Cefalonia

Cefalonia, also Kefalonia (Greek: Κεφαλονιά), is the largest of the Ionian Islands, located in western Greece in the Ionian Sea. It forms part of the Ionian Islands regional unit and the country’s administrative region of the Ionian Islands. The capital and main port is Argostoli; other notable towns include Lixouri, Sami, Fiskardo, and Assos.

The island is rugged and mountainous, with Mount Ainos rising to about 1,628 meters and encompassing a designated national park with Greek fir and other coniferous trees. The interior features diverse landscapes, while the coastline offers sandy and pebbly beaches, dramatic cliffs, and coastal coves. Notable natural attractions include the Melissani cave near Sami and the Drogarati cave, as well as the western Myrtos Beach, frequently cited among Greece’s best.

Cephalonia has a long history, with ancient Cephalonians and later rule by Byzantines, Venetians, and briefly French and Russian administrations before joining the United Kingdom’s protectorate and then becoming part of Greece in 1864. The 1953 Ionian earthquake caused extensive damage and changed town layouts, especially in Argostoli and Lixouri. In popular culture, Kefalonia gained broader recognition after the novel and film The Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which is set on the island.

Today the economy is dominated by tourism, complemented by agriculture (olives, grapes, citrus) and fisheries. The island’s scenery, beaches, and historical sites attract visitors year-round. The population numbers in the tens of thousands, contributing to a seasonal boost in activity during the tourist season.