Greece, as we know, is in the middle of a huge financial crisis, however the people of the surrounding Ionian Islands are carrying on as normal, welcoming tourists with open arms and introducing them proudly to their home… The Ionian islands are thickly-forested with olive and pine trees, brimming with gorgeous white-sand, shingle and pebble beaches, turquoise seas, tranquil blue caves, cosmopolitan Venetian-inspired towns, mountain villages that hold true to tradition, picturesque ports and yacht-filled marinas…. and are bursting at the brim with heavenly, heart-stoppingly sensational cuisine…

Hanging out in Argostolli. Tunic – Heidi Klein
I was lucky enough to head to Kefalonia for a few days a couple of weeks ago and it was love at first Baklava. Kefalonia is Greece’s largest and most diverse Ionian island; it was the home of a certain young Odysseus (many believe this to have been Ithaca, but our hamazing guide Athina explained otherwise – Ithaca and Kefalonia have swapped names over the years so it’s a bit bamboozling) and is also where the stunning Captain Corelli’s Mandolin movie was filmed… and if you’ve seen that film, I’m surprised you’re not on a plane already.
Here are 16 reasons to head to Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) for your next getaway…
1. We stayed at Appollonion Resort Spa Hotel – situated in the picturesque western side of the island of Kefalonia called Lixouri, right on Xi beach, a very long golden sandy beach… The pool is divine, the rooms are large and airy and the buffet breakfast is never-ending…
2. …and we even got to be some of the first guests at the wonderful, newly opened Xi Beach Restaurant…
3. Ferrying about – we took the ferry nearly every day, from either Lixouri to Argostolli, or to Ithaca etc… the ferrys all took between 20 and 45 mins, air conditioned inside (hurrah!) and thanks to my amazing sea sickness tablets, I could enjoy the view from top deck in the shade…
4. Jeep safari to Mt Ainos National Park – we bought iced coffees and jumped into George’s jeep (he was fine about it) and he drove us into the amazing Mt Ainos National Park, where we drove up and up and up and up….and saw wild horses in the mountains…. The black fir trees (which aren’t really black) populate this region and are a protected species, which is why this is now one of Greece’s 10 National parks.

Outdoor Kefalonia – dress: Heidi Klein – Shoes: Merrell
5. The Monastery of Agios Gerassimos – Saint Gerasimos is believed by natives of Kefalonia to protect them and to also heal them of illness. Many natives of the island name their children after Saint Gerasimos as a tribute to the saint who protects them… and the monastery is beautiful.

Outside the Monastery. Dress: Heidi Klein

The beautiful tiled floor… Sandals: Office
6. Myrtos Beach – this stunning beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Ionian Islands. Located north of Agostolli (the island’s capital) the beach has fine golden sand and clear, turquoise waters, it is surrounded by majestic cliffs and could be mistaken for paradise itself. (Oh, and there are umbrellas to rent too.)

Myrtos Beach. Bikini: Heidi Klein
7. Poros – Poros is a sleepy little village with a port and a few tavernas and bars. During the summer months a ferry connects Poros with Zakynthos, or you can catch a cruise to Ithaca and the Blue Caves of Zakynthos. The harbour is also home to the local fishing boats which supply the area with fresh fish…
8. The most amazing almond cake you’ve ever had – we visited Mavroidis, a fourth generation family-run cafe in the bustling square of Lixouri. first. You can taste all kinds of traditional Kefalonian treats here… and this cake knocked our socks off…

We loved looking through the old family photos and history of Mavroidis , carefully stored by the current owner
9. Fiskardo – a gorgeous and ridiculously picturesque fishing village, which is the only village to have survived the 1953 earthquake. It’s full to the brim with beautiful boutiques, cafes, gift shops and restaurants… I absolutely loved it and for me, it was a real highlight.

Perfect holiday bag alert! Loved my Tusting hold-all – it really, really did hold ALL. And back here it’s big enough to hold my laptop too. LOVE.
10. Vassos on Fiskardo – we were treated to the most delicious meal at this family run restaurant… and the super fresh-out-the-sea-this-morning food just kept coming and coming….
11. The weather was spectacular – lovely and hot and breezy… we never felt like we were sweltering or too uncomfortable. It was just gorgeous and in the evening, a light shawl was all I needed to stay comfortable…
12. Olive oil tasting – Kefalonia is famous for its organic olive oil and we were lucky enough to try some Liocharis organic olive oil, again, a family run business and we were meeting the fourth generation… we learnt how to taste the olive oil and identify flavours from the sea, the soil and the environment…. I have never had anything like it before. I brought a bottle home with me in my luggage and have been pouring it over Greek salads ever since!
13. Ithaca. We also visited the beautiful island of Ithaca. “As you set out for Ithaca, hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery,” wrote the great Greek poet Constantinos Cavafy… it is magical, peaceful, full of history and of course, beautiful beaches….
14. The Drogarati Cave was discovered 300 years ago, but opened to the public in 1963. It was discovered when a strong earthquake caused the roof to collapse, revealing the cave beneath…. we took a little boat out into the cave and made spooky noises as we were paddled through the cave….
15. The little seaside town of Skala is so sweet and picturesque. There’s plenty to do if you’re into watersports, but if you’d like to just read a book on the beach (like me) then take a picnic and kick back there for the day…
16. Wine tasting is something you have to put on your agenda when you go to Kefalonia – the island is famous for its wine production so pop it on the list!
It was a magical, MAGICAL few days and I can’t wait to go back.
So when you do go, put me in your suitcase?
I travelled to Kefalonia with Discover Greece and flew with Aegean Airlines, who have daily flights from London to Kefalonia and back. It took just under 6 hours to get there, including the stopover at Athens.
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The jeep safari sounds like great fun and your photos of Fiskardo are fabulous
Perfect timing as i’m off to kefalonia in a couple of weeks! (and will also be taking my gorgeous tusting bag…) :) Thanks for this post, lots of good tips that i’ll be checking out
Absolutely stunning photos – This would be like heaven for me with all those old beautiful doors. Yes it’s weird, but I have a thing for doors especially if they are gorgeous colours or have something unique about them.
I am looking for a holiday over the summer so might have to add this to the possibles list.
x
Kefalonia really does look absolutely stunning! My sister goes there every year on holiday and I must admit, I never really understood the attraction, but you seem to have captured it here!
An absolute photographers paradise! I’m absolutely going to grab some of your beautiful photos to flower up my Pinterest boards. I can stare at these forever, not even kidding!
It’s great that you put this up now. I think it’s important that we shouldn’t forget about all the beauty that Greece has, even though at this moment it’s a bit harder to travel there. x Maaike -travellousworld.com
Hi the cave you have pictured is melissani Lake not drogarati, and the ferry to Zakynthos goes from Pesada not poros.
Looks amazing, we are heading to Lindos in Rhodes in September and I’m mega excited :)
Nat
http://www.basilandbirdsong.com
I was so lucky to live on Kefalonia for 3 years in Skala. I travelled around the Island many times and loved every inch of it…. Beautiful beaches, history and the friendliest of people.. I will return soon.
Oh lucky you! xx
There are althought many more reasons to visit Kefalonia!
I agree Makis!
I love kefalonia.. lovely blog
Thank you Lucy xx
I went to Kefalonia two years ago and absolutely adored it! Such a beautiful place with the most amazing food!
C x
Hello all, very nice article
i have a correction for your followers, the cave is Melissani Lake – Drogarati cave is nearby and you walk it through by foot. Both very beautiful but Melissani is exceptional and you go by boat
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I’ve spent five months on this stunning island. It’s like my second home. It was a pleasure to read about it right now, many memories come back :)
Hi Poppy! Thanks for posting this amazing article, loved your tips and photos! I’m traveling to Greece in September for a sun, sand, salt covered vacay with my mom and we we’re doubting between Kefalonia and Mykonos but now we know it’s def going to be Kefalonia! What area would you recommend to stay close to a nice beach, except for Xi beach where you were staying? Eve x
Please try our five star villa in Kefalonia called Gods Promise Boutique villa in Lakithra, It was the one and only five star villa in the island.
Kefalonia is paradise on Earth! It’s my favorite place by far! It has history, ruins, authentic people, and the scenery is most likely what heaven looks like! The best part is it’s size, and the diversity on the island! Fiskardo is completely different than Loudata, and you can find sand beaches or rock beaches. I love going to Skala as well as Xi beach! You can go back to Kefalonia and never get bored! It’s MY favorite place!
This is not the Drogarati Cave! It’s the Melissani Cave.
Thank you Judith! I will amend as soon as I can!
Kefalonia is the best island in Greece, i visited this year with my bf and it was amazing!
Stunning views, nice beaches!
As a help i had this agency that made my trip easier wth some many activitied to do
What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Kefalonia again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 with loads of travel plans and new experiences!
– Cirkeline // RejsRejsRejs
If you want even more tips for your trip to Greece, you’re welcome to read
our journey to Kefalonia