KEFALONIA ISLAND

Kefalonia, also known as Kefallinia, is an island in the Ionian Sea, situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Patras. It is the largest island among the Ionian Islands, and its population is the third most populous, after Corfu and Zakynthos. The island covers an area of around 773 square kilometers, and it has a population of approximately 35,801 inhabitants.

The terrain of Kefalonia is predominantly mountainous, and it is dominated by the Ainos mountain range, which is characterized as a National Park. The highest peaks of the mountain range are Megas Soros (1,628 m.), Agia Dynati (1,131 m.), Eumorfia (1,043 m.) and Kokkini Rachi (1,078 m.). Ainos is known for its unique weather conditions and for being the first in Greece to receive low barometers from the West. The island is also famous for the Kefallinian Black Fir, which is a rare tree species found only on the island, and for the wild small horses of the Equus caballus breed.

Kefalonia’s plains are mainly found in Kranaia, the Paliki peninsula, Arakleio, and Sami. The island’s coasts are characterized by numerous bays and capes. The most significant gulfs include Sami, Myrtos, Lourdas, Atheras, Fiskardos, Livadi, and Argostoli (also known as Koutavou), while the main capes include Mounta, Kapros, Sarakiniko, Mytikas, Kentri, northern Dafnoudi, Atheras, Ortholithia, Skizomos, Gero Akrotiri, Agia Pelagia, Liakas, and Kastanas. The coasts are rocky and steep facing the Ionian Sea, while the formations are milder towards the east.