17.11.2013
Кефалония – крупнейший среди всех греческихIslands of the Ionian Sea. To the north of it is about. Lefkada to the east is the famous Ithaca, the birthplace of Homer’s Odyssey, and to the south – about. Zakynthos The highest points of Kefalonia are the Enos and Rudi Mountains (1627 m and 1130 m respectively), its total area is 671 km².
The first mention of the local inhabitants – Kefalonians, are found Homer in the poem “Iliad”. In that distant era, their lands were part of Odyssey States. In further periods of history in the territory The island has been visited by many conquerors. On his lands dominated by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Turks, Venetians, the French and the British. And only in 1864 he finally entered the composition of Greece.
The beauty of Kefalonia’s nature is striking at first sight. Here harmoniously combines the green of the mountainous slopes covered with conifers trees, and a riot of colors of flowers that can be seen in each corner of the island.
If you want to travel around Kefalonia all year round, visiting a new place every day – there are 365 villages here! Each of them boasts something unusual, but unites all the villages are traditional Greek architecture, abundant greenery and flowers, which the locals so love to decorate the balconies, the inner courtyards and facades of buildings.
Unfortunately, the powerful earthquake of 1953 also left its trail on the island. Many houses were destroyed, including stately buildings of the Venetian period. However, in Kefalonia has something to look at: modern architecture complemented the appearance of cities and towns, and lush gardens still please eyes of visitors.
Video: dreamways.ru
Sights of Kefalonia
Monastery of St. Andrew and the Church Panagia Languvarda – the most interesting The sights of Kefalonia, which survived the earthquake. The monastery is notable for its unique relic. – part of the right foot of the Apostle Andrew from the monastery of Mount Athos. It also has a museum where Byzantine icons and church vestments.
An interesting story related to the church of Panagia Languvarda, which is located in the village Markopoulo. According to legend, during the rule of the Byzantines Pirates landed on the island. In order to save the nuns of the local the monastery, the Mother of God turned them into little snakes. Since annually on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15) in the village There are many snakes with crosses. Parishioners catch them and bring to the icon “The Virgin of the Snake”. People believe that if you attach a snake to the sore spot or even just hold it in your hands, you can heal from ailments. Naturally, this day in Markopoulo hundreds of pilgrims come to see with their own eyes a miracle.
Resting on Kefalonia, you can visit other, no less wonderful places:
- The unique underground lake-cave Melissani, earthquake
- Drogariti cave at a depth of 44 meters, age which is about 150 million years old
- The highest mountain reserve of the Ionian Islands Enos (1628 meters).
- The fortress of Asos, built in the early XVII century
- The dome of the Mycenaean tomb Zanatu, the graves of which scientists date back to 1400-1000 BC
- The ruins of a Roman villa, on the walls of which magnificent mosaics preserved
The beaches of Kefalonia
Among the beaches of Kefalonia, it is difficult to give preference to some one, because every corner of the island has a unique and in its own way charming atmosphere. But there are several world famous beaches that guests of the island try to visit first turn.
Ammes. Small calm beach covered gold fine-grained sand located in the village of Svoronata. Good bonus: there is an airport not far from it.
Antisamos. The beach is located in the bay near Themselves, not far from the main port, and is considered to be one of most beautiful not only in Kefalonia, but throughout Greece. And not amazing: here the green slopes of the mountains approach the crystal clear water, forming amazing idyllic landscapes.
Makris Yalos. This beach is known for the best infrastructure on the island: there are cafes, snack bars and restaurants, you can rent umbrellas, sun beds and everything you need equipment for water recreation. Makri Yalos is celebrated annually The blue flag is an international quality mark.
Platis Yalos. This beach is part of one coastline with Makris Yalos, it is also well equipped and marked Blue flag. But tourists call Platis Yalos Greek Riviera Pines, flowers and other green spaces form a special the charm and charm of this stretch of coast.
Myrtos. A large number of tourists coming on about. Kefalonia is precisely to see the world famous Myrtos beach. Especially impressive it looks from the height of others rocks – a strip of white sand with an oncoming azure wave so and beckoning to go down the mountain serpentine and relax on the shore seas.
Xy. Xi Beach, located near the city Lixouri is interesting for its unusual sand of yellow-red hue. It is believed that the local clay has healing properties, therefore many vacationers are covered with it and thus take sun baths. The descent into the water is Xi shallow, it is shallow, so the beach is preferred by tourists with children. Here is where to eat and to rest – there are many eateries, hotels and apartments. Xi is also marked with a blue quality flag.
Rock. Sandy beach Skala is one of the most wide and long (about 3 km) on the island. He is on territory of the city of the same name, so all the amenities of civilization – at hand.
Map of Kefalonia
Photo: Mouzenidis Travel
