Cephalonia
Cephalonia is mountainous, sprawling, and pine-covered. It is the largest of the Ionian Islands. Among its many attractions are the Mycenaean tombs, ancient mosaics, and medieval castles. Tourist centers are located among pine-tree groves and next to sandy beaches, bays, and headlands. Argostoli, the principal town, lies on an inlet deep in Livadi Bay which divides the island into two uneven parts. Completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes of 1953., the capital is now a modern town with good hotels and live entertainment along the waterfront in the evenings.
Lixouri, the island’s second town on the opposite shore has excellent bathing facilities. Of interest on the island are the villages of Kastro, medieval San Giorgio which once held 15,000 inhabitants within its ramparts, and the Mazarakata excavations made on 83 Mycenaean tombs.
Cephalonia is linked to Patras by ferry boat ( 58 nautical miles ).
Ithaca, the famous birthplace of Homer’s Ulysses, is mountainous and arid, so it is few inhabitants seek work as seamen or else emigrate. Ithaca has countless harbors and coves ideal for swimming, skin-diving, and fishing. The Grotto of the Nymphs, the island’s main tourist attraction, is said to be the cave where Ulysses hid his treasure on his return from the Phaeacians. Ithaca is rich in historical and archaeological finds dating from the peak of the Mycenaean Age ( 1500-1100 B.C. ).
A good road crosses the whole island, providing some superb views of the sea on either side.
