Kefalonia is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea, perfect for a relaxing beach vacation. After visiting and completely falling in love with the island, we decided to put together this complete travel guide. It includes the best things to do in Kefalonia, a 5-day itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and practical tips to help you make the most of your summer trip.
You may also like reading: Zakynthos Travel Guide: Best Things To Do and 4-Day Itinerary (with Map).
Table of Contents
Our Thoughts About Kefalonia
While Kefalonia is an island that survives mostly because of tourism, it still keeps its authenticity, with many guesthouses and small hotels run by locals, as well as authentic family-run restaurants. That’s one of the things we liked the most about the island.
We also loved that many of the beaches have very little intervention and remain as natural as possible. It’s even possible to find small wild beaches that feel like hidden gems. However, don’t expect soft white sand, as most beaches are made of pebbles.
We had heard many people complain that Greek people are not welcoming and can be rude, but that was absolutely not the case in Kefalonia. Everybody we met was nice and welcoming. Most people spoke English and also Italian, so communication was not a problem.
Map of Kefalonia 5-Day Itinerary
In a hurry? Check out the map below for a quick overview of our suggested 5-day itinerary with the best things to do in Kefalonia. Click on the Map to open it in Google Maps.
(Click here to open in Google My Maps)
Continue reading for the detailed travel guide.
Where is Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a Greek island that belongs to the Ionian Islands group. It lies off the western coast of mainland Greece, in the Ionian Sea. While it’s not directly next to Albania, it is part of the same island group that stretches north toward the Albanian coast.
Other islands in the same group that you may also want to visit when traveling to Kefalonia include Zakynthos (which we visited after Kefalonia), Lefkada, Ithaca, and Corfu. These islands are well connected by ferries and domestic flights, making it easy to combine them on a same trip.
Best Time To Visit Kefalonia
The highlights of Kefalonia are undoubtedly its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water. So, I recommend going in a season when you’ll have a higher chance of good weather.
Best Months for Going to the Beach
The June to September months are the best for enjoying the beach, although you can also get good weather in May and October (in October the weather is more unpredictable and the water is colder).
It’s important to highlight that it can get pretty crowded from mid-July to the end of August. Many beaches are quite small, and if you plan to visit those, it can be challenging to find a good spot not only at the beach but also for parking your car.
Best Months with Good Weather and Less Crowds
So, if you want to get good weather with less crowds, June and September are probably the best months.
We visited in late September (third week), and we had wonderful weather, the water temperature was good, and there were practically no crowds, even at the smallest beaches.
Additionally, all businesses and restaurants were still open. Many of them close in October or mid-October. Another important point is that accommodation is also cheaper in those months.
How Many Days in Kefalonia?
Four to five days are enough in Kefalonia to see the main highlights and explore the best beaches. Of course, if you want to take a few days to relax by the pool, or if you’re staying at a resort with great facilities, a week would be ideal.
We stayed five full days in Kefalonia and it was enough to see all the highlights we want and also repeat going to some of our favorite places.
20 Best Things to Do in Kefalonia
As we mentioned earlier, most of the best things to do in Kefalonia involve exploring its stunning beaches with crystal-clear water. We’ll share some of our favorite spots on the island.
To make it easier for you to plan your trip, we’ve grouped the top sights and activities by region. This way, you can easily find them on a map and plan your own route (although we also share our 5-day itinerary suggestion in the next section).
North Kefalonia
1. Myrtos Beach and Viewpoints
Myrtos beach is undoubtedly the top sight in Kefalonia. When you search “Kefalonia” on Google, you’ll probably see a featured image of Myrtos beach. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by tall cliffs, made of white coarse sand, smooth white pebbles, and milky turquoise-blue water.
Best Viewpoints
The beach is most impressive when seen from above, at one of the several viewpoints along the main road. The best ones are marked on Google Maps as “Myrtos Beach Viewpoint.” There are two main spots with this name, each on opposite sides of the beach.
The color of the water changes depending on the sun and the time of day. If you enjoy photography, it’s worth stopping by at different times to catch those color shifts. This beach was only about a 15-minute drive from where we were staying, so we ended up visiting multiple times.
We also went around sunset, and the light was beautiful, perfect for photos.
About Myrtos Beach
As for the beach itself, the access is good, although the road down is steep with some hairpin bends. The beach is large, so even in high season, it’s usually possible to find a good spot. There’s also plenty of parking available.
There’s a small section of the beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, and you’ll find basic facilities like bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers.
The sand at Myrtos isn’t fine. It’s coarse and, in many areas, consists of medium-sized white pebbles. So, it can be a bit uncomfortable to lie down without a sunbed or mattress.
We also recommend bringing water shoes to walk on the pebbles and making getting in and out of the water easier. We saw some people without water shoes having a hard time getting out of the water and ending up falling on the pebbles.
The water has a milky turquoise color that varies throughout the day. Once you step in, you’ll quickly encounter a sharp drop-off. The waves can sometimes get strong, so it’s best if you know how to swim.
In my opinion, the only downside of the beach is the sand that is not confortable to lie down without a sunbed or a matress. Other than that, this was easily one of our favorite beaches in Kefalonia, and we truly think it deserves all the hype.
2. Explore Assos Village
Assos Village is located on a narrow isthmus just north of Myrtos Beach. The isthmus connects the mainland to a small peninsula where you’ll find the ruins of a Venetian fortress.
There are several viewpoints along the main road that offer great views of the village and the peninsula. From the viewpoint, Assos didn’t seem like much at first, and we almost skipped it. I’m so glad we didn’t because it really surprised us.
The village is quite small but lined with beautiful colorful houses around the bay. There are a few nice small restaurants, and there’s also a little beach if you want to go into the water. From here, you can rent a small boat to explore the coast on your own or with a captain. This place actually reminded me a bit of some spots in Cinque Terre in Italy.
From the village, you can walk up to the Venetian fortress and explore on your own. The path is in good condition and well marked, and along the way, there are several viewpoints where you can enjoy the views. We didn’t go all the way to the top and stopped at an old church because the sun was too hot and I was pregnant, so I didn’t want to risk fainting.
We spent around two hours exploring and soaking up the views. We loved our time there. Don’t skip this place. We almost did, and in the end, it turned out to be a really pleasant surprise.
3. Foki Beach
Foki Beach, located in the north of Kefalonia, is quite unique because it sits in a small, sheltered bay surrounded by pine trees. It almost feels like a river or lake beach rather than a typical Greek island beach. The water here has a beautiful greenish tint, different from the turquoise blue you’ll see in many other parts of the island.
The beach itself is not very big, the sand is coarse, and there are some olive trees that provide some natural shade. The water is calm and not too deep, so it is good for children and those who can’t swim.
The only downside is that there were some pretty annoying wasps around. I’m not sure if it was because of the season, or if it is always like this.
4. Emplisi Beach and Kimilia Beach
Emplisi and Kimilia Beaches are two of the most beautiful beaches in the north of Kefalonia. Each is located in a small cove, surrounded by white limestone rock formations, with super clear blue water. The water is calm and shallow, and you can walk in for a while without worrying.
Emplisi Beach is quite easy to access, but facilities are very limited. I only noticed a temporary portable toilet in the parking area.
These beaches are relatively untouched, especially Kimilia Beach, which requires a bit more walking from the parking lot. Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was already getting late, so we didn’t make it to Kimilia, but everyone raves about its beauty. So, don’t miss it if you have time and prefer something more secluded.
Our only regret was arriving too late in the day, because these beaches are absolutely paradise-like. You could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here, just relaxing on a buoy or mattress in the water.
5. Fiskardo Village
Fiskardo is a small cute little port village close to Foki, Emplisi, and Kimilia beaches. It’s a nice place for a small walk or to find somewhere to eat. There’s also a little trail to a small lighthouse, and a small beautiful beach. We ended up not exploring it, but it can be a nice place for lunch or dinner.
6. Lithovatis Beach
Lithovatis Beach is a small white-pebble beach located in Agia Effimia. It was the first beach we visited because it was only a 15-minute walk from our hotel. I really liked this little beach, and I think it’s worth a visit if you’re staying in Agia Effimia. We especially enjoyed it because the waves were stronger here compared to other beaches we went to.
However, if you’re not in the area, I don’t think it’s worth going out of your way to get here, unless you plan to visit Agia Effimia, which I think is a great place to stay or stop by for lunch or dinner.
7. Alaties Beach and Alati All Day Bar & Restaurant
This was one of our favorite places in Kefalonia. Alaties Beach is a small beach in a beautiful cove with calm waters, almost like a natural pool. The beach is made of white pebbles, which makes the water look super blue.
Many people come here for snorkeling, but we didn’t see anything special, just some common gray fish (I guess we’ve become desensitized after our snorkeling trips in the Philippines).
The beach is quite small, so if you’re visiting in high season, keep that in mind, although I don’t think this place gets very crowded.
What also makes this spot stand out is the restaurant right next to the beach. This was one of the best restaurants we visited on the island. We ordered two salads, and they were the best we had during our time in Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Everything else we saw looked delicious, and the attention given to the presentation of the food was impressive.
We really recommend visiting this beautiful beach and getting lunch at the restaurant either before or after your swim. You won’t regret it.
8. Paraskevi Beach
This is a small beach that might be worth passing by if you’re close to Sami. This is a small pebbled beach by the road with crystal clear water and a small kind of garden behind it where you can get some shade and rent sunbeds and an umbrella.
The beach is nothing special if you compare with other more impressive beaches in Kefalonia, but we really liked it.
Central Kefalonia
9. Antisamos Beach
Antisamos Beach is a long, beautiful beach in Sami with plenty of facilities. It’s the perfect place if you just want to lie down and relax for the whole afternoon or even the entire day.
The beach is lined with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, as well as several bars and restaurants that feel like small beach clubs. When we visited, one of the bars offered free use of their sunbeds and umbrellas as long as you ordered something. There are also water sports available, so you can easily spend the whole day here. There is also the possibility to go on a boat tour to Koutsoupia Beach.
The beach was super inviting when we visited. The only downside was the huge number of wasps everywhere. Maybe it was just the season we went, because I haven’t seen this mentioned in other travel guides.
10. Melissani Cave
Still in Sami, there’s a beautiful cave with a freshwater lagoon inside, a bit like the cenotes you see in Mexico.
To visit, you need to buy a ticket. You’ll enter the cave and explore the lagoon with a guide on a small rowboat. The tour takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and the guide explains how the cave was formed. The ceiling collapsed after an earthquake, revealing the freshwater lake below.
We visited around midday, which I think is one of the best times to go because sunlight enters through the opening in the ceiling, reflecting on the water and bringing out its incredible colors.
You don’t need to buy tickets in advance if you’re visiting on your own. You can just show up and wait in line. If you don’t have a car, there are also organized tours that include Melissani Cave and other spots of interest in Kefalonia.
11. Drogarati Cave
Drogarati Cave is located not far from Melissani Cave, so it’s easy to visit both on the same day. You can show the ticket of the cave you visited previously to get a discount.
After going down a good number of slippery stairs, you enter a large chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Even though the cave consists of just one main gallery, it’s still quite impressive. You can explore it in about 20 minutes. We’ve seen several caves on our travels, and despite its smaller size, we still thought it was worth visiting, especially with the combo ticket.
The only downside was that many of the stalactites were broken. I would have liked to know the reason behind that.
12. Saint Gerasimos Monastery
The Saint Gerasimos Monastery is a beautiful Orthodox church located up in the mountains. The interior is impressive, with detailed beautiful and colorful frescos. I’ve already seen plenty of churches, but this one still surprised me.
The church is dedicated to Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia. On display, you can see relics of the saint, including his preserved body, which is displayed in a shrine. I didn’t know about this during my visit, so I didn’t notice it.
Visiting the church is a nice break from all the beach hopping. The drive up through the mountain roads is also quite scenic.
13. Visit Argostoli
Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and the most bustling place on the island. It is quite touristic, but it’s nice to go for a walk along the bay, visit the several souvenir shops on Lithostroto Street, and there are lots of restaurants and cafes where you can stop to eat something.
The highlights of Argostoli are the De Bosset Bridge and the Turtle Viewpoint.
The De Bosset Bridge is the largest pedestrian bridge in Greece, stretching 689.9 meters over the bay of Argostoli. We recommend parking your car on the opposite side of Argostoli and then crossing the bridge on foot.
The bay is frequently visited by loggerhead turtles, so if you’re lucky, you may even spot some (that’s why most souvenirs from Kefalonia feature turtles). Some boats in the marina feed the turtles, so you have a better chance of spotting them near the boats. There’s a place on Google Maps called “Turtle Viewpoint 1”; that’s where we saw a turtle. So, be a bit patient, and you’ll probably spot one too.
Not far from Argostoli, you can visit the Platis Gialos or Makris Gialos Beach, which seem to be quite nice, but we didn’t actually visited them.
West Kefalonia
14. Kiriaki Beach
The Kiriaki Beach is located in Zola, and it is a bit more on the wild natural side, even though there are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent and a small bar. The beach is long, so even in high season, you should find a nice spot, specially if you walk a bit away from the “entrance” of the beach.
To access the beach, you need to go on an unpaved road that seems worst than it actually is. We did it fine using our Fiat 500 car.
Our only regret is having visited this beach around sunset time, because the shade from the cliffs outlights the water beautiful colors.
15. Vouti Beach
The vouti Beach is quite similar to the Kiriaki Beach. but located right on the other side of the bay.
16.Trip to Fteri, Amidi and Kamari Beach
Fteri, Amidi, and Kamari Beaches are said to be some of the most paradisiacal and untouched beaches in Kefalonia. They lie beneath the dramatic white cliffs you see from several viewpoints along the coastal drive.
Fteri and Amidi Beaches can be reached by water taxi from Zola. You can stay as long as you like — just make sure to check the return times for the taxis. Alternatively, you can go on one of the beach-hopping boat trips from Zola, which visit different beaches along the coast. You can find more information on the Fteri Water Taxi website or book a Kefalonia private tour through GetYourGuide that also includes the Fteri beach on its route.
Fteri Beach can also be accessed by a hiking trail. Those who know me will know I would normally take this route — I love challenging hikes (like the trails to Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia) — but since I was pregnant at the time, I didn’t want to risk a steep trail under the hot sun.
We ended up not visiting these beaches, and that’s my only regret. But I was still dealing with nausea and morning sickness, so I had to skip it. I guess that’s a good reason to come back one day.
17. Petani Beach
This was one of our favorite beaches in Kefalonia. It is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, with a mixture of white coarse sand and pebbles, and the water is so blue and crystal clear, it doesn’t even seem real.
When you arrive at the parking lot, you have two options: a more commercial beach at the left side, or a “wild” smaller beach at the right side.
In the commercial area, you can rent sunbeds and there is a beach bar. If you walk away to the left side of the beach, you can get to a more natural area with almost no one.
We stayed a whole morning with a long stretch of beach just for ourselves. It really looked like paradise.
We had lunch at the beach restaurant, and although it was not the best food we had in Kefalonia, it was still quite reasonable.
Tip: On the way to the beach there is a nice viewpoint where you can stop to see the magnificent beach from above.
18. Xi Beach
Xi Beach is located on the south of the Paliki Peninsula. It’s particularly interesting because of its red-orange sand. The beach is also known for its clay, which you can put on your body and face and it is said to be good for the skin.
There are lots of umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, but also a space for towels. Contrary to most beaches in Kefalonia, the sand is fine and soft. We also found the water was calmer and warmer than other beaches up north. From the shore, you can even see Vardiani Beach in the distance.
The only downside is that the beach area, although long, is quite narrow, which can be a problem in high-season or during high tide.
South Kefalonia
19. Pesada Beach
The Pesada beach is located on a beautiful bay with calm crystal clear blue waters. You can access it through some steep stairs.
Even though the place is quite beautiful surrounded by beautiful yellow cliffs (it even remind me of some beaches in Algarve), there is very little space to put your towel, specially with high tide. Additionally, there aren’t any facilities.
When we visited, even though there were not many people, we didn’t have space to put our stuff, so we decided to skip to the next spot, even though the water was super inviting.
20. Skala Beach
Skala Beach is a long beach located in southeast Kefalonia. There are several sections, some with beach bars and sunbeds to rent, and others that are more quiet and natural. Instead of pebbles, the shore here is covered with coarse sand.
There are several resorts and nice beachfront hotels nearby, so it’s a convenient option if you’re staying in the area. It also seems to be a popular spot for all-inclusive vacationers. However, in my opinion, this beach doesn’t compare in beauty to many of the others we visited on the island.
5-Day Itinerary Suggestion
Taking into account all the places and activities we mentioned earlier, we’ve put together a 5-day itinerary that you can use as a starting point. Of course, it all depends on your travel style, where you’re staying, and your pace.
Day 1 in Kefalonia
This first day is dedicated to the northern part of Kefalonia.
- Lithovatis Beach
- Assos Viewpoint
- Foki Beach
- Fiskardo Village
- Emplisi and/or Kimilia Beach
- Sunset at Myrtos Viewpoint
If you’re starting in Agia Effimia, it’s a good idea to begin your day with a dip at Lithovatis Beach.
Then, start heading up north to the Foki beach, a beautiful small beach surrounded by pine trees. It almost feels like you’re in the mountains rather than by the sea.
Next, stop by Fiskardo Village to relax a bit and grab something to eat. There are plenty of nice restaurants to choose from.
In the afternoon, head to the stunning Emplisi and Kimilia Beaches. You can easily spend the rest of your day there without getting bored.
On your way back south, which will probably be around sunset time, stop at the Assos Viewpoint, where you can see the little peninsula with the old fortress.
Finally, make your way to the Myrtos Viewpoint. It’s absolutely beautiful, and the colors are amazing at sunset.
Alternatively or additionally, you can stop by those viewpoints in the morning. The colors will be different, but equality beautiful.
Day 2 in Kefalonia
On this second day, we’re focusing on Northwest Kefalonia.
- Explore the Assos Village
- Alaties Beach and Lunch at the Beach Restaurant
- Myrtos Beach
- Kiriaki or Vouti Beach
Start your day exploring the Assos village and explore the fortress if you’re up to the hike. You can do just part of the hike to appreciate the views. After, go to the Alaties Beach and have lunch at the amazing restaurant.
Spend the afternoon at the iconic Myrtos beach until sunset time. Or, if you still have time, and want to explore another beach, drive a little bit south and spend some time at the Kiriaki or Vouti Beach in Zola.
Day 3 in Kefalonia
Day 3 focuses more on exploring the southern part of Kefalonia.
- Argostoli
- Platis Gialos and Makris Gialos Beaches
- Mount Ainos
- Pessada Beach
- Skala Beach
On this third day, explore Argostoli, the island’s main town. You can park your car near the De Bosset Bridge and walk across it to reach the city center. Take a stroll around town, and don’t forget to stop by the Turtle Viewpoint. Be patient, and you might spot some turtles swimming close to the marina.
Afterward, head to Platis Gialos or Makris Gialos Beach, two highly recommended beaches just a 5-minute drive from Argostoli.
If you’re up for a short detour, drive up to Mount Ainos National Park. It’s about 30 minutes from Argostoli, and from there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kefalonia. It’s the island’s highest point. Or, you cand add Mount Ainos to day 4 of this itinerary.
Then, continue exploring the southern area of the island. Spend some time at the beautiful Pesada Bay if you find a good spot for your things. The beach is quite small, and the space is very limited at high tide.
Keep driving along the coast until you reach Skala Beach, where you’ll have plenty of space for your stuff and relax for the rest of the day.
If you’re heading north (in case you’re staying in Sami or Agia Effimia), you can make an extra stop at the Paraskevi Beach until sunset time.
Day 4 in Kefalonia
On this day 4, we’ll focus on the main points of interest near Sami.
- Saint Gerasimos Monastery
- Mount Ainos (highest point in Kefalonia)
- Melissani Cave
- Drogarati Cave
- Antisamos Beach and/or Boat or Hike to Koutsoupia Beach
We suggest starting your day by visiting the Saint Gerasimos Monastery in the mountains and admiring the church’s impressive frescoes. Alternatively, if you have an afternoon flight on your last day, you can save this visit for then, just like we did. We didn’t want to visit a beach on our last day since we wouldn’t have a place to shower afterward, so the monastery was a perfect option before heading to the airport.
Since you’re already up in the mountains, you can also make a detour to Mount Ainos, the highest point in Kefalonia, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views (of course, if you haven’t already in the previous day).
Afterward, head toward Sami to explore its main attractions. Visit Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave, then stop for lunch by the marina. There are several Greek tavernas with tables set along the waterfront with great views of the sea.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Antisamos Beach. If you’re up for it, you can also join a boat tour that stops at Koutsoupia Beach and other nearby spots along the coast.
Day 5 in Kefalonia
Your last day in Kefalonia focuses on the western region and Paliki peninsula.
- Trip to Fteri and Amidi Beach
- Alternative: Kiriaki Beach or Vouti Beach
- Petani Beach
- Xi Beach
Head to Zola and take a water taxi to Fteri and Amidi Beaches, or join a boat tour that visits these and other beautiful spots along the coast.
Alternatively, you can stay at Kiriaki or Vouti Beach, also near Zola. These are great options if you don’t enjoy boat rides or prefer not to spend extra money on a tour.
Then, we recommend heading south to the Paliki Peninsula and visiting Petani Beach, one of our favorites in Kefalonia. There’s a nice restaurant right by the beach with great facilities where you can stop for lunch.
Finally, make your way to Xi Beach, known for its orange-colored sand and natural clay. It’s quite different from the other beaches in Kefalonia, which makes it interesting to see. But if that feels like too much driving, or if you’d rather revisit another beach or spend the rest of the day relaxing at Petani, you won’t be missing much.
How To Get to Kefalonia?
This depends on where you’re coming from. Kefalonia is served by an international airport (EFL – Kefalonia International Airport “Anna Pollatou“) and several ferry connections, making it easy to reach from both mainland Greece, other European countries, or other Ionian Islands.
By Plane
There are several weekly flights from mainland Greece, especially from Athens, to Kefalonia. If you intend to also visit Athens, both places are well connected by plane.
There are also direct flights between Kefalonia and Zakynthos, which is perfect if you’re island hopping in the Ionian Sea. The flight takes around 25 minutes and can be more convenient than getting a ferry depending on where you’re staying, if you’re renting a car, etc. In our case, it was more practical to take the flight than the ferry route.
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, there are many seasonal direct flights, particularly from Italy and the UK. We found a very cheap flight from Milan Bergamo to Kefalonia, and from what we searched, this is often one of the most affordable options.
By Ferry
The best way to get to Kefalonia from mainland Greece is via the ports of Patras or Kyllini in Western Greece.
There is also an indirect ferry route from the port of Bari in Italy to Kefalonia.
In addition, Kefalonia is well connected by ferry to other Ionian islands such as Ithaca, Zakynthos (Zante), Corfu, and Lefkada, as well as to mainland ports like Igoumenitsa and Astakos.
All the information about ferry routes to Kefalonia can be found at the ferryhopper website.
Where to Stay in Kefalonia?
There are many accommodation options across Kefalonia, spread throughout the island. If you’re renting a car and plan to explore, it’s best to stay somewhere roughly central to the main attractions. If you’re not driving, choose a busier or more central area where tours can easily pick you up.
Here are some of the best areas to stay for a 5-day trip around Kefalonia:
- Argostoli
- Agia Effimia
- Fiskardo
- Sami
- Skala
1) Argostoli
This is the island’s capital and where you’ll find the highest variety of places to stay and eat. It’s also the most touristic place on the island. It’s the most touristy area and ideal if you enjoy staying in the center of activity. But, parking can sometimes be tricky, so choosing a place with private parking helps.
Additionally, it’s also well located in terms of distance to most places of interest.
There are several good nearby beaches if you don’t want to drive far. But, take into account that those beaches get crowded due to the proximity to the city center.
This is also a great option if you’re relying on organized tours, as most include pick-up from Argostoli.
Hotel Suggestions: Argostoli
- Casaly Hotel & Spa (luxury): 4-star hotel with elegant rooms, a spa, and stunning views over Argostoli Bay.
- Ionian Plaza Hotel & Spa (mid-range): centrally located in Argostoli’s main square, this hotel combines modern comfort with easy access to shops, cafés, and the waterfront.
- Tourist Boutique Hotel (mid-range): a seafront hotel with cozy rooms, friendly service, and beautiful harbor views.
- Mirabel CityCenter Hotel (budget): an affordable and convenient option right in the heart of Argostoli, a great value for money
2) Agia Effimia
This is a small little fishing village located in the northern part of the island. It’s a much smaller, local and quieter place to stay, while still being a good base for exploring the island.
This was where we stayed at and we simply loved how quiet it was while still having a good amount of options for diner and breakfast.
Additionally, in our opinion, the best beaches are in the northern part of the island, so this is one of the best areas to stay.
Hotel Suggestions: Agia Effimia
- Kefalonia Bay Palace (mid-range): modern 4-star hotel above the bay, with pool-terrace, wellness area, and easy access to local tavernas.
- Olive Bay Hotel (budget): family-run, self-catering hotel just 50 m from the sea, with studios with kitchenettes and balconies with views of the sea.
- Nicole Studios (budget): brand-new, fully-equipped studio-apartments located only about 100 m from the sea in the village center. Ideal for independent stays with kitchen, balcony, and free parking.
3) Fiskardo
A little bit up north Agia Effimia, Fiskardo is another small fishing village with several accommodation and dining options. It’s more upscale and picturesque but also pricier and farther from places of interest in the south.
Hotel Suggestions: Fiskardo
- Emelisse Nature Resort (luxury): luxurious nature-embraced resort perched above Emplisi Bay near Fiscardo, featuring private beach access, infinity pools and spa.
- Fiscardo Bay Hotel (mid-range): modern hotel within walking distance of Fiscardo village and the beach, with balconies with sea view and a pool.
- FiscardoStudios (budget): budget-friendly sea-view studios in Fiscardo center with kitchenette, and balcony over the harbour. Good value for money.
4) Sami
Sami is another good choice if you want to stay somewhere central. Located not far from Agia Effimia, it makes a convenient base for exploring both north and south.
The town has several points of interest nearby, including Antisamos Beach, Melissani Cave, and Drogarati Cave. You’ll find a few nice restaurants and hotels/apartments close to the marina here as well.
Hotel Suggestions: Sami
- Meliti Waterfront Suites (luxury): waterfront suites just metres from the Ionian Sea in Karavomylos, featuring a pool, modern kitchens and sea-view balconies.
- Sami Beach Hotel (mid-range/budget): family-run beachfront hotel in Karavomylos with pool and sea-view rooms.
- Vasilakis Apartment (budget): two-bedroom self-catered apartment in Sami with kitchen and balcony. A good budget-friendly option.
5) Skala
Located on the southern coast, Skala is perfect if you’re after a more resort-style holiday. It has a long sandy beach right in front of most hotels, so you can easily spend your days relaxing by the sea.
That said, it’s quite far from the main attractions in the north, and the beach, while pleasant, isn’t the most picturesque on the island — at least in our opinion.
Hotel Suggestions: Skala
- Louis Apostolata Island Resort (luxury): stylish 4-star-plus family resort perched above the coast near Skala, offering modern rooms, a spa, pools and a shuttle bus to nearby beaches and villages.
- Skala Hotel (mid-range): family-run hotel just 100 m from the beach in Skala, with modern rooms, sea-view balconies and highly-rated.
- Makis Hotel (budget): simple hotel close to Skala beach, with sea-view rooms and good value in a quiet setting.
How to Get Around Kefalonia?
The best way to get around and explore Kefalonia is undoubtedly to rent a car and explore on your own.
Renting a Car in Kefalonia
We rented our car through the DiscoverCars aggregator and found a pretty good deal with a well-rated company called Exer, that was located a 5-minute walk from the airport exit.
Besides DiscoverCars, I also often search on RentalCars. We have already booked using these websites on other trips without any problems. You can make a simulation here.
Tip: when you book a rental car through an aggregator, you have the option to purchase insurance through them rather than the rental company. This insurance is typically less expensive. If you damage the car, you may have to pay the rental company’s deposit upfront. Once the claim is processed, the aggregator insurance will reimburse you for that amount. Just remember to check the terms of coverage to ensure it meets your needs.
I’ve heard and read some pretty bad stories about renting a car in Greece. Always double-check the rental company’s terms and conditions and read reviews both on the aggregator and on Google Maps. Sometimes, the cheapest of the cheap companies have some hidden fees.
When in doubt, and if the local companies don’t inspire trust, we usually go with Sixt Rent a Car. It’s often a bit more expensive, but the process is smooth and hassle-free (We rented with Sixt in Zakynthos).
Driving a Car in Kefalonia
I recommend renting a smaller car. Roads are often narrow, and in some places parking is limited, so you may need to park on the side of the road, which is easier with a compact vehicle. That said, Kefalonia is quite hilly, and some roads can be challenging for smaller cars.
We rented a Fiat 500 and it served us well, although in a few places the car struggled a bit to climb the steepest roads.
In my opinion, driving in Kefalonia is quite safe, you just need to be careful in some hairpin bend roads that you need to go to access some beaches. The roads are generally in good condition, but there are places with lots of potholes, and most parking places for the beaches are not paved.
There are many mountain goats on the side of the road. Sometimes, they unexpectedly cross or just stand there, so you need to be extra cautious and drive carefully in areas where goats are around.
I also saw some people using ATVs and motorbikes to get around. However, the island is fairly large, so I’d only recommend those options if you’re not traveling far or are doing it for the experience.
Exploring on Organized Tours
If you’re not comfortable renting and driving a car, another option is to stay at a good hotel near a nice beach and join organized tours to explore the island. There are tours that visit highlights like Melissani Cave, Fiskardo and Assos villages and the famous Myrtos Beach.
What to Eat in Kefalonia
In Kefalonia, you’ll find many of the dishes you can try in other regions of Greece, along with a few traditional recipes from the island.
Some of the most typical Greek dishes you’ll easily find are moussaka, gyros, beef stifado, souvlaki, meatballs with parmesan cheese, and of course, the Greek salad. There are also many other fresh salads and appetizers like tzatziki, grilled halloumi, or fried zucchini balls.
When it comes to local specialties, the most famous is the Kefalonian meat pie. It is a pie made with minced meat, rice, and herbs. My boyfriend tried it and didn’t like it much; I’m not sure if it was the dish itself or if it just wasn’t well made.
Fresh fish is also widely available in most tavernas, including sea bass, sea bream, sardines, and seafood like squid, shrimps, and fried calamari.
You really can’t go wrong with food in Kefalonia. All the restaurants we tried were very good. This was our first time trying Greek food, and we absolutely loved it. I especially fell in love with moussaka, which is a bit like lasagna but made with eggplant instead of pasta.
Where to Go After Kefalonia
Kefalonia is part of the Ionian Islands, so a great option is to explore one of the other islands afterwards. For example, Zakynthos and Ithaca are the closest ones. You can get to Ithaca by boat, and to Zakynthos by both flight or ferry. In our case, we took a 25-minute flight to Zakynthos.
You may also like reading: Zakynthos Travel Guide: Best Things To Do and 4-Day Itinerary (with Map).
Kefalonia is also served by an international airport, so it is also quite easy if you also want to visit mainland Greece, like Athens for example.
Wrapping Up
We hope you’ve found this travel guide useful.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your summer holidays, I also recommend taking a look at our Sardinia travel guide, a beautiful Italian island with dreamy paradise-like beaches:
Finally, you can use our links to book accommodation and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more and you’ll be supporting our work.
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Very interesting and with much love made… Please continue in that way
Thank you so much 🙂