Increase visibility and reservations
Surface
786,6 km²
Airport
International
Port
Sami, Pessada, Poros
Faster connection
Direct flight
Connections
Direct flight
Healthcare
Hospital
Tourist presence
Nightlife under 30
Nightlife over 30
Beaches
Pebbles
Beach services
Equipped
Beaches for children
Yes
Equipped campsite
Yes
Naturism
No
Points of interest
Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, Katavothres, Agios Monastery, Gerasimos, San Giorgio's Castle, Lagouvarda Monastery, Assos Castle
Activity
Holiday type
Family holiday, Romantic trip
Kefalonia measures 786 square kilometers and it is the most extended island of the Ionian archipelago and of all Greece. It is located in front of the Gulf of Corinth at about 30 km from the western coast of the Peloponnese. There are 254 kilometers of coast with many creeks and hidden spots filled with white sandy beaches.
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Kefalonia is one the most mountainous Greek islands, the highest peak is called Enos (Ainos) and measures 1628 m, here you can find unique animals and vegetation such as the rare black fir and a species of wild horse that only lives on this island. An incredible ecosystem that the Greek government has decided to protect by making it a national natural park.
Kefalonia can be easily reached from the ports of Patrasso, Ithaca, Zanthe and Lefkada and it is one of the Greek’s favourite locations to spend the summer. Myrtos beach is considered Kefalonia’s symbol and it is one of the top 30 beaches in the world. Besides the marvellous beaches there are also many natural attractions.
In fact on this island you will see the geological formation of Katavothres, the underground canals where the sea seems to literally disappear, lake Melissanile, the caves of Grogarati and Mount Enos’ park where you will have the chance to admire some incredible landscapes.
Why choose Kefalonia?
If you decide to book a holiday for Kefalonia you won’t just choose an island famous for it’s sea and beaches. This big island offers many alternative activities. The island is rich in history and a visit to Argostoli, the island’s capital is a must.
The town was completely reconstructed after a strong earthquake that destroyed almost all the buildings in 1953 and since then has become a lively town with many shops and taverns. In Agrostoli there are also an archeological museum, a history and folklore museum besides the library of Korgialenios, one of the biggest of all Greece. At about 3 km from Agrostoli you can visit the walls of Krani, built in the VII century a.C.
One of the attractions that you mustn’t miss is lake Melissani, a spectacular location that amazes everyone that sees it. The lake can be visited by boat and is located in a cave that is filled with both fresh and saltwater. Cefalonia è un’isola abbastanza grande per questo è fondamentale che scegli anche il posto giusto dove alloggiare. Kefalonia is a rather big island and for this reason it is important to choose where you are going to spend the night.
If you only have a week of vacation it is better to stay in one of the central localities (Lassi or Argostoli on the west side; Sami or Agia Efimia on the east). This way you will be in a practical and lively location where to find many structures or transports for the nearby islands.
Kefalonia has a great variety of beaches to choose from. There are some large beaches with white or red sand, golf courses and many hidden coves that can only be accessed by boat. The western coast has many small bays in the northern part of the island, while there are many golf courses in the southern part.
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The eastern coast is famous for Antisamos and Skala beach but unfortunately most of the beaches can only be accessed by boat. In the southern coast there are Lixouri gulf and Argostoli that have many beaches nearby. Near Lassi and in the rest of the coast there are many small coves and a few beaches.
Antisamos beach
Antisamos in the second most famous beach on Kefalonia after Myrtos. The bright green mediterranean vegetation and the white rocks that surround the beach add an incredible extra touch to this wonderful beach and its turquoise waters. An interesting fact to know about Antiparos is that here was where the film “captain corelli’s mandolin” was shot. The beach is equipped with every service you may need.
Emplisi beach
Emplisi beach has white sande and turquoise waters similar to those in the Carribeans. A beach with pebbles that becomes very deep immediately and surrounded by the usual green and lush vegetation. The crystal clear waters are perfect if you love snorkeling and taking long walks.
Lerussalim beach
Lerussalim is made of two beaches. A wider one equipped with sunbeds or beach umbrellas to rent and another smaller one that is free. The beach is surrounded by green lush hills and it is located in a part of the coast that can’t be reached without a boat. An ideal location for someone looking for a peaceful place far away from most of the other tourists. The beaches have small pebbles and most of them don’t offer any services.
Kaminia beach
Kaminia is a sandy beach located in the southernmost point of Kefalonia’s coast. A beach equipped with any service a tourist may need and that has a road next to it. Kaminia is also famous as it is one of the few beaches where the mediterranean sea turtles (Caretta-Caretta) still go to lay their eggs. For this reason you will have to follow the few but strict rules when you decide to visit this island. Do not go camping, light fires, dig holes and leave rubbish behind when you visit this beach. The turtles and the rest of the bay will thank you!
Lourdas beach
A very touristic beach equipped with any service and comfort any tourist may need. There are bars, restaurants and water sport centers like windsurfing. A beautiful beach covered in a mix of pebbles and sand more than 1 kilometer long and more than 30 meters wide. From here you can get a path that will lead you to Sission monastery and from there another path will lead you to Paradisi beach, that can’t be accessed in any other way if not by walking through the path previously mentioned.
Makris Gialos beach
It is one of the biggest and better equipped beaches with crowded bars and restaurants. It is very touristy, it has a shallow seabed and for this reason it is a great destination if you are travelling with children. It can be very crowded sometimes but being so big it is very unlikely for you not find any space.
Myrtos beach
Myrtos is one of the most famous and popular beaches in the whole of Greece. It is often included in one of the 30 nicest beaches in the world. A kilometer of white sand mixed with small pebbles that contrast brilliantly with the turquoise sea nearby. It is surrounded by some tall cliffs with the classic mediterranean vegetation growing on them. During the summer it is very crowded as there are many tourists that come to swim in it’s wonderful sea. There are also some caves that can be visited on the left side of the island. Remember to have a look at the weather forecast before you visit this beach as it is often very windy.
Petani beach
In case Myrtos is too crowded we suggest you visit Petani. This beach is only half Myrtos’ size and it isn’t very equipped but for the rest it has the same exact sandy beach and colours. The seabed becomes immediately deep and there are often tall waves but the sea is still wonderful.
Skala beach
Skala is covered in a mix small pebbles and sand and it is Kefalonia’s longest beach (2 km long). It is famous for the famous pine woods behind the beach that offer great cover during the hottest months of the year. An ideal destination for anyone that likes water sports as you can rent anything you may need for practicing them on this beach.
Vouti beach
The beach is actually made of two different beaches covered in white sand. Vouti doesn’t offer any services for the tourists that visit it except from a small bar located on the beach and open during the summer.
Kefalonia’s red beaches
The southern coast of Lixouri peninsula is covered in red sandy beaches. The red is given by the presence of clay in the sand. The most famous red beaches are: Vasta, Koutalas, Mania, Xi and Mega Lakos. Xi is the biggest and the most famous of them, it is more than 1 km long and it has an equipped part and a free one.
Kefalonia is an island that offers many different experiences between fun, nature, relax and culture. There are many things to choose from. Kefalonia is also the biggest island in the Ionian sea and on it you will see mountains surrounded by woods, picturesque villages like Assos and Fiscardo besides the Byzantine monastery and wonderful natural beauties like Melissani and Droganati caves.
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There are also the castle of Saint George and the Argostoli lighthouse. In Kefalonia you will also have the chance to live some unique experiences.
Melissani cave
Located just outside Sami village there is a very unique cave. Melissani cave has an internal lake and goes at about 20 meters of depth. The best time to visit it is mid day when the light penetrates from high above and filters into the cave’s lake creating a blue luminescence.
Droganati cave
Discovered almost 300 years ago thanks to an earthquake that exposed it it has been commercially visited for the last 50 years. The cave is really impressive thanks to the presence of stalactites and stalagmites. Inside it there are many different rooms, one of which is dedicated to events and can hold up to 500 people. The cave is located at about 5 km from Sami, the island’s port.
St. George castle in Kefalonia
Located at about 7 km from Argostoli village, a wonderful example of military architecture, of about 16.000 square meters. The village is built in a Byzantine style in the 12th century, but the Venetians were the ones that developed it during the 16th century. Nowadays it can’t be completely visited because of the many earthquakes that damaged the structure.
Diving center and diving
The Ionian sea has some incredible sea beds. For this reason if you love diving or snorkeling it will be a pleasure to explore the island’s waters. The diving centers in Kefalonia are well equipped and offer any service you may need. Most of the inhabited centers are located in Symi.
Boat trip
In order not to miss any parts of the island we suggest you take a boat trip around the coast. You can choose if visiting Kefalonia’s coast or visit one of the nearby islands like Ithaca that has wonderful bright blue waters. During a boat trip to Kefalonia you will be served a delicious grilled meal (fish or meat) onboard. If you would rather spend a few days by yourself while exploring the island’s coast you can rent a small boat. Most of the renting centers are located on Simi.
This Greek island has an international airport and for this reason reaching Kefalonia is rather simple and quick. You can reach that island with direct flights from Milan or Rome without having to worry about flying to Athens.
If you can’t find a direct flight, you will also have the chance to land in Athens’ airport before taking a second plane for Kefalonia. But there are also ferries for Kefalonia. Here are some of the solutions you can choose from:
Reaching Kefalonia by ferry
Are you scared of taking a plane? No problem, Kefalonia can also be reached by taking one of the many ferries that will get you to the island. The journey is rather long and the only ferries that will get you to kefalonia from Italy leave from the city of Brindisi. For the other ferries that leave from the cities of Ancona or Bari.
Reaching Kefalonia from Ithaca-Lefkada-Patrasso
There is also a line of ferries that connects the island of Kefalonia to Ithaca and Lefkada. The ferries also stop in the port of Patrasso.
This Greek island has an international airport and for this reason reaching Kefalonia is rather simple and quick. You can reach that island with direct flights from Milan or Rome without having to worry about flying to Athens. If you can’t find a direct flight, you will also have the chance to land in Athens’ airport before taking a second plane for Kefalonia. But there are also ferries for Kefalonia. Here are some of the solutions you can choose from:
Reaching Kefalonia by ferry
Are you scared of taking a plane? No problem, Kefalonia can also be reached by taking one of the many ferries that will get you to the island. The journey is rather long and the only ferries that will get you to kefalonia from Italy leave from the city of Brindisi. For the other ferries that leave from the cities of Ancona or Bari.
Reaching Kefalonia from Ithaca-Lefkada-Patrasso
There is also a line of ferries that connects the island of Kefalonia to Ithaca and Lefkada. The ferries also stop in the port of Patrasso.
Kefalonia is a rather large island with many structures for tourists. If you are choosing where to spend the night in Kefalonia you should first choose in what area you want to stay. If you are looking for quietness and peace you should choose the central part of the island (e.g. Agrostoli, also known as Kefalonia city), while if you are looking for some vibrant entertainment you should choose one of the inhabited centers located near the coast. Remember to decide in advance if renting a vehicle in order to decide if you are going to have to find accommodation near a bus stop.
Where to stay in Kefalonia
If you are looking for a hotel in Kefalonia you will find as many as you want. In Faraklata you will find a famous hotels that is also known as “hotel museum” as it has been designed using handmade furniture that dates back to the 18th and 19th century. If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious in Fiskardo you will find a structure with canopy beds, balconies with a wonderful view of the sea and even with a swimming pool.
In the south-western part of Kefalonia there is a marvellous hotel located on top of a hill from where you can admire the golden beach and crystal clear water nearby. Here there are 25 rooms with private balconies, health centers and a swimming pool. If you are travelling with children you should go in the westernmost area of Kefalonia where you will find a nice hotel that offers excellent services and where you will even find a swimming pool, a great option if you are travelling with small children and want to avoid any stress.
Studios in Kefalonia
Like most Greek islands also Kefalonia has many studios to choose from. These are the most common option that people choose when visiting the island. Choose which one you prefer according to position and on what type of accommodation you are looking for.
Apartments in Kefalonia
If you aren’t looking for a hotel your best solution is to rent an apartment. Kefalonia has many apartments to choose from both on the island’s coast and center.
Most of the apartments include a swimming pool (private or in common with other apartments), a private garden and even a barbecue that will give you the chance to cook some typical Greek grilled food. The prices change according to the services provided but are generally fairly reasonable.
