Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, is incredibly diverse. From the farmlands and vineyards of the Paliki Peninsula to the dramatic cliffs and rocky shoreline of the north, this island is full of surprises.
As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the color of the water and the amazing beaches. Our excitement grew as Jerry, our friend and driver, mentioned that Myrtos Beach was even more stunning than the shores we’d seen so far.
We had just 4 nights to explore Kefalonia, so we planned our itinerary carefully, making the most of our time on one of our favorite Greek islands. After picking up a rental car, which is essential due to the island’s mountainous terrain and spread-out sites, we headed to our accommodation at White Rocks Hotel in Lassi.
The hotel, perched on a cliff, offered breathtaking views of the blue flag Platis Gialos beach from our private balcony. The room was modern and tastefully decorated, making it hard to leave the comfort of our room and the nearby beaches. However, we had much to see, starting with the capital city, Argostoli. This city has charming plazas, numerous cafes and restaurants, and a lovely waterfront promenade that’s perfect for an evening stroll.
Just 2 kilometers from Lassi, Argostoli was easily accessible. We enjoyed the local tavern, Sto Psito, on our first night, where we savored delicious local dishes with freshly sourced ingredients.
Our explorations continued as we drove across the island. The Paliki Peninsula offered a varied landscape, from rocky coastlines to flat farmlands and clay cliffs. Petani Beach, with its aquamarine water, was a highlight despite the stormy weather.
In Lixouri, the second-largest village on the island, we enjoyed the peace and quiet as the locals were resting. The village felt like our own little secret as we wandered its narrow streets and visited the Monastery of Kipoureon and the unique Xi Beach with its DIY mud spa.
Our interest in wine led us to a local winery where we learned about biodynamic practices. The visit was fascinating, and we enjoyed sampling the local varieties.
Kefalonia’s beaches, especially Myrtos Beach, Assos, and Fiskardo, stood out for their beauty. Myrtos Beach’s neon-bright water and white rocks were striking, and we enjoyed floating in the crystal-clear water. Assos charmed us with its colorful Venetian-style homes and quaint atmosphere, while Fiskardo, untouched by the 1953 earthquake, offered a sophisticated vibe with its upscale restaurants and shops.
One of the unique experiences was a tour of an underground river and cave in the center of the island. The illuminated brackish water and the history of the site added to Kefalonia’s magic.
Our trip to Kefalonia was too short, cut even shorter by ferry strikes, and as we headed to the airport for our flight to Corfu, we knew we’d be returning to explore more.
From its stunning beaches to its quaint towns and unique sites, Kefalonia is a gem of the Ionian Islands. We left with fond memories and excitement for future adventures on this beautiful island. For more about our travel tips and experiences in Greece, check out our other articles on the islands of Zakynthos, Corfu, Chios, Lesvos, Athens, Santorini, and Crete!
