The Great Earthquake Of Kefalonia by Maria Tillinghous

Back

The Great Earthquake Of Kefalonia
by Maria Tillinghous

Kefalonia is one of the prevalent of the Ionian Islands situated on the west side of the Greek mainland . There are so many different ways of spelling Kefalonia and some of these ways include Kefallinia, Cephalonia and Cephallonia. The island itself is said to be named after Cephalus, a character from Greek Mythology and was the son of Hermes and Herse.

Kefalonia is physically a beautiful island with mountain ranges, deep caves and vegetation. It is also deep in history. The island went under many diverse rulings from Roman, Norman and English possession and was only intergrated with Greece in 1864 along with the other Ionian Islands.

In 1953 the Island would change forever, in looks and in population when a sequence of disastrous earthquakes hit the island, one of them measuring a massive 7.3 on the Richter Scale. The earthquake destroyed a vast amount of buildings and resulted in several tens of thousands of dollars in damages, and it is said that of the 125,000 that inhabit the island 100,000 left to seek a better life elsewhere. Evidence can be seen all across the island of Kefalonia of the great earthquake, this can be from ruined buildings to uneven cracked surfaces that crumbled buildings and structures.

Kefalonia attracts countless tourists from across the world made up mainly of English and Italian holidaymakers as these are both nearby and this has been increased since Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was released on the big screen in 2001, where Kefalonia played host to its location.

Most tourists tend to visit location such as Lassi for their holiday or getaway due to its lively ambience that is idyllic for all kinds of holidaymakers. With restaurants, bars, shops and supermarkets lining both sides of the main coastal road so you won’t get bored. In the day times you will find many activities to take part in, whether its boat trips, climbing trips or just lying on the beach all day bronzing up your body Lassi has everything to offer for a fantastic holiday.

Many of the beaches on the island are among the best on all the Greek islands put together. With extraordinary rocky coastlines and spectacular bays Kefalonia is home to fabulous scenery and peaceful relaxing beach breaks . If you are interested in exploring more of the island of Kefalonia, there are regular cruises and trips that take you to other parts of the island and nearby islands.

Scuba diving can be a great experience, especially while your on your holiday, it will make it a more memorable time leaving you wanting more. You don’t have to be fully qualified or experienced, even if you’re a novice you will get the chance to learn more about is and see a completely different element. Choose from ordinary diving or night diving and see some extraordinary sites that will stay with you for years to come. If you really wanted to you can also work towards earning a recognised scuba-diving certificate.

Author's Biography:

Maria is a freelance journalist who pens occasional articles on tourism, whilst working on

Posted on: June 18,2008

Email: mariatillinghous@googlemail.com
Website: http://www.ecomparison.co.uk