The island and its people

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.

LOOK OUT FOR A MAGAZINE CALLED "PLANET SKALA" - YOU SHOULD FIND IT AT THE KIOSKS. IT IS WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY LOCAL PEOPLE AND HAS LOTS OF INTERESTING ARTICLES AND INFORMATION ABOUT KEFALONIA

CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN- a book about Kefalonia and its people during WWII, by Louis De Bernieres. It's the perfect book to take along when you travel to the island.