Kefalonia Holidays

The island with both the ‘wow’ factor and a tranquil atmosphere, Kefalonia has everything you need to feel completely relaxed in Greece. Unbeatable beaches with jaw-dropping turquoise waters await as the island’s coast is filled with stunning spots of shore to suit every mood. Indulge in traditional Greek delicacies such as moussaka and gyros, and embrace the historic landmarks and architecture scattered across the island. Whatever you seek from your Greek adventure, you’ll find it all on this wonderful Ionian island.

Best beaches in Kefalonia

Sparkling shores and turquoise waters, Kefalonia’s beaches are a thing of beauty. On the north west coast of the island lies Myrtos beach, thought by some to be one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece with its sweeping arc shape and white pebbles. This stunning beach is also a hot spot for watching the sunset. Possibly the most famous beach on the island, Xi, is a great pick for families, with its orange sands, sun loungers and safe waters. If you’re a fan of staying active on the beach, Makris Gialos in Lassi has plenty of facilities and even has a water sports centre for those who like to ride the waves.

Things to eat in Kefalonia

Indulge in traditional Greek delights in Kefalonia. Refresh your taste buds with tzatziki, a yoghurt based dip with garlic and cucumber, usually served as a starter. For mains, lamb dishes, fish and Greek salad are firm favourites. Moussaka is another top dish for Greeks, served in square slices, which combines aubergine, minced meat and béchamel sauce to make a taste sensation. If you’re looking for a meal on the move, head to one of the local kebab shops for a gyro. The mouth-watering Greek kebab consists of a rotisserie meat (either lamb, chicken or pork) with tomato, onion, tzatziki and fries, all wrapped up in a pitta. Delicious. Greek coffee is often served at the end of meals, which can be made bitter, sweet or very sweet. Let’s not forget Ouzo too, the nation’s favourite liquor. This can be drank as a shot at the end of a meal, or you can mix the aniseed-tasting alcohol in with lemonade (for those who enjoy it).

Cultural holidays to Kefalonia

There may be plenty of beaches to explore, but Kefalonia also holds a great amount of culture and history. Visit the Ancient Acropolis of Sami to experience the historic ruins of what was once a powerful Greek town. As well as its history, the island’s culture is mainly based on orthodox Christianity, and so there are exciting religious festivals and events held on the island throughout the year. Two of the most important are Easter and Name Day, which is considered a bigger deal than a birthday. There is also a carnival season or ‘Mascara’ each year in Kefalonia, where you will find big parties and parades in the larger cities of the island, and is an all-round period of happiness..

Clubbing holidays in Kefalonia

Kefalonia isn’t a Greek island that screams party, in fact it’s one of the most relaxing destinations out there. However, if you’ve done Kos and Zante and want something a lot tamer, Kefalonia does have its share of bars and clubs to keep you dancing all night. As the island capital, Argostoli is the obvious place to head for lively atmospheres and late-night partying. You’ll find Bass Club there, a hot spot for young people to drink and enjoy the music. For those wanting something a little less ‘in your face’ there are bars in the town centre, which are open until the early hours of the morning. Over in Skala and Lassi, you can find lounge bars, perfect for sipping cocktails with your friends or loved ones.

Things to do in Kefalonia

Discover Melissani Cave

A must see when in Kefalonia, Melissani Cave is located on the east coast of the island and is known as the Cave of the Nymphs in Greek Mythology. Aside from its story, the cave is a natural phenomenon as it has a hole in the top of it, much like a cenote. Boat tours are available at the site, where you can watch the water glow hues of blue and green as the sunlight pierces through the roof hole and lights up the lake around you.

See the historic sights of Kefalonia

The Greek Islands may be home to some of our favourite beach holiday destinations, but they also hold so much interesting history within the buildings and ruins. Whether you’re a history buff or just fancy doing something different, visiting the historical sites of Kefalonia makes for a great experience. Some of the best spots to go to are The Lighthouse of Saint Theodori, De Bosset Bridge, The Castle of Agios Georgios and the Ancient Acropolis in Sami.

Go on a Sun Cruise

Set sail on an adventure around the beautiful Ionian Sea, and see what lies beneath on a glass bottom boat. With trips typically running between May and September, you can see why they call it the Sun Cruise, sailing the sea in the beaming sunshine. Not only can you marvel at the sea creatures beneath your feet, but the trips can also take you to ancient shipwrecks too! If you’re an eager swimmer, there’s chance to snorkel and play volleyball in the water, plus, they often have barbecues on the beach with delicious traditional Greek meals.

Jump into the Mediterranean Sea

If you want to explore the crystal-blue sea, but at your own accord, sea kayaking is also a popular choice. Wander through the waves and see what you can find, or find a quiet spot of sea and simply enjoy the slash-splash of the water against you. For those who prefer to be below the surface, Kefalonia is one of the best Greek Islands for scuba diving. This is because of its pure waters allowing for fantastic visibility, meaning you can see more of the deep blue sea! So, why not dive in?

Important information about travelling to Kefalonia

How long does it take to fly to Kefalonia?

It takes about four hours to fly to Zante from the UK.

What's the time difference between the UK and Kefalonia?

Kefalonia is two hours ahead of the time in the UK.

What currency do they use in Kefalonia?

The official currency of Kefalonia is the Euro

What language do they speak in Kefalonia?

The official language spoken in Kefalonia is Greek.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Kefalonia?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Kefalonia?

The Greek goverment charges a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel:

• 5-star hotels: €4 per room, per night
• 4-star hotels: €3 per room, per night
• 3-star hotels: €1.50 per room, per night
• 1-star & 2-star hotels: €0.50 per room, per night
• 1-4 key apartments: €0.50 per room, per night