Greece is one of our favourite countries for its incredible landscapes and delicious food. Having visited the likes of Skiathos, Corfu, and Mykonos, we wanted our next trip to be something a little more unique and lesser-known, and Kefalonia was everything we hoped for.
The largest Ionian island, it’s found just off the west coast of Greece, and it’s said that it was once the home of the great Odysseus. Since it’s still not a main tourist destination, you’ll find unspoiled flora and fauna and smaller crowds, making it the perfect place for a peaceful week away in the sun.
Our 2026 guide will tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful island and how to build an itinerary for Kefalonia that will ensure it’s a trip you’ll never forget.
How to Get to Kefalonia
It’s fairly easy to reach Kefalonia from the UK, with most major airlines flying into the island’s international airport (EFL) directly. Typically, the flights last 3.5-4 hours, but this will depend on the route.
Jet2, easyJet, and Ryanair are the main operators, offering flights from Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Leeds (LBA), and Newcastle (NCL), with British Airways providing flights from London Heathrow (LHR). Generally, all flights will run during the peak summer months of May through to October.
Once you reach Kefalonia Airport, you can easily get a taxi to the capital, Argostoli. However, resorts located further afield, including Skala and Fiskardo, may require pre-booked transfers or a hire car.
How to Get Around Kefalonia
Kefalonia is surprisingly large in size and is quite mountainous, meaning how you get around will depend on what you intend to do during your visit and where you plan to stay.
How to Rent a Car in Kefalonia
A car rental is a popular choice for exploring without the constraints of waiting for public transport and paying for a private tour. A small car can cost as little as €25–€35 per day if rented in advance, but prices can increase to €75 during the peak summer months.
Just be sure to take your driving license and passport with you and freshen up on local driving laws (which include driving on the right, overtaking on the left, and entering a roundabout from the right). Additionally, remember that parking is free on white lines, paid for on blue lines, and prohibited for tourists on yellow lines.
How to Get a Taxi in Kefalonia
Taxis are also an easy and reliable way to get around the island, particularly to and from the airport. Costs to Lassi are typically €20-€25, with prices increasing for places farther away, such as Fiskardo, which costs €85-€100.
It’s often considered easier to use taxis to travel from Lassi to Argostoli (€8) and from Argostoli to Sami Port (€45- €50). Meters are generally ignored for trips longer than 20 minutes, so make sure to agree on a price beforehand and use trusted services like Kefalonia Taxi Club.
How to Use the Bus in Kefalonia
The main hub for buses in Kefalonia is in Argostoli. While boarding one of the KTEL buses will see you pay the cheapest fare, the services can be infrequent (running every 30-60 minutes in high season) and only travel to major towns rather than the beaches.
The most popular routes include the services from Argostoli to Sami (€4) and Argostoli to Fiskardo, with a potential change at Sami (€13). Things can change, so it’s best to consult the official timetable before you travel.
How to Catch the Lixouri Ferry (Sea Ferry) in Kefalonia
The ferry is the most efficient and scenic way to get between Argostoli and the Paliki peninsula. Generally, it runs every 20-30 minutes in the summer and every hour in the winter, typically costing €3.20 per person and €6.30 for a car.
Where to Stay in Kefalonia
Skala (Best for first-time visitors and families)
A tourist town with great beaches and plenty of restaurants, Skala is a popular place for those seeking sun and a lively atmosphere. The village is modern, and locals are friendly, meaning it’s a popular choice for those with young children. The nearby beach of Kaminia also has shallow sections and beachside playgrounds for peace of mind.
Top choices for accommodation
Melidron Hotel – A 3-star, family-run hotel just a short walk from Skala’s beach, it receives great reviews for its homely feel and Greek hospitality. You can choose from twin rooms, small apartments, family apartments, and junior suites.
Apostolata Island Resort & Spa – Nestled on a hilltop, Apostolata Island Resort & Spa offers incredible views of the Ionian Sea. There is a bus stop nearby for easy travel around the island and an enormous infinity pool to cool down after a long day. The 4-star retreat is also home to several restaurants, including Ostrako restaurant and Sea Pearl Main Restaurant.
Fiskardo (Best for couples and those who like the finer things)
Fiskardo is the island’s more upscale region, featuring Venetian-style architecture and a harbour with luxury boats. It’s the ideal location for boating trips from Foki Beach to nearby islands like Ithaca and Lefkada. As one of the villages furthest from the airport, it does require longer travel times to reach.
Top choices for accommodation
Emelisse – The most luxurious and premier 5-star spot in Fiskardo, Emelisse is a seafront resort set in a nature reserve. Its Bali-style architecture, along with its spa facilities and infinity pools, are unlike anywhere else on the island. You’re also only a short walk from Emblisi Beach and the main harbour.
Odysseas Waterfront Apartments – As the name suggests, these apartments are found directly along the water, with arguably the best location in the village. The hosts, Stavroula and Alexis, are welcoming, and the rooms are kept spotless, and you’re only a 5-minute walk from the central local market.
Argostoli (Best for sightseeing and convenience)
The perfect base in Kefalonia due to its central location, Argostoli is home to the island’s best transport connections and nightlife. The majority of the island’s main attractions aren’t more than 90 minutes away, and you have access to Lithostroto Street for shopping and museums. While it’s not a beach resort, Gradakia and Makris Gialos beaches in Lassi are a short distance away.
Top choices for accommodation
Kefalonia Grand Hotel – Generally considered the best-rated hotel in Argostoli, the Kefalonia Grand Hotel is located directly on the waterfront, near the ferry port and Vallianou Square. It’s a 4-star establishment with a modern and minimalistic design, with a high-quality Greek breakfast prepared fresh in the mornings. The rooms are designed with luxury in mind, with 42 rooms and suites with high-end facilities, many featuring a sea view.
Canale Hotel & Suites – A 4-star boutique hotel in downtown Argostoli along the waterfront, with a short walk to the De Bosset Bridge. It receives highly favourable reviews, and guests are also given access to the Costa Costa Beach Club in nearby Lassi. Rooms are fitted with high-end tech, including a tablet to browse the hotel’s services and a 50-inch smart TV with Netflix access.
Lassi (Best for beach holidays)
Only a short distance away from Argostoli, Lassi is much more relaxed and home to some of the island’s best beaches, such as Platis Gialos and Makris Gialos. The town is easily walkable with plenty of taverns and bars for evening meals; however, you may wish to rent a bike or car to explore other areas.
Top choices for accommodation
White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia – A 4-star upscale hotel set in a pine forest for the ultimate retreat on the island. Visitors get access to the private beach just by Platis Gialos, and you can have a prime spot for the best sunset views in Kefalonia due to its cliffside location.
Thalassa Boutique Hotel Kefalonia – The 4-star hotel is adults-only to ensure a romantic and private spot for couples and groups who want to escape the hustle and bustle. With landscaped gardens and two pools, it’s a beautiful spot, and includes attentive staff and a short walk to Paliostafida Beach.
Assos (Best for those who prefer peace and quiet)
Assos is a small village located below a Venetian castle, well-known for its colourful houses and narrow streets. While it can get busier during the summer, it still remains relatively quiet year-round, meaning you can explore at your own pace and relax by the harbour.
Top choices for accommodation
Braunis Horio Villas – A collection of 14 newly-built villas on a rocky cliff in Assos, Braunis Horio Villas is the only choice for those seeking peace and sophistication. Each villa has a sea view, and there’s also an infinity pool. It’s also a 2-minute, albeit steep, walk from Assos Beach.
Roi Boutique Suites – A boutique hotel with French-Italian style suites located above the Myrtos Gulf. You’re blessed with surrounding jasmine trees and a shared pool area, with the option to have breakfast served to your private terrace. The centre of the village is only a short 5-minute walk away, too.
What to Do in Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s large size means there is an abundance of things to do, which is why a week here is highly recommended. With underground lakes, various beaches, charming villages, and historic landmarks, you’re spoilt for choice. If you do intend to tick off everything on this list, a rental car is the best option, or a private or group tour.
Explore the Melissani Cave
Also known as the Cave of the Nymphs, Melissani Cave is an underground lake located 20-30 metres below ground level. What makes it so special is the lack of a roof, which collapsed many centuries ago, allowing light to filter in and glisten in the clear, turquoise waters. The second section of the cave is much darker, featuring a chamber filled with stalagmites and stalactites.
You’ll first need to descend an artificial tunnel to reach the cave, where you can then purchase your tickets (€10 for adults and €5 for children). You’ll embark on a 15–20-minute rowing tour where the guides will shout out facts while you stare in awe.
Relax on the Beach
Kefalonia is blessed with a golden coastline and striking blue waters among its limestone cliffs. Due to its size, the beaches vary in what they offer from pebbled terrain in Assos to shallow sands in Lassi. There are three beaches in particular worth the trip, but plenty more to explore.
Myrtos Beach – On the northwest of the island, in Pylaros, you’ll find Myrtos Beach, a beautiful spot with light blue water and steep cliffs, and the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. While it is pebbled, it’s a great place to go paddling and watch the sunset. Plus, there is a snack bar where you can also buy drinks.
Antisamos Beach – One of the best places for sunbathing and swimming on the island, it’s found to the east of Argostoli, near Sami port. Antisamos Beach features green hills and plenty of facilities, as well as two beach bars.
Petani Beach – Found in the northwest of the Paliki, near Lixouri, Petani Beach is a picture-perfect spot with crystal blue waters and a mix of sand and pebbles. There are showers and toilet facilities located nearby, and taverns to stop for lunch, a short walk away.
Other honourable mentions include Makris Gialos Beach in Lassi, Xi Beach in the Paliki Peninsula, Lourdas Beach in the south, and Fteri Beach (also in the Paliki and somewhat of a hidden gem).
Discover the Drogarati Cave
The Drogarati Cave is said to be around 150 million years old and features a main hall with a 20-metre-high ceiling. The cave has translucent stalactites that are slightly orange in colour due to the iron deposits in the limestone and typically grow at about 1 cm every 100 years.
Be prepared for the descent (and the later climb back up), as there are 150 steps in total and it can be slippery. Tickets range from €5-6 for adults and €3 for children, but you can buy a ticket for both caves on this list for around €12- €13. Arrive before 9:30 am or after 3 pm to beat the crowds.
Stroll around Assos Village
Assos is among the most stunning places in Kefalonia, built on a small part of land that connects the peninsula to the main island, featuring pastel-coloured properties and a harbour. The village still contains most of its Ionian architecture, although some buildings had to be restored after an earthquake in the 50s.
Here you can hike up to Assos Castle, which is a moderately difficult walk, 170 metres high overlooking the village. After your descent, which will total around an hour, head to Platia Paris for a spot of lunch at 3 Cheeky Monkeys or Platanos before swimming in the nearby pebble beach.
Search for Turtles at Argostoli
While it’s not always guaranteed, if you are able to head down to Argostoli’s waterfront, you may get the chance to spot the island’s Loggerhead sea turtles. They often accumulate here from June to September between 9 am and 11 am (and sometimes between 5 pm and 7 pm) to feed on scraps left from fishermen while they are most active, either mating or nesting.
A good indicator that there are turtles nearby is the presence of researchers in blue from Wildlife Sense, who monitor the endangered species to ensure they’re healthy and happy. Avoid getting too close and do not use the flash on your phone if you do decide to take photos.
Take a Boat Trip to Ithaca
The nearby island of Ithaca is a popular day trip from Kefalonia. Most of the cruises depart from Sami, but you can find some that go from Poros or Fiskardo. Prices typically range from €40- €60 per person and are for the full day from 9 am-5 pm, operated by Sami Star or Ionian Discoveries.
During the journey, you’ll visit the capital of Vathy, which is filled with pastel houses like Assos and waterfront cafes. You’ll also get the chance to explore Kioni, which is a fishing village containing three old stone windmills and houses draped in flowers. The tours will typically stop at Gidaki Beach or Filiatro Beach so you can go for a swim.
Sample Local Wines on a Tasting Tour
Kefalonia is the home of the Robola grape, so you can rest assured the quality of wine here is impeccable – and what better way to sample it than on a wine tour?
Most wineries can be found in the Omala Valley, with top names including Gentilini Winery & Vineyards, Robola Cooperative, and Sarris Winery. And while Robola should be your top priority, the red wine Mavrodaphne and the white wine Vostilidi work perfectly paired with some Kefalograviera cheese and olives.
The tastings are usually run by each winemaker, who will explain the process and lead you to a courtyard or cellar where you can then take your time to finish your glass. You can walk into each winery and book onto a tour separately or consider a guided half-day tour (costing €70- €120). The latter ensures you also don’t need a designated driver.
Visit the Monastery of St. Andreas
In Perata lies the Monastery of Agios Andreas, one of the most respected spiritual sites on the island. Here you’ll find the right foot of the Apostle Andrew, which still includes the hole from his crucifixion. The museum inside is also the only building to have survived the 1953 earthquake, featuring 17th-century wall paintings and sacred artefacts.
You’ll find the monastery a 15-minute drive from Argostoli, below the Castle of Saint George. It’s open from 7 am-2 pm and 5 pm-8 pm daily, apart from on Sundays when it is closed (but make sure to check locally as religious holidays can affect opening times). Please remember to dress appropriately, covering your shoulders, arms, and knees.
Walk up to Saint George’s Castle
While you’re visiting the monastery, head up to see the Castle of Agios Georgios. It served as the defensive hub for Kefalonia while it was under Venetian and Byzantine rule and still features battlements and watchtowers from the 16th century.
The main selling point for visitors is the view from the ramparts, where you can see across the Argostoli Gulf and take the perfect panoramic shot for your holiday photos. The castle is open from 8:30 am-3:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays, but this can change depending on the season, with an entry fee of €3.
Where to Eat in Kefalonia
While Kefalonia still serves many Greek dishes we all know and love, it does feature some unique flavours and foods that are heavily influenced by its Venetian history. You’ll still find traditional staples like moussaka and souvlaki, but also Kreatopita (Kefalonian meat pie), aliada (a garlic dip with mashed potatoes, lemon, and cod broth), and mandoles (handmade caramelised almonds with sugar or honey).
To experience the best food that the island has to offer, we’ve listed our favourite places we’ve tried and tasted.
Taverna Gefiri (Argostoli) – A family-run restaurant with sea views near Trapezaki Beach, Taverna Gefiri offers a mezze style of starters such as prawns and feta parcels as well as Greek staples like sofigado and rabbit stew. They usually open towards the start of May until October from 6 pm.
Palia Plaka Greek Restaurant (Argostoli) – Palia Plaka is a traditional Greek taverna known for its large portions and home–cooked dishes. Signature dishes include the island favourite of meat pie, pastitsio, stuffed peppers, and giouvetsi. They also offer vegan and vegetarian dishes, including pea and potato stews and stuffed vegetables. They are usually open 12 pm- 6 pm daily.
Costa d’Ora Restaurant (Argostoli) – Found at the Canali Hotel, you’ll find a variety of Mediterranean cuisine of both Italian and Greek influence, such as beef tataki and moussaka, as well as pasta dishes such as chicken breast with tagliatelle. They also serve the best Greek desserts, like their baklava with a pistachio mousse. Dinner is typically served from 1 pm-11 pm.
Kamaroules Taverna (Lassi) – In Lassi, above the rocky Gradakia Beach, you’ll find a family-run restaurant serving fresh seafood and Greek dishes, such as melitzanosalata (an aubergine dip), Tzatziki with pita, fried courgette, saganaki, and squid in wine and lemon sauce. There’s also a range of grilled meats from freshly caught fish to lamb chops – always served with a carafe of local house wine (preferably the rose). Kamaroules Taverna generally opens in May for the summer season from noon until late.
Vasso’s (Fiskardo) – Vasso’s is a seafood and Mediterranean spot in Kefalonia’s upscale region of Fiskardo. Its key selling points are the waterfront location, excellent wine list, and authentic Greek flavours, particularly in dishes such as tomato fritters, grilled octopus, and crispy Kefalonia White Cheese. Order some of their white Gentilini wine or one of the island’s Robola wines. The restaurant is typically closed during the winter seasons and reopens in the late spring, with dinner being served from 4 pm till midnight.
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