Kefalonia is the sixth largest Greek island (781,5 km2, 250 km coastline) and together with Ithaca and the surrounding islands it forms the largest district in the Ionian archipelago. An unusually undulating coastline, unique natural scenery, beautiful beaches, diverse vegetation, rare fauna as well as the size and history of the island, where nature truly excels, make it interesting for everyone.
According to mythology, the island took its name from the Athenian leader and warrior Cephalos. Another version says that thanks to its size and political significance, this island has always naturally been considered the head of all the Ionian islands (kefali=head in Greek).
The island with approximately 38 000 inhabitants is predominantly mountainous and has the highest mountain range of Enos, whose highest peak Ainos (Mega Soros) at 1 628 metres above sea level is the highest on the Ionian islands. A relatively good asphalt road which gradually becomes an unmaintained track will lead you through a natural reserve with forests full of the protected Kefalonian fir almost to the peak of this mountain.

An unforgettable view, with the near and distant surroundings as if on the palm of your hand, will be your reward for this difficult climb. In ancient times there was a temple devoted to Zeus at the top of Ainos, but unfortunately nothing remains of it due to several earthquakes.
Also characteristic of Kefalonia are the many fertile plains where, thanks to the high number of sunny days, vines, from which the famous local Robola wine is made, flourish.

It is well-known that the demand for this wine all over the world greatly exceeds the supply. Thanks to plant and animal produce and above all shipping, Kefalonia has maintained an economic independence since ancient times. Tourism is, therefore, a welcome but by no means essential source of income for most Kefalonians.
Kefalonia is often described as an island of contrasts and if you manage to see at least some of the interesting places, then you will surely agree that this description is justified.

The driving force came from the water in the sea which poured through the ravines in the chalk cliffs into unknown depths and did not emerge into the light of day until the village of Karavomilos not far from Sami. The route of these waters was discovered in 1963 by Austrian geologists, who dyed the water, which emerged near Sami 14 days later. The former strength of these currents, which were responsible for keeping huge mill-wheels in motion, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953.

Another place of interest is the so-called fathomless lake of Avythos (also Akoli) near the village of Agios Nikolaos. When you are wearied by travelling and the scorching sun, you have the unique opportunity to plunge into the cool interior of the earth and admire the magnificent stalagmites and stalactites in the Drogarati (Dragon) Caves.
The caves are thought to be 150 million years old. Because of the perfect acoustics the caves are also used for concerts.

You can take part in a boat tour on the lake in the Melissani Caves which are near the village of Karavomilos and which were not discovered until the year 1953 when their ceiling collapsed during an earthquake. The sunbeams which pour into the cave play a wonderful game with colours on the surface of the lake. Another exceptional phenomenon on the southern promontory of the Pali peninsula was a moving rock, whose movement increased when the sea was rough. This movement ceased following the earthquake, however according to geologists a smaller neighbouring rock has begun to move. The nearest village is called Kounopetra (which in Greek means 'moving stone').

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