Kefalonia is a Greek island located in the Mediterranean Sea. Among the ionic islands, it is the largest, its area is 781 square kilometers. The island has been populated in ancient times. On Kefalonia there is a significant number of attractions - first, due to the size of the island, secondly, due to the fact that a significant number of people lived on the island in the classic period.
In general, the sights of Kefalonia can be divided into several groups:
- Caves
- museums
- Monasteries
- locks
- Other landmarks
As you already understood, Kefalonia can interest both those who are interested in nature (probably they will like caves) and those who are interested in history (they can recommend various museums, monasteries and castles).
Caves
Melissan Cave
One of the most famous caves Kefalonia is the Melissan Cave, which formed many thousands of years ago. In the center of the cave is the mountain lake, which has the same name. The cave ceiling has a big hole through which the light penetrates, which lights the Melissan lake.
What to see
First of all, the cave itself deserves your attention (in it you can see the stalactites and stalagmites), and, of course, the lake, which has an unusual and very bright azure color. You can also admire the transparent lake water, through which you can even see the bottom (and this is all despite the fact that the lake is deep enough).
And finally, you may like it and the surrounding landscape - the cave is located in the center of the forest, so you may have a feeling of a real fairy tale.
Helpful information
The entrance to the cave is paid, but inexpensive. You go down to the berth, and when a sufficient number of people are recruited there, you will go swimming on the lake on a small boat. At the entrance to the cave can be purchased souvenirs.
Cave duddy
This is another cave located on Kefalonia. It is strikingly different from the previous one - if in the first cave the focus of tourists attracts underground lake, then in the cracking it is worth getting to see the cave itself.
It is located at the depth of several tens of meters, and the cave as a result of an earthquake. In it, you will see the stalactites and stalagmites that have grown there for several centuries. The main feature of this cave is magnificent acoustics for which the cave even got the name of the Hall of Perfection. There are even pretty large-scale musical concerts - after all, in the cave it is placed to 800 (according to other data up to a thousand) of the audience!
Helpful information
In the cave you can get up to 8 pm, it's cool enough (the temperature is not rising above 18 degrees) and damp, so you dress warm or capture a jacket with you. You can take pictures in the cave, but without flash. Nearby there is a small cafe where you can have a snack.
Archaeological Museum
Those who are more interested in history and culture can be recommended the archaeological museum located in the capital of the city of Argostolion. It is located in the city center, or rather near the central square.
There you can see things found in archaeological excavations on the island. The exposition covers the period from prehistoric times to the Roman period. It contains products from ceramics, sculptures, statues, jewelry, coins, weapons, household items, etc.
Not so long ago, the museum survived the reconstruction, so at the moment it is one of the best museums on the Ionic Islands and on Kefaloni in particular.
Helpful information
The museum works from Tuesday to Sunday (Monday - day off) from 8:30 to 15:00, in the afternoon the museum is closed for visiting.
Venetian castle
In the western part of the island, the ruins of the Venetian castle, which was built in the 16th century.
What to see
Many tourists are disappointed after visiting the Venetian castle, as they expect to see the castle itself in all its magnificence. Therefore, pay attention - the castle as such is not there, and there are ruins.
From him there were only fragments, so I immediately warn all tourists - you can read more about the fortress than to see personally. But nevertheless, if the ruins are attracted or you have a good imagination, you can visit the castle ruins.
It is worth noting that it is located in a very beautiful place - next to the ASOS village, whose narrow streets and vintage buildings can attract tourists and with the Beach Mirtos, which is especially beautiful at sunset. So if you attract beautiful landscapes - pay attention to this place - there you can admire the combination of nature and antiquities, and, of course, make excellent photos.
Fiscardo village
This village is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island. Ancient Venetian houses have been preserved in it, which were built back in the 18th century. Almost anywhere on the island you cannot see anything like that, and there is a reason - in the middle of the 20th century, a destructive earthquake occurred on Kefalonia, almost all cities and villages were destroyed, but the village of Fiscardo was preserved. That is why there you can feel the spirit of the antiquity and admire the old. It is part of the security zone, so that the construction of new buildings is prohibited. All this is done with one goal - to maintain the unique atmosphere of this town.
Monastery of St. Gerasima
One of the most famous and revered monasteries on the island is the monastery of St. Gerasima or Gerasim Kefalonian, which since ancient times was the patron of Kefalonia and its inhabitants.
The monastery keeps the relic - the relics of St. Gerasim. They are in a glass cancer, and on the day of the commemoration of St. Gerasim, the power carry over the patients to heal them.
Believers and pilgrims come to the monastery from different countries of the world to touch the shrine. The official holiday on the island is October 20 - that is, St. Gerasim's Day, collects many parishioners in the monastery.
If you are a believing person, be sure to visit this holy place for Christians.