The exotic island of Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian and offers a truly different Greek island experience. Rugged, mountainous but gifted with some of the most magnificent beaches in the Ionian, Kefalonia has a glory that is unequaled by any of the other islands. The island has not only inspired so many with its beauty but also for being a film location for the famous movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".

Fortunately for those seeking a more tranquil and peaceful holiday, Kefalonia has resisted the sort of tourism that has overrun some of the other islands. Whilst the number of tourists is steadily rising each year, a fantastic virtue is of its size is that the island can comfortably absorb them!

Worldly famous for its mezmerising and dramatic landscapes, beautiful forests, gorgeous beaches, and scrumptious food, a holiday in Kefalonia offers the ideal, exciting and truly wonderful holiday paradise in the centre of the Ionian Sea!

Things to see and do in Kefalonia

Located approximately 35 km west of Argostoli, the capital of the island lies the magnificent beach of Petani. The beach consists of jet blue crystalline waters, dramatic landscapes and numerous beach side tavernas. You will need to access the beach via car - it's reached down a steep road that zig-zags from the cliff top.

Hang around until the early evening and you will be pleasantly surprised with the gorgeous and romantic sunsets this beach enjoys due to its west facing positioning.

Adventure junkie? Kefalonia is the ideal location for exploration. With numerous nearby islands all of which are easily accessible you truly are spoilt for choice when it comes to an action pack day out. Seek out loggerhead turtles in Zante, set sail for Ithaca, see the ancient kingdom of Odysseus or even the high mountains of Lefkada.

The wine tradition of Kefalonia island dates all the way back to the ancient times and still continues today. In every Kefalonia wine menu you will find a crisp Robola. It is on the top of the list of the Greek wines, conveniently the grape is grown all over the island making it a great local produce. Tourists shall find many Kefalonia wineries throughout the island especially in the central and southern regions of the island. One of the main wineries in Kefalonia is the Robola Wine Cooperative, set in the pretty Omala Valley, situated roughly half an hour from Lassi. The winery opens its doors for visitors and features a small open museum in the grounds. It is well worth paying a visit to find out what goes on behind the scenes of production and enjoy a tasting session.

Mytros Beach is not considered to be one of the world's finest for nothing! The beach is located approximately 29 km north of Agrostoli, in a gorgeous fertile, mountainous area. Not only was the beach used in the famous film of Captain Corelli's Mandolin it has also appeared in several travel magazines among the best beaches in not only Greece, but the world! The beach is well-organized offering umbrellas and sunbeds at a small fee, a snack bar serving refreshments as well as a small section which remains completely untouched, perfect for those seeking total isolation and relaxation.

Popular Resorts of Kefalonia

The capital of Kefalonia better known as Agrostoli is a beautiful, historic terracotta-roofed city full of museums, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional tavernas. The modern and cosmopolitan capital enjoys several interesting festivals and activites throughout the summer months.

While lunchtime approaches, take a stroll down the beautiful paved cobbled pathways which lead to the harbor, where little colorful fishing boats bob in the sea directly in front of the restaurants. During the evenings the central square known as Vallianos Square becomes a popular location with several restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from.

While visiting Agrostoli it is worth visiting the Korgialenios History and Folklore Museum which presents a photographic collection from the history of the island.

Approximately 17 km southeast of Argostoli lies one of the largest and most beautiful bays of Kefalonia better known as Lourdas Bay. The beach is stretched across 2 miles of sand and shingle and enjoys soft, crystal turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling.

There are a few tavernas located on the beach serving homegrown vegetables, locally fresh caught fish as well as traditional specialties. The beach is easily accessed with public buses which run regularly from Agrostoil and other villages.

Located roughly 35 km southeast of Argostoli and 12 km from Poros Village lies the town of Skala. Formerly a small fishing village which has developed over the years into a modern seaside town. Skala was constructed after the major earthquake or 1953 which demolished the ancient village - parts of the ruins are still visible today.

Today Skala is very popular with tourists for its natural beauty and untouched green landscapes and wonderful swimming conditions and local beaches. There are numerous amenities and activities available throughout the town as well as cafes, bars, shops, restaurants and traditional tavernas all overlooking excellent views of the Ionian Sea.

Located only 9 km from the Capital of Kefalonia on the southern coast is the charming village of Svoronata. This pretty village features fascinating samples of local traditional architecture, attractive beaches, untouched natural landscapes.

The surrounding region is rich with vegetation and provides numerous accommodation options such as hotels and self-catering apartments.

Svoronata is a very scenic and unspoilt location which is the perfect place to unwind and relax while being in convenient location close to the airport.

Located between the small harbor of Pessada and Lourdas is the lushious valley of Trapezaki which is home to some of the most magnificent beaches of the island, therefore making it an ideal holiday resort for those wishing to explore the hidden beauty held within this gorgeous Ionian Island.

The atmosphere of the town of Trapezaki is very laid-back and relaxing. Trapezaki offers a range of accommodation options such as luxury villas, self-catering apartments and studios all set within rich olive groves. A small selection of mini-markets and traditional taverans can be found dotted around the resort. Just 1 km away from the center of the town is the undeveloped, pretty beach of Trapezki where you will find warm, fine sand and turquoise waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Lassi has recently become one of Kefalonia's most popular touristic resorts due to its wonderful selection of beaches, vast variety of bars, shops, restaurants and traditional tavernas. The resort is ideal for couples and families who wish to spend their vacation centered around the beach and experimenting with local cuisines. During the day there is several activities to enjoy such as motor boat hire in which one can discover the hidden dramatic caves and secluded bays.

Vardiani island is also a place of interest - the island is better known as 'rabbit island' whose only inhabitants are wild rabbits and is home to an abandoned monastery. Alternatively you can take a motor-boat to cruise over to the well-known Meggas Lakas or Xi beach to visit the famous red sands and mud-baths.

During the evening there are numerous venues hosting traditional Greek Nights, live bands or open roof-top bars which operate early into the morning.

 

The pretty coastal town of Sami is situated approximately 26 km east of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. Sami holds the second largest port of the island and provides daily excursions of Patra, Ithaca and Italy. The new age morden village is constructed nearby the ancient Sami, one of the most important and iconic archeological findings of Kefalonia.

Sami is the ideal destination for summer vacations due to its wonderful waterfront, wide paved streets and the pretty Venetian buildings that offer the village a unique feel and displays the long heritage of this beautiful island. The main coastal road consists of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants which all overlook the port. During the summer months several cultural events, local traditional festivals as well as concerts and theatrical performances are held in Sami.