Follow the sound of Corelli's Mandolin to Kefalonia
May 11, 2006, 23:51
The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is also one of the most laidback of the Greek Islands.
This may come as a surprise, considering the tumultuous history that the island has endured, and yet the people of Kefalonia have retained their own charm and lifestyle.
The island was largely under Italian occupation during the Second World War, although there was a significant German presence which ultimately led to a devastating conflict. Even when the war ended throughout most of Europe, peace did not come to Kefalonia for some time, as the Greek
Civil War raged until 1949.
Nowadays, the island is far more peaceful and a large number of tourists visit Kefalonia, especially in the peak season. The majority of tourists stay in or near Lassi, a resort just a few kilometres away from the atmospheric capital city of Argostoli.
The city is home to a third of the island's inhabitants and, although the city's history stretches way back, little of the old architecture remains. A large earthquake destroyed much of the attractive old city in the 1960s and almost all that remains is a handful of houses and an arched bridge over the lagoon.
Today's Argostoli offers some fascinating museums and the beautiful nearby beaches of Makris and Platis Gialos. Just 1.5 kilometres from, where sea water enters openings in the rock and travels across the island through underground waterways.
The second largest city on Kefalonia is Lixouri, which is located near the Paliki Mountains and boasts some of the best beaches on the island. It is also famed for its peaceful atmosphere and the remains of the ancient city of Pali.
Kefalonia has appeared in the world top ten locations for scenic beauty and is adorned with tranquil beaches, awe-inspiring mountains, charming fishing villages and peaceful pine forests. Covered by dense vegetation,
the island's natural beauty is apparent throughout Kefalonia, no more so than in the plentiful olive and orange groves and on the vine-covered hillsides.
The island's beaches offer truly breathtaking views and the rugged rocky shores and caves are a worthwhile sight for any road-weary traveller. One of the most famous beaches is Myrtos, which has been ranked fifth in
the world for its outstanding views. Vertical rock cliffs surround an enchanting bay which appears a rich turquoise in the sun, the soft white sand baking in the heat.
In terms of appearance, Kefalonia seems to have escaped much of the effects of tourism, remaining a peaceful and laidback island. However, it is firmly on the list of budget holiday locations and offers a range of accommodation from luxurious hotels through to cheap lodgings for tourists on a shoestring.
Despite the growth in interest since the 2001 movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin, which was filmed on the island, you still won't find the same level of bustling tourism that many of Europe's holiday destinations
endure and the island can still be proud of its restful resorts and peaceful beaches.
Perhaps due to its large size, Kefalonia is more than able to handle the additional people that arrive during the holiday season and you are unlikely to feel crowded, even in its tourist resorts. With its extensive road network, which covers most of the island, it offers endless opportunities to explore the numerous remote caves, bare cliffs and secluded villages.
Call Global Holidays on 0870 1999038 for details of all our holidays to Kefalonia.
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