Holiday in Kefalonia

Island in Greece — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇷

Country

Greece

Type

Island

Best time to travel

May–June, September–October

Budget/day

80–140 €

Getting there from Germany

Direct flights from Germany (seasonal) take about 2.5–3 hours. Alternatively, fly to Athens and take a domestic flight or ferry.

What makes Kefalonia special as a destination?

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and impresses with a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, underground lakes, and beaches of overwhelming beauty. Myrtos Beach, nestled between massive white limestone cliffs with bright turquoise water, is considered one of the most photogenic beaches in the entire Mediterranean and became globally known through the film 'Captain Corelli’s Mandolin' starring Nicolas Cage. The Melissani Cave is a geological wonder: an underground lake whose collapsed roof lets in sunlight, causing the water to shine in surreal shades of blue and violet. A boat ride across this lake is one of the most magical experiences in Greece. Just a few kilometers away, seawater mysteriously disappears in the Katavothres near Argostoli into rock crevices, traversing the entire island underground. The Venetian-influenced fishing village of Fiskardo in the north is the only one that was spared from the devastating earthquake of 1953. Pastel-colored houses line the picturesque harbor, where sailboats from all over Europe anchor in its crystal-clear waters. The excellent fish restaurants serve freshly caught fish and the unique Robola wine, which is exclusively grown on Kefalonia. Hikers will find paradise in the Ainos National Park with its ancient Greek firs, while the island boasts Mount Ainos (1,628 m), the highest peak of all the Ionian Islands. The tranquil bays of Antisamos, Skala, and Xi Beach offer a suitable beach for every taste.

Safety
82
Nature
80
Food
80
Relaxation
80
Beach
75

What are the top highlights in Kefalonia?

The top highlights in Kefalonia include Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, Fiskardo, Antisamos Beach, Monte Ainos.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Myrtos Beach

The iconic beach with turquoise water in front of a dramatic white cliff is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

2

Melissani Cave

An underground lake in a collapsed cave, bathed in surreal blue tones by the midday sun – it is explored by rowboat.

3

Fiskardo

The only village that survived the 1953 earthquake, charming with Venetian pastel houses and luxury yachts in the harbor.

4

Antisamos Beach

The pebble beach surrounded by green hills with crystal-clear water was a filming location for 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin.'

5

Monte Ainos

The 1,628 m high mountain with its fir forest (Abies cephalonica) is a national park and offers hiking trails with panoramic views.

Hotels in Kefalonia

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Kefalonia?

The best time to visit Kefalonia is May–June, September–October. Warm to hot, 27–33 °C, sunny In winter: Mild, 8–14 °C, rainy

Recommended travel time

May–June, September–October

Summer

Warm to hot, 27–33 °C, sunny

Winter

Mild, 8–14 °C, rainy

How much does a holiday in Kefalonia cost?

Budget travellers: 40–65 €/day, mid-range: 80–140 €/day, luxury: 180–350 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

40–65 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

80–140 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

180–350 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Kefalonia?

Direct flights from Germany (seasonal) take about 2.5–3 hours. Alternatively, fly to Athens and take a domestic flight or ferry.

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What travel tips are there for Kefalonia?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

A rental car is essential on Kefalonia – the island is large and the sights are widely spread.

The Melissani Cave is most impressive around noon when the sun shines directly through the ceiling opening.

Myrtos Beach looks at least as spectacular from above (viewpoint on the road) as it does from below.

Fiskardo is the most expensive place on the island – for dining, it's better to go to Assos or Agia Efimia.

In June, watch for the rare Caretta-Caretta turtles on Skala Beach.

What should you eat in Kefalonia?

Typical specialities in Kefalonia: Kefalonian meat pie (Kreatopita), Aliada (garlic puree), Bakaliaropita (baccalà pie), Mandoles (almonds in caramel), Robola wine, Riganada (bread with tomatoes and feta).

These specialties you must try!

Kefalonian meat pie (Kreatopita)
Aliada (garlic puree)
Bakaliaropita (baccalà pie)
Mandoles (almonds in caramel)
Robola wine
Riganada (bread with tomatoes and feta)
Suitable for:Myrtos BeachIonian IslandsNatureCavesCaptain CorelliBeachesHikingSpectacular

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