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Kefalonia holidays

Kefalonia is Greece's tropical paradise, with exotic beaches and villages worthy of a screensaver. Have you ever heard of the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin? Kefalonia's sumptuous landscapes inspired the film-makers to create the perfect setting for this romantic novel, and it's easy to see why.

Explore magical caves hidden underground, discover charming fishing villages and breathe in the enriched nature of this place. That's what a holiday in Kefalonia is all about…

  • Flight time
  • 3h + 40 mins
  • From London
  • Currency
  • Euro
  • Time Zone
  • GMT + 3H
  • Capital
  • Argostili
  • Language
  • Greek
  • Religion
  • Christianity

Package holidays to Kefalonia

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5 facts about Kefalonia

  • Kefalonia, like Zante, shelters the endangered Caretta-Caretta (loggerhead) turtles.
  • Melissani Cave derives its name from Melissanthi, a nymph who sacrificed herself for unrequited love after rejection from the god Pana.
  • If you meet a Greek abroad, chances are they come from Kefalonia. Following the 1953 earthquake, many migrated, particularly to the US and Australia.
  • Italian influence persists in Kefalonia's Greek due to Venetian rule.
  • Lixouri locals affectionately dub their town 'Little Paris'.
Colourful town of KefaloniaPhoto credit: Unsplash
Charming cafesPhoto credit: Unsplash
Dining with top viewsPhoto credit: Unsplash
Legions of fishPhoto credit: Unsplash
Awe-inspiring landscapesPhoto credit: Unsplash

Where is Kefalonia

Kefalonia, also known as Kefallinia, sits in the heart of the Ionian Sea, west of the Greek mainland. As Greece's sixth-largest island, and the largest of the seven Ionian islands, it is neighboured in the northeast by Ithaca. Argostoli is the island's charming capital.

Airports in Kefalonia

The main hub for flights to Kefalonia is Kefalonia International Airport, Anna Pollatou (EFL). Other nearby airports are situated on the neighbouring islands of Zakynthos (ZTH), Corfu (CFU), and Preveza (PVK).

How to get to Kefalonia

Most airlines offer direct flights to Kefalonia from all across the UK. We fly directly to Kefalonia Airport (EFL) from various airports across the UK and the typical flight time from London to Kefalonia is 3h and 30 minutes. You can also reach the island via ferry from Ithaca, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Killini.

When to go to Kefalonia

Generally, this majestic oasis is best visited during the summer and early autumn months, from April to October. During that time, Kefalonia’s average temperatures stay warmest exceeding 31°C, particularly in July and August, with very little rainfall. Those scorching beach days couldn’t get any better!

For those who wish to visit in a more comfortable climate, travel in early spring when the temperatures average between 13°C to 20°C throughout the region. The environment is perfect for sightseeing in pleasant weather, without much rain, offering a pleasant climate for those who are not keen on the soaring sunshine during the summer months.

Best hotels in Kefalonia

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Average weather in Kefalonia

12
3
January
13
2
February
14
2
March
17
1
April
21
1
May
25
0
June
27
0
July
27
0
August
24
1
September
21
2
October
17
3
November
14
4
December
Jan - Jun
Jul - Dec
  • Temperature (°C)*
  • Rainfall (Inches)*
*Daily average based on previous 5 years

Kefalonia culture

Kefalonia's restaurants are renowned for their flamboyant flavours and charm. For those looking for an authentic Greek experience, head to Tassia in Svoronata. This family-run establishment is renowned for its warm hospitality and traditional Greek dishes.

In Argostoli, you'll find plenty of chic tavernas and traditional bars. One of our favourites is Premier, a Mediterranean restaurant, and for those who fancy a bit of Japanese cuisine, Sepia is an excellent choice. A special mention goes to the Kanali restaurant in Agia Efimia, known for its stunning location overlooking the azure sea and picturesque scenery, where you can indulge in a grilled steak or fresh seafood.

Discover the unique drinking culture and have a drink with your friends in Kefalonia. The local wines here are divine. Don't miss the famous Robola, a lively, aromatic white wine, or Mavrodaphne, a sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes.

Traditional Rakomelo is a Greek specialty, admired by the locals, a fusion of the distilled spirit, Raki, and honey served warm. It's ideal for milder evenings. If you’re craving foam-topped pints, you'll find plenty of local craft beers on the menu alongside Greek favourites such as Mythos. Kefalonia has a thriving craft beer scene. Breweries produce unique flavours, and you can try an eclectic range of beers to suit all taste buds.

As well as non-alcoholic cocktails and smoothies on offer, the traditional Greek-style iced coffee is a must-try. The Frappé iced coffee is a refreshing and energising choice for hot days. It's made with coffee, water and optional sugar - rest assured, milk can be added on request.

The Kefalonians LOVE music and dancing! Two of the nation's most cultural events revolve around music and dance: the International Music Festival in Argostoli and the Varkarola Festival in the village of Assos. Both are held every August and feature local and international artists. The best part is towards the end, when the night sky begins to glow with sparkling fireworks to end the event with a grand celebration.

The nightlife is a mix of social atmosphere and relaxed taverns, creating the best of both worlds. Depending on where you stay, the island will cater for all the preferences of different types of visitor.

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and you can probably guess what that means: you'll be spoilt for choice with an abundance of eclectic bars, dance clubs and restaurants. All the action takes place in the central square or along the seafront, with plenty of terraces and gardens to cool off in summer. Lassi and Skala are other exciting spots, alive with social birds in the evenings, and Antisamos has the best beach parties on the island.

The energetic evenings really intensify during the summer months in Kefalonia, with live music, traditional Greek dancing and a lively atmosphere.

While you're in Kefalonia, you may realise how much the locals love beach volleyball. This sport, which has dominated the island for years, is ideal for a competitive match between friends or a fun game for the sake of it. Most of Kefalonia's beaches have an open area equipped with net posts, so you can play with family or friends and add a little fitness to your beach day. Other popular sports in Kefalonia include horse riding, tennis, football and water sports.

Kefalonia offers an abundance of upmarket shopping centres, small stalls and glitzy markets. Wherever you stay, you can expect plenty of shopping opportunities.

Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, has a shopping area full of stylish boutiques and local markets selling fresh produce, including locally brewed wines, olive oil and honey. Most shops are on Lithostroto Street, but you can find small boutiques all over the area.

Lixouri is another town well worth a visit. With a selection of jewellery, souvenirs and beach essentials, you can wander down Demosthenous Street and Eikostis Pemptis Martiou Street for a good dose of shopping adventure.

Room

Adults
(18+)
1
Children
(0-17)
0
Children's ages at time of return