CEFALONIA

Kefalonia (from Greek Κεφαλλονιά) is the largest of the Ionian Islands and is located directly across from the Gulf of Corinth. It is easily accessible both by sea, from Greece or Italy, and by air (international airport of Argostoli). It is 81 nautical miles from Igoumenitsa, 53 from Patras, and 230 from Brindisi.

It has an area of 781 km² and a population of about 36,400 inhabitants.

The island is the most mountainous of the archipelago, with its Mount Enos standing at 1626 meters, entirely covered by a variety of black fir found only on this island. However, there are several other mountains, and the flat areas are very few. Some caves are of particular interest. Its western coasts are steep, while the eastern ones gently slope towards the sea with their sandy and clear pebble beaches. The island's main crops are olives, oranges, and vines, while the most renowned food products are honey and fresh cheese.

The island's capital is the city of Argostoli, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 and completely rebuilt. However, the main port of the island is in Sami.

The sea is very beautiful: blue, clear, and with beautiful beaches. What differentiates Kefalonia from the other nearby islands is especially the variety of its landscapes and the geological phenomena it hosts.

For us Italians, the island feels a bit like home because it was under Venetian rule for four centuries, and in 1943, the Italian division Aqui was executed by the German army shortly after the armistice, resulting in thousands of deaths. The few who survived owed it to the locals who hid them. Some elderly residents gladly speak a bit of Italian and have a special regard for us.

The island has suffered two major earthquakes in its recent history (in 1864 and 1953) that almost leveled it to the ground.

Kefalonia is described as a somewhat strange island inhabited by "crazy" people, but the locals are proud of it; in their history, there have actually been famous writers and musicians as well as shipowners and sailors. The most characteristic local products are embroidery, honey, and white wine.

The island's road network is good, and the various villages are all connected by a dense network of transport. There are several car and scooter rental services on the island, and it is particularly appreciated by motorcyclists for its winding but not dangerous roads.