Kefalonia

Kefalonia holidays

With its rugged mountains, lush vineyards and golden beaches, Kefalonia is a picture-book island paradise. Lakes and caves will draw you into this oh-so scenic setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, while feta-covered foods are the local must-eats. Here, days are all about kicking back on the vine-shaded terrace of a taverna or pitching up on a blissful beach and waiting for sunset.

Villa Ilia

Skala, Kefalonia

Bedrooms

1
Bathrooms

2
Sleeps

2

Villa Agnandi

Lakithra, Kefalonia

Bedrooms

4
Bathrooms

3
Sleeps

8

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Language

Greek

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+2hrs

Cost of a beer

from €3 a bottle

3 course meal

around €25

Flight times

3.5hrs

Hollywood looks

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is also one of the most unspoiled. Its coast is lined with sandy beaches and dramatic white cliffs, while the middle of the island is covered in mountains and vineyards. No wonder it was used as a major film backdrop!

A laid-back break

Life in Kefalonia moves at a relaxed pace. Skala’s the liveliest spot on the island, but even here the evenings tend to revolve around sunset cocktails rather than full-on club crawls. Daytimes are devoted to countryside strolls or soaking up the sun on the island’s ample sands.

Sublime sights

Some of the island’s most popular sights are naturally occurring – the stalagmite-filled Drogarati Cave is one of the biggest and most dazzling highlights. But you’ll also find Roman ruins, Venetian castles and medieval monasteries to potter around, or simply explore the rugged scenery coating this remarkable region.

Fiscardo

With authentic charm and a fishing village appeal, this chic Greek harbourfront resort is right on the northern tip of Kefalonia.

Katelios

Sink your toes into the soft sands of Katelios’ curved beach. Past the harbour, this traditional fishing village is the essence of Greece.

Lassi

Enjoy the laid-back vibes of Lassi – set up camp and begin to explore the island of Kefalonia.

Beaches

In Kefalonia, you’ll have your pick of blissful beaches. Think chalk-white sands backed by a rolling forest, as well as sun-kissed spots filled with watersports facilities, beach bars and natural charm. Regardless of where you drape your towel, you’ll see some of the best sunsets in the Med.

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Sights

Descend into the wowing Drogarati Caves to marvel at the vast network of bristling stalagmites and stalactites. Other unmissable attractions include the medieval Castle of St George, the views from the top of Mount Ainos, and the underground lake at Melissani. There’s just so much to see!

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Agios Gerasimos

Lassi, Kefalonia

On a hill overlooking Lassi you’ll find the Cave of Agios Gerasimos, where the patron saint of the island once lived for five years. A small church has been built here in his honour as well as the monastery of...

St.George's Castle

Peratata, Kefalonia

Perched above the village of Peratata you’ll discover the Castle of Saint George, originally built in the 12th century. The castle has Byzantine and Venetian features and although it stands mostly in ruins, it...

Activities

Hiking and horse riding are high on the list of activities in Kefalonia. Both are brilliant ways to discover the island’s spectacular countryside. Why not stop off at a vineyard or two to sample the local wines? You could even go sailing, or simply stick to pottering around the pretty harbour.

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Koutavos Lagoon

Argostoli, Kefalonia

The lagoon at the head of Argostoli Bay is a nature reserve and a lovely place to hang out. You can take a boat trip out on the water, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the native Caretta Caretta sea...

Agia Efimia

Kefalonia

This pretty harbour village surrounded by pebbly beaches has an atmosphere of traditional Greek hospitality. It’s a popular stop off for sailing boats and there are some great waterside cafes and tavernas. You...

Eating and drinking

Kefalonia prides itself on unique cuisine. You’ll find plenty of places where you can tuck into regular Greek dishes like moussaka and stifado, but make sure you leave room for some of the local specialities, too. The island’s trademark dish is ‘kreatopita’, a tasty meat pie wrapped in special pastry.

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Vallianos Square

Argostoli, Kefalonia

In the beating heart of Argostoli is the pleasant Vallianos Square, named after the local boy-done-good and benefactor Panagis Vallianos. There’s a statue of him at the top end, which is where locals come...

A nice selection of bars and restaurants

Skala, Kefalonia

This Greek resort was once a sleepy fishing village, and as such you can still expect to feast on delicious fresh fish at its many great-quality restaurants. Authentic Greek delicacies are, of course, a given...

Shopping

Leather goods and gold and silver jewellery are just some of the local handicrafts to look out for on the island. Make sure you take home a bottle of two of the local Kefalonian drop – Robola wine is one of the best. The thyme honey is also delicious.

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A souvenir hunter's dream

Skala, Kefalonia

If you’re looking for souvenirs, you won’t go home empty-handed. The shops along the main street will sort you out with local specialities like handmade ceramics, embroidered linen, leather goods and olive oil...

Beachside essentials

Lixouri, Kefalonia

Whether it’s sun cream, toothpaste or a beach towel, there’s always something you forget to bring on holiday. You can easily find these everyday items and more on Lixouri’s main street. But explore the...

Nightlife

Skala is the closest Kefalonia comes to a party town. In the evenings, its main street gently thrums with live music, and there’s an open-air club just outside. On the rest of the island, make like the locals and settle into a cosy taverna with bottle of Kefalonian wine.

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