Even though one of the largest and most popular Greek islands, Kefalonia still retains its beauty, its undiscovered beaches surrounded by a green forest, its local cuisine and its strong traditions. The south of the island is busier and less picturesque, whereas the north (around Fiskardo) is truly fantastic. We drove around Argostoli (the capital) for half a day but spent most of our 4-day holiday around Fiskardo and Assos area.
Eat
Vasso’s: one of the oldest and most famous restaurants for fresh fish, right by Fiskardo port. Make sure to reserve a table and remember to stay patient! Fiskardo, tel 2674041276
Alaties: a very small restaurant right above Alaties beach with a great view, serving local dishes at quite good prices. Fantastic even for a beer with nibbles. Must try the fried anchovies and “marides”, as well as cooked aubergines. Magganos, Alaties beach, tel 6977584781
Odysseas: my favourite restaurant on the island. Mr Proud Cypriot wants to return to Kefalonia even if only for a lunch at Odysseas. The scenery is fantastic as it is right on the beach surrounded by vineyards, serving home-made cooked food by Odysseas mother. Not to be missed! Agia Ierousalim beach (Fiskardo), tel 26701133
Stay
Emelisse: probably the best hotel of the island right in the center of Fiskardo (north Kefalonia) and sister of Perantzada Hotel (Ithaca). Even though it is more of a resort rather than a boutique hotel its grounds are fantastic and the view is breath-taking. The hotel itself is quite luxurious situated right above Emblissi beach. Fiskardo, tel: 26740/41200
Avra Private suites: right above Makris Yialos, you can find 3 autonomous apartments, just a breath away from the sea in a traditional Kefalonian architecture building. From 130 euro. Makris Yialos, Lassi
Villa Felicia: this elegant and tranquil haven is the result of its owners’ desire to create the perfect getaway at the outskirts of Lassi. It has merely 5 bedrooms (for 10 guests). Rates are given upon requets, Lassi
Beaches
Myrtos: one of the most famous beaches mainly for its length, exotic white sand and light blue colour. Even if you don’t visit it for a swim, it is worth driving through the mountain above it to enjoy the view. It is a bit different to the beaches in Fiskardo as it is much longer, (and busier), rather than a tiny deserted bay
Foki: very near Fiskardo mirroring all the beaches in the area: clear waters surrounded by a forest. Must visit!
Platis gialos: very popular and quite busy beach with fantastic waters
Antisamos: a very long and pretty beach, mostly famous from the movie “Captain Corelli’s mandolin”. It is very near Sami and definitely worth a visit
Emblissi: right below Emelisse hotel. A tiny bay with fantastic clear waters
These are a few of many beaches on the island. The best thing to do is drive around and stop wherever you like rather than following a guide as every little corner is different
Tips
– Stay as close to Fiskardo or Assos as possible as it is the best areas of the island. Don’t spend your days driving to the south as it is around an hour away. The prettiest part with the best scenery and the most beautiful beaches is the North
– Visit Assos at least for a coffee or a drink during sunset. The drive alone is worth it
– As in Ithaca, there are a lot of deserted beaches so drive around and get lost in the mountains to discover them
– It is very near Ithaca and Lefkada so one can combine them in one trip
Getting there
It is one of the islands with the most international flights. You can fly there from Athens or from other destinations directly, or even take a boat from Lefkada (where you can drive to)