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Holidays in Kefalonia: It's time to live the Greek dream
What's your favourite Greek island? Each island has its own unique charms, but if you're looking for something special, Kefalonia should be near the top of the list. With its dramatic cliffs, mysterious caves and picture-perfect beaches, this Ionian gem is well worth discovering. Add it to your list of destinations to explore.
Kefalonia at a glance: Traveller's guide
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of the Greek mainland. It's one of seven Ionian islands, and it's something of a hidden gem in Greece, best known for its glorious natural beauty. You won't find the crazy nightlife of Mykonos or Ios here, but there's still plenty to keep you busy.
What to know about Kefalonia before travelling
Flight duration (from London): 3 hours 30 min, although many travellers take connecting flights through Athens
Main airport: Kefalonia International Airport (EFL), five miles from Argostoli
Population: 36,000
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Socket type: Type C (European standard)
Time zone: EET (GMT + 2)
Where to stay in Kefalonia
Kefalonia is big enough to offer travellers plenty of choices about where to stay. Think about what you want from your holiday, whether it's resort fun, local culture or natural peace and quiet. It's all available here in Kefalonia.
Towns in Kefalonia
Argostoli is the island's capital and biggest town, although it still has a laid-back vibe. It's not very touristy, so it's a good choice if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture. Shops, restaurants and museums will keep you busy every day. Lixouri, the second biggest town, has more hotels, beaches and tourist-friendly restaurants while still keeping the authentic Greek way of life. Many of the best hotels in Kefalonia can be found here.
Villages in Kefalonia
Anyone who wants to stay in a picture-perfect Greek fishing village should make a beeline for Assos. The charming, colourful houses that line the waterfront create the perfect romantic background for your holiday. Assos has lovely beaches and an impressive 15th-century castle that was built by the Venetians to stop marauding pirates. Alternatively, try Fiskardo. This quiet town sits at the northern tip of Kefalonia and has some of the island's best-preserved historical architecture and great seafood restaurants.
The best things to do in Kefalonia
Kefalonia is known as one of the most natural Greek islands. Its beaches and caves are simply thrilling and will delight travellers of all ages. Here's what you can't miss when you're planning your Kefalonia trip.
Unmissable things to do during your trip to Kefalonia
Take a boat trip into the Melissani Cave. This is a true natural wonder. Gaze in awe at the lake inside the cave, with its natural skylight.
Walk through the Drogarati Cave, known for its amazing stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is famous for its unique acoustics, which can make a single drop of water sound like a drum.
Hike in Mount Ainos National Park. Visit Kefalonia in late spring or early autumn to see the park at its best. This is the highest mountain range in the Ionian islands, and hikers will be rewarded for their efforts with some spectacular panoramic views.
The best beaches in Kefalonia
Spend the day at Myrtos Beach. There are dozens of stunning beaches across Kefalonia, but this one, snuggled between rocky cliffs, is the best. Wear comfy shoes, as there are steep steps down to the sand. This means it may be tricky for young kids to manage.
Want a family-friendly beach? Try Makris Gialos Beach, a stone's throw from Argostoli. Its soft, white sand makes it stand out from most beaches in the area, which have pebbles. The shallow water is ideal for little ones to splash around.
Xi Beach is an Instagrammer's dream, thanks to its brilliant orange sand. The clay-rich sand is great for photos, but it's also said to be therapeutic. For glowing skin, give yourself a natural scrub with the sand before rinsing off in the sea.
A dreamy Greek paradise is waiting for you. Don't delay - find your perfect Kefalonia holiday deal today!
FAQs about Kefalonia holidays
Q: How many days in Kefalonia is enough?
A: Around five to seven days will give you time to see all the main sights on the island and enjoy its beaches and charming villages. However, for a truly relaxing holiday, you may want to spend more time there.
Q: When is the best time to visit Kefalonia?
A: The peak season runs from June to August, with a particular buzz around the Robola Wine Festival in August. Visit in May or October to enjoy hiking and exploring in weather that's sunny but not too hot. The sea may be too cold to swim, though. Remember, you'll pay a higher tourist tax during the peak season.
Q: Which part of Kefalonia is the nicest?
A: That depends on what you're looking for. Argostoli is ideal if you want the feeling of being in a town, while Lixouri has a touristy vibe with lots of great restaurants. If you're craving peace and quiet, consider heading to Fiskardo, which is surrounded by beautiful, unspoiled nature.
Q: Which is the cheapest Greek island?
A: Yes, it is possible to have an affordable Greek island holiday. Visiting any Greek island during the off-peak months will generally be cheaper. As well as Kefalonia, budget-conscious travellers should try Kalymnos, Zakynthos, Thassos or Lefkada for fun on a shoestring. Avoid Mykonos and Santorini, where prices can be eye-watering.
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