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seleanor

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Mandola is a very popular sweet in Kefalonia and it is one of the biggest exports from the island. This treat is made of almond, honey, sugar and egg whites. The dessert has a few different variations, but is usually gluten free! The ingredients are very simple which is why they are so allergen friendly. I was doing some research and apparently these cookies are originally from the Venetian occupation in Kefalonia.
 
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Mandola is a very popular sweet in Kefalonia and it is one of the biggest exports from the island. This treat is made of almond, honey, sugar and egg whites. The dessert has a few different variations, but is usually gluten free! The ingredients are very simple which is why they are so allergen friendly. I was doing some research and apparently these cookies are originally from the Venetian occupation in Kefalonia.
Is this the Greek word for Marzipan? Sweet almond paste, right? That people bake with? The Greek versions are so delicious!
 
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This has been one of my favorite sweets over the years. Whenever family members go to Kefalonia, and when I go myself, I always make sure to get some. I would definitely try some if you are able!
 
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Is this the Greek word for Marzipan? Sweet almond paste, right? That people bake with? The Greek versions are so delicious!

Here's some more info about the desert, I've never heard of it or had it myself, it's just some info I found online
 
Mandola is a very popular sweet in Kefalonia and it is one of the biggest exports from the island. This treat is made of almond, honey, sugar and egg whites. The dessert has a few different variations, but is usually gluten free! The ingredients are very simple which is why they are so allergen friendly. I was doing some research and apparently these cookies are originally from the Venetian occupation in Kefalonia.
Indeed "mandorla" [akin to "mandola"] is the standard Italian word for "almond", from the Latin word which is from the classical Greek "amygdalE". A nice circulation of words! Even though the Greek colonization [8th century B.C.] took place in southern Italy, there was a town in Etruscan territory, near the later Venice, that the Romans found and called "amanda" [= to be loved], obviously by assimilating the name they heard to their own language: they must have heard "amygda-" [amunda-]. In the South, the second alpha turned into an omicron, as in the extant names of various places and persons: Amendolea, Amendolara, etc. // I love almonds and their products.
 
Indeed "mandorla" [akin to "mandola"] is the standard Italian word for "almond", from the Latin word which is from the classical Greek "amygdalE". A nice circulation of words! Even though the Greek colonization [8th century B.C.] took place in southern Italy, there was a town in Etruscan territory, near the later Venice, that the Romans found and called "amanda" [= to be loved], obviously by assimilating the name they heard to their own language: they must have heard "amygda-" [amunda-]. In the South, the second alpha turned into an omicron, as in the extant names of various places and persons: Amendolea, Amendolara, etc. // I love almonds and their products.
An extension rather than a reply.
I understand that the modern Greek word for Almond is Amygdalo; that is, the terminal letter of the classical word [eta] turned into an omicron rather than into a customary Doric alpha. So, the vowel shift must have taken place among the Ionians or the Athenians, probably in Byzantine times. //
The Italian word for Almond, namely Mandorla, was also used for a musical instrument in the 16th-17th century, since the front of the guitar-like instrument has the shape of an almond. It is the ancestor of the Mandolino/Mandolin [= Little Mandorla]. Its ancestor is disputed. One theory says that it was the Pandoura. This name is Greek, but apparently the instrument was played by the Akkadians [who took over Sumer in Mesopotania] in the 3rd millennium B.C. Anyway, Wikipedia shows the picture of a Tanagra statuette from about 200 B.C.: a young lady is playing a Pandoura, which has a polygonal rather than almond shape. [Tanagra was in Boeotia, north of Athens.]
Today's Bouzouki [MPoyzoyki] is a very long necked Mandorla which, they say, was introduced to Greece in 1900 from Anatolia -- exactly from where? From the former Ionia?It seems to me that the old name "Pandoura" referred to the long wooden neck/stem, rather than the body, of the instrument. [[Please add any information you may have.]]
By the way, the Akkadians assimilated the Sumerian culture and language. I have found already that this language, written in cuneiforms, was largely based on classical Greek, and so are Sanskrit, Etruscan, Anglo-Saxon, and Basque.
 
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Unique Historical Sites of Kefalonia to Visit?

I’m starting to plan a trip to Kefalonia and would love some input, especially from a history perspective. I’ve been to Greece quite a few times and have visited a lot of the more well-known historical sites on other islands and the mainland, but somehow I’ve never made it to Kefalonia.

I know it’s not always talked about in the same way as places like Crete or Rhodes when it comes to history, but I’m assuming there are still some really interesting spots to explore. I’ve come across mentions of the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos and a few Venetian-era sites, but I’m sure there’s more I’m missing.

Are there any lesser-known ruins, monasteries, or historic villages that are especially worth seeing? I’m particularly interested in places that have a strong sense of story or local significance.

Best Tavernas with Sea Views on Kefalonia

One of the things I always look forward to when traveling in Greece is finding a taverna with a beautiful sea view. There’s just something about sitting outside, looking out over the water, and enjoying a long meal that makes the whole experience feel even more memorable.

I’m hoping to spend some time on Kefalonia and would love to hear your recommendations for tavernas where the view is part of the experience. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—sometimes the simple places end up being the best—but a great setting overlooking the sea is always a bonus.

Whether it’s a spot above a beach, a harborfront table, or a hillside taverna looking out over the Ionian, I’d love to hear about it.

Which tavernas on Kefalonia have the best sea views while you’re enjoying your meal? Any favorites that really stand out?

Best Coastal Drives in Kefalonia?

I’ve been looking at photos and maps of Kefalonia lately, and what really stands out is how dramatic the coastline seems from above. The cliffs, the sharp turns, the sudden views of turquoise water — it feels like the kind of island where the drive itself is part of the experience.

That made me curious about the best coastal routes on the island. Not just the famous viewpoints, but the actual stretches of road that are especially beautiful to follow. Are there particular drives where the scenery keeps unfolding the entire way? Sections that feel wild and untouched versus more polished and built up?

I’ve heard different opinions about the road between Argostoli and Fiskardo, and also about the western side near Petani and Myrtos. For those who know the island well, which coastal drives truly stand out, and at what time of day do they feel most special?

Tips for Driving on Kefalonia?

I’ve been to Kefalonia several times and absolutely love the island, but oddly enough, I’ve never actually driven there myself. This summer I’m considering renting a car so I can explore a bit more freely, especially some of the smaller villages and the harder-to-reach beaches, but I keep hearing mixed things about the roads.

For those of you who’ve driven in Kefalonia, how challenging is it really? I know there are some steep mountain routes and narrow coastal roads, but are they manageable for someone who’s a decent driver but not used to tight switchbacks? Any tips for navigating the island safely, times of day to avoid, particular routes that are easier for beginners, parking advice, or things you wish you’d known beforehand?

I’d love to finally try driving there, but I want to make sure I’m prepared before booking the car.

Which side of Kefalonia is best to stay on?

Which side of Kefalonia is best to stay on?

I might be going to Kefalonia next year, and I’m starting to look into the different areas of the island. I know places like Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami, Assos, and Fiskardo all have very different feels, so I’m wondering which part makes the best base.

I’d like somewhere that is scenic and relaxing, but still convenient for exploring beaches, villages, and restaurants. I don’t necessarily need nightlife, but I also don’t want to feel too isolated.

For anyone who has stayed in Kefalonia, which side of the island did you prefer? Did you find the east, west, north, or area around Argostoli easiest for getting around?

I’d especially love to hear from people who have stayed in more than one part of the island and can compare the experience.
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