ISIDORA
HELLO
I am Isidora Lykoudi, and my family and I live on the island of Kefalonia, one of my greatest loves!
Although I have traveled extensively, I wouldn’t trade my island for anything in the world and always, wherever I find myself, like a magnet it calls me back!
So after my studies in Athens I found myself by choice, in Kefalonia, my Home!
I studied, not by chance, Geology since Kefalonia is geologically one of the most interesting places in Greece, perhaps even worldwide. I completed my studies with a Master’s Degree in Disaster and Crisis Management in Tourism. Armed with foreign languages such as English, Italian, French and Spanish, I passionately “introduced” Kefalonia wherever I was in the world and that is how tourism in its broadest sense came and found me!
Since 1986, when my father opened one of the first tourist shops in the pedestrian precinct “Lithostroto”, I was actively involved in the family business. Through my contact with the visitors of the area, the pleasure of getting to know them and serving them during their stay here, brought me into contact with tourism “products” that started as a hobby and became a profession. For years I have been involved in property management; welcoming visitors to our island and providing, each one individually, with information that will make their stay and holidays truly unforgettable.
I would like to introduce you to “my” Kefalonia, to travel with you to every corner, and when the time comes to welcome you to my “home”, to provide you with all the valuable information and guidance to make this beautiful place a part of your heart, forever!
Why Together?
Because through a broad network of partners, we have selected the best hospitality suggestions to meet the individual needs of our guests
Because we live in Kefalonia all year round, we know our area and what it can best offer in every realm of hospitality. In that way we can suggest to you the most suitable holiday package for you.
Because through digital and printed material you have constant updates during your stay on our island, and not only that! From the moment you are welcomed, you will be provided important information (if you wish) which will facilitate your choices. Our aim is to make you feel safe and welcome, so you can focus on enjoying your holidays in the best way possible, from the moment you arrive in Kefalonia.
Because for us, each guest is unique and the type of accommodation we provide is tailored to her/his needs.
Our aim is for each visitor of our island to love Kefalonia by discovering its unique beauties and eventually return one day.
Because we can be your fellow travel companions on this journey, so that this island can also steal your heart and stay in your mind among your favorite destinations. So that we can expect to see you again as soon as possible!
KEFALONIA THE ISLAND
Kefalonia is the 6th largest island in Greece and the largest of the Ionian Islands
It is divided into three municipalities a) Argostoli, b) Lixouri, c) Sami. The capital and largest town of the island is Argostoli
Kefalonia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era with the first inhabitants assumed to have come here around the 15th century BC. Afterwards, it was inhabited by various Greek peoples. It was conquered by the Romans and during the Middle Ages it was part of the Byzantine Empire. Around 1500 AD, Kefalonia passed into the hands of the Venetians and was subsequently conquered by the Franks and the British. In 1864, with the “Union of the Ionian Islands” it again became part of the Greek State.
Due to its Geographical location, in western Greece where rainfall is abundant, it is lush and covered in dense vegetation in winter and summer.
The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with mild winters and sunny summers. In climatology it is listed as one of the three places-locations in the world with an ideal climate (the other two being Zakynthos and the French Riviera).
Due to the peculiarity of its climate, it is home to various kinds of plants and animals. Apart from the characteristics of the Mediterranean flora (olives, citrus trees, etc) and the desert flora (cacti, palm trees) Aenos is home to rare black fir trees (Abies Cephalonica).
The mountain range of Aenos is located in the center of the island. There is a National Park of rare beauty, which includes the forest of Kefalonian fir and rare orchids, the semi-wild horses of Aenos, as well as many other rare species of flora and fauna. It is part of the UNESCO recognized GEOPARK of KEFALONIA.
The island was almost completely destroyed by the earthquakes of 1953 and was rebuilt from the scratch. The only parts that survived the Magnitude of the quake were some picturesque villages in the northern part of the island, characteristic of the traditional Ionian architecture. Assos and Fiskardo attract visitors from all over the world, as well as the international jet set.
LINKS
CULTURE
Being one of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia has a long tradition in Music, Dance, Celebrations, Masquerades, Festivals, and everything related to artistic expression, folk tradition, and Culture!
Throughout the year, events are held in various areas of the island in this regard. Starting from Carnival, cultural associations in various villages organize the famous masquerades, i.e. dances with food and dance where young and old gather to have a good time.
Most often, Quadrilles and Latsieres, dances that date back to the Venetian period, as well as the traditional Gaϊtanaki, are danced at these masquerades. On Tsiknopempti (Charred Thursday), in addition to the grilled meats distributed by various organizations and professionals, traditional rice pudding is also made and distributed. Every Sunday during the Carnival period, parades are organized in Poros, Argostoli, culminating on the last Sunday with the big carnival parade in Lixouri.
Koulouma (celebration of the first day of Lent) in Skala, Agia Efimia and Agia Pelagia and kite flying.
Easter is celebrated with reverence as throughout Greece. Characteristic are the customs of Good Friday where each village decorates its own Epitaph and due to lack of time and priests, the service starts in the afternoon….
In Argostoli, accompanied by the Philharmonic, the “gathering” of the Epitaphs begins from the Cathedral with the final destination being the Central Square where with special reverence the whole world sings “O Sweet Spring of mine”. On Holy Saturday morning, with the first Resurrection, the custom of the “Botides” (clay pots) has been revived in recent years, which has its roots once again in the Venetian period. As soon as the bells ring, the “Botides” (ceramic jugs) fall from the bell tower of Agios Spyridon in the square of the same name to the sounds of the Philharmonic. The celebration of the First Resurrection culminates in Kampana Square with “Botides” again from the balconies of the surrounding buildings.
During the summer, many traditional festivals are organized in various villages of the island, on the occasion of the celebration of the Patron Saint (e.g. Agia Efimia 11/7), or more thematically such as the famous Robola festivals in Omala, (Valsamata and Fragata) and the wine festival in Matzavinata. These festivals mark the end of the old wine and the “cleaning” of the barrels to fill them with the new must! Wine flows freely and free of charge. Other thematic festivals are the must and Moustalevria (grape must jelly) festival in Troiannata, the Livestock Breeders’ festival in Pylaros (in Themata, with free boiled goat), the feta cheese festival in Dilinata and the meat pie festival in Tzannata. At all festivals there is a rich buffet and dancing to the sounds of traditional music from a live orchestra.
Other events that have now become an institution for the island are the “Anna Pollatou” gymnastics festival every June, the choir festival, art exhibitions, theatrical performances as well as the “peratzades” (strolls) by local serenaders in Lithostroto and beyond, and the “Varkaroles” (serenaders singing in boats)!
More information can be found in the leaflets circulated by the three municipalities of the island!
SHOPPING
Don’t forget to buy before you leave the island’s famous wines such as Robola P.G.E. and Mavrodafni, the famous mantoles, confeto, and mandolato. The thyme honey is unsurpassed and highly aromatic.
Regarding cheeses… Feta Kefalonias and Kefalotyri with a spicy peppery taste of excellent quality can be found in every corner!
If you like tradition, you will find embroideries at the Charokopio workshop, handmade in the traditional way.
PEOPLE
We, the people of Kefalonia are unique! A bit loud, very cheerful, we curse a little, laugh a lot, tease each other, and keep up with current events; we love our island and our visitors very much… We complain a bit, but anyone who gets to know us ultimately can’t do without us!
Because, after all, Kefalonia is magic on its own; it is adventure, nature, and beauty. It is its people, good food, and unforgettable paths, secret trails to hidden and secluded beaches, colors and scents that change with the seasons… It is intoxicating sweet wine, reverence and worship, it is miracles, it is 365 stories, one for each day of the year, one for each village of the island.