Kefalonia became famous after the book (and subsequent movie) Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The world became enchanted by the island’s wild beauty and mesmerising seascapes. Since then, it has attracted visitors from across the globe, including international celebrities and jet-setters, and offers the ultimate in relaxation for anyone who wishes to wind down and enjoy nature.
The island is also a hiker’s heaven, with a network of mountain trails that offer breathtaking views. Aside from such natural beauty, Kefalonia has a wonderful local cuisine and fantastic locally produced wines. After dark, should you wish, you can find plenty of cosmopolitan bars for cocktails and dance under the stars.
Best beaches in Kefalonia
Antisamos One of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes, with lush rolling hills that embrace a pristine bay with dazzling blue waters and a pebble-and-sand coast lined with loungers.
Dafnoudi For those who really want to get away from it all, Dafnoudi is a glorious undiscovered cove that offers perfect tranquillity, even during peak season. The waters are calm, and the small cave encloses a small shaded beach.
Fteri A pristine beach of jaw-dropping beauty, with perfectly blue waters. Thanks to its remote setting (the beach can only be accessed by sea), Fteri has remained blissfully untouched by mass tourism.
Horgota A spectacularly beautiful bay in the north-eastern part of the island. Hills bursting with greenery open to a white-pebble waterfront with crystal blue waters – truly idyllic.
Lagadakia Lagadakia, a small bay tucked into the south-western tip of the Pali peninsula, is a pebble beach with crystal clear waters and rich sea life. If you venture a little further, you will find a secluded cove surrounded by rocks that offers plenty of natural shade.
Myrtos One of Kefalonia’s most famous landmarks, which has received many international awards for its natural beauty, the beach of Myrtos, with its white-pebble coastline, dizzying turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, ranks among Greece’s best.
Petani Rivalling the spectacular beach of Myrtos, Petani is a gorgeous sand-and-pebble bay with enchanting waters and awe-inspiring sunsets. The beach is equipped with sunbeds but if you walk a little further there are always some quiet spots to relax and take in the glorious landscape.
Xi Family-friendly Xi beach boasts a unique landscape thanks to the clay rocks and fine red sand. The beach is fully organised with loungers, bars and an array of water-sports.
