Kefalonia Travel Guide
The Queen of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia (sometimes written as Cephalonia) is a shining emerald just off the Greek mainland, replete with stunning stretches of sandy shoreline, excellent, varied hiking trails, and idyllic fishing villages.
Like most of the Greek islands, Kefalonia has its fair share of historical treasures, from earthquake-ruined ancient towns to museums jam-packed with millennia-old artefacts. But what makes it a truly special island is the vibe. There’s something about its effortless beauty that just sets you at ease, and that feeling is well and truly embodied by the gregarious locals. The local tavernas that dot the island are a must-try, not just for their astounding cuisine but also for their welcoming atmospheres.
Making memories with new friends is all well and good for the long, warm evenings, but under the Kefalonian sun there’s too much to do to simply eat and drink the day away. You can wander through vibrant marketplaces; lounge on heavenly beaches; climb a forest-covered mountain and admire the beauty of the Ionian Sea from the top. Or you can drive from ancient ruin to an even older ruin, taking in some of the best coastal views in the world along the way. Only one thing’s for sure: you won’t ever forget your trip to Kefalonia.
Kefalonia Travel Guide
The Queen of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia (sometimes written as Cephalonia) is a shining emerald just off the Greek mainland, replete with stunning stretches of sandy shoreline, excellent, varied hiking trails, and idyllic fishing villages.
Like most of the Greek islands, Kefalonia has its fair share of historical treasures, from earthquake-ruined ancient towns to museums jam-packed with millennia-old artefacts. But what makes it a truly special island is the vibe. There’s something about its effortless beauty that just sets you at ease, and that feeling is well and truly embodied by the gregarious locals. The local tavernas that dot the island are a must-try, not just for their astounding cuisine but also for their welcoming atmospheres.
Making memories with new friends is all well and good for the long, warm evenings, but under the Kefalonian sun there’s too much to do to simply eat and drink the day away. You can wander through vibrant marketplaces; lounge on heavenly beaches; climb a forest-covered mountain and admire the beauty of the Ionian Sea from the top. Or you can drive from ancient ruin to even older ruin, taking in some of the best coastal views in the world along the way. Only one thing’s for sure: you won’t ever forget your trip to Kefalonia.
Soundtrack of the city
Greek and You Shall Find
3 course meal for 2: £29.23
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A regular cappuccino: £2.09
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A medium beer: £3.13
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One-way (Local Transport): £1.17
Greek and You Shall Find
-
3 course meal for 2: £29.23
-
A regular cappuccino: £2.09
-
A medium beer: £3.13
-
One-way (Local Transport): £1.17
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Kefalonia
When you visit Kefalonia in summer you might wonder how somewhere so hot and dry sustains such lush greenery. Sometimes it’s so warm that the few drops of rain that do burst above the island evaporate before they hit the ground. This is because in winter, while remaining relatively warm, the landmass receives a fair amount of rain. If you’re coming to the island to get a tan, then avoid these months. If you’re in it for the culture, historical highlights, and natural scenery that still shines under cloud, it’s a year-round destination.
Discover the real Kefalonia
Kefalonia is unapologetically itself and has been for centuries. This means there’s a lot to discover on the island, culturally, historically, and in terms of natural splendour. With thousands of years of history, endless picturesque viewpoints, and hundreds of excellent walks to explore, you might start to worry about where to begin. Luckily, we’ve put on our walking boots and marched the hard yards, seeking out what the best of this exceptional island has to offer. All you need to do is read on to discover a taste of the real Kefalonia.
Ancient ruins, imposing churches, award-winning beaches: Kefalonia has it all. And that’s just things to see; when it comes to activities, you can do everything from visiting museums and galleries to jet-skiing. That’s the beauty of Kefalonia: it offers something for everyone. Nature lovers can dive into the abundance of flora and fauna both on the island and in the waters surrounding it; culture vultures can marvel at artefacts handled by people thousands of years ago; and for those who just want to switch off have the beaches and forests to escape to. The only question is what do you want to do?
Food is life on Kefalonia, but why wouldn’t it be when you cook as well as they do? The welcoming culture is built around big meals with friends and loved ones, and this homely touch extends to many of the establishments around the island, where you can enjoy sumptuous seafood and delicious local meats, as well as some of Greece and Italy’s best wines. With that said there are also plenty of higher-end spots on the island if you’re looking for a more refined experience. And, of course, if you’re wanting to have a late night, there are numerous bars lining the streets, where you can listen to everything from traditional Greek music to more modern dance tunes.
Kefalonia is full of secret treasures, hidden down inconspicuous alleyways and winding country roads. And, sometimes, even the more popular attractions can be made better if visited at the right time, whether it be because there’s a lull in the crowd or that the lighting is perfect at a certain time of day. We’ve figured out what works best for a Kefalonia holiday, so with our help you can experience it like the locals.
- See & do
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Ancient ruins, imposing churches, award-winning beaches: Kefalonia has it all. And that’s just things to see; when it comes to activities, you can do everything from visiting museums and galleries to jet-skiing. That’s the beauty of Kefalonia: it offers something for everyone. Nature lovers can dive into the abundance of flora and fauna both on the island and in the waters surrounding it; culture vultures can marvel at artefacts handled by people thousands of years ago; and for those who just want to switch off have the beaches and forests to escape to. The only question is what do you want to do?
- Food & Drink
-
Food is life on Kefalonia, but why wouldn’t it be when you cook as well as they do? The welcoming culture is built around big meals with friends and loved ones, and this homely touch extends to many of the establishments around the island, where you can enjoy sumptuous seafood and delicious local meats, as well as some of Greece and Italy’s best wines. With that said there are also plenty of higher-end spots on the island if you’re looking for a more refined experience. And, of course, if you’re wanting to have a late night, there are numerous bars lining the streets, where you can listen to everything from traditional Greek music to more modern dance tunes.
- Guides & tips
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Kefalonia is full of secret treasures, hidden down inconspicuous alleyways and winding country roads. And, sometimes, even the more popular attractions can be made better if visited at the right time, whether it be because there’s a lull in the crowd or that the lighting is perfect at a certain time of day. We’ve figured out what works best for a Kefalonia holiday, so with our help you can experience it like the locals.
- Map View
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More of Ionian Islands
Island hopping around the Ionian Islands puts you right in the midst of stunning beaches, gorgeous Greek villages, magical scenery and a bountiful menu of watersport options. Banana boat your way across the waves or take mindful steps through historic streets. At the end of it all, expect to sit down to plates of Greek gastronomy that’s sublime in its simplicity.
