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Kefalonia is the largest island
in the Ionian Sea and sixth in size in Greece. It is located between
the islands of Lefkada and Zakynthos and across the Corinthian
Gulf. The deep blue sea, the golden sandy beaches, the unique
dreamy caves, the rocky mountains and the traditional settlements
with their picturesque ness and grandeur of the past will be the
ideal scenery of your holidays in the island of Kefalonia. Its
beautiful places, archeological areas and historical monuments
will impress you
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It is only 35
klm from mainland Greece and 30 klm from the coasts
of Peloponnese; it covers an area of 781 square klm
and a coastline of 254 klm.
The inhabitants of the island are occupied with wine
making, agriculture, fishing and the tourism. Its population
is 32.000. In the island, there is the big mountain
range of Enos or the "Big Mountain", which
is said that it is the geological continuation of the
mountain range of Pindos.
The mountain Enos offers a unique and magical view of
the plains of the island, of the beautiful graphic villages
and of the blue sea of the Ionian Sea.
The highest peak of the "Big Mountain", Megas
Soros, reaches the 1640 m, whereas other high peaks
are, Kokkini Rahi, Xerakias and Agia Dinati. The fruitful
plains of the island are, Kranea, Omalon, Sami and Lixouri.
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The strange geological phenomena in the island are Katavothres
or Sea Mills in the city of Argostoli, Kounopetra in the south
of Paliki peninsula and the lakes Avithos and Akoli in the area
of Pirgi. All these, according to the researchers, are due to
the great seismic activity and the geo-terrain composition of
the island.
The tradition and the folklore revive through customs, festivities
and local events in every traditional settlement of the island.
The art of wood-carving is visible on the wonderful icon screens
of the churches. The art of hagiography along with the ecclesiastic
architecture impress the visitors. The Ionian architecture and
the hospitality of the inhabitants make the island to a summer
refuge for relaxation.
The cultural physiognomy of the island is influenced by the constant
conquests, populative changes and by the influences from the west
and particularly by Italy.
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Among the people
that stand out in the island are, the poet Andrea Laskarato,
George Molfeta, Gerasimo Markora, Marino Antipa and
Rokos Hodas.
The island shows a particular paleologic interest because
of the findings of the Paleolithic era, which reinforce
the point of view that man existed in the island 50.000
years ago.
Above the small peninsula, in the area of Fanari, stands
the wonderful Argostoli, the capital of the island,
with the bridge of Drapano, the Koutavos lagoon, the
Lighthouse of Agii Theodori and the Cave of Agios Gerasimos.
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Apart from Argostoli, many other important cities and graphical
villages with special historical interest will be wonderful stop-overs
for your accommodation in the island. These are the villages of
the area of Eikosimia, Elios, Pronoi, Skala, Razakli, Poros, Pirgi,
Omala, Erissos, the peninsula of Paliki, Fiskardos, Sami and the
island of Zeus.
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The beaches of the
island are unique and magical with wonderful gold, red
or white sand, blue transparent or green emerald waters
along with the presence of the green slopes and the sea
breeze of the Ionian Sea.
We suggest you from swimming, playing and relaxation the
sandy beaches of Binires in Agios Theodoros, in Foki,
in Emplisi, in Paliostafida, in Argostoli, in Antisamo,
in Mirto, in Agia Paraskevi, in Makri Gialo, in Ammes,
in Agia Pelagia, in Minia, in Spartia, in Avitho, in Dafnia,
in Agio Thoma, in Livatho, in Lourda, in Karavomilo, in
Agia Kiriaki, inFiskardo, in Xi, in Batsa, in Mersia,
the Akrotiri in Petanous and in Agio Spiridona. If you
rent boat, your choices for swimming in the lonely beaches
and the unapproachable areas are countless. For those
who love fishing, there are many fishing-villages and
good spots for fishing.
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Before you leave the island and return to the daily routine, don't
forget to buy the famous honey from Thymari, wonderful Robola wine,
bread-rolls with aniseed, rozoalia, tangerine drinks, orgeat, the
local salted-cockle, the candy with almonds "the mandoles" and embroideries
made from strings of leaves.
The food in the island is rich in taste with many choices in every
village, small town or touristic centre. The local specialties are
the tasteful meat pies, the garlic sauce called "aliada" and the
unique braised rabbit with red table wine of Achaia (Mavrovadni).
Your accommodation is ensured in any point of the island with choices
of rent-rooms, furnished apartments and hotels. Those who love nature,
can visit the organized camping sites of Sami, Argostoli and Fanari.
The island is offered for summer excursions in the natural beauties
of the island with its kind inhabitants. We suggest you for your
summer vacations the island of Kefalonia and the wonderful Ionian
Sea.
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