Famous for the novel and the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the sunny Greek island of Kefalonia is home to breathtaking scenery with azure blue sea, idyllic bays, secluded beaches, high cliffs, impressive mountains, underground lakes, secret caves, verdant vineyards, and olive groves. In addition, there are lovely harbors, picturesque fishing villages and delicious Greek cuisine to explore in Kefalonia.

Lazy day on the beach in Kefalonia

Beach life and outdoor activities in Kefalonia, island of breathtaking scenery

The island of Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands located in Western Greece. The island is home to several beaches by the azure blue waters of the Ionian Sea. On Kefalonia’s beaches, such as Myrtos Beach with its magical blue water and Sami Beach with its white stones, you can sunbathe, swim or try some water sports such as snorkeling or diving in Kefalonia. Sailing in Kefalonia is enjoyable, and some of the pristine beaches on the island can only be reached by a boat. Or why not spend a day on the sea and go on a unforgettable boat trip to nearby islands.

A boat on the coast of Kefalonia's capital

Land activities. In addition to marvelous beaches, there are also olive groves, verdant vineyards, and towering mountains on Kefalonia. The natural beauty of the island is best explored on horseback riding or hiking on Kefalonia. At 1628 m, Mount Ainos is the highest mountain on the island. On Kefalonia you can also find some spectacular caves, such as the Lake Melissani and the Drogati Cave. Rich in history, Kefalonia hosts also old monasteries and Roman ruins to admire.

Kefalonian towns. Argostoli is the capital of the island with a lovely harbor and best opportunities for shopping in Kefalonia. The popular resort town of Lassi is located a few kilometers of Argostoli. It is here the majority of the apartments and hotels in Kefalonia are located. Lixouri and Sami are other remarkable, picturesque towns on the island. In the tiny fishing villages of Kefalonia you can experience the relaxed way of life and local hospitality. The yacht marina of Fiscardo is the only place on the island not being damaged in the earthquake of the 1960s and has some beautiful old buildings to admire.

Inside a cave in Kefalonia

Practical information for your stay in Kefalonia

Like the rest of Greek islands, Kefalonia enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

In summer, the temperatures are often greater than 30°C. The high season for tourism on Kefalonia runs from May through September.

Visitor services. A popular holiday destination, Kefalonia has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, and English is spoken in the hotels and restaurants on Kefalonia. Accommodation options on the island include hotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments and rental villas. In the restaurants of the island you can taste the delicious Greek cuisine.

Blue sea in Kefalonia

How to get there. You can easily travel to Kefalonia by air, as there are numerous charter flights to Kefalonia from European destinations, especially in summer. Sami is the main port on the island receiving ferries to Kefalonia from other Greek destinations and Italy. There is a good network of paved roads on the island. Local buses are quite infrequent, and therefore car rental in Kefalonia is a good option. Rental motorbikes and bicycles are also available. Taxis are also plentiful on Kefalonia.

Rugged coast of Kefalonia

Safety. Kefalonia is a safe destination to travel where you don’t have to worry about crime. However, natural disasters such as earthquakes and forest fires are not rare on Kefalonia.