Kefalonia (also called Cephalonia) is an island located in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece.
This island has an area of 786 km2 and a population of approximately 36,000 inhabitants.
Its capital is Argostoli and it is built in the southwest of the island, on a hill some 1,600 meters above sea level.
Kefalonia’s coastline is characterized by its limestone cliffs, bays, and short stretches of white sand. For this reason, many beaches are only accessible on foot.
Thanks to the geographical location of the island, you can easily move to different destinations from there.
There are many attractions on this island and that is why you will never get bored. It is a perfect option for travelers who want to enjoy beaches and nature.
It doesn't matter if you want to spend some relaxing time or be more adventurous, Kefalonia has it all!
You have two ways to get to Kefalonia: plane or ferry. Next, we tell you a little more about both options.
You can get to Kefalonia by plane: Kefalonia has one airport, called Kefalonia International Airport (EFL/LGFK). It was built in 1980 and guarantees travelers visiting this city the option of flying to the island. This airport has facilities for four planes to land on its runways at the same time, as well as a parking lot for small planes.
You can travel to Kefalonia by ferry: A very common option among travelers is to get to Kefalonia by ferry. The island has four ports. These are Fiskardo (for trips to/from Lefkada), Sami (for trips to/from Patras), Pessada (for trips to Zakynthos), and Poros (for trips to Kyllini).
The best way to get to the center of Kefalonia from the airport is by taxi or private transfer. It will take you around 35 minutes to get to the center. In turn, the bus takes a little over an hour and has a frequency of departures every half hour. At this point, you can learn more about Greca's private transfers.
The requirements to travel to Kefalonia are: to have a 90-day valid passport or a tourist visa; not appear on the “non-admission” lists of the European Union; demonstrate having the financial means to pay for the stay; have a return ticket to the country of origin.
The best time to visit Kefalonia is in the months of May, September, and October. This will ensure that you can enjoy your trip in good weather.
One of the most interesting things to do on the island of Kefalonia is to visit its villages, which are characterized by their landscape between mountains and their unparalleled views.
It is the most colorful town on the island. Its buildings and landscapes hide behind their architectural style a lot of history and a mixture of cultures. It also has nice beaches, colorful houses, and a Venetian castle, Behramkale Castle, which was originally a Greek acropolis and later a fortress.
It is a town in the middle of the mountain, less accessible and with a particular beauty for this reason.
The second largest town on the island, but very quiet. Most of the houses were rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1953. Among its tourist attractions, we recommend the Monastery of Kipoureon, from whose location you can enjoy incredible views of the rest of the island.
This town has a Roman cemetery among its attractions, which was only discovered a few years ago.
Undoubtedly, in addition to trying the typical dishes of the island and visiting its beaches, you should consider visiting these traditional little towns.
Kefalonia, like the vast majority of the islands of Greece, stands out for its paradisiacal beaches. Among them, we mention the following for you to take into account during your visit.
An ideal place for the family, resting on deckchairs or renting an umbrella. Its waters are calm and shallow, making it a good place for snorkeling.
It is a unique beach, it is surrounded by hills and has a circular shape, which is why it functions as an authentic natural pool.
Some travelers call it the most beautiful beach in all of Greece. Its natural appeal makes it irresistible if you are looking to spend a relaxing day in the sun. It is surrounded by stone walls with dense vegetation, whitish sand, and turquoise water.
In addition to all the beautiful places to visit, you cannot miss the excellent cuisine of Kefalonia. Of the foods that you should take into account during your visit to the island, we mention the regional feta cheese, honey, and olive oil.
As for the drink of the island, you must try the local wine, famous throughout Greece. We recommend that you drink the Robola variety, a white grape, which is served as an accompaniment to traditional dishes such as strapatsada (scrambled eggs with vegetables and feta) and tsigaridia (rice and vegetable stew).
As a curious fact, this wine has its own celebration on the island, which is called the Robola Wine Festival, and musicians, dancers, and actors participate in it, usually with traditional Greek clothing. It's all fun and entertainment, especially for tourists who want to learn more about Greek culture.
As for the typical foods of Kefalonia, we recommend the krepatopia, a meat pie native to the Mount Ainos region, with the aroma of traditional wild herbs from the region.
Sweets are also highly characteristic of this region. The locals are proud of the crops they harvest on their mountainous soil. You cannot miss their caramelized almonds, called mandoles, with a sweet and unique flavor in the world.
But who cares, the best thing would be to go and try all these delicacies in person!