About Kefalonia
Why Kefalonia?
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island, less touristically developed than Corfu or Zakynthos but with the most dramatic natural landscapes - the white cliff coastline of Myrtos beach, underground caves with lakes, the mountainous Mount Aenos with pine forests. A Kefalonia holiday in 2026 is for travellers who want authentic Ionian without the crowds.
The character is quieter and nature-oriented. Kefalonia has around 35,000 permanent residents, with the main town of Argostoli. The island is 50 km long, with varied regions - north (Fiskardo, Assos) for luxury, south (Skala) for families, centre (Sami, Sami caves) for nature.
Position: 30 km west of the Peloponnese, 230 km northwest of Athens.
Beaches and the sea
Myrtos beach - the most famous beach in Kefalonia, among the most beautiful in Greece. A white sandy beach in a bay with dramatic cliffs behind. Access by car via a steep route with views.
Antisamos beach - a sandy beach with pines, the setting for the film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".
Petani beach - similar to dramatic Myrtos, less touristic.
Lourdas Bay (south) - a longer sandy beach with developed infrastructure.
Skala beach - a family sandy beach in the south.
The Ionian water is turquoise and calm, with excellent visibility.
Where to stay
Fiskardo (north, 50 km from Argostoli) - a luxury village with a yacht marina, boutique hotels in traditional houses.
Assos (north) - a smaller village on a peninsula with a Venetian fort, romantic.
Lassi and Lixouri (centre, near Argostoli) - apartments with sandy beaches.
Skala (south) - family packages, cheaper.
Sami (east) - closer to the caves and natural attractions.
Browse all current Kefalonia listings.
Getting there
Kefalonia airport (EFL):
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Flight from Belgrade - seasonal flights via Athens or direct (charters), 2 hours direct.
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Ferry from Kyllini (Peloponnese) or Patras - 1 hour 30 minutes, multiple daily departures.
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Ferry from Ithaca (Vathy) - 30 minutes, day trips.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C. Ideal for walking and exploring caves.
July–August - peak, sea 23–25 °C. Myrtos and Antisamos crowded.
September - excellent, fewer crowds, prices drop.
Things to see and do
Myrtos beach - a full-day trip, accessible only by car.
Melissani Lake (Sami) - an underground lake with an opening in the cave ceiling, boat tours through crystal water.
Drogarati cave - the largest cave on the island with stalactites.
Argostoli - the main town with a marina, restaurants, museums.
Fiskardo village - the prettiest village on the island with Venetian architecture.
Assos Venetian castle - a fort on a peninsula, a 30-minute walk uphill.
Mount Aenos National Park - hiking tours in the protected pine forest.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 55 to 115 € per night in shoulder, 80 to 170 € at peak. Three-star hotels 75 to 110 € per person. Villas in Fiskardo 130 to 280 € per night.
Weekly cost per person: 400 to 620 € shoulder, 580 to 840 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 9 to 15 €, fresh fish 14 to 24 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €. Fiskardo is premium; the rest is standard Ionian pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kefalonia and Corfu? Kefalonia is less touristically developed, focused on nature (caves, Myrtos, Aenos). Corfu is more urban, with a UNESCO old town and developed infrastructure.
Is Myrtos beach really that beautiful? Yes, the photos do not lie. A white sandy beach in a dramatic bay with tall white cliffs. Best before 11 a.m. to avoid the crowds.
Is renting a car worth it? Absolutely. Kefalonia is a 50 km long island with scattered attractions. Local buses are infrequent.
Is Kefalonia suitable for families? Yes, particularly Lassi, Skala and Lourdas. Calm sandy beaches, shallow water entry.
Are there direct flights from Belgrade? Seasonally, but less often than to Corfu or Zakynthos. Charters are the main option.