General Information
The largest among the islands of the Ionian Sea, its landscape alternates between varying forms of natural beauty, including long sandy beaches, picturesque anchorages with green-blue waters, impressive caves, and rare geological formations, all of which ensnare the visitor. The region, as well as its people, are associated with the ?bizarre?, since the numerous geological reclassifications have created truly bizarre phenomena which, though possessing valid scientific explanations, still remain strange and attract interest and admiration for the landscape of Kefalonia. The presence of man through the ages is depicted by his numerous impressive creations, such as archaeological sites, castles, churches, traditional hamlets and picturesque offshore villages, all masterfully harmonious with the natural environment of the island. Its population numbers some 32.000 residents, while its extent covers 937 sq.km.
History – Culture
Archaeological findings place the beginning of Civilization during prehistoric years, while the first peak is dated at the dusk of the Bronze era (13th – 11th century BC), a period where the island was densely populated. During this time, four of its cities prospered: Krani, Sami, Palli and Pronoi. Coursing through history, the island successively came under the rule of Romans, Byzantines, Normans (1082, 1185), Turks (1479), Venetians (1500), French and English, while the island was finally incorporated into the Greek State in 1863. Kefalonia has been the birthplace of great figures in the fields of intellect, literature and art. Unfortunately, the island has been regularly struck by earthquakes, with the ones of 1867 and 1953 being the most devastating of recent times.
Access
All year round there is a dense flight service from Athens. There also is a daily bus service from Athens to Kylini and Patras in the Peloponnese from where ferry boats sail to Argostoli, Lixouri and Sami.
Connections
Ferry boats link Sami, Ithaca and Patras all year round. Throughout the year, ferries also link: Aghia Efthymia, Ithaca and Astakos (Aetoloacarnania), Sami, Fiskardo, Pisaetos and Stavros (Ithaca), Pesada (Cephalonia) and Skinari (Zakynthos), Fiskardo, Vasiliki, Nydri (Leucas) and Frikes (Ithaca).