11 Best Areas for 2024

As you’re planning where to stay in Kefalonia, join me on this virtual trip around the island to discover all the best areas! I cherry-picked top sights and the best-rated hotels so you can plan your ideal vacation and book a room that matches your preferences and budget!

Argostoli is the best place for first-timers because of its natural charm, proximity to attractions, and hotel availability. But I have compared 10 more charming areas or villages across the island, so stay tuned for more!

Oh, and remember to book that hotel as soon as possible! Kefalonia is a stunning island in the heart of the Ionian Sea, and it’s filled with tourists throughout the season!

If you are in a hurry

Here are the best Kefalonia hotels in Argostoli to grab’n’go:

Check out where each of the 11 best areas of Kefalonia are located:

1. Argostoli – overall best place to stay in Kefalonia

Situated on the island’s Southwest coast and just a 15-minute drive from the airport, Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia. Even though it is the biggest town on the island, it is less touristy than the other parts, which enables you to find hotels with better prices! 

Argostoli has a nice palm-tree-lined waterfront where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset stroll. Apart from its charming Venetian architecture, the main landmarks in the town are the De Bosset Bridge (map), the beautiful Saint Theodoroi Lighthouse (map), and the must-see Katavothres (map) sinkhole!

Koutavos Lagoon (map) in Argostoli is the best place in Kefalonia to go green sea turtle watching! The Kefalonia-native Caretta Caretta can be seen nesting and swimming around!

Gradakia Beach (map) in nearby Lassi, a popular coastal village, is the best beach in Argostoli for swimming in the crystal clear water and having a Greek coffee while suntanning! 

Argostoli also has a nice nightlife. You can enjoy listening to Greek music in the local tavernas or having a drink in the lively bars!

Other accommodation options in Argostoli

Things to do in Argostoli

• Walk around Argostoli starting from Vallianou Square (map)
• Visit the Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum
• Go local wine tasting in the Oinops Wine Bar (map)
• Join a boat tour and discover the surroundings of the coast 
• Go Loggerhead turtle watching at the Argostoli Port (map)
• Join a half-day tour to discover the breathtaking Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake
• Visit De Bosset Bridge, the Saint Theodoroi Lighthouse, and Katavothres

2. Skala – where to stay in Kefalonia for cruises

Located on the Southernmost tip of the island and a 40-minute drive from the airport, Skala is where you will find the most famous beaches with blue flag cleanness certificates, shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Once you step into Skala, you will see picturesque, colorful Venetian buildings home to many tavernas and shops. At night, simply stroll along the coast and pick among many nice seafood restaurants for a festive meal.

The best thing about staying in Skala is that you’ll have easy access to sea excursions, so if this floats your boat (pun intended), don’t think twice! You’ll find plenty of boat and cruise agencies, but Captain Vangelis (map) is the best one around!

The Skala Beach (map) is waiting whether you want to try water sports or just relax by the sea!

Other accommodation options in Skala

Things to do in Skala

• Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water at Skala Beach
• Visit the Roman Villa (map)
• Check out the numerous bars and tavernas on the waterfront
• Go for a ride to Paralia Kaminia (map) and enjoy turtle-watching

3. Lixouri – an authentic island vibe

Welcome to Kefalonia’s second-largest town! The lovely Lixouri sits some 35 km (22 miles) West of Argostoli, and much like the rest of the island, it has undergone a major reconstruction following the deadly 1953 earthquake. 

This lovely city is easily reachable by ferry from Argostoli, which is why many travelers visit it on day trips. The ride from Argostoli’s port is less than 20 minutes, which is twice shorter than what you’d spend if you’d visit with a car!

The Plateia Petritsi, or the Central Square (map), is the center of all the action, and it’s the perfect spot to get a taste of the vibrant, friendly, and atmospheric local life! Choose your favorite taverna and sit for a delicious meal and some Greek wine, having the time of your life!

I read that many people here speak great English, a nice perk that will make communication easier!

And although there are no beaches in the village, you’ll find plenty of accessible nearby beaches just a short drive away, like the Paralia Lepeda (map), or Megas Lakkos (map) further South.

Other accommodation options in Lixouri

Things to do in Lixouri

• Enjoy the vibrant Plateia Central Square (map), especially in the evening
• Take a ferry to Argostoli
• Eat like a local at Cafe Ouzeri H Gefira (map)
• Walk by the marina and enjoy sea- and people-watching
• Visit the small aquarium (map)

4. Lassi – for those who want to stay by the beach

Lassi is located on the island’s Western coast, just a 10-minute drive from Kefalonia Airport and Argostoli. You will find the nice Gradakia Beach and plenty of beachfront hotels here. So, for those who want to stay close to the beautiful sand and sea with easy access to the big city, Lassi is your place!

Of course, Paliostafida (map), Makris Gialos (map), and Kalamia (map) beaches all surround Lassi and give you tons of options for the perfect beach vacation! 

NOTE: Beaches across Kefalonia have sunbeds and umbrellas, but you can also bring your own. You pay a fee (around €12 at the time of writing, subject to change) for 2 chairs and an umbrella and have access to them all day!

Apart from stunning beaches, Lassi has lively nightlife close to the beach area. You’ll find many bars, live music places, and tavernas. Spend a day on the beach relaxing and swimming in the turquoise water, then enjoy an amazing meal followed by some bar hopping!

Other accommodation options in Lassi

Things to do in Lassi

• Spend time on the amazing Gradakia or Makris Gialos beaches
• Try a diving experience 
• Rent a bike and discover the surroundings of the village
• Head South on a day trip to Xi Beach (map) with orange sand and white cliffs
• Have a drink with beautiful sea views at Logos Grand View Cocktail Bar (map)

5. Assos – great for couples

Located in the island’s Northern part, an hour’s drive from Kefalonia airport, Assos is a perfect place to stay in Kefalonia with its quiet and romantic vibe! I mean, even the village’s main square is called Paris Square!

Once you arrive in Assos, the view you will see is literally like a painting. Imagine cute, colorful buildings lined up by the incredibly turquoise water, that’s pretty much Assos! 

The main landmarks you will find are the Venetian castle of Assos (map), picturesque Myrtos beach (which is the most photographed beach in Kefalonia thanks to Captain Corelli’s Mandolin movie shoot), and many nice tavernas and bars. 

Myrtos Beach (map) is the most popular beach on the island, and is known as one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece! Make sure you visit it at least once!

This area has limited nightlife, so if you’re looking for late-night dining or partying, I suggest staying in larger cities like Argostoli or Skala.

Other accommodation options in Assos

Things to do in Assos

• Visit the Venetian castle of Assos
• Have nice greek food in a traditional Greek tavern
• Take a dip in the beautiful clear waters
• Have a romantic stroll in the Paris Square with your partner
• Spend time at Myrtos beach where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin movie was shot

6. Svoronata – where to stay for tranquility

Svoronata is your go-to spot if you’re looking for secluded and tranquil beaches. This small village is located 9 km (5.5 miles) South of Argostoli, and it’s the first village as you exit the airport! 

Local popular beaches include Ai Helis Beach (map) and Ammes Beach (map), with Ammes being next to the airport’s runway! You can chill at the beach and enjoy watching the planes land (if this is your thing). 

Svoronata is very flat, unlike many other places in Kefalonia, so it’s perfect for the elderly or families with babies! 

Overall, this is a less touristy place, but you’ll find just enough restaurants, shops, and even a few great bars like Crazy George’s (map) to not get bored!

Other accommodation options in Svoronata

Things to do in Svoronata

• Chill at the local beaches
• Grab a drink or a tasty burger at Crazy George’s 
• Visit Avithos Beach (map), which is a short ride away
• Take a day trip to the Castle of Agios Georgios (map)

7. Sami – best for a local vibe

Sami is located in the Eastern part of the island and is a 40-minute drive from Kefalonia Airport. Thanks to its status as the second-largest port on the island and its proximity to coastal villages, Sami is also a famous stopover place for yachts and boats.

Here, you will find pebble beaches such as Karavomilos (map), a camper’s favorite, and Antisamos Beach (map), a bit further away from the city. Of course, there are also many tavernas, bars with local vibes, and nice souvenir shops. 

Even though it is a popular town in Kefalonia, you will experience the traditional atmosphere found on Greek islands. I’ve always liked this kind of town which enables you to have local experiences, so if you are like me, you will enjoy staying in Sami!

This area is also known for the magnificent Melissani Cave (map), with a lake inside it and a forest on the outside. They have boat tours available, and since it’s so unique and beautiful, make sure to add it to your itinerary!

Other accommodation options in Sami

Things to do in Sami

• Spend time on the secluded Karavomilos Beach (map)
• Take a boat cruise to Ithaca
• Explore the Melissani Cave, one of the island’s top attractions
• Enjoy nice seafood in a traditional Greek tavern with a sea view
• Visit the Acropolis of Ancient Sami (map)
• Go swimming in the crystal clear water at Antisamos Beach

8. Agia Efimia – best for pebbly beaches

Agia Efimia is a small village in the Northeast of Argostoli, some 30 km (18.6 miles) away from the capital. While a good portion of Kefalonia has sandy beaches, the area around Agia Efimia has pebbles! If you want an idyllic Kefalonia vacation on a pebbly beach, make Agia Efimia your base! 

You’ll also be just a short ride from the iconic Melissani Cave and the ancient Acropolis of Sami!

Oh, and I must recommend Taverna Pergola (map) for amazing food! Try their moussaka and fried zucchini; you can’t go wrong!

You’ll find tons of apartments here, but no luxury options yet, unfortunately. 

Other accommodation options in Agia Efimia

Things to do in Agia Efimia

• Hire a boat and visit the Kapsolimionas Beach (map)
• Have dinner in Taverna Pergola
• Visit the nearby Melissani Cave 
• Get a suntan at local pebbly beaches

9. Fiskardo – the best town for luxury travelers

Located at the island’s Northern tip, Fiskardo is one of the most scenic, cosmopolitan towns in Kefalonia and a famous stop for luxury yachts. It is an old fishing village and the least affected place by the earthquake, which helped Fiskardo preserve its historic buildings! 

Fiskardo is the most picturesque village on the Northern tip of Kefalonia, but I also recommend it if you’re looking to splurge on your stay! If you walk to the waterfront, you will see luxurious yachts anchored and facing beautiful Greek houses. You can simply walk there and check out the upmarket restaurants and bars!

Zavaleta Beach (map) and Foki Beach (map) are amazing beaches here. Foki’s pebbly beach has beautiful turquoise waters lined with olive groves – what an authentic Greek experience!

Did you know Greece is one of the world’s largest olive and olive oil exporters? A good portion of the country’s economy relies on it!

Other accommodation options in Fiskardo

Things to do in Fiskardo

• Have a nice meal at one of the seafront tavernas 
• Hike to Venetian Lighthouse (map) and check out the amazing view
• Check out the designer shops in Fiskardo’s streets
• Spend time at Fiskardo Beach, Zavata Beach, and Foki Beach

10. Poros – where to stay in Kefalonia for families

Poros is a small village located in the Southeastern part of Kefalonia, 40 km (25 miles) from Argostoli. It’s known for its affordable hotels, family-friendly amenities, and gentle beaches for water sports. 

You’ll find apartments scattered along the central streets, with most of the action going on in the Southern part of the village, closer to the nearby Lefkas. This is where most of the tavernas are!

I love that Poros has a 2 km (1.2 miles) long coastline, with plenty of bars along the beach strip!

Stroll past the vibrant harbor and rent a boat (this is a great agency with an excellent rating) for your family adventure in the Ionian Sea! It’s amazing how most businesses here, including restaurants, have exceptional ratings! The people here must really care about their visitors, which makes me confident to recommend Poros as a great family place!

I couldn’t find any luxury places in Poros, so if you’re looking to splurge on your stay, check other areas in this article!

Other accommodation options in Poros

Things to do in Poros

• Walk along the coastline stretch
• Try fresh seafood in local tavernas like Dionisios (map)
• Rent a boat and embark on a sea adventure
• Go on a day trip to the Ainos Oros National Park (map) for breathtaking views

11. Lourdas – a quaint resort

Lourdas, or Lourdata in Greek, is yet another family-friendly village on the other side of the island from Poros. It’s located 15 km (9.3 miles) from Argostoli. 

Lordas sits on a hillside and has a lovely Paralia Lourdata (map) with plenty of bars along the coast. In fact, this is probably one of the most popular beaches in this part of the island! It’s really well organized and has crystal clear waters!

PRO TIP: Avoid the crowds by finding a spot towards the end of the beach! But don’t go too far unless you’re a fan of nudist beaches (there is one to the far South). 

This village is a 20-minute drive from the beautiful Monastery of St. Gerasimos (map), a saint considered the protector of the island of Kefalonia. I’d definitely plan a visit here one afternoon!

Other accommodation options in Lourdas

Things to do in Lourdas

• Chill on the Lourdata sandy beach 
• Explore Beach Bar Sunset (map) and other charming bars nearby
• Hike to the adjacent Mount Ainos 
• Visit the nearby Monastery of St. Gerasimos

FAQs about where to stay in Kefalonia

🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Kefalonia?

If you are visiting Kefalonia for the first time, Argostoli is the best place to stay. It offers traditional Greek restaurants, nice beaches, and great resorts.

🤔 Where should I stay in Kefalonia without a car?

If you don’t want to drive a car, the capital city, Argostoli, is a great place to stay. It’s easy to get around and you can take tours to other places on the island.

⏱️ How many days do you need in Kefalonia?

A minimum of 4-5 days would be great to see the main parts of the island.

🏝️ What are the best resorts in Kefalonia?

🧭 Is North or South Kefalonia better?

It depends on what you’re looking for. North Kefalonia is known for its stunning Venetian architecture and a few cosmopolitan villages like Fiskardo, while the South has bigger tourist spots and popular beaches.

✖️ What to avoid in Kefalonia?

It depends. If you want to avoid touristy spots and keep it quiet and local, then avoid Skala and Lassi. In terms of safety, Kefalonia is as safe as it gets, and there are no specific areas to avoid. 

🗓️ What is the best time to visit Kefalonia?

April to October is the best time to visit Kefalonia. I’d avoid August due to the heat and aim for autumn when the temperatures are most pleasant.

🏖️ Which part of Kefalonia has the best beaches?

Myrtos Beach in the North of Kefalonia is the most popular beach, but you’ll find plenty of good beaches in the South of the Island.

🚗 How to get around Kefalonia Island?

I recommend renting a car if you want an active vacation and plan to visit different parts of the island. If you’re only based in one area, you most likely won’t need a car as the villages are walkable for the most part, and you can also use public transportation like buses.

💰 What are some of the best luxury hotels in Kefalonia?

Avithos Resort and F Zeen are some of the best hotels in Kefalonia! They offer world-class service and upscale amenities you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. 

Final thoughts on where to stay in Kefalonia

Hopefully, you now have an idea of where to stay in Kefalonia! I enjoyed researching this beautiful island and seeing its stunning beaches, and I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time here!

If you’re still indecisive about the best hotels for you, here are 2 of my favorite ones:

Please remember to book your stay in advance! When I last checked, some hotels here were fully booked even a year in advance!

If you have any other suggestions or questions about Kefalonia Island and Greece, please leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to leave a reply to them!

Enjoy Kefalonia, 

Darija

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