Welcome to Kefalonia.co.uk

The largest of the Ionion Islands in western Greece, Kefalonia is fastly becoming a popular holiday resort amongst tourists from all areas of the World. The island is name after the mythological figure Cephalus, referring the islands  shape – Ciphalis – derived from the Greek word for “head”.

Kefalonia, also known as Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia, has a small population of 45,000. The capital Argostoli is home to one-third of the islands inhabitants and Lixouri is the second largest settlement.

Kefalonia has grown from a quiet fishing island to a popular holiday hot-spot in recent years due to the release of Captain Correlli’s Mandolin, a blockbuster movie that placed the island on the map for tourists worldwide. A tranquil island, Kefalonia has is evolving to accommodate the influx of tourists each year whilst ensuring its peaceful nature remains.

Kefalonia has a lot to offer, including some fantastic scenery, golden beaches and famous Greek food. Mirtos, the most famous of these beaches, is a major tourist attraction, and has been ranked fifth worldwide for its beauty.

The majority of Kefalonia’s tourist areas are in the southern half of the island, including Scala and Katelios. However, if you are looking to fully embrace the local culture and tranquillity, it is suggested that you look to visit a resort in the northern region of the island.

Kefalonia is a rugged island of sharp landscapes,countless bays and inlets and fine beaches. In spite of the island’s turbulent history and parade of different masters over the centuries, the people of Kefalonia have retained their own brand of Greekness. Their friendship and hospitality to strangers wins many friends.

To be a Kefalonian is to be someone of character- creative,temperamental, resourceful, unprecedented- and as some locals will tell you - a little crazy. They are proud of their roots and despite their tendency to follow in the footsteps of  Odysseus, the famous hero of Homer, to  travel far and wide to seek their way in life - they always return to Kefalonia where their heart belongs.

Whatever you seek - a beautiful beach, clear blue seas, rugged mountains, lush green valleys, wild flowers,loggerhead turtles, dolphins, amazing views,  a little isolation or wonderful hospitality - you will find it all on the island of Kefalonia.

Kefalonia has had a checkered history. In 1082 the Norman baron Guiscard tried, without success, to seize the island. The endeavors of the Normans, were taken up by Venetian pirates until the island finally fell into the possession of the Orsinis in 1185. In 1483 it was destroyed by the Turks and in 1500 recaptured by the Venetians who held on to it until 1797, when it was occupied by the French under Napoleon. The French occupation was succeeded by a brief Russian and Turkish one, until the British prevailed in 1809. The British rule came to an end in 1864 and the island was united with Greece.