Destination Guide

Overview of Cephalonia With its windless , verdant mountainsides and shadowy forests, Cephalonia is easily one of 's most enchanting islands. Nature and history lovers will not be disappointed. Melissani caves are Cephalonia's best-known natural attraction, where a subterranean lake reflects a kaleidoscope of gorgeous colours. Other favourites are the enormous caverns of Dragostoli, and the 'swallow holes'. At the latter, visitors can marvel at the phenomenon of seawater literally disappearing through the rock. The beautiful city of has been the island's capital since ancient times. Though largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1953, it has some fascinating archaeological remains and folk art museums. The island's main town, , is peaceful and picturesque. It's situated close to the south , where visitors will find the best beaches. Cephalonia's quaint villages, traditional fishing harbours, Roman ruins, architecturally marvellous churches and castles, and magnificent views are also part of the experience.

Key Facts

Language: Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken. Passport/Visa: The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, , Czech Republic, , , Finland, , , Greece, Hungary, , , , , Luxembourg, , The , , , , Slovakia, , , , and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Non-EEA travellers to Greece must hold visible means of financial support to cover their stay in the country - entry may be refused if proof of sufficient funds (at least EUR 50/day) cannot be shown. It is also recommended that non-EEA members hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Passengers not holding onward tickets may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for their return/onward journey. Visitors requiring a visa are also required to have medical insurance, covering them for their full period of stay in Greece. Note that the admission of visa-free nationals into Greece is considered upon their arrival in the country. Visitors wishing to extend their stay in the country must register at the Aliens Police Department or at the Security Police Department BEFORE (i) the expiry date of their visa, or (ii) the end of the period of visa-free stay. NOTE: It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widespread. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts and 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Cephalonia Climate for Cephalonia Like all , Cephalonia enjoys a moderate Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm, dry and sunny, while winters are wet and mild. Heavy rainfall gives Cephalonia its lush vegetation. Snow sometimes covers its mountain peaks in winter. Summer is the most popular time to visit the island, even though the heat and humidity can be overpowering for some. July and August are the hottest months and the peak season. Spring is a good time to visit. Crowds are lighter and the water is warm enough for swimming. The island is also lush and lovely after its winter rainy period. Autumn is another pleasant season. Visitors can expect warm seas, ripe fruit ready for harvest, and sunny weather. Health Notes when travelling to Greece Travellers don't need to worry about specific health risks when visiting Greece. Most health problems come from too much sun and too much food or alcohol, though there's also the risk of encountering sea urchins, jellyfish and mosquitoes. Medical facilities in major cities are excellent but some of the smaller islands are a long way from a decent hospital. Larger towns and resorts have English-speaking private doctors and the highly professional local pharmacies can usually deal with any minor complaint. Travellers should take along any necessary prescription medication. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Safety Notes when travelling to Greece Though Greece is a safe destination, peak tourist season usually sees a spike in petty theft cases, especially in crowded areas. Visitors should conceal valuables or store them in hotel safes and watch out for pickpockets. Violent crime is rare but there have been incidents on some islands; visitors travelling alone should not accept lifts from strangers. Customs in Greece Though more traditional than the British in some ways, most are friendly and welcoming enough to seem intrusive to reserved British tourists. Greeks are also the heaviest smokers in Europe and will often ignore the smoking ban in public places. Swimwear is expected on the but tourists should dress properly in bars and restaurants. Duty Free in Greece Travellers visiting from inside the EU can bring in 800 cigarettes, or 200 cigars, or 400 cigarillos, or 1kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume over 22 percent, 20 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume under 22 percent, 90 litres of and 110 litres of beer - provided they are for personal consumption. Visitors arriving from outside the EU and are over the age of 17 will not pay duty for 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 100 cigarillos, or 250g of tobacco (if arriving by air), 1 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume over 22 percent, 2 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume under 22 percent, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer. Doing Business in Greece Greeks prefer to dress formally in dark-coloured suits for men and stylish outfits for women. Punctuality is important to them though meetings may not start immediately. Visitors should offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact when greeting Greek men and women for the first time, and print business cards in both Greek and English. There is no ritual surrounding the exchange of business cards. As Greeks like getting to know their colleagues before conducting any serious business, it's unlikely a deal will take shape at the first meeting. The local culture follows a hierarchical structure and visitors should show respect in the way. Gift giving is common in social settings but not necessarily in business. Communication in Greece The international access code for Greece is +30 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 21; free wifi is available at cafes, hotels, restaurants and similar establishments throughout Greece. Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option to paying high international roaming costs.

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Tipping in Greece A service charge is automatically added to most restaurant bills and an additional tip it not expected -- though always welcome. Rounding up the bill is sufficient for drinks at cafes; taxis, porters and cloakroom attendants will expect a tip. Passport/Visa Note The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Non-EEA travellers to Greece must hold visible means of financial support to cover their stay in the country - entry may be refused if proof of sufficient funds (at least EUR 50/day) cannot be shown. It is also recommended that non-EEA members hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Passengers not holding onward tickets may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for their return/onward journey. Visitors requiring a visa are also required to have medical insurance, covering them for their full period of stay in Greece. Note that the admission of visa-free nationals into Greece is considered upon their arrival in the country. Visitors wishing to extend their stay in the country must register at the Aliens Police Department or at the Security Police Department BEFORE (i) the expiry date of their visa, or (ii) the end of the period of visa-free stay. NOTE: It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Attractions in Cephalonia Cephalonia (Kefalonia) is a small island in the Ionian archipelago. Its verdant hills, eerie caves, stunning beaches and rich mythological resonances enchant visitors. Beaches top the list of things to see. Indeed, Cephalonia has some of the best shores in the country. is the most famous. Kaminia Beach is home to loggerhead turtles and is great for children. Antisamos Beach and the Blue Flag beach at Skala are also lovely and very popular. Most of Cephalonia's beaches are pebbled so beach shoes are a good investment. Cephalonia is also richly endowed with subterranean wonders. Melissani and Drogarati Caves are both exciting places to explore. Melissani's underground lake is strikingly beautiful, while Drogarati's enormous stalagmites and stalactites are a must-see. Cephalonia's hiking, horse riding and watersports scenes are good as well. Culture lovers should add St George's Castle to their itineraries. Located in , its breathtaking views and slightly eerie atmosphere are terrific. The Monastery of Agios Gerasimos is also worth seeing. Rebuilt by locals after an earthquake in 1953, it houses the remains of its holy namesake. The saint's coffin is opened weekly so that visitors can see the body and pay tribute. The small island of is a popular excursion from Cephalonia. The location is famous as the setting for Homer's Odyssey, and for its scenic beauty.

Myrtos Beach Voted one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, and voted 12 times as the most beautiful beach in Greece, Myrtos is one of Cephalonia's most popular attractions. The pebble beach is set a full kilometre below the road, in a dramatic vista of white limestone, turquoise sea, and green trees. The beach was used as the setting for scenes out of the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Just north of Argostoli, the beach is well-maintained and offers a snack bar and sunbed and umbrella rentals. A steep, winding road - with stunning lookout spots and views along the way - leads down to the beach from the village of Divarata and during peak season there is a public bus service which runs to the beach from the Agia Efimia harbour. Because of the pebbles, visitors are advised to wear some kind of beach shoes. It's best to get to the beach early if you are driving yourself as it is very popular and parking can become scarce later in the day. Thankfully, the beach itself seldom feels too crowded because of its length. It is not the best beach for young children because the waves can get rather rough and little ones are sometimes frustrated by the pebbles.

Melissani and Drogarati Caves Cephalonia's caves are popular attractions, each offering a unique experience. In Melissani, visitors are taken in boats through a small channel into a brilliant turquoise subterranean lake. In Greek mythology caves have always been associated with the divine and many religious ceremonies were held in caves. It is therefore not surprising that several ancient artefacts have been found in the Melissani cave. Melissani is said to be the place where the nymph of the same name committed suicide because the god Pan would not reciprocate her love. The stalactites within the cave that look like dolphins are said to be her frozen messengers. It is a beautiful and mysterious place to visit. Drogarati Cave is much larger and has tours 200 feet (60m) below the ground, with lights highlighting spectacular displays of limestone stalagmites and stalactites. The Drogarati Cave is thought to be about 150 million years old and was traditionally said to be the home of a dragon. Drogarati is known for its good acoustics, and has hosted many concerts from international artists including Maria Callas. The caves are usually both open between Easter and the end of October, although Drogarati may be open during the winter months as well. Both are very well known and easy to find.

Ithaca The tiny island of Ithaca has a rich history, acting as the scenic backdrop for mythological epics like Homer's Odyssey. Ithaca has been inhabited since the second millennium BC and has been occupied or ruled by the Romans, the , the Normans, the Turks, the Venetians and the French, as well as briefly being a British , so the island has a rich and rather tumultuous history. But you would not think so when exploring the lovely countryside: the mountainous interior hides pockets of cypresses, pines, and trees and some of these are ancient; one of the olive trees is thought to be at least 1,500 years old. There are also some Neolithic and Early Hellenic ruins on the island. Nowadays, Ithaca is home to a number of traditional villages, with a few museums and beaches. The best beach is arguably Filiatro, which has olive trees growing all the way down to the shoreline and a peaceful bay which is lovely for swimming. Vathy, also known as Ithaki Town, is the largest

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town, where many of the island's roughly 3,000 inhabitants live. The town is a popular port for yachts and other small pleasure cruises in the Ionian Islands, and has some good restaurants and shops. In fact, Vathy has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Ithaca is near enough to Cephalonia to make for a fun and interesting excursion or weekend away.

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Airports in Cephalonia Kefalonia Airport (EFL) Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou www.kefaloniaairport.info Location: Cephalonia The airport is located 5 miles (about 8km) south of Argostoli. Time: Local time is GMT +2 Contacts: Tel: +30 267 102 9900 Getting to the city: Car rental: Cars can be rented from Hertz or Europcar. Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. Fare should be about €20 into town. Facilities: Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, and snack shops. Parking: Short and long-term parking is available. Preveza Airport (PVK) Aktion National Airport https://www.pvk-airport.gr/en Location: Cephalonia The airport is located 4 miles (about 7km) south of the town of Preveza. Time: Local time is GMT +2 Contacts: Tel: +30 26820 26113 Getting to the city: Bus services connect Preveza Aiport to the towns of Preveza, Lefkas and Vonitsa. Car rental: Several car rental companies operate from Preveza airport. Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. Facilities: Facilities include ATMs, a cafe, and a duty-free shop. Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.

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Currency The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widespread.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro 1.12 BMD 1.12 USD 0.77 GBP 121.65 JPY 1.46 CAD 1.10 CHF Bermudan Dollar U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.54 AUD 28.05 UAH 377.26 KZT 1,682.21 LBP 0.80 LYD 7.66 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 120.52 NPR 0.43 OMR 4.07 QAR 1.54 SGD 9.26 SEK 7.41 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 11.15 VEF 51.20 DOP 7.51 HRK 20.82 MXN 654.97 XOF 3.54 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.12 BSD 2.36 FJD 25.29 HNL 123.47 DZD 1,330.84 MMK 12.50 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 3.76 PEN 774.75 CLP 534.10 AMD 27.00 CZK 22.32 MDL 138.84 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 3,282.94 UZS 4.31 ILS 0.79 JOD 0.34 KWD 35.02 UYU 39.68 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 31.85 NIO 9.32 NOK 4.38 PLN 4.19 SAR 163.12 LKR 39.79 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 4.10 AED 4.02 BRL 4.52 RON 8.68 HKD 656.46 XAF 25,106.99 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 15.58 ARS 3.01 XCD 8.75 GTQ 10.92 MAD 0.42 BHD 1.12 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 1.67 AZN 3,482.98 COP 76.30 KGS 312.53 HUF 8.79 TJS 15,285.70 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 9.92 EGP 1,330.60 KRW 6,333.44 PYG 4.65 MYR 601.85 CRC 1.64 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón Dollar 117.01 PKR 74.62 RUB 17.43 ZAR 2.37 TND 2.23 BBD 1.96 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 3.30 TRY 52.08 PHP 36.44 TWD 219.51 NGN 119.70 XPF 4.37 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 139.55 JMD 2.01 ANG 1.54 BND 123.51 RSD 7.35 CNY 22,229.06 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 7.43 DKK 3.84 TMT 75.14 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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