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What to do in Kefalonia

With sleepy sun-bleached villages and beaches for days, you won’t be at a loss as to what to do in Kefalonia. Hop around the island, visiting crumbling castles, monasteries and vineyards, take a trip out to another of the Ionians or while away your days on the sand.

Agios Georgios Kastro

Kefalonia was once under the control of the Venetians, who bestowed it with distinctive Italian architecture. Though an earthquake in 1953 destroyed most Venetian buildings, much of this 16th-century castle remains standing.

With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, you can expect some pretty stellar views on stroll through the site. It’s around a 15-minute drive from Argostoli.

Myrtos Beach

Lazing on the beach is a quintessential Kefalonia activity. And as beautiful as Kefalonia’s rugged cove-peppered coast appeared on the big screen in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, nothing really prepares you for seeing it first-hand.

With vivid turquoise waters and towering cliffs, Myrtos Beach may just be the island’s most attractive stretch of sand. You’ll find it on the north-west coast, around a 40-minute drive from Lassi.

Robola Cooperative of Kefalonia

Between its jaw-dropping beaches and lush, mountainous interior, Kefalonia’s spotlight-stealing landscapes mean visitors often don’t realise that the island is also a great destination for wine.

Set in the Omala Valley, just below the slopes of Mt. Ainos, this fantastic wine cooperative, made up of some 300 members, should be your first port of call. Go for a vineyard visit or an intimate wine tasting.

Moni Agiou Gerasimou

Wondering what to do in Kefalonia in case of rain? Moni Agiou Gerasimou is your answer. This stunning monastery is about 15km (10 miles) east of Argostoli and encompasses the famous cave where the island’s patron saint, Gerasimos, was said to have lived like a hermit.

Ithaca

After ticking off everything in Kefalonia, you may want to visit the island’s nearest neighbour, Ithaca, the mythical home of Homer’s Odysseus. It’s a wilder, less-populated island scattered with fresco-laden churches and monasteries from the Byzantine era and fringed by unspoilt beaches.

Ferries leave from Sami and dock in the quiet port of Pisaetos. The trip takes around 25 minutes.

Where to stay in Kefalonia

For culture

An island rich in history and culture, you never really have to go far to find something intriguing on Kefalonia.

Argostoli, the island’s capital, is a prime spot for all things ancient. Check out the archaeological museum – which traces the past back to the Palaeolithic period – and the museum of history and folklore, before heading up to the Fortification of Ancient Krabi.

Elsewhere, Sami is an excellent base for the Acropolis of Sami. Fiskardo, meanwhile, offers insight into Kefalonia’s seafaring past with its Nautical Museum, Venetian lighthouse and harbour. It’s not far from the village of Assos with its Venetian ruins.

For families

Close to the airport and with two fantastic beaches to choose from, Lassi is an obvious pick for families heading to Kefalonia. It’s also close to Argostoli, with its many museums and archaeological sites. Skala is another good shout for families, as it has a beautiful beach and plenty of facilities nearby. Svoronata, meanwhile, is rural Greece at its family-friendly best. While it’s much quieter than Lassi and Skala, this south-western jewel has three lovely beaches to enjoy, and isn’t too far from the bustle (by Kefalonian standards, that is) of Argostoli.

For travellers on a budget

Due to the sheer scope of accommodation on offer, Skala and Lassi are some of the best options for budget travellers looking for a cheap holiday to Kefalonia. You’ll find everything from no-frills room-only and economy-style apartments to affordable all-inclusive deals at these two purpose-built resorts. Elsewhere, Argostoli also has a good range of budget options, while Sami and Lixouri are other places to look for cheaper deals. Elsewhere, you’ll find a handful of tiny villages dotted around the island. Look out for small family-run hotels in the likes of Assos and Agia Effimia.

For food and drink

The working fishing village of Sami is next level for seafood restaurants. Fiskardo, on the northern coast, is another excellent choice if you’re partial to fresh fish. Catering to the jet set who moor their yachts here over summer, this pretty little village has plenty of upmarket restaurants, as well as the typical tavernas.

No doubt you’ll sample plenty of the island’s signature robola wine during your stay, but for a taste at the source, you’ll want to head to the Robola Cooperative. For nearby accommodation, either Lassi or Argostoli are good options.

For nightlife

While Kefalonia is by no-means the wildest Greek island, there’s still plenty of choice for a night out – especially if you’re after low-key evenings in chilled-out spots.

Skala on the island’s south-eastern tip is the standout spot for nightlife. Take your pick from slick bars, local tavernas and bouncing music clubs. For a traditional experience, head to Fiskardo where you’ll find a handful of classic Greek tavernas dotted about its lovely marina. Island capital, Argostoli, has a decent club scene, too.