It was the much-loved Captain Corelli's Mandolin which brought Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, to the attention of many travellers. Charming and understated, this verdant island remains appealingly unspoilt and tranquil, with pristine sands, warm azure waters and pretty villages framed by olive groves and cypress trees. Our Gurus have criss-crossed the island, highlighting the best places to stay in Kefalonia for couples, families and groups seeking to soak up the sunshine or hide away in the hills.
Argostoli, Kefalonia’s capital, is a wonderful starting point for getting a sense of the island’s culture and history. Lixouri, the other hub, lies just across the bay, where wild loggerhead turtles famously congregate in the early mornings. Both towns boast shops, eateries and bars aplenty. For a quieter holiday, head to the pretty villages of the Livatho Peninsula; Spartia is a particular favourite.
Beach-goers, on the other hand, will adore marvellous Myrtos Beach — voted Best Greek Beach more than ten times. Surrounded by bright limestone cliffs, this is a hugely photogenic spot; as is almost kilometre-long Petani Beach. For water sports and family-friendly swims, look to the reddish sands of Xi Beach. You can also venture north to beautiful Fiskardo, where one of the best places to stay in Kefalonia sits overlooking the ocean. The town boasts some impressive Venetian buildings, great beaches, and swanky harbourside restaurants for lovely evenings out.