Guide to Kefalonia: Wild Beauty, Wine Country, and Quiet Escapes
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
If the Greek islands were characters, Kefalonia would be the quietly confident one. The one who doesn’t need to shout to get your attention. With pine-draped cliffs plunging into electric-blue bays, sleepy fishing villages, wine-soaked valleys and a fierce sense of self, this Ionian island is big on beauty but low on bravado.
It’s a little wilder than the Cyclades, a little greener, and a lot quieter. But that’s exactly why more and more Australians are skipping the obvious and leaning into Kefalonia’s laid-back charm.
If you’re still in planning mode, you’ll probably like this too: Greek islands beyond the obvious.
Kefalonia at a glance
Best time to visit: June + September (warm seas, fewer crowds, better prices)
How long to stay: 4–7 nights
Best base: Argostoli (easy), Assos (romantic), Fiskardo (polished)
Do you need a car? Yes, if you want the good beaches
Why Kefalonia?
Because it still has that untouched Greece feel. Because Myrtos Beach will make your jaw drop. Because you can drive for 20 minutes and be the only person on a pebbled bay with water so clear it looks filtered. Because people here still sit out on their stoops and wave to strangers. And because you’ll find Robola wine in every taverna and no one’s trying to sell you a 50 euro beach club daybed.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
How to Get to Kefalonia
Kefalonia (also spelled Cephalonia) has an airport with direct flights from Athens and many European cities in summer. For Australians:
Option 1: Fly into Athens, then take a 1-hour domestic flight to Kefalonia.
Option 2: Ferry from Patras or Kyllini on the Peloponnese. The ferry takes about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the route.
Option 3: Island-hop in (seasonal routes only). From neighbouring islands like Zakynthos, Lefkada or Ithaca, you can sometimes hop between ports.
Tip: If you want flexibility, hire a car in Athens and drive west to Kyllini for the ferry. That way, you can road trip the mainland en route.
Need the big-picture flight planning first? Start here: Travelling to Greece from Australia.
If you’re ferry-avoidant (valid), you’ll also like: Greek islands you can reach without a long ferry.
What to Do in Kefalonia
You don’t come here to rush. But you’ll still want to see these:
Myrtos Beach Iconic. Unreal blue. Worth the winding drive down.
Melissani Cave An underground lake with sunlight streaming through the roof. It’s touristy, but magical.
Assos Village Candy-coloured homes on a quiet bay. Swim, stroll, slow down.
Mount Ainos National Park Hike through rare fir forests and spot wild horses if you’re lucky.
Wine tasting Robola is the local varietal. Visit Orealios Gaea or Gentilini Winery.
Boat trip to Fteri or White Rocks Beach Only accessible by sea, these hidden spots are worth the hire.
Best Beaches in Kefalonia
This is a big island, and the beaches vary wildly. Some are wild and rugged, others calm and family-friendly.
Myrtos Beach Poster child of the Ionian.
Antisamos Beach Green cliffs, turquoise water, great for snorkelling.
Petani Beach Like Myrtos, but often quieter.
Foki Beach Gentle, shaded, perfect for kids.
Dafnoudi Beach A short walk through a forest opens onto a secluded cove.
Bring reef shoes. Bring snacks, because some of the best beaches have no shops, no sunbeds, just you and the sea.
Where to Stay: Choose Your Vibe
Argostoli The capital. Lively harbourfront, good restaurants, turtles in the bay.
Fiskardo The fancy north. Think yachts, boutiques, pastel buildings and polished tavernas.
Assos Small, romantic and ridiculously picturesque.
Lixouri Feels like its own island. Quieter base with ferries to Argostoli.
Sami Good jumping-off point for Melissani and Antisamos.
Self-contained stays are common. Villas with pools. Hilltop homes with olive groves. Rustic cottages near the beach. Most include kitchens, which makes it easy to lean into local produce and long dinners on the balcony.
Asos, Kefalonia
Eat and Drink: Kefalonian-Style
Kreatopita (meat pie) – The island’s signature dish. Rich and peppery.
Fresh seafood – Octopus, grilled sardines, lobster pasta if you're lucky.
Robola wine – Crisp, citrusy, locally grown. You’ll drink it everywhere.
Local honey and cheese – Often sold roadside. Buy it.
Favourite tavernas are almost always family-run, and they won’t be on Tripadvisor’s top five. Trust the plastic chairs. Trust the locals.
Tips for Australians Visiting Kefalonia
Drive yourself. Public transport is limited. Hiring a car is a must if you want to explore properly.
Go off-season. June and September are golden. Warm seas, fewer crowds, better prices.
Respect the island. Fires are a real risk, so don’t toss cigarettes. Watch for turtle nesting signs.
Don’t rush it. Kefalonia deserves more than two days tacked onto an itinerary. Stay a while.
If you’re trying to time your trip perfectly, this helps: Best time to vis
Sample Kefalonia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Argostoli, pick up a hire car, stroll the waterfront, dinner at a local taverna.
Day 2: Morning swim at Myrtos Beach, explore Assos, sunset wine in a hilltop village.
Day 3: Melissani Cave and Antisamos Beach, lunch in Sami, return via Mount Ainos National Park.
Day 4 (optional): Boat trip to White Rocks Beach, seafood lunch by the harbour, drive to Lixouri.
This is just a taste. The island has layers.
Kefalonia
Why Kefalonia Is Worth It
Kefalonia doesn’t beg for your attention. It doesn’t plaster itself all over Instagram. But that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of place you remember because you felt something there, not because you ticked off a list.
It’s not trying to impress. It’s just doing its own thing. Quietly. Gorgeously.
When you’re ready to trade crowds for calm, you’ll know exactly where to go.
FAQs
Do you need a car in Kefalonia?
Yes. Public transport is limited and taxis can be expensive. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore remote beaches and villages properly.
What is the best time to visit Kefalonia?
Late May to early October, but June and September are the sweet spots with warm water and fewer crowds.
Which part of Kefalonia is best to stay in?
For buzz, go with Argostoli. For romance, try Assos. For a polished holiday feel, Fiskardo is your spot. For quiet charm, Lixouri is ideal.
Is Kefalonia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Calm beaches like Foki and Dafnoudi, plus self-catering villas, make it a great choice for families.
How long should you stay in Kefalonia?
At least three to five nights. A week is ideal if you want to settle in, explore properly, and not feel rushed.
