Kefalonia

Choosing where to stay on Kefalonia really shapes the feel of your trip, because the island has very different moods depending on where you base yourself. Some places are lively and practical, others quiet and scenic, and many sit somewhere in between.

If you like having plenty of choice and a sense of everyday Greek life, Argostoli is the most town-like option. There are shops, cafés, restaurants and evening promenades along the waterfront, and it’s convenient for buses, boat trips and driving around the island. The trade-off is that it feels more functional than charming, and you need to leave town to reach the best beaches. Just outside Argostoli, Lassi is a popular choice for beach lovers. It has sandy bays, beach bars and sunsets, and everything is close at hand. In summer it can be busy and clearly geared toward tourism, which some people love and others find a bit much.

On the south coast, Skala offers long beaches and a good balance of calm and activity. It’s well set up with tavernas and places to stay, making it comfortable for families and longer holidays. At the same time, it feels more spread out and less intimate than smaller villages. Nearby, Katelios is much quieter and slower. Life revolves around the sea and a handful of tavernas, which is perfect if you want to relax but less ideal if you want nightlife or lots of choice.

On the east side, Sami appeals to travellers who want a more local atmosphere without being isolated. It’s well placed for exploring the island and close to some of Kefalonia’s best-known natural sights. Accommodation is often simpler and good value, though the beaches in town are not the island’s most dramatic. A little further north, Agia Efimia has a pretty waterfront and a calm, friendly feel. It’s scenic and relaxed, but evenings are low-key and having a car makes life much easier.

In the north, Fiskardo is the most polished and postcard-like place to stay, with colourful buildings and an elegant harbour. It’s beautiful and atmospheric, but prices tend to be higher and it’s a long drive to the southern beaches. Nearby, Assos is tiny and romantic, wrapped around a small bay with stunning views. It’s ideal for couples or anyone wanting peace and scenery, though it’s very quiet at night and has limited accommodation and dining options.

In short, Kefalonia rewards matching your base to your travel style. Busy, convenient and social works well around Argostoli and Lassi. Beachy and comfortable suits Skala. Calm and traditional fits places like Agia Efimia, Katelios or Assos. Scenic and stylish points toward Fiskardo. Wherever you stay, the island is compact enough that with a car you can sample all of these moods during your trip.

Kefalonia has a way of making every beach feel like its own small world, shaped by steep mountains, pale cliffs, and water that changes color as the light shifts. Myrtos Beach is the island’s most iconic stretch of coast, dramatic and expansive, set deep below towering cliffs. The white pebbles and sudden depth give the sea an intense blue tone, and the scale of the landscape makes even a quiet swim feel cinematic. Nearby, Petani Beach shares that same raw energy but feels a little more enclosed, with stronger waves and a sense of wildness amplified by the surrounding hills. In contrast, Xi Beach stands out immediately for its reddish sand and shallow, warmer water, creating a gentler, almost playful atmosphere that feels very different from the island’s pebble beaches.

On the eastern side, the beaches often feel calmer and greener. Antisamos Beach, near Sami, sits between forested slopes where white pebbles meet clear, emerald water, making it especially popular for swimming and snorkeling. Skala Beach is long and open, with sand mixed with fine pebbles and a more relaxed rhythm, ideal for slow days by the sea with tavernas close at hand. Near Argostoli, Makris Gialos Beach combines accessibility with beauty, a sandy curve where the water stays calm and clear and the mood is easygoing and social.

Some of Kefalonia’s beaches feel like quiet secrets rather than obvious stops. Fteri Beach is reached only by boat or a demanding hike, and that effort pays off in astonishingly clear water and a sense of isolation that feels rare. Dafnoudi Beach, hidden near Fiskardo, is small and shaded by greenery, with caves and calm water that invite unhurried swims. Not far away, Emblisi Beach offers smooth pebbles and gentle seas, often at its best in the late afternoon when the light softens and the atmosphere becomes especially peaceful. Together, these beaches show how Kefalonia moves effortlessly between grandeur and intimacy, always defined by its striking relationship with the sea.

Visiting Kefalonia is an invitation to experience a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm Greek hospitality. As soon as you arrive, the island's charm is evident in its turquoise waters, lush mountains, and picturesque villages. Exploring Myrtos Beach, with its brilliant white pebbles and deep blue sea, is a must, while the more secluded coves offer a tranquil escape. The island's underground marvels, like Melissani Cave, where sunlight transforms the lake into shades of sapphire, are unforgettable. Argostoli, the lively capital, invites you to stroll along its harbor, sample fresh seafood, and discover local markets. Venturing inland reveals vineyards producing the island's signature Robola wine and monasteries perched on hillsides. Whether sailing around the coast, hiking in the pine-scented trails of Mount Ainos, or simply savoring a meal at a seaside taverna, Kefalonia offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Kefalonia's beaches are some of the most stunning in Greece, each with its own unique character. Myrtos Beach, framed by steep cliffs and famous for its brilliant white pebbles, is perhaps the island's most iconic spot, where the water shifts between shades of turquoise and deep blue. Antisamos Beach, set against a backdrop of green hills, offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, while the more secluded Petani Beach enchants visitors with its soft sands and sunset views. For those seeking quieter shores, Foki Beach's olive-fringed cove and the hidden gem of Dafnoudi Beach, accessible through a short forest path, provide serene escapes.

The villages of Kefalonia capture the essence of island life with their colorful houses, narrow streets, and friendly locals. Fiskardo, untouched by the 1953 earthquake that reshaped much of the island, boasts pastel-colored Venetian buildings, chic boutiques, and a bustling harbor filled with yachts. Assos, a charming village on a narrow isthmus, is crowned by a Venetian castle and offers peaceful walks among bougainvillea-draped houses. Sami, known for its role in the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, has a lively waterfront lined with tavernas serving fresh seafood. Inland, villages like Agia Efimia and Kourkoumelata showcase a quieter, traditional side of Kefalonia, where time seems to slow down amid olive groves and terraced vineyards. Exploring these beaches and villages reveals the true heart of the island, blending natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage.