Kefalonia Guide: Kefalonia island general info...

Kefalonia, the largest island of the Ionian sea covers an area of 737 km2, island and is situated at the outlet of the Patraicos Gulf in between the island of Zakynthos and Lefkada. It used to be the first station on the way to Sicily and to Italy and it's exploration has always been a challenge to the traveller who wants to become acquainted with the legendary king Odysseus and the entire Ionian Sea. It is an island alluring to its visitor as it is approached from the open sea, with the Aenos mountain ridge, which emerges from the sea and rises like a pyramid, vegetated with its unique black fir-trees. Endless gulfs and lacy shores embraced by a limpid, deep-blue sea surround the island. It is an island full of mystery, contrasts and surprises which originate from its geological structure as well as the idiosyncratic nature of its inhabitants. The Kefalonians are much-travelled, shrewd, active and strong people, combining gentleness and roughness, grace and cheeky humour. The Kefalonians are hospitable and once one has won their favour, he feels at home. Argostoli, is the capital of the island, a modern city with a rich cultural heritage. Among the most significant geological phenomena that one can see on the island and a spectacle of inconceivable beauty is the cave of the
Melissani underground lake, with wild pigeons launching from its depths as soon as the sun penetrates into them from the wide-open entrance holes, and shimmers on the quiet waters of the lake. Cave Drogarati is another spectacle with its red stalagmites and stalactites. The strangest spectacle of all is "Katavothres" (Drain Holes) of Argostoli at the Cape of Agii Theodori, where large quantities of sea water move to the land and disappear in a lime-stone petrifaction just to reappear, after having flown along a 17-kilometre underground route, at Sami, at the location named Karavomylos and into the Lake Melissani. Innumerable colourful flowers and fruit trees cover the island, filling it with exceptional fragrances; a real paradise which is completed by various species of birds, such as ducks, herons and swans, usually nesting in the Gulf of Livadi at Lixouri and in the Koutavos Lagoon at Argostoli.
The Kounopetra, a rock seated in the sea, which swings rhythmically, is situated North of Paliki. The islands southern coasts provide host ground to the famous Caretta-Caretta turtle, and in the caves abounding its northern rocky coasts - finds shelter the Monachus-Monachus Mediterranean seal.