Kefalonia Holidays

The southeastern resort of Skala is the most popular on the island, thanks to its postcard-perfect, pine tree dotted beach and good choice of nightlife.

In the west, Lourdas also offers a long sand and pebble beach but the bars are more low key here. Purpose-built Lassi also boasts sandy beaches and stunning sunsets.

The northern town of Fiskardo escaped the 1953 earthquake, so its romantic pastel-coloured Venetian-style buildings remain intact.

Known as the St Tropez of Greece, Fiskardo’s cosmopolitan harbour bustles with upmarket eateries and the yachts that line the pretty quayside belong to the super-rich. Also in the north is the attractive and historic capital of Argostoli.

Myrtos Beach is a spectacular one-mile expanse of bright white shingle and sparkling turquoise sea, with a sheer cliff backdrop.

Featured in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, it’s a must-see in Kefalonia. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic or admire the view from the road high above.

As Kefalonia is so close to neighbouring smaller islands such as Ithaca, Skorpios, Meganisi and Lefkas, no holiday here is complete without some island-hopping adventure.

For something extra special, why not hire out your own boat in Fiskardo harbour? Even novices can pack a picnic and set off on their own odyssey to Ithaca.

The island of Kefalonia is home to some rather spectacular natural sights. Enjoy a gondola ride on the ‘underground lake’ at Melissani.

This stunning electric-blue lake was only discovered when an earthquake led to the roof of the cave falling in.

Check out the sinkhole at Katavothres near Argostoli, where the sea water disappears and reappears on the other side of the island!

Hike to the top of Mt. Enos, the tallest island mountain in Greece at 1,628m, for picture-perfect views that stretch as far as the islands of Zakynthos and Ithaka.

Legend has it that a fearsome dragon lived among the rocks. It’s surrounded by a forest of black fir trees, part of a national park, which is also home to tortoise and peregrine falcon.

Argostoli Bay is home to a permanent population of endangered loggerhead turtles, which emerge for a couple of hours every morning, waiting for fishermen to throw out the catch they can’t sell.

Named after their large heads, this turtle species dates back to the age of the dinosaurs.

Pop into a seaside taverna for some unique local dishes like the Kreatopita, a meat pie made with lamb and rice, the almond and caramel dessert Mandoles, Souvlaki meat sticks or stuffed octopus.

The cheese - feta and kefalotiri - is outstanding. Sample the Tiropitakia pie, filled with traditional feta cheese. Round it off with some famous Robola wine or there’s the local brandy Metaxa and of course Ouzo, the popular Greek liquor.