As the largest of the Ionion Islands in Western Greece, Kefalonia has - in recent years become a popular holiday hot-spot with tourists from all over the world, particularly popular with people from the UK.
The island takes its name from Greek mythology in particular the mythological figure Cephalus. The name refers to Kefalonia's unusual headlike shape - and derives from Ciphalis which is Greek for head. Kefalonia has numerous spellings and may be known as Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia depending on where you come from. While the island is large it actually has a particularly small and condensed population of just 40,000 inhabitants with roughly one third of those being localised to the capital city - Argostoli.
The second largest Kefalonian settlement in Lixouri which is just north of the capital. The island which was once a sleepy and dominated by fishing has transformed its image following the hugely popular release of the Hollywood blockbuster Captain Correlli's Mandolin. The film staring Nicholas Cage was filmed on the island and was famed for its fantastic cinematography placing Kefalonia firmly on the map worldwide. While Kefalonia remains a tranquil island - and is still mostly unspoilt it has evolved in recent years to accommodate the influx of tourists and is now developed enough to offer a fantastic holiday with something for everyone.
If you holiday in Kefalonia you will find it has so much to offer including Europes most amazing golden beaches, stunning pine covered mountains, quiet bays and the famously high quality Greek food. Myrtos is the most famous beach in Kefalonia and having been ranked 5th most beautiful in the world is very popular with tourists. A visit to the northern side of the island will allow you to fully embrace the charm and culture of Kefalonia however wherever you choose to stay the Kefalonian people will always make you feel welcome.
Kefalonia has had a difficult history having been conquered by many countries over the centuries. The Normans tried to take the island by force in 1082, then in 1185 Kefalonia fell into the hands of Venetian pirates. It had a brief spell in the hands of the Turkish but was retaken by the Venetians until being occupied by France in 1797. The French rule was followed by Russian and Turk's before being held by Britain in 1809. Greece only re-occupied the island in 1864. The Kefalonian people are often regarded as the islands most endearing asset. Their hospitality has won the island many friends and to be Kefalonian is to be someone of character or as some locals may tell you sometimes a little crazy (thought its occupation the Kefalonian people have always retained their own unique brand of Greekness).
For an island Kefalonia has so much variety to offer - beautiful beaches, the clearest blue sea, flowing lush green valleys, rugged mountain landscapes. Whatever you seek - be it bustling tourist spots or tranquil isolation, bays with loggerhead turtles and dolphins with the finest hospitality wherever you go. Kefalonia really is a wonderful place - the holiday island of dreams.
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