Kefalonia

Kefalonia holidays

With its rugged green mountains, lush vineyards and golden beaches, Kefalonia’s a picture-book island paradise with mythical Greek history at its heart. 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. Romantic beach retreat with captivating culture, anyone? Kefalonia will steal your heart.

Popular Kefalonia Holiday Resorts

Philoxenia Studios & Apartments
from
£490pp
Based on
  • London Stansted, Sat 03 May 2025
  • 7 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Philoxenia Studios & Apartments

Katelios, Kefalonia

Our rating

Based on 191 reviews

  • Relaxing pool area
  • Close to resort centre
  • Bright, comfortable rooms
  • Gorgeous panoramic views
  • Small and Welcoming
Lovides Studios
from
£477pp
Based on
  • London Stansted, Sat 10 May 2025
  • 7 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Lovides Studios

Lourdas, Kefalonia

Our rating

Based on 275 reviews

  • Picturesque setting
  • Hillside location
  • Wonderful service
Pacifae Golden Village
from
£529pp
Based on
  • London Stansted, Sat 04 Oct 2025
  • 7 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Pacifae Golden Village

Katelios, Kefalonia

plus

Our rating

Based on 671 reviews

  • Beautiful mountain backdrop
  • Family-run hotel
  • Large pool area
  • Swim-up rooms available
Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa
from
£670pp
Based on
  • London Stansted, Sat 10 May 2025
  • 7 Nights, Half Board
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa

Lixouri, Kefalonia

plus

Our rating

Based on 2004 reviews

  • Spacious rooms
  • Family rooms available
  • Children's splash park
  • Suites with private pool
  • Certified Sustainable Hotel
Ionian Sea Hotel & Aqua Park
from
£535pp
Based on
  • London Stansted, Sat 03 May 2025
  • 7 Nights, All Inclusive
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Ionian Sea Hotel & Aqua Park

Lixouri, Kefalonia

Our rating

Based on 604 reviews

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Close to the beach
  • Spacious rooms
  • Great value All Inclusive
  • Fantastic range of facilities
Thalassa Boutique Hotel Kefalonia
Luxe Collection

Thalassa Boutique Hotel Kefalonia

Lassi, Kefalonia

Our rating

Based on 881 reviews

  • Adults only
  • Stylish rooms
  • Half Board with a la carte dinner available
  • Lovely Sea Views
  • Cosy bar and lounge with firepit
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Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+2hrs

Local beer

£3.00

Meal for two

£42.70

Average flight time

3.5hrs

Hollywood looks

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia's 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, wandering goats and vineyards. No wonder it was used as a major film backdrop! First stop: Myrtos Beach.

A laid-back break

Life in Kefalonia moves at a relaxed pace. Skala’s one of the liveliest spots 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, cultural adventures or soaking up the sun on the island’s ample sands.

Sublime sights

Some of Kefalonia’s most popular sights are all thanks to Mother Nature – the stalagmite-filled Drogarati Cave is one of the biggest and most dazzling highlights while Melissani Lake is out of this world. But you’ll also find Roman ruins, Venetian castles and medieval monasteries to potter around, or simply explore the rugged scenery of this remarkable region.

Lassi Holidays

Lassi

Enjoy Lassi’s mix of laid-back and lively vibes.

Skala Holidays

Skala

With its traditional tavernas and beautiful beach, it’s no wonder Skala is one of the most sought-after resorts in Kefalonia.

Svoronata Holidays

Svoronata

Lying on the south-western coast of Kefalonia, Svoronata is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Lixouri

Embrace laid-back life in the charming town of Lixouri.

Katelios

Get ready to sink your toes into the soft sands of Katelios’ curved beach and enjoy a refreshing dip in its bluer than blue water.

Lourdas Holidays

Lourdas

You’ll always have the opportunity to unwind in Lourdas.

Agia Efimia

Not far from the capital of Argostoli, you’ll find this idyllic port and fishing village. You’ll be close to the iconic Myrtos Beach as well, where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed.

Argostoli

Modern and cosmopolitan, Argostoli provides the culture of an island capital together with the local warmth of a smaller resort – it’s a real treasure trove.

Avithos

It’s all about the dark-gold sands and rich hillsides in Avithos. This Kefalonian gem is a quiet resort, well known for its main beach.

Fiscardo

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

Karavados

This teeny-tiny toy-box Greek village is a real display of traditional island life, with its colourful church, glowing gardens and handful of fresh food joints.

Lakithra Holidays

Lakithra

This popular spot in the Livathos area is a great base for exploring, as you can easily get out and about to most of the south from here.

Beaches

In Kefalonia, you’ll have your pick of blissful beaches. Think chalk-white sands and pebbled plots backed by a rolling forest, as well as sun-kissed spots filled with water sports, 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 amazing 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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Cave Hermitage Agios Gerasimos

Cave Hermitage 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, a tranquil place of worship...
St.George's Castle

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

Koutavos Lagoon

Argostoli, Kefalonia

The lagoon at the head of Argostoli Bay is a nature reserve and a lovely place to hang out and escape the hustle and bustle. You can hire a small boat or pedalo and take in the beauty of the lagoon at your...
Agia Efimia

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

Vallianos Square

Argostoli, Kefalonia

In the beating heart of Argostoli is the pleasant Vallianos Square, named after the local shipping magnate and benefactor Panagis Vallianos. There’s a statue of him at the top end, which is where locals come to...
A quaint central square

A quaint central square

Spartia, Kefalonia

The village of Spartia may be small, but it isn’t short of options when it comes to dining. You’ll find many tempting tavernas in the village square, serving traditional lamb kleftiko and moussaka as well as...

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 tipple – Robola wine is one of the best. The thyme honey is also delicious.

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Nightlife

Skala's 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 carafe of Kefalonian wine.

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