today. Main attractions: Archaeological Museum, Koryalenios Library, Ethnographic Museum. 2.5 km from the city there is the Katavotres cave, in which the saint, the patron saint of the island Gerasim, lived as a hermit.
Lixouri is the second most populous city in Kefalonia on the Pali Peninsula. The city is connected by ferry services from Argostoli. The Palace of Jacob, which houses the library of the same name, the libraries of Petrizion and the Philharmonic School, deserves attention here. Near Lixouri in Paleokastro there are the ruins of ancient Pali.
Fiskardo is a famous fishing harbor and the only village that was not damaged by the 1953 earthquake, which is why the local houses have retained their authentic ancient architecture.
Assos is perhaps the most picturesque village of Kefalonia, standing on the isthmus of the peninsula, on the top of which rises a Venetian fortress.
Sami is the second port of Kefalonia, new town with a beautiful embankment. Nearby are the ruins of ancient Sami and the acropolis.
Melissana is a deep cave with a lake that was opened after its “ceiling” collapsed and the sun’s rays penetrated inside. You can only get here by boat
Agia Efimia is a village with a port from which communication is maintained between Kefalonia and Astakos in Aitolo-Acarnania. From here there are also occasional boat trips to Piso Aetos in Ithaca. To the north of Agia Efimia stands the monastery of the Mother of God Them.
Lake Avithos or Akola is so deep that, according to local legend, it has no bottom at all. Drongorati Cave, richly decorated with 300 m long stalactites. The fortress of St. George dominates the entire spacious plain of Livafu. Around are the ruins of the medieval capital of the island.