Cephalonia

Cephalonia (Kefalonia) is a large Ionian island in western Greece, characterised by a mix of coastal bays, steep cliffs and a forested interior dominated by Mount Ainos. The island is the largest of the Ionian group and contains both tourist destinations and traditional villages.

Prominent visitor sites include the island capital and port, a number of beaches known for clear water and pebble shorelines, and Mount Ainos which reaches about 1,628 metres and supports a protected area of native forest. The island combines coastal tourism with inland hiking and scenic drives.

A significant seismic event in 1953 caused widespread destruction and led to major post-war reconstruction, which shaped much of the modern built environment. Cephalonia has ferry connections to the Greek mainland and nearby islands and is accessible via a regional airport.

Geographically the island lies in the Ionian Sea off Greece’s western coast and is part of the Ionian Islands administrative region.

• 1953 earthquake: The island was extensively rebuilt after a major earthquake sequence in 1953 that damaged or destroyed much of the traditional architecture.
• Access: Ferries connect the island to the port of Patras and nearby Ionian islands; the island's road network links villages, beaches and the central mountain.

What to See #

• Argostoli: Argostoli is the island's main port and administrative centre, located on a natural bay with ferry connections to the mainland and nearby islands.
• Myrtos Beach: Myrtos Beach is a steeply-backed pebble beach on the island's northwest coast known for its distinctive white shingle and turquoise water.
• Mount Ainos: Mount Ainos, a central limestone massif rising to about 1,628 metres, forms a national park with native coniferous forest and panoramic island views.