Kefalonia FAQs part 1: the 10 things you need to know before booking your holiday

Holly from our UK office shares the questions she gets asked most often about Kefalonia – and, more importantly, her answers

What is the weather like in May/June/September?

These months are the best times to visit. In May the average high is 24C, rising to 28C in June, with little or no rain either month. By September the days have cooled slightly to a mx of 27C, again with only a couple of days rain per month. In my experience we do sometimes get the odd storm in spring and autumn, but they pass quite quickly. If you want to swim in the sea, go June or later – September is lovely in the water!

What are the roads like for driving?

Generally very good. There is one main that connects the north to the south. If you go into some of the little villages the roads can be pretty narrow, especially in the north, but on the whole driving is easy on Kefalonia.

Which is nicer, north or south Kefalonia?

That’s a tricky one to answer because they are both quite different. The north is the postcard image of Kefalonia: dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, colourful villages like Fiskardo and Assos and it’s probably slightly more expensive than the south. It’s quite couple-y, so all about boats and cute waterfront tavernas and scenic drives. South Kefalonia is more beach-focused, with sandy beaches that are easier for swimming, especially for kids. There are some big resorts in the south, but our accommodation is mainly in the Trapezaki area, which we think has the right blend of access to facilities and beach resorts like Lourdas, as well as that quieter island feel.  In short: head north for scenery and atmosphere, stay south for convenience and classic beach time. You can discover both on one trip as long as you have a car.

Are the Kefalonia beaches sandy or pebbly?

Kefalonia has both. As a rule, the sand is in the south, while the north has pebbles or a mix of fine pebbles and sand. You can find the best beaches in our Guide to Kefalonia, and your concierge will be able to give you even more detailed information on arrival.

Do you need a car to get around?

Some villas will have a beach or a restaurant within walking distance, but I tend to say that a car really expands your enjoyment as there’s so much to see and do on the island. You can get taxis, but they usually come from Argostoli, which makes them pretty expensive, so a hire car is definitely recommended.

Will there be someone locally to help us?

Absolutely, yes. You’ll usually be met at the airport, and then one of the concierge team will contact you, usually by WhatsApp as we try not to intrude on guests’ holiday time. The concierge can give you tons of local information, book restaurants or boat trips and of course they are there should you have any problems with the villa, car hire or any other aspect of your holiday.

Is it better to use cards or cash in Kefalonia?

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, beach bars, car rentals and ferry offices. ApplePay is quite common too. However, it’s definitely a good plan to take some euros in small notes for things like buses, taxis, beach cafes or remoter mountain villages where the card machines sometimes just won’t work. If you want to tip, that’s also appreciated in cash. Tip: choose Greek banks rather than Euronet for better exchange rates when withdrawing cash, and always decline the option to ‘pay in GBP’ if it’s offered when you pay by card.

How long is the flight to Kefalonia?

It’s about three and a half hours from London, and three hours 50 minutes from Manchester. Your onward journey is around 20 minutes for Trapezaki are villas, and can be up to about an hour and a half if you are going to Fiskardo.

What islands make a good twin-centre holiday with Kefalonia?

Some people actually book one week in the north of Kefalonia and a week in the south to enjoy the two different areas, but if you want to do a two-island holiday, Kefalonia pairs perfectly with Ithaca. Ithaca is very sleepy and has no airport of its own (you fly into Kefalonia and take a ferry) so it has quite a different atmosphere. We can take care of the logistics for you; just pick your accommodation in each island and we’ll sort it out.

We are regular Simpson Travellers. How does Kefalonia compare to the other Greek islands?

Oh, that’s a great question. I’d say it’s most similar to Lefkada in terms of landscapes, beaches and general atmosphere, and for the mix of small villages and ‘proper’ resorts. Ithaca and Skopelos and Meganissi are obviously quite a bit smaller, whereas Crete is much larger, less green but with tons of variety and incredible history. Corfu is also larger, with it’s beautiful capital, though there are definite similarities between north east Corfu and north Kefalonia.

Kefalonia FAQs part 2 - the 10 things everyone wants to know about Kefalonia when they arrive

Island Concierge and local expert Karen shares the the helpful information she offers to guests every week

Which are the best best beaches for kids?

Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos near Lassi are excellent for families with young children thanks to their soft sand, shallow water and organised facilities. Lourdas Beach is also popular with families as parts of the beach have calm, gently shelving water. Waterproof shoes such as Crocs are always helpful, and not just for kids!

Which are the best beaches for easy parking for people with limited mobility?

Ai Helis Beach has relatively easy access with parking close to the beach and a flatter approach than many Kefalonian beaches. Vatsa Beach near Lixouri is another good option with nearby parking and a relaxed setting. Antisamos Beach has parking close to the waterfront although the beach itself is pebbly. Beach conditions and accessibility can change across the season due to tides and weather, so it's always worth checking with your concierge before you set off on a drive somewhere.

Is Argostoli worth a visit?

Yes – Argostoli is the island’s capital and is well worth visiting both during the day and evening. There is a lovely waterfront promenade, plenty of cafés and restaurants, local shops, bakeries and souvenir stores. You can also walk across the De Bosset Bridge, visit the fruit and fish market and often spot turtles around the harbour in the morning.

What local foods should I look out for?

Kefalonia is known for its traditional meat pie called Kreatopita, made with meat, rice and herbs in pastry. Fresh seafood is very popular including grilled octopus, sardines and calamari. Other local favourites include feta pies, local honey, olive oil, tzatziki and mandoles — the island’s traditional sugar-coated almonds.

Where was Captain Corelli's Mandolin filmed?

Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed in several beautiful locations around Kefalonia including Antisamos beach and Chorgota beach.  The town of Sami was used to represent the capital Argostoli, which was widely damaged by the 1953 earthquake. Fiskardo was the setting for the port scenes. It's fun to visit all of these places, though do bear in mind that the film makers built huge sets to create the backdrops they wanted, so things don't always look the same!

Do we need to pre-book restaurants?

During quieter months you can often find tables easily, however in peak season (especially July and August) it is strongly recommended to pre-book popular restaurants, particularly waterfront tavernas and sunset-view restaurants. Booking ahead is especially useful for larger groups - your concierge can make reservations and also recommendations.

Which local wines would you recommend?

Robola is Kefalonia’s most famous wine — a crisp white wine produced from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Ainos. Many guests also enjoy local rosé wines and red varieties such as Mavrodaphne. Wineries including Sarris Winery and other local producers offer tastings and bottles to purchase.

Are there any local beers to try?

Yes – there are several Greek and local beers available across the island. Mythos and Alfa are the most common Greek lagers, while some tavernas and bars also stock locally brewed Ionian or craft beers depending on availability.

Where can we see turtles?

Loggerhead turtles are most commonly seen in Argostoli harbour, particularly early in the morning near the fishing boats where they gather hoping for scraps from the fishermen. Boat trips may also occasionally spot turtles around the coastline.

Can I take a ferry to another island for the day?

Yes – Kefalonia has ferry connections to nearby islands including Ithaca and Lixouri Ithaca is especially popular for day trips due to its short crossing time. Ferry timetables can change throughout the season, so do check the most up to date schedules or ask your concierge.

Want to know the best places to stay in Kefalonia? See our extensive villa collection