Not heard of Kefalonia yet? Allow us to introduce you. Despite being the largest Ioanian 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.
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.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked Kefalonia villas have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking holiday villas in Kefalonia that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
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.
Kefalonia cuisine is renowned for using only the freshest ingredients, sourced from across the island. Some must-tries include souvlakia (skewered meat), horiatiki (traditional Greek salad) and imam eggplants (stuffed with onions and tomatoes).
A true comfort dish, Kefalonian meat pie sees cooks season veal and lamb with bay leaf, garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg, simmering them all together in a tomato wine sauce. Prefer something cheesier? Don't miss the chance to indulge on feta, halloumi and kefalotiri.
Those with a sweet tooth will also have plenty to try. We'd suggest snacking on baklava, glazed almonds and kataifi, while loukoumades are the ultimate indulgence - deep-fried doughnuts soaked in honey and sesame.
Of course, you'll need to sample some local wines with your meal too. Want to make a day of it? Head to the Gentilini and Haritatos estates for a vineyard tour and tasting.
Great for kids: They can let off some steam with everything from water-sports and snorkelling to horse-riding and donkey trekking available.
Great for teens: Beautiful lakes, lagoons and villages are there's to explore - and then share with their friends via envy-inducing snaps!
Don't flush: The pipes in Kefalonia are very thin, so you can't flush toilet paper or they'll clog up. Bins are provided instead - so use them!
There's just as much to see below the water as there is above it! Kefalonia is one of the top diving locations in Greece, so grab some scuba gear, head to Aquatic World and get involved.
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!
