Island Guide
A little about Kefalonia
The largest and one of the most beguiling of the Ionian islands — beautiful, unspoilt, and quietly rich in history.
Kefalonia is an increasingly well-known destination that draws thousands of visitors each year — for its beautiful, unique natural environment, its friendly people, and a rich historic and cultural heritage. It is one of the few Greek islands still cloaked in dense forest, particularly around Fiskardo in the north, where the trees often reach almost to the sea.
Plentiful sandy, pebble and rocky beaches, forests, warm faces and a distinctive architecture are just some of the reasons visitors choose the island for their holidays. Even in an era of mass tourism, Kefalonia remains largely unspoilt: a vibrant night life is there for those who want it, yet it is equally possible to spend a tranquil holiday in near-total privacy. One of its most reassuring qualities is its safety — crime is almost unknown. It is the largest of the Ionian islands at some 800 km², yet only around 45,000 people live here.
Climate
Kefalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate; summers are hot with very little rainfall. Summer temperatures range from 13.8°C to 40.2°C, and winter from 2.2°C to 22.3°C.
Language
The official language is Greek; English is widely spoken, as are Italian, French and German.
Local cuisine
The food is Greek with an emphasis on seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit. Among the many Kefalonian specialities are the local white wine, Robola — one of Greece’s finest — thyme honey, feta, virgin olive oil and the famous Kefalonian meat pie.
Local products
Look for thyme honey, the celebrated Robola wine, cheeses, cakes and aniseed biscuits, all carrying the scent of the pines of Mount Ainos.
Currency
The currency is the Euro; most places accept credit cards, traveller’s cheques and Euro cheques.
Local markets
Villages have mini-markets for the essentials, while Argostoli, the capital, offers a colourful market of fresh, mostly local fruit and vegetables, alongside large supermarkets.