Ionian
Kefalonia
Wild, mountainous, and heartbreakingly beautiful — the Ionian's best-kept secret.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island and feels wilder and less packaged than its neighbours. Myrtos Beach is one of the most spectacular in Greece — a steep descent to a bay of turquoise and white that looks almost artificially perfect. The island has good local wine (Robola), interesting villages, and an unhurried pace. Captain Corelli's Mandolin was set here, which gives you a sense of its romantic character.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Large distances and winding mountain roads mean a car is absolutely essential. Some areas feel isolated.
Hidden gem
Assos village at the end of the day — most tour buses leave by 5pm and the harbour empties into pure gold.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Kefalonia — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Kefalonia? +
- The best months to visit Kefalonia are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Kefalonia from Athens? +
- Kefalonia has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry.
- Is Kefalonia good for couples? +
- Kefalonia is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Kefalonia good for families with kids? +
- Kefalonia is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Kefalonia expensive? +
- Kefalonia is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Kefalonia? +
- You'll want a rental car on Kefalonia — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Kefalonia? +
- Large distances and winding mountain roads mean a car is absolutely essential. Some areas feel isolated.