Kefalonia

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==Kefalonia (Port of Entry)==
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{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Ionian Sea|Greece}}
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[[Image:Cephalonia_m.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Map of Kefalonia<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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{{TOC block}}
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[[Image:KefaloniaW_coast.jpg|200px|thumb|right|West Coast of Kefalonia<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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===Background===
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalonia Kefalonia] (Κεφαλλονιά) or Cephalonia or  Kephalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands. It is N of [[Zakinthos_(Zante)|Zakynthos]] and S of [[Lefkas]]. It is separated from the smaller Itháki by a narrow channel. It is a beautiful island with many lovely beaches. It has an area of 688 km<sup>2</sup> and its highest point, Megalo Vouno (Large Mountain), is 1.626 m above sea level.
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According to mythology the island was populated by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterelaos Pterelaos] and his followers. Pterelaos was the son of Tarios a son of [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Poseidon.html Poseidon]. But soon Pterelaos was defeated by the king of Thebes Amphitryon who gave the island to his friend [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalus Cephalus]. Cephalus had four sons: Kranios. Paleas, Pronnesos, and Samos. They divided the island to four city-states bearing their names. The island was most likely part of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odysseus Odysseus] kingdom of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ithaca Ithaki].
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{{Infobox |38|15.03|N|20|33.38|E|
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| zoom= 10
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| chartlet= y
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| containsportofentry= y
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| image= Cephalonia_m.jpg
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| imagetext= Map of Kefalonia
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}}
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalonia Kefalonia] (Κεφαλλονιά) also spelled as Kephallinia, Cefalonia, Cephalonia,  Kephalonia and Kefallinia is the largest of the Ionian islands. For a history of the island, ''click on'' [[History of Kefalonia]]. Lying eight miles N of [[Zakinthos_(Zante)|Zakynthos]] and six miles S of [[Lefkas]], it is separated from the smaller island of [[Ithaca]] on the E side by a narrow channel. Within a total area of 688 square kms it encompasses several mountain ranges, of which the highest, Mount Enos, is 1,626 metres above sea level. A beautiful island, Kefalonia boasts a number of lovely beaches around its coasts, including the spectacular Myrtos beach on  the NW coast.  Inland, many of its slopes are covered with vineyards producing the Robola white and red wines for which the island is renowned. Kefalonia has a thriving tourist trade, boosted more recently by the success of the novel ''Captain Corelli’s Mandolin'' by Louis de Bernieres, which is based around the massacre of 3,000 Italian troops by Nazi forces on the island in 1943. In 1953 the island was struck by a major earthquake which devastated most of its towns and villages, and the evidence of the destruction is still to be seen today in many parts of the island.
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The four city-states, Pale, Krane, Pronnos, and Same were independent and form many separate alliances with other Greek cities such as Athens and Corinth. According to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodotus Herodotus] the Cephalonians stood with the Corinthians against the Persians in 474 BC. After this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Persian_Wars Persian war] the island fell under the Athenian alliance but at the end of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnesian_war Peloponnesian war] she allied with Sparta. But the Athenians invaded the island in 373 BC and held it until 226 BC. The island successfully repulsed the invasion of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_II_of_Macedon Philip the Macedon].
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Yachts cruising the island mostly tend to sail down the E coast, where there are sheltered harbours at [[Fiskardo]], [[Ayia Eufimia]], [[Sami]] and [[Poros]], or the more exposed W coast, where there is only one settled weather harbour at [[Assos]] before the harbours of [[Argostoli]] and [[Lixouri]] in the Gulf of Argostoli at the SW end of the island. Prevailing winds are mostly from the NW or W and only occasionally above force 5 - 6, in which conditions all the E coast harbours are safe, although gusts are experienced in [[Ayia Eufimia]] and some swell in [[Sami]] and [[Poros]]. Assos is untenable in strong W or NW winds. In [[Lixouri]] and [[Argostoli]] shelter can be found in all conditions.
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On the 2nd century AD Kephalonia was taken over by the Romans. During [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine Byzantine] times the island was major naval base and very active in protecting the empire from its many enemies. In 1508 the Norman pirate [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Guiscard Robert Guiscard] who was king of Sicily landed in the northern cove. He eventually died there and the cove was named after his Italian name Giskardo corrupted Greek as Fiskárdo. During the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades Crusades] the island fell under the Franks and after a treaty with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Venice Venetians] in 1204 AD the island was governed by Matthew Orsini under the overlordship of Venice. In 1324 the Naples conquered the island. In 1357 the Neapolitans ceded the island to Leonardo Toko whose family governed the island until 1479 when it was conquered by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottomans Ottomans] but the Venetians after a bloody siege took it over in 1500 and held it until 1797.
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==Charts==
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; BA
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: 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
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: 1557 Argostoli Port
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; Imray-Tetra
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: G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
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; NIMA
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: 54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
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; Greek
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: 2 Ionio Pelagos
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: 30 Kefalonia, Ithaki
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In 1797 Kephalonia along the rest of the Ionian islands was taken over by the French who were received by the locals as liberators. They governed the island as a republic and established many schools. This period was short because in the 29th of October 1798 the combined Russian and Ottoman fleets invaded the region and in 1800 they established the State of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Islands_Republic Seven Islands]. This was also short lived and in 1807 the Ionian islands were back into French hands. But in 1809 the British defeated the French and now became the new lords of the region and established the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_the_Ionian_Islands United States of the Ionian Islands]. This lasted until 1864 when the Ionian islands became part of the new state of Modern Greece.
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==Weather==
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* ''See  [[Ionian Sea#Weather|Ionian Sea Weather]]''.
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* ''Also see  [[Ionian Sea#Currents_&_Tides|Ionian Sea Currents & Tides]]''.
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After the WW II defeat of Greece by the Germans, their Italian allies occupied the island. After the collapse of the Mussolini fascist regime the Italians surrendered to the allies and the Germans landed on the island.They rounded up the Italian division which until that time was occupying the island. They executed the lot, about 3,000 men with only very few escaping, helped by the locals. Every year on the anniversary of the massacre, the survivors and their families, accompanied by Italian and Greek dignitaries, come for a memorial service.This story is the basis of the fascinating novel ''Corelli's Mandolin'' by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Bernières Louis de Bernières] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Corelli%27s_Mandolin_%28film%29 film] which was shot in Kephalonia.
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==Passages==
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* [[Cruising the Greek Ionian Sea]]
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On August 12, 1953 there was a devastating 6.5-7 earthquake on the Ionian. The main city of the island, Argostoli, was almost totally demolished. There were large scale destruction with only the town of Fiskardo spared.
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==Islands==
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{{Dest legend|i|eh|a|m}}
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The patron saint of Kephalonia is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerasimus_of_Kefalonia St. Gerasimos]. He is celebrated on October 20 and in August 15 in which day the islanders celebrate both the virgin Mary and one of St. Gerasimos' miracles. The following story was told to me (--[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 14:29, 18 April 2008 (MDT)) my a local taxi driver:
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* {{Dest| Ithaca|h|a|i}}
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* {{Dest| Meganisi |h|a}}
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* {{Dest| Lefkas |i|h|a|e|m}}
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''There once was a convent by the sea which was under attack by pirates. The nuns, afraid of being captured and ravished, prayed for deliverance to St. Gerasimos. Soon, a multitude of small, 10 -15 cm, snakes appeared on the monastery grounds. The pirates, who had landed in the mean time, were bitten and scared away by the snakes and the nuns were saved. From that day until today these small snakes appear for a few days around August 15, and they are considered sacred. If they fail to appear it is considered a terrible omen. Last time that they did not appear was 1953 which was followed by the earthquakes that practically demolished Argostoli and Lixouri, the largest towns on the island.''
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==Communication==
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===Charts===
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BA 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi<br/>
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BA 1557 Argostoli Port
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Imray-Tetra G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
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NIMA 54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
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Greek 2 Ionio Pelagos<br/>
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Greek 30 Kefalonia, Ithaki
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===Radio Nets===
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''Also see [[HF_Radio|World Cruiser's Nets]]''
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* Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
* Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
* Olympia Radio - VHF channel 03
* Olympia Radio - VHF channel 03
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===Approach and Navigation===
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''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
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All approaches except for the Argostoli/Lixouri are straightforward.
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<font color="red">Danger:</font> The entrance to the Argostoli/Lixouri is full of dangers, under no circumstances you should enter during dark.
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==Navigation==
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All approaches except for the approach to the Gulf of Argostoli and Lixouri are straightforward.  See individual port entries for details.
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===Ports and Popular Stops===
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{{Danger}} The approaches to the Gulf of Argostoli from both E and W are full of dangers, and under no circumstances should you enter during the dark.
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====Argostoli (Port of Entry)====
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{|
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|valign="top"|GPS: {{Coord|38|11.2|N|20|29.5|E|}}
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argostoli Argostóli] (Αργοστόλι) is the main harbor of Kefalonia. It was destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and has been re-built but now it is a bustling town without much architectural character.
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You drop your anchor in 4-5 m depth on mud, good holding, and back to either the N or the W quay, S of the ferry quay. Be aware that the prevailing wind here is from the N. It is also possible to anchor off in a cove NE of the harbor but now I believe there are some fish farms there.
 
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=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====
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==Entrance==
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''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
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Customs in [[#Argostoli|Argostoli]] and [[Sami]].
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* 1987 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 08:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
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{{hold vertical}}
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*
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|[[Image:Argostoli_h.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Chart of Argostoli<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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==Berthing==
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|}
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===Ports===
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The principal ports in Kefalonia are listed in clockwise order round the island, starting from Fiskardo.
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====Lixoúri====
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{{Dest legend|i|eh|a|m}}
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GPS: {{Coord|38|12.1|N|20|26.6|E|}}<br/>
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lixouri Lixoúri] (Ληξούρι) is the second town on the island. It is just across from Argostoli, connected by road and by ferries. The harbor is reputed to be smelly and uncomfortable.
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====Ayia Kyriaki====
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* {{Dest| Fiskardo |label= Fiskardó |h|a|i}}
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Ayia Kyriaki or Ayia Kiriaki is a lovely small harbor in NW Kephalonia.
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* {{Dest| Ayia Eufimia |h|a}}
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* {{Dest| Sami |h|e}}
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* {{Dest| Poros Harbour, Kefalonia| label= Poros Harbour|h}}
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====Assos====
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{{Poi | lat=38.1071| lon=20.59024| zoom=17 | type= harbour| name= Pessades
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{|
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| text= Pessades is a tiny ferry harbour a few miles SE of Argostoli. The harbour is shallow (under 1.5 metres) and there is very little space for yachts. }}
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|GPS: {{Coord|38|22.8|N|20|32.2|E|}}
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Assos (Άσσος) or Port Assos is a picturesque small harbor in NW Kephalonia dominated by a Venetian fort. It is very popular with tourists.
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It is possible to anchor and take a line to the mole but it is only 1.5-2 m deep. Alternatively you can anchor off in 4-7 m depths. The holding here is not always good as the bottom has mud, weed, and shingle. There are swells with the prevailing N-NW winds.
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* {{Dest| Argostoli |h|e|a|m}}
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[[Image:Kefalonia_Assos.jpg|thumb|200px|center|Assos<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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* {{Dest| Lixouri |h||a|}}
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* {{Dest| Assos |h|}}
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=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====
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{{Poi | lat=38.31076| lon=20.47648| zoom=16 | type= harbour| name= Ayia Kyriaki
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''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
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| image= MyrtosBay.jpg | | imagetext= Myrtos Bay with Assos in background
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* 1987 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 08:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
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| text= Ayia Kyriaki or Ayia Kiriaki is a lovely small harbour in NW Kefalonia. However, it is usually full of fishing boats and only a small yacht could squeeze in.  It is totally exposed in the prevailing NW winds and entry would be dangerous in winds of any strength from that quarter. Depths in the harbour are 2.0 metres or less.
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*
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}}
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|[[Image:Assos_h.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Chart of Assos<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
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|}
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* '''Pelagha''' - A new marina is under construction at Pelagha and it is understood to be opening shortly (May '08). {{Magenta|Please update here.}}
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====Fiskardó====
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==Anchorages==
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[[Image:Kefalonia_Fiskardo.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Fiskardó<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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{{poi | lat=38.43962 | lon=20.59032
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[[Image:Fiskardo_h.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Chart of Fiskardo<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| type= anchorage
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GPS: {{Coord|38|27.66|N|20|34.56|E|}}<br/>
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| name=Coves S of Fiskardó
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiskardo Fiskardó] (Φισκαρδό) or Fiskardho or Phiscardo is a charming and well sheltered small harbor on the NE of Kephalonia. The name of the town is a coruption of its Norman overlord's name [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Guiscard Robert Guiscard].
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| altname=
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| zoom= 14
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| image=
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| imagetext=
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| text= These coves are all very fjord-like and very attractive surrounded by cypress trees. in the first cove S of Fiskardó there is a good restaurant on the road turn but it is hidden in the trees. The second cove to the S is my favorite.
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Because the town was not destroyed by the the 1953 earthquake it is the most architecturally picturesque town on the island and, as a result, tourists flock there. The small harbor is almost always crowded. Your only chance of finding a spot is to learn when the flotillas depart.
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In any case, you can anchor and take long stern lines to the rocks ashore. Even better, go deep into the cove and take a long bow line and a stern line to the rocks. The bottom is not always secure and there can be some surge.
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}}
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Anchor in 4-5 m over sand and backup to the S or W quay. The holding is good. In the most likely case that there is no room there are a few alternatives. You can anchor on the N side, across from the town, in 12-9 m depth and take a shore line to the rocks. The bottom here does not always provide good holding, so be careful. The other alternative is to go to one of the very attractive fjord-like coves S of Fiskardó (sse below).
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{{poi | lat= 38.05926 |lon=20.73804
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| type= anchorage
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| name=Kato Kastelos
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| altname=
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| zoom= 14
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| image=
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| imagetext=
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| text= Kato Kastelos is a sheltered bay NW of Cape Mounda.
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}}
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In Fiskardho Mr. Makis who runs the ''Philoxenia'' agency is a retired seaman and very helpful to yachties. He listens on the VHF channel 16 and can arrange for a mechanic and other services.
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{{poi | lat= 38.26806 | lon=20.68062
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| type= anchorage
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| name=Antisamos
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| altname=
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| zoom= 14
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| image=
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| imagetext=
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| text= This is a sheltered and beautiful bay close to Sami. The NE entrance is protected by Ithaca island. We spent two nights there. The bottom is mostly pebble, rocks and sand. Not sure it would hold with strong wind.
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=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====
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{{Caution}}Do not anchor over the underwater cable.
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''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
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}}
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* October 1996 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 08:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
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*
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====Ayia Efimía====
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==Amenities==
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[[Image:Efimia_h.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Chart of Ayia Efimía<br/>''Click for larger view]]
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{{tlist
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GPS: {{Coord|38|18.2|N|20|36.1|E|}}<br/>
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Ayia Efimía (Αγία Ευφημεία) or Ayia Eufimia (saint well spoken of) has a small yacht harbor (usually crowded with flotilla boats) but it is also a well protected cove to anchor off. Ashore there is an excellent bakery, several stores, and restaurants. It is a good alternative to Argostoli as a base from which to tour the island.
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Anchor towards the S of the bay, away from the maneuvering area of the ferry boat. Drop the anchor in 4-5 m depth. The bottom is sand but with few rocks and weed patches. Holding is not everywhere good so make sure that your anchor is holding before you leave your boat. It is best to check by snorkeling. Once the anchor holds the place is very secure. I have been here with very strong squalls without any problems (--[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 07:32, 19 April 2008 (MDT)).
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|header|Facilities
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=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====
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|Water| On the quay in [[Argostoli#Amenities|Argostoli]], [[Fiskardo#Amenities|Fiskardo]], [[Ayia_Eufimia#Amenities|Ayia Eufimia]] and [[Poros_Harbour#Amenities|Poros Harbour]]
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''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
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|Electricity| On the quay in [[Ayia_Eufimia#Amenities|Ayia Eufimia]]
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* October 2004 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 08:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
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|Toilets| {{MagentaText|?}}
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*
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|Showers| {{MagentaText|?}}
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====Sami====
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|Laundry| {{MagentaText|?}}
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Sami is a ferry terminal S of Ayia Efimía.
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|Garbage| There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages
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====Poros====
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|header|Supplies
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Poros is a small harbor just N of Cape Mounda. It i reported to be an uncomfortable harbor.
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|Fuel|  In [[Argostoli#Amenities|Argostoli]], [[Fiskardo#Amenities|Fiskárdo]], [[Ayia_Eufimia#Amenities|Ayia Eufimia]] and [[Poros_Harbour#Amenities|Poros Harbour]] arrangements can be made for mini-tanker delivery of fuel
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|Bottled gas| {{MagentaText|?}}
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|Chandlers| In [[Argostoli#Amenities|Argostoli]]
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====Pessades====
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|header|Services
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Pessades is tiny ferry harbor a few miles SE of Argostoli.
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|Repairs| There is a good mechanic in [[Fiskardo#Amenities|Fiskárdo]]. Ask Mr. Makis who runs the ''Philoxenia'' agency
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|Internet| In Internet cafés
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|Mobile connectivity| 3G in most of the island
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|Vehicle rentals|  In [[Argostoli]], [[Fiskardo|Fiskárdo]], and [[Ayia Eufimia]]
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}}
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===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
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==Provisioning==
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* '''Pelagha''' - A new marina is under construction at Pelagha and it is understood to be opening shortly (May '08). (''Please update here'')
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* Food groceries in [[Argostoli]], [[Fiskardo|Fiskárdo]], and [[Ayia Eufimia]]
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* In [[Ayia Eufimia]] there is an excellent bakery
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* ''Robola'' wines are sold all over the island and are of excellent quality
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===Anchorages===
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==Eating out==
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====Coves S of Fiskardó====
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* Good restaurants in [[Fiskardo|Fiskárdo]] - ''Lord Falcon'' (Thai / Greek) strongly recommended.
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[[Image:Kefalonia_CoveFisk.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Cove S of Fiskardó<br/>''Click for larger view]]
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* Good restaurants in [[Ayia Eufimia]]
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[[Image:Kefalonia_NearFisk.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Another Cove S of Fiskardó<br/>''Click for larger view]]
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*
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These coves are all very fjord-like and very attractive surrounded by cypress trees. in the first cove S of Fiskardó there is a good restaurant on the road turn but it is hidden in the trees. The second cove to the S is my favorite.
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In any case, You can anchor and take long stern lines to the rocks ashore. Even better, go deep into the cove and take a long bow line and a stern line to the rocks. The bottom is not always secure and there can be some surge.<br/><br/>
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==Transportation==
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There are daily flights to Athens and ferries to the mainland and other Ionian islands.
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=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====
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==Tourism==
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''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
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====Places to Visit====
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* 1995 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] 08:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
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{{Image right|KefaloniaCypress.jpg |Much of southern Kefalonia is thick with cypress<br />''Click for larger view }}
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*
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{{Image right|RobolaVineyards.jpg |Kefalonia is famed for its Robola wines<br />''Click for larger view }}
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====Kato Kastelos====
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=====Argostoli=====
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Kato Kastelos is a sheltered bay NW of Cape Mounda.
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In Argostoli you should visit the [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3287 Archaeological Museum] which houses finds from the prehistoric to the Roman periods including a very beautiful 12 century BC Mycenaean [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kylix_%28drinking_cup%29 kylix]. Also, the [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=3415 Historical and Folkloric Museum] is well worth a visit.
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===Offshore Islands===
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=====Assos=====
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None.
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The [http://www.kefalonianet.gr/listing/fortress-of-assos/ Venetian Castle], although not restored, makes a nice walk.
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===Routes/Passages To/From===
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=====Drakaina Cave=====
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Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
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===Tourism & things to do ashore===
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====Argostoli====
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In Argostoli you should visit the [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=3287 Archaeological Museum] which houses finds from the prehistoric to the Roman periods including a very beautiful 12 century BC Mycenaean [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kylix_%28drinking_cup%29 kylix]. Also, the [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=3415 Historical and Folkloric Museum] is well worth a visit.
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====Assos====
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The [http://www.kefaloniainfo.net/assos.php Venetian Castle], although not restored, makes a nice walk.
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====Drakaina Cave====
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This [http://www.kefaloniatravel.com/kefalonia_cephalonia_underground_lakes_caves.html cave] is near Poros. It has been used as a place of worship from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolithic Neolithic] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic Hellenistic] times.
This [http://www.kefaloniatravel.com/kefalonia_cephalonia_underground_lakes_caves.html cave] is near Poros. It has been used as a place of worship from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolithic Neolithic] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic Hellenistic] times.
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====The Castle of Ayios Georghios====
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=====The Castle of Ayios Georghios=====
The Castle of Ayios Georghios or Yiorgios (St. George) is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine Byzantine] castle which was later restored and used by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Venice Venetian]s was the capital of the island until 1757. It is located near the village of Peratáta about 5 km N of Argostoli.
The Castle of Ayios Georghios or Yiorgios (St. George) is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine Byzantine] castle which was later restored and used by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Venice Venetian]s was the capital of the island until 1757. It is located near the village of Peratáta about 5 km N of Argostoli.
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===Fuel, Water, & Electricity===
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=====Melissani Lake=====
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* In [[#Argostoli|Argostoli]] and [[#Fiskardó|Fiskárdo]] arrangements can be made for mini-tanker delivery of fuel. In [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]] there is gas station on the S of the bay, a short walk.
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An underground cave and lake located a short taxi drive away from Sami or Eufimia. Very pretty when sunlit through the hole where the ceiling caved in some thousands years ago.
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* Water On the quay in [[#Argostoli|Argostoli]], [[#Fiskardó|Fiskárdo]], and [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]].
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* Electricity is N/A.
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===Laundry===
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''Also see individual port entries.''
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* In [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]] the hotel a few m S of the jetty in the middle of the bay does laundry.
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===Grocery Stores===
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==Friends==
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* Food groceries in [[#Argostoli|Argostoli]], [[#Fiskardó|Fiskárdo]], and [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]]
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* In [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]] there is an excellent bakery
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===Eateries===
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* Good restaurants in [[#Fiskardó|Fiskárdo]]
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* Good restaurants in  [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]]
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*
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===Motorbike & Car Rentals===
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* In [[#Argostoli|Argostoli]], [[#Fiskardó|Fiskárdo]], and [[#Ayia_Efimía|Ayia Efimia]]
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===Marine Stores & Facilities===
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* In [[#Argostoli|Argostoli]]
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*
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===Repairs===
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* There is a good mechanic in [[#Fiskardó|Fiskárdo]]. Ask Mr. Makis who runs the ''Philoxenia'' agency
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===Transportation===
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There are daily flights to Athens and ferries to the mainland and other Ionian islands.
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===References & Publications===
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See [[Greece#References_&_Publications|Greece]].
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===Cruiser's Friends===
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Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
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===Forum Discussions===
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==Forums==
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List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
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List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
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===External Links===
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==Links==
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* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalonia Cephalonia]] (Wikepedia)
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* {{Wikipedia|Cephalonia}}
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* [http://www.kefaloniainfo.net/ Kefanonia Net]
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* {{Wikivoyage}}
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* [http://www.kefalonianet.gr Kefalonia Net]
* [http://www.kefaloniatravel.com/ Kefalonia Travel]
* [http://www.kefaloniatravel.com/ Kefalonia Travel]
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* [http://www.videopilotbook.com/cephalonia/ A yachtsman's video guide]
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==References==
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''See [[Ionian Sea#References_&_Publications|Ionian Sea]]''.
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{{Comments}}
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===Personal Notes===
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{{Verified by}}
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Personal experiences?
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* 2004 {{Istioploos2}}
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* 2008 --[[User:telfordmike|telfordmike]] 22:47, 9 March 2009 (GMT)
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* May 2013 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
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*
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===Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)===
 
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See individual ports in this page.
 
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{{Guide2}}
 
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{{Contributors|[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]], [[User:Lighthouse|Lighthouse]], [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]], [[User:telfordmike|telfordmike]], [[User:Rodger|Rodger]], [[User:Monterey|Monterey]] }}
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[[Category:Islands - Greece]]
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Latest revision as of 11:57, 15 August 2018

World ▶ Mediterranean ▶ Ionian Sea ▶ Greece ▶ Kefalonia

Contents

Kefalonia
There are Port(s) of Entry here
38°15.03′N, 20°33.38′E Chart icon.png
lat=38_15.03_N | lon=20_33.38_E | zoom=10 | y
Cephalonia m.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Map of Kefalonia

Kefalonia (Κεφαλλονιά) also spelled as Kephallinia, Cefalonia, Cephalonia, Kephalonia and Kefallinia is the largest of the Ionian islands. For a history of the island, click on History of Kefalonia. Lying eight miles N of Zakynthos and six miles S of Lefkas, it is separated from the smaller island of Ithaca on the E side by a narrow channel. Within a total area of 688 square kms it encompasses several mountain ranges, of which the highest, Mount Enos, is 1,626 metres above sea level. A beautiful island, Kefalonia boasts a number of lovely beaches around its coasts, including the spectacular Myrtos beach on the NW coast. Inland, many of its slopes are covered with vineyards producing the Robola white and red wines for which the island is renowned. Kefalonia has a thriving tourist trade, boosted more recently by the success of the novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres, which is based around the massacre of 3,000 Italian troops by Nazi forces on the island in 1943. In 1953 the island was struck by a major earthquake which devastated most of its towns and villages, and the evidence of the destruction is still to be seen today in many parts of the island.

Yachts cruising the island mostly tend to sail down the E coast, where there are sheltered harbours at Fiskardo, Ayia Eufimia, Sami and Poros, or the more exposed W coast, where there is only one settled weather harbour at Assos before the harbours of Argostoli and Lixouri in the Gulf of Argostoli at the SW end of the island. Prevailing winds are mostly from the NW or W and only occasionally above force 5 - 6, in which conditions all the E coast harbours are safe, although gusts are experienced in Ayia Eufimia and some swell in Sami and Poros. Assos is untenable in strong W or NW winds. In Lixouri and Argostoli shelter can be found in all conditions.

Charts

BA
203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
1557 Argostoli Port
Imray-Tetra
G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
NIMA
54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
Greek
2 Ionio Pelagos
30 Kefalonia, Ithaki

Weather

Passages

Islands

Key to symbols: || Island icon – island || Marina icon – marina || Anchorage icon – anchorage ||
  • Ithaca Ithaca/wiki/Ithaca | Island icon – island || Harbour icon – harbour || Anchorage icon – anchorage |
  • Meganisi Meganisi /wiki/Meganisi | Harbour icon – harbour || Anchorage icon – anchorage |
  • Lefkas Lefkas /wiki/Lefkas | Island icon – island || Port of entry icon – port of entry || Harbour icon – harbour || Marina icon – marina || Anchorage icon – anchorage |

Communication

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
  • Olympia Radio - VHF channel 03

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

All approaches except for the approach to the Gulf of Argostoli and Lixouri are straightforward. See individual port entries for details.

Danger: The approaches to the Gulf of Argostoli from both E and W are full of dangers, and under no circumstances should you enter during the dark.


Entrance

Customs in Argostoli and Sami.

Berthing

Ports

The principal ports in Kefalonia are listed in clockwise order round the island, starting from Fiskardo.

Key to symbols: || Island icon – island || Marina icon – marina || Anchorage icon – anchorage ||
  • FiskardóFiskardó/wiki/Fiskardo | Island icon – island || Harbour icon – harbour || Anchorage icon – anchorage |
  • Ayia Eufimia Ayia Eufimia /wiki/Ayia_Eufimia | Harbour icon – harbour || Anchorage icon – anchorage |
  • Sami Sami /wiki/Sami | Port of entry icon – port of entry || Harbour icon – harbour |
  • Poros HarbourPoros Harbour/wiki/Poros_Harbour,_Kefalonia | Harbour icon – harbour |

Pessades

Pessades/wiki/Kefalonia#Pessades
Harbour icon Pessades [[Kefalonia#Pessades|Pessades]] 38°06.426'N, 020°35.414'E
Pessades is a tiny ferry harbour a few miles SE of Argostoli. The harbour is shallow (under 1.5 metres) and there is very little space for yachts.
  • Argostoli Argostoli /wiki/Argostoli | Port of entry icon – port of entry || Harbour icon – harbour || Marina icon – marina || Anchorage icon – anchorage |
  • Lixouri Lixouri /wiki/Lixouri | Harbour icon – harbour || Anchorage icon – anchorage |
  • Assos Assos /wiki/Assos | Harbour icon – harbour |
Myrtos Bay with Assos in background

Ayia Kyriaki

Ayia Kyriaki/wiki/Kefalonia#Ayia_Kyriaki
Harbour icon Ayia Kyriaki [[Kefalonia#Ayia Kyriaki|Ayia Kyriaki]] 38°18.646'N, 020°28.589'E
Ayia Kyriaki or Ayia Kiriaki is a lovely small harbour in NW Kefalonia. However, it is usually full of fishing boats and only a small yacht could squeeze in. It is totally exposed in the prevailing NW winds and entry would be dangerous in winds of any strength from that quarter. Depths in the harbour are 2.0 metres or less.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

  • Pelagha - A new marina is under construction at Pelagha and it is understood to be opening shortly (May '08). Please update here.

Anchorages

Coves S of Fiskardó

Coves S of Fiskardó/wiki/Kefalonia#Coves_S_of_Fiskard.C3.B3
Anchorage icon Coves S of Fiskardó [[Kefalonia#Coves S of Fiskardó|Coves S of Fiskardó]] 38°26.377'N, 020°35.419'E

These coves are all very fjord-like and very attractive surrounded by cypress trees. in the first cove S of Fiskardó there is a good restaurant on the road turn but it is hidden in the trees. The second cove to the S is my favorite.

In any case, you can anchor and take long stern lines to the rocks ashore. Even better, go deep into the cove and take a long bow line and a stern line to the rocks. The bottom is not always secure and there can be some surge.

Kato Kastelos

Kato Kastelos/wiki/Kefalonia#Kato_Kastelos
Anchorage icon Kato Kastelos [[Kefalonia#Kato Kastelos|Kato Kastelos]] 38°03.556'N, 020°44.282'E
Kato Kastelos is a sheltered bay NW of Cape Mounda.

Antisamos

Antisamos/wiki/Kefalonia#Antisamos
Anchorage icon Antisamos [[Kefalonia#Antisamos|Antisamos]] 38°16.084'N, 020°40.837'E

This is a sheltered and beautiful bay close to Sami. The NE entrance is protected by Ithaca island. We spent two nights there. The bottom is mostly pebble, rocks and sand. Not sure it would hold with strong wind.

Caution: Do not anchor over the underwater cable.

Amenities

Facilities
Water On the quay in Argostoli, Fiskardo, Ayia Eufimia and Poros Harbour
Electricity On the quay in Ayia Eufimia
Toilets ?
Showers ?
Laundry ?
Garbage There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages
Supplies
Fuel In Argostoli, Fiskárdo, Ayia Eufimia and Poros Harbour arrangements can be made for mini-tanker delivery of fuel
Bottled gas ?
Chandlers In Argostoli
Services
Repairs There is a good mechanic in Fiskárdo. Ask Mr. Makis who runs the Philoxenia agency
Internet In Internet cafés
Mobile connectivity 3G in most of the island
Vehicle rentals In Argostoli, Fiskárdo, and Ayia Eufimia

Provisioning

Eating out

  • Good restaurants in Fiskárdo - Lord Falcon (Thai / Greek) strongly recommended.
  • Good restaurants in Ayia Eufimia

Transportation

There are daily flights to Athens and ferries to the mainland and other Ionian islands.

Tourism

Places to Visit

Much of southern Kefalonia is thick with cypress
Click for larger view
Kefalonia is famed for its Robola wines
Click for larger view
Argostoli

In Argostoli you should visit the Archaeological Museum which houses finds from the prehistoric to the Roman periods including a very beautiful 12 century BC Mycenaean kylix. Also, the Historical and Folkloric Museum is well worth a visit.

Assos

The Venetian Castle, although not restored, makes a nice walk.

Drakaina Cave

This cave is near Poros. It has been used as a place of worship from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic times.

The Castle of Ayios Georghios

The Castle of Ayios Georghios or Yiorgios (St. George) is a Byzantine castle which was later restored and used by the Venetians was the capital of the island until 1757. It is located near the village of Peratáta about 5 km N of Argostoli.

Melissani Lake

An underground cave and lake located a short taxi drive away from Sami or Eufimia. Very pretty when sunlit through the hole where the ceiling caved in some thousands years ago.

Also see individual port entries.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References

See Ionian Sea.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Kefalonia and this page's details validated:



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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Istioploos, Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington, telfordmike, Rodger, Monterey


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