THE film adaptation of Louis de Berniere's best selling novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, is doing wonders for the tourist trade on the largest island in the Ionian Sea, Kefallonia.

Directed by John Madden, it is set to influence thousands of people in their choice of holiday destination this year. This sleepy island is the setting for de Berniere's classic love story based around the life of Pelagia (Penelope Cruz), Captain Corelli (Nicolas Cage), Pelagia's fianc Mandras (Christian Bale) and her father, Dr Iannis (John Hurt). Set during the Second World War, the Greek civil war and the devastating earthquake of 1953, the film tells the story of the central characters' passions, and how their loyalties are tested as the balance of power shifts between the Italians, Germans and Allies.

The island of Keffalonia is surrounded by aquamarine waters that lap onto sheltered white sandy beaches. Inland, the landscape is dominated by steep-sided mountains covered with pine forests. It has seen many changes since the earthquake in 1953 caused major destruction, particularly in the capital Argostoli.

Argostoli is now a bustling tourist destination, with bars, tavernas and modern buildings. To recreate the city for the film, however, the makers chose the largely unexplored town of Sami, on the less fashionable eastern side of Kefallonia. It was transformed into a pre-war Argostoli, with buildings re-fronted using old Venetian style architectural designs.

Today, visitors to Sami will find the quiet and charming port town a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of Argostoli. Close by there are two natural phenomena worth checking out - the grottoes at the Drogarati Caves and Lake Melissani, with its deep, violet coloured water.

Pelagia's village was recreated in the stunning setting of Anti-Samos. Myrotos Beach was also used in the film. Lixouri is the island's second capital, and despite being rebuilt after the earthquake, remains a charming place to visit.

The island's beauty is the main tourist attraction, and the Italian tourists who have been coming to Kefallonia every August are certain to be joined by legions of others this year as a result of the film. Tourists can take a Captain Corelli tour, or drink in a 'Corelli' wine bar.

Ironically, the least visited attraction is the small memorial to the Brigita Alpina Julia, the 9,000 Italian soldiers who fought alongside local resistance fighters against German invasion. Situated on the hillside above Aghios Theodori Lighthouse, it stands as testimony to the bitter struggle over this beautiful island.

* For more information call 0870 010 6208.