The island of Kefalonia

 
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Olga   Agelopoulou
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Kefalonia is the largest (surface 688,8 Km² and the most mountainous island (highest peak 1628 m) in Eptanissa. It is situated to the south of Lefkada, west of Ithaca and north of Zakynthos. 

According to Greek mythology, the island was named after Kefalos who was the son of Hermes and Ersy (daughter of Kekropas). It is also believed that the name of the island’s inhabitants-Kefali-might originate from the word “kefales” which means mountaineers or by the fact that Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands.

It is an all-green island which offers variety and sharp contrasts in scenery. Argostoli is the island’s capital and also gives its name to the nearby bay. Opposite Argostoli, in Palliki peninsula, is situated Lixouri, the second most important town of the island.  

Kefalonia’s coasts from either small bays and gulfs with magnificent, wind-protected beaches, ideal for swimming and sunbathing or steep cliffs where the wild rocks meet the deep blue Ionian sea. Kefalonia’s flora is renowned for the unique variety of black fir called the “cephalonian fir” which can only be found without hybrids on the highest mountain of the island, Mount Enos.

Kefalonia’s inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture, cattle-raising, apiculture, fishing, shipping and tourism.

The island’s crops include vine-yards and olive trees giving out the raw material for the production of wine and olive oil respectively.

The agricultural production also includes, on a smaller scale, citrus and other fruits and vegetables.

Cattle-raising is equally developed on the island and the dairy products of Kefalonia are of the best quality.

Last but not least, the superb thyme and flower honey produced on the island is used for the preparation of delicious local pastries.