Not heard of Kefalonia yet? Allow us to introduce you. Despite being the largest Ionian island, Kefalonia has largely flown under the radar in favour of neighbours like Corfu and Ithaca. However, this less trodden island boasts its very own bounty of beautiful beaches looking out across endless turquoise seas. Kefalonia is one of the best Greek villa holiday islands for families, check out our full list here.
Inland, you'll find authentic Greek foodie hotspots, picture-perfect pastel villages and tricky mountain hikes that reward adventurers with the most staggering views. Whether you're looking to unwind, shape up, or perhaps fit in a little bit of both, a villa holiday in Kefalonia is a blissful experience for both the body and soul.
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A true Greek paradise, Kefalonia is quietly solidifying its reputation as one of the best holiday islands for families and couples. Allowing you to enjoy all the best parts of the Greek lifestyle - think sumptuous food, stunning beaches and scenic views - without the tourist overcrowding of its neighbours, Kefalonia won't stay a hidden gem for long.
The good news is that you can enjoy a villa holiday in Kefalonia outside of the high summer season, so even as its popularity grows, the balmy weather of the spring and autumn present equally perfect times to visit.
Serving as the setting for Hollywood's Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Kefalonia offers so much to see and do throughout your stay. If you're looking for a quiet spot to soak up some history, head to the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos. Overlooking the Omala plateau, and with Mount Ainos in the background, this 1560 build acts as a tribute to Kefalonia's patron saint, Gerasimos. Whether you treat it as a pilgrimage site or not, you're sure to feel at peace in this sacred space.
For those hoping to get their heart rate up while on their villa holiday in Kefalonia, there are ample options to explore. A hike up Mount Ainos rewards you with panoramic views, ascending 5341ft of flourishing natural park. And, for a water-based adventure, you can row your way into the extraordinary Melissani Cave, dodging stalactites as you go.
Given its close proximity, we'd also recommend taking a day trip to Ithaca with Kefalonia Excursions. It's said to be the home of Odysseus, but even those who know nothing of Greek mythology will love wandering its hidden beaches and uncovering the magical waterways.
Still looking for more things to do in Kefalonia? Check out our full blog.
Just like its neighbouring islands, in Lefkada you can expect excellent seafood. Mussels, scallops, octopus and squid make their way to menus all over the island, and savoro is one of the Island’s most known specialities. It is a freshly caught fish cooked with garlic, onions and rosemary.
Not such a fan of fish? Make sure to try sofigado, a delightfully sweet and sour beef stew. Its savouriness is offset with the sweetness of quinces and petimizi - a type of grape-must leftover from the fermenting process when making wine. Speaking of which, Lefkada is dotted with gorgeous wineries that produce fantastic vintages that you’ll be dying to take home.
Great for kids: The eastern side of the island is home to many sheltered beaches with tiny waves that only lap the shore – perfect for little swimmers to perfect their doggy paddle!
Great for teens: Surf lessons with an experienced guide are a great way to occupy teens for a good few hours. They’ll be in safe hands and come home with awesome skills!
Head inland to discover gorgeous mountain scenery such as the Melissa gorge, a pretty nature trail that includes wooden footbridges and old mills, and the mountain town of Karya famous for its traditional embroidery ‘karsaniko’.
Driving in Lefkada is a joy. Roads are quiet and wind up mountain foothills and above gorgeous beaches, providing sensational views in every direction. A leisurely drive to discover new corners of the island each day of your trip is a must!
While you may be content with spending all of your trip lazing in one of our luxury Kefalonia villas, we'd encourage you to get out and explore all that this island has to offer. From quiet villages to bustling beaches, there's something for everyone on this hidden gem of an island.
Want to expand your holiday horizons further? We've got plenty of premium villas in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and other destinations across Greece to extend your stay.
Known as the nesting place of loggerhead turtles, Koroni cove is one of our favourite secret spots - you can even drink from the natural spring water!
The capital town and location of the island's main port, Argostoli is your entryway to adventure. By day, explore its grand architecture and charming shops before spending your evenings soaking up the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife. A real highlight here is the potential for turtle sightings - get to the beach early for the best chance!
Fiskardo is arguably the prettiest spot on the island, boasting beautiful greenery, picture-perfect houses and boats gently swaying in the bay - you'll be wanting to move in! If you're hoping to fully disconnect and recharge while in Kefalonia, head here to soak up the sun and sip on a cocktail by the waterfront.
Brimming with Instagram-worthy potential, Assos has something for every member of your group to enjoy. Whether it's the picturesque pastel walls, storied castle that looms above or soft sandy beaches, this is the sort of place you could easily spend hours whittling away your holiday time - and feel all the better for it!
easyJet and Ryanair both operate direct flights from the UK to Kefalonia. Visiting as part of a wider European trip? You can also fly into Brindisi and then take a ferry to the port of Sami, while indirect services run from Bari and Venice.
Used by locals and tourists alike, the KTEL bus network across Kefalonia is extensive, taking you to even the most remote beaches and villages. The central bus hub is located in Argostoli.
Looking to get where you're going a little faster, and willing to part with some extra cash? Head to the taxi hub in Argostoli's Vallianou Square. Taxis are metered but many drivers won't use them, so agree on a fare before setting off - many will stay with you for several hours at your chosen destination before making the return trip too.
If you're planning to explore the island extensively, it could be worth hiring a car rather than dealing with public transport. There are many rental companies on the island, but you should still reserve in advance during the high season.
You'll get a better rate if you hire for multiple days, but sometimes 24 hours is all you need to see what you're hoping to - both options are available.
If you prefer to travel by water, there are various sea bus and ferry boat options. Connecting Argostoli with Lixouri, these run more frequently in the summer so be sure to check schedules in advance if visiting outside of peak season.
The roads can be rocky and uneven with many twists and turns. Those with a sensitive stomach should come prepared!
Kefalonia is a Greek island known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and historical significance, including the famous Melissani Cave and Mount Ainos. It is also known for its Robola wine, delicious local cuisine, and as the setting for the novel and movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".
No, Mamma Mia was not filmed in Kefalonia. The movie was primarily filmed on the nearby Greek island of Skopelos and the mainland village of Damouchari, with some scenes also filmed on the island of Skiathos. However, Kefalonia has been used as a filming location for other movies, including Captain Corelli's Mandolin, which was filmed in various locations around the island.
The best time to visit Kefalonia is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the island is at its most peaceful. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, crowded beaches, and bustling nightlife.
Lassi and Skala are two of the most popular places to stay for families in Kefalonia, with plenty of accommodation options and family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Other good options for families include Katelios, Fiskardo, and Svoronata.
To get a good sense of the island and see its main attractions, we recommend spending at least 3-5 days in Kefalonia. However, how many days you spend in Kefalonia ultimately depends on your interests and travel goals.
