Description

Kefalonia, also known as Cephalonia, named after a Greek hero Cephalus, is the largest lonian island in western Greece. Since its name means ‘island with a head’, it is believed to refer to the shape of the island. Every year tourists throng this place in large numbers, as it is one of the most sought after holiday destinations. The peaceful and calm beaches, steep cliffs plunging into the sea, and the beautiful serene mountainside clad in shadowy forests are things no one would want to miss. Also the excellent infrastructure at tourist resorts and easy connectivity to some of the most important places like Athens and Patras, by air and by water, are things that attract tourists to this place. There is no end to the magnificient views here, pretty villages in a picturesque setting, traditional fishing harbours, Roman ruins from the past, and the amazing architectural work in churches and castles found here. Kefalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Summer is the best time to visit.

Shopping

Kefalonia is not exactly a shopper’s paradise. There isn’t a very wide range to choose from. Tourists will generally find local products and jewels in the shops at the market. Most of these shops are located in Argostoli, on Lithostratos street. Here you can also find decent good cafes. Visitors can taste as well as buy good quality traditional sweets at Voskopoula. The Bookmark, located in Lithostroto, the main shopping area in Argostoli, is the only bookstore in kefalonia that specializes in English language books. Most resorts have gift shops along the beaches that are easily accessible to those who don’t wish to go too far to shop. Things like honey, Pralines (mandoles), white wine and Quince paste are a must buy.

Restaurants

Kefalonia offers a wide range of foods from the traditional greek cuisine to Italian, Chinese, Indian and western, you’ll find it all here. There are number of taverns, cafes, bars, and restaurants that serve excellent food. Inorder to eat good quality food you must also know the best place to find it. If it is greek food you want to eat then the best theing to do would be to see where the locals eat. Fish is an essential part of the meal here. Seafood is good too. Much of the native cooking depends on simple seasoning and fresh meat and vegetables quite different from that found in Greek restaurants abroad. There are some good restaurants and taverns in the north of Kefalonia. Argostoli, Fiscardo, and Lourdas Area have some excellent food joints. The local wines are pleasant and cheap.

Night Life

Nightlife is generally low key. There isn’t much to draw those wild party animals here. Although some large resorts do provide for those who like to party late. There are some water front taverns and restaurants where you could spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere.

Activities

Kefalonia has many interesting activities to offer, watersports being the foremost among them. Sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, yatching, and scuba diving in the clean and crystal clear waters of this place is an experience of a life time no visitor can miss.

Communications

The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 21. Surcharges are applicable on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use OTE offices for local and international calls. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts and are cheaper.

Contacts

Greek National Tourism Organisation, Athens: +30 210 870 7000 or www.gnto.gr
Greek Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 1300.
Greek Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7229 3850.
Greek Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6271.
Greek Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3011.
Greek Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 7351.
Greek Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 676 7254.
Greek Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 7775.
United States Embassy, Athens: +30 210 721 2951.
British Embassy, Athens: +30 210 727 2600.
Canadian Embassy, Athens: +30 210 727 3400.
Australian Embassy, Athens: +30 210 870 4000.
South African Embassy, Athens: +30 210 610 6645.
Irish Embassy, Athens: +30 210 723 2771.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Athens (also responsible for Greece): +30 210 692 4136.
Emergencies: 100 (Police); 166 (Ambulance), 171 (Tourist Police).

Currency

EUR

Attractions

Cephalonia is abundant in historic and natural attractions. One of the best places to visit is the caves at Melissani where an underground lake reflects a beautiful shifting pattern of colours. Another marvel is the 'swallow holes' where visitors are left spellbound at the sight of seawater performing a disappearing act through the rock. Those interested in history can explore the fascinating archaeological and folk art museums, where something of the past still remains preserved amidst the remains of the beautiful ancient city of Argostoli which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953. The island's main town, Lixouri is rich in scenic beauty. It is situated close to the south coast where the best beaches are to be found, Mirtos the most famous among them is a major tourist attraction.

Language

Greek

Language Description

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken and understood all along the country.

Tipping

Restaurants generally include the tip in the bill itself; if not, 10 to 15 % of the bill amount is considered a normal tip. Taxi drivers and porters expect loose change.