Kefalonia
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| Kefalonia There are Port(s) of Entry here
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 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
- See Ionian Sea Weather.
- Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides.
Passages
Islands
– island || 
– marina || 
– anchorage ||
Communication
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF channel 03
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
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.
– island || – marina || – anchorage ||- Poros Harbour |
– harbour |
Pessades
- Assos | – harbour |
Ayia Kyriaki
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
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
Antisamos
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
- Food groceries in Argostoli, Fiskárdo, and Ayia Eufimia
- In Ayia Eufimia there is an excellent bakery
- Robola wines are sold all over the island and are of excellent quality
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
Click for larger view
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
- Kefalonia at the Wikipedia
- Kefalonia at the Wikivoyage
- Kefalonia Net
- Kefalonia Travel
- A yachtsman's video guide
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:
- 2004 --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
- 2008 --telfordmike 22:47, 9 March 2009 (GMT)
- May 2013 --Athene of Lymington
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Istioploos, Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington, telfordmike, Rodger, Monterey |
