Sinkholes
At the edge of the Argostoli Peninsula there is a small river that instead of pouring water into the sea, the sea enters the land and after a short journey the sea water is swallowed into the ground.
The phenomenon had puzzled scientists for years. In 1963, speleologist Giannis Petrochilos and Austrian geologists Viktor Maurin and Josef Zötl of the University of Graz threw harmless radioactive isotopes and 160 kilograms of paint into one of the sinkholes. Fifteen days later traces of them were found in springs as well as in the grotto (lake cave) of Melissani on the other side of the island, near the town of Sami, 15 kilometers away.
Melissani grotto
Οne of the most famous landmarks of Kefallonia, with intense historical interest, is the grotto (lake cave) of Melissani located in Karavomylos, very close to the little town of Sami. It was discovered in 1951 by speleologist Giannis Petrochilos.
In 1963 it was found that the huge amounts of seawater flowing into the sinkholes in Argostoli, on the other side of the island, end up in the grotto.
Today the visitor reaches the surface of the lake through a tunnel and by boat takes an unforgettable journey on the crystal clear waters enjoying the stalactites and the sunlight which enters through the collapsed roof of the grotto.
Drogarati cave
Τhe cave of Drogarati is located just three kilometers from Sami. It is the only cave in Greece where concerts are organized. Maria Callas has also sung in this cave.
The main hall is very large. It has dimensions of 65×45 meters and a height of about 20 meters. Its acoustics are excellent!
The cave of Drogarati is considered one of the most remarkable in Greece. Its stalactites and stalagmites are over a hundred million years old. It should be noted that in the area of Sami there are many interesting caves.
Beaches
Kefallonia is full of beautiful beaches with crystal clear blue waters.
In every corner of the island you will find a small secluded picturesque beach or a cosmopolitan one with restaurants, bars and water sports.
The most famous beach is Myrtos but the others are equally beautiful: Makris and Platis Gialos near Argostoli, Petani and Xi near Lixouri, Antisamos, Skala, Loudras to mention a few.
Αrgostoli
Argostoli became the capital of Cephalonia in 1757 when the Venetians saw that the Castle of Agios Georgios no longer met the needs of a capital.
At that time Argostoli was a fishing village in contrast to Lixouri which was already a small town. The decision of the Venetians was clearly based on the fact that Argostoli had a very safe port but nevertheless it displeased the people of Lixouri.
Two important landmarks of Argostoli are the Fanari (Light House) and the De Βοsset Bridge, made of stone, which connects the town with the opposite side of the bay creating the Koutavos Lagoon. In 2005 the passage of vehicles through the Bridge was prohibited.
Argostoli is a cosmopolitan small town. During summer, cruise ships and countless yachts, from every corner of the world, arrive at its port every day.
Castle of St George
Οn the top of a hill in the village of Peratata, a few kilometres south of Argostoli, the Castle of St George, was built in the 12th century AD by Byzantine Emperors as the capital of the island. Subsequent interventions, mainly by the Venetians, improved it and remained the capital of Kefallonia, until 1757.
Assos
Assos (also known as Asos) is located on the northwest side of the island. It is one of the most picturesque villages of Kefallonia. The traditional houses, the unique peninsula, its small and beautiful beach and its Castle will enchant you!
Fiscardo
The picturesque and cosmopolitan Fiskardo is located at the northern tip of the island. Every summer it is flooded with tourists. It is also the favorite destination for artists and internationally known businessmen.
The countless yachts in its harbour and the colourful houses with flower-filled balconies compose unforgettable images.
Fiskardo has been designated a protected settlement, as it is one of the few in Kefallonia that was not leveled by the catastrophic earthquakes of 1953.
It took its name from the Norman Crusader Robert Guiscard who conquered it in 1085.
Near the village, there are many beaches the most famous of which are Emblisi and Foki.
St Euphemia
St Euphemia is another beautiful coastal village of Kefallonia.
During the summer months thousands of tourists arrive with yachts in its safe port.
On the seafront the visitor will find many restaurants, cafes and shops while in close distances there are small beaches with crystal clear waters.
Southeast Kefallonia
In southeastern Kefallonia there are the beautiful villages of Skala and Katelios as well as Poros, an important port offering ferry services to and from Kyllini (mainland).
Throughout the area there are many beaches of golden sand and calm waters near which the visitor will find restaurants, taverns and bars for every taste.
Aenos
The highest mountain of Kefallonia and of all the Ionian islands is Aenos. It has been declared a national park.
With an altitude of 1628 metres it dominates the area.
The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking.
St Gerasimos
Saint Gerasimos is the Patron of Kefallonia.
He was born in 1509 in Trikala, Corinth, to wealthy parents, Demetrios and Kali. His father’s roots can be traced to the famous Byzantine family of Notarades.
At a young age he visited Constantinople, Mount Athos, monasteries of the East, Jerusalem, where he was ordained a deacon and elder, the Monastery of St. Catherine in Sinai, Egypt and Crete.
When he came to Kefallonia he built a nunnery called New Jerusalem in Omala, where he cloistered. The Saint’s imperishable body is in a reliquary (incorporated in a bigger shrine) in the old church which you can visit.
The Orthodox Church honors his memory on two dates, on October 20 and on August 16.
- It should be noted that in Kefallonia there are 12 monasteries, among them is that of St Andrew where the foot of the Saint is kept.