RADA Editions - Kefalonia

Kefalonia

Kefalonia
is the largest island in the Ionian Sea (688 square km). It is the sixth in size among the Greek islands. It is located opposite the gulf of Patra, South of Lefkas and North of Zakynthos.

Morphology: It consists of four penisulas: Palliki, Erisos, Livatho and Atros. It is a mostly mountainous island. In the SW part lies Mt. Enos which reaches the height of 1628 m. There are only a few plains which include: Cranaia, Omala, Sami, Pylaros, Livadi, Lixouri and Palliki. The island has calm seasides as well as dramatic cliffsides which reach the sea. The geologic (karstic) phenomena of the island are of great interest. For example, the caves of Melissani, Agalaki, St. Theodore, Zervati, Drogarati, Katavothres in Argostoli, Kounopetra (the moving stone) in Palliki, lake Avythos (or Akoli) in Pirgi.

Climate: The climate of the island is mediterannean, mild, without significant differences in temperature.

History: The first inhabitants of the island were called Taphee or Televoes. They were followed by the colonists (the Kefalonians) whose leader was Kefalos. It is believed that the island got it’s name from him. Kefalonia followed the destinies of the rest of the Ionian islands. Hence, the island was conquered by the Romans, the Franks, the Venetians, the Italians, and lastly by the French who were overthrown away by the Russians and the Turks. In 1799 “The Autonomous State of the Seven United Islands” was recognised. However, the French and then the English once again conquered the island until 1864, when it was joined with the rest of Greece.

Economy: The economy of the island is based mainly on agricultural products (grapes, wine, honey, olive oil, figs) cattle breeding and fishing. More recently, the economy has been partly based on tourism.

Culture: The sparkling Kefalonian mood has resulted in a rich cultural tradition in Literature and Art. Satiric writers such as Lascaratos, Molfetas and Aninos, give a testimony to the Kefalonian wit. Kefalonian music is influenced by Italian and French music, therefore, it is dominated by arias and serenades. Yet, it has it’s own characteristics and local colour.

The towns of the island were destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1953; since then, they have been rebuilt. The largest towns are: Argostoli (the island’s capital), Lixouri (the capital of Palliki), Agia Efimia (capital of Pylaros), Sami and Poros (the most important transporting ports of the island). Many ships connect Kefalonia with Patra and Kylini, Lefkada, Astako, Corfu, Zakynthos and Italy. There is also Olympic Airways also has daily flights to Athens. The road network of the island is dense. Central starting points are in: Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami and Poros.

Ithaca is located Northeast of Kefalonia. The two islands are separated by a sea canal which is 3-4 km wide. Ithaka is a mountainous island (96 square km). It’s heighest point being Niriton (806 m). It’s capital is Vathi. The island is known from Homer’s Odyssey as the symbol of nostalgia and love for the birthplace. The island can be reached from the ports of Eastern Kefalonia (Sami, St. Efimia, Fiscardo).

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