Hidden Gem Kefalonia

Have you heard about the Greek island of Kefalonia? In this article, we will introduce you to this hidden gem of Greece in more detail, reveal where to find the most beautiful beaches, and what other attractions Kefalonia has to offer.

Located in the Gulf of Patras in Greece, Kefalonia impresses with stunning beaches where the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea meet expansive shores. Spectacular mountain panoramas and charming little towns captivate everyone with their original charm. Here you will find everything you need to know about getting there, activities, and the best beaches on Kefalonia.

As the largest of the Ionian Islands, which also include Kefalonia's neighboring islands Zakynthos, Ithaca, and Lefkada as well as Corfu and Kythira, Kefalonia has its own airport that is directly served from Germany during peak season. Various direct flights from cities like Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich start in the summer, getting you to your Greek vacation in under three hours.

Alternatively, you can also take the ferry to travel to Kefalonia. Ferry connections are available from the islands of Zakynthos and Lefkada as well as from the Greek peninsula of Peloponnes. The ports of Fiskardo in the north of Kefalonia, Sami in the east, or Pessada in the southwest of the island are served.

If you're still looking for a hotel in Kefalonia, we recommend checking out the hotel search. Here you will find a wide selection of well-rated hotels for every budget. Holiday apartments and vacation rentals are also a great alternative. If you're planning a road trip to the most beautiful places on Kefalonia and prefer to be a bit flexible, you can also search locally for suitable accommodations. Smaller, often family-run guesthouses offer a cost-effective alternative to classic hotels in the towns. Note: During the absolute peak season - usually during school holidays - it's better to book your accommodations in advance.

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To give you a small overview of Kefalonia, we would like to introduce you to the most beautiful and noteworthy places on this Greek island in a bit more detail. The practical map shows you where the towns and most beautiful beaches of the island are located, so you can better plan in which area you would like to look for a hotel.

Located just about ten kilometers from Kefalonia Airport, the island's capital, Argostoli, is situated on a peninsula in the southwestern part of the island. Argostoli is the largest city on Kefalonia, so you can expect not only a rich selection of restaurants, bars, and shops but also smaller attractions that make a visit worthwhile.

Vacation Guru Restaurant Tip: Argostoli has a lovely promenade right by the harbor. Here you can also find the restaurant Cavo D'oro, where you can enjoy Mediterranean delicacies with a view of the opposite marina.

If you want to just relax on the beach during your vacation in Kefalonia, Argostoli might not be the place to be, but the city is definitely worth a day trip. For example, you can take a pleasant stroll in the pedestrian zone of Lithostroto, past Kampana Square, to St. Nicolai Church. If you're in the mood for a longer walk, you should head towards the marina on the other side of the bay. Take the De-Bosset Bridge to cross the sea bay, and be sure to keep an eye out for the sea turtles that love to feast on the algae. On the other side, you will have a great view of Argostoli.

While you will find it rather difficult to locate beautiful sandy beaches in Argostoli, several await your visit just a few kilometers away in Lassi. Not hidden gems, but perfect for lazy beach days are Makris Gialos and Paliostafida Beach, where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and treat yourself to Greek food at the taverns. A bit further from the town center, there is Spasmata Beach. The sandy beach is natural and beautiful; however, the airport is nearby, so be prepared for occasional noise. Our absolute favorite among the beaches in Lassi is White Rocks Beach, which can only be reached by boat. It's best to rent a kayak or a small boat and come early in the morning - then you will have the beach, framed by white rocks, almost all to yourself!

In Lassi, in addition to the beaches, there are also smaller attractions like the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia - originally a simple cave to which a church was later added - as well as a botanical garden.

Located on the Paliki Peninsula in western Kefalonia and largely destroyed by the devastating earthquake in 1953, the island's second-largest city, Lixouri, also presents a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options.

Lixouri itself offers few highlights, but it is a good base to access the less touristy beaches of the peninsula. Most hotels are located in the southeast and south of the peninsula, around Lepeda and Xi Beach, and the further west you go, the more unspoiled the landscapes and villages become. It's best to rent a car and drive along the coast. You should not miss Petani Beach in the northwest of Paliki, which invites you to take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters.

Ferry to Lixouri: Ferries operate regularly between Argostoli and Lixouri. The crossing takes about half an hour.

The regions of southwestern, southern, and southeastern Kefalonia are perfect for roaming around. Inland, small, authentic villages hide, while the coastline is not lacking in more touristy centers and beautiful beaches.

Ferry to Zakynthos: The ferry to Zakynthos departs from Pessada. If you're planning a little island hopping between the Ionian Islands, we recommend our Zakynthos Tips.

After a short drive from the capital, you will soon find yourself in the municipality of Livathos, which includes villages like Lourdata, Moussata, Keramies, and Metaxata. The Pessada and Kanali Beaches are particularly inviting for relaxing during the day. In the evening, you can cozy up in one of the traditional taverns with a glass of wine. It's best to head inland for a bit - here you can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at fair prices. A fantastic sunset can be enjoyed, for example, on the terrace of the restaurant Enastron, Trapezaki in Moussata.

About ten kilometers further south of the coastal village of Lourdata, you can dive even deeper into the world of Greek wines in Thiramonas. The Melissinos winery invites you to taste the sun-ripened grape juice. If you have the chance, be sure to try the Robola. This variety is typical for Kefalonia. If you prefer a beautiful beach - and the journey along an unpaved road doesn't stress you - we would like to recommend the Koroni Beach with its golden sand before heading towards Skala. The town is particularly popular with vacationers due to its over two-kilometer-long beach, so you won't have any trouble finding a nice hotel or guesthouse here. If you prefer a less touristy experience, you can continue along the coastal road towards Poros and find accommodation near Kato Lagadi Beach. The small cove is a dream! But pack beach shoes, as the pebbles here are quite coarse.

Continuing along the main road heading north, you will soon come across the coastal town of Sami in eastern Kefalonia. The former fishing village is now a popular destination for tourists, especially due to the famous Melissani Cave, which is located nearby. If you like, you can go on a boat ride through the beautiful stalactite cave; however, Melissani Cave is one of the most famous attractions in Kefalonia, so the crowds are particularly large around noon. The same goes for the Drogarati Cave, the second stalactite cave in Kefalonia. The entrance fee for both caves is moderate at 5-7€.

In addition to Melissani Cave, Antisamos Beach is another highlight in Sami. While the beach is very beautiful, we can tell you from experience that it often gets quite crowded. A secluded alternative is Xilomata Beach, which can only be reached by boat.

Fiskardo is definitely one of the most picturesque places on Kefalonia. The fishing village in the north of the island has largely survived the great earthquake and can still boast historic architecture today. What makes it special is not only the old building style but also the colorful shutters, which make Fiskardo a great photo opportunity. When the flowers are blooming and the fishing boats gently sway in the harbor, the postcard motif is perfect.

We, of course, also have a beach tip for Fiskardo: If you prefer to avoid the well-visited main beach Emplisi Beach, aim for Kimilia or Dafnoudi Beach in the far north. While these beaches are also among the better-known in the region, they can only be reached after a short hike and are accordingly a bit emptier. The walk is worth it - just remember to bring enough water and sunscreen!

Vacation Guru Tip: A strong Greek coffee and a sweet pastry - for example, at Melina Patisserie right by the harbor - makes the day in Fiskardo even more enjoyable.

In the northeast lies the last town on Kefalonia we want to introduce you to - Assos (also known as Asos). This fishing village does not need to hide from Fiskardo with its charming, colorful houses that adorn the small bay.

The best view of the scenery is from Assos Beach or the viewpoint located across from the harbor on a peninsula. On the peninsula, you can also hike up to the ruins of a Venetian castle from the 16th century. Although not much of the castle remains, you will have a wonderful view of the picturesque harbor of Assos from here.

When it comes to the most beautiful places and beaches in Kefalonia, one cannot be missed - Myrtos Beach in the northwest of the Ionian island. From Assos, you can reach the beach in about 20 minutes, and from Argostoli in about 40 minutes.

The beach, framed by steep cliffs, is quite stunning - it almost seems like the white limestone is competing with the various shades of blue of the water. Two viewpoints are marked on either side of the spectacular bay, where you can get the best view of the beach and take memorable photos. The drive to the beach is worth it as well - in the morning, you can usually find a parking spot easily and a nice place for your beach towel. During peak season, you can also rent loungers and umbrellas at Myrtos Beach.

Accommodations are available in the village of Divarata, which is about two kilometers away from Myrtos Beach.

Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful Greek islands for us. Have you fallen in love with the Ionian beauty after reading this article and would like to spend your next vacation here? We have linked suitable Kefalonia offers for you that will soon take you to Greece at a good price. By the way: You can also find tips for other Greek islands in the travel magazine.

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