_{WHERE TO STAY IN KEFALONIA}

Kefalonia island, Greece, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, people book their Kefalonia holiday for the crystal clear beaches, dramatic landscapes and charming villages. But it’s a pretty big place, covering around 781 square kilometers, so deciding on the best area to stay in Kefalonia and which hotel to book can be challenging.

So, if this is your first time to the island, or even if you’re revisiting and just want some great recommendations, then we’re here to help! Our top 5 tried and tested suggestions to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re holidaying with the kids or looking for a romantic break, whether you want to explore the islands landmarks, or just want to lie on a beach for the foreseeable – we’ve got it covered. Where to stay in Kefalonia whatever your preferences.

Where To Stay – Kefalonia Island, Greece

From dramatic mountains and lush valleys to quiet beaches and charming villages, there are all manner of places to stay in Kefalonia. Here’s our recommendations, along with some local tips and suggestions for why we like these options…

1. The White Rocks Hotel, Lassi

Located just south of Kefalonia’s main town Argostoli, the area around Lassi blends into the outskirts of the capital and it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. But unlike Argostoli, Lassi is fringed with a whole host of sandy beaches and calm, clear waters, making this one of the best choices of resorts in Kefalonia for beach lovers.

However, this is one of the most popular parts of the island and finding solace can be a challenge. This is why we love the White Rocks Hotel – it comes with its own private beach! And if one day you woke up hankering for a more holiday vibe, with a choice of beach bars, water sports and a pinch of people-watching, the hotel is adjacent to the very popular beach Platis Gialos.

Book yourself a sea-view room to avoid the noises from the road and settle down for a luxury beach break where you won’t need to leave the hotel. There is the option of a buffet-style dinner at the hotel (just contact reception to arrange this), but you must try the à la carte restaurant, Lungomare, at least once during your stay. Failing that, you’ll be spoiled for choice with restaurants in Lassi.

For the best rates at the White Rocks Hotel, click here.

PROS…

• Lassi is the nearest resort to Kefalonia airport and a transfer will take no longer than 10 minutes.
• Close proximity to the capital Argostoli means more choices of places to eat and drink.
• If your Kefalonia holiday is purely for the beach vibes, there are plenty of good sandy ones to choose from near the White Rocks Hotel.
• It’s easy to hire a car from the airport if you fancy some day trips.
• Lassi makes for a good base for visiting the islands central and western regions.

CONS…

• Lassi is a very busy town and beaches can get crowded in the summer.
• You’re not getting an authentic Greek experience – you could literally be anywhere on the Med.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• The 1953 earthquake put paid to your typical white-washed Greek city, but nevertheless Argostoli is a pretty little town. The pastel retro mid-century rebuild still has a lot to offer!
• For the best chance of seeing turtles in Kefalonia head to the docks in Argostoli early morning, when the fishermen feed them scraps.
• Catch the instagrammers at Saint Theodore Lighthouse and check out the nearby sinkholes whilst you’re there.

For more tips and places to visit in Argostoli and beyond, check out our other post ‘The Kefalonia Bucket List’

2. Fiscardo Bay Hotel, Fiskardo

Probably my favourite place on the whole of the island of Kefalonia is the picturesque harbour town of Fiskardo. It’s famous for its Venetian-style architecture that miraculously escaped all of the islands earthquakes, and a boat-crowd who dip in and out to shore for long luxurious lunches and shopping trips to the towns boutiques. First thing in the morning, locals and those without ouzo hangovers collect their bread and walk their dogs before the rest of the world wakes up. Then, for the rest of the day, there’s a buzz of visitors come to take photo’s of the Bougainvillea and rainbow houses. But by evening the calm waters lap at the feet of diners and the bars start to warm up their decks with summer beats. To me, Fiskardo is the perfect blend of beautiful but not too popular – a Goldilocks combination that is often hard to find. It’s so romantic and one of the best places to stay in Kefalonia for couples.

The Fiscardo Bay Hotel is only a short walk up-hill from the waterfront but its raised position gives it the best views over the bay from the pool and most rooms. Plus, it’s the right distance from the centre to both enjoy the nightlife and not hear it too.

Yoda and Dimitris offer the best in Greek hospitality and are always on hand to help you with any queries – they go above and beyond to perfect your stay. All rooms come with balconies and sea views and whilst you can only book a bed and breakfast option, Fiskardo is where we’ve enjoyed some of our best meals in Kefalonia and you definitely won’t go hungry! For us this is one of the best places to stay in Kefalonia.

For the best deals at The Fiscardo Bay Hotel, click here.

PROS…

• The northern, more rugged, part of Kefalonia island offers up some of the most stunning views in Greece.
• Easy day trips to Assos, Myrtos Beach and the Melissani and Drogarati Caves.
• There are several nearby secluded beaches if you like peace and quiet.
• Plenty of restuarant choices.
• Fiskardo is the best place to stay in Kefalonia is you’re thinking of doing a bit of island hopping. There are several ferrys to the nearby islands of Ithaka and Lefkada.

CONS…

• It’s over an hours transfer to the airport.
• Ideally you need a car to get around this more remote part of Kefalonia, although there are limited buses available.
• Roads are winding and steep.
• Not one of best areas to stay in Kefalonia if you like beach resorts with plenty of bars, restaurants and amenities.

Myrtos Beach ^

Assos ^

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• Our favourite meal in Fiskardo was the lamb kleftico from Elli’s in Fiskardo.
• It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to Myrtos Beach via car and is a worthy day trip to see its famous turquoise waters made famous in the movie Captain Correlli’s Mandolin. Aim to arrive early and you’ll have no problem parking and finding a sun-lounger.
• Only 30 minutes away is the beautifully aesthetic town of Assos – a great spot for lunch, or a dip in its sheltered waters.
• Book in to 3 Wise Monkeys for the best taco’s of your life, washed down with a few frozen margaritas.
• Chorgota Beach, also a Captain Corelli’s film-location, is a 45-minute drive from Fiskardo but the reward is a Kefalonian hidden gem. The final dirt-track road probably puts a few off but this azure cove lined with cypress and olive trees for shade is a beach from your dreams. No amenities though.

3. Albouro Seafront Apartments, Katelios

Only 20 years ago Katelios was still a simple little fishing village. Today, in our opinion, it’s the sweet spot of beach resorts in Kefalonia. Despite an increase of discerning holiday makers, including Kefalonians themselves, Katelios hasn’t lost any of its Greek charm. In fact, it’s the perfect blend of locals and tourists with the right level of beach bars, sun-loungers, tavernas and ice cream shops. If you’re looking for a quiet little resort with the family that feels like you’re in Greece, Katelios is the best place to stay in Kefalonia for you.

The Albouro apartments have everything you need for a self-contained holiday. Well equipped apartments for self-catering but with the added bonus of a buffet breakfast every day down on the beach at the taverna. And the taverna itself serves up all the Greek dishes you desire come lunch and dinner, but these aren’t included in the price.

We particularly loved the large balcony which was spacious enough to sunbathe on and eat with the family. Plus, who doesn’t love a private beach-front apartment! No trawling all of your kit down to the water and back every day. And Katelios has that safe wholesome vibe that fully allows you to chill out with kids in tow, we had no concerns about letting the older kids off on their own. This is definitely one of our favourite Kefalonia resorts for families.

For the best deals at the Albouro Apartments, click here.

PROS…

• The perfect ensemble of an idyllic Greek beach holiday.
• Great food at traditional tavernas but with a few modern eateries thrown in too.
• Gorgeous collection of beach bars to watch the sun go down and take advantage of Happy-Hours.
• Lovely gentle sandy beach, with the occasional loggerhead turtle-spotting too.
• The right part of the island to find more beaches with loggerheads.
• Only 15 minutes to the resort of Skala if you want a more livelier town sometimes.

CONS…

• Not the best place to stay in Kefalonia if you want to explore the island – most of the key places to visit are over an hours drive away and public transport is very limited.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• It’s about a 45 minutes drive from the airport. A taxi would cost you around €50.
• There is one bus a day to Skala and it returns about 5pm.
• There is also one bus a day to Argostoli.
• The turtles in Katelios are more likely to come out at night during the summer months.
• You can’t go wrong with any of the tavernas along the beach, food is so fresh at them all. We did love the watermelon and feta salad at The Morning Star particularly though.
• There are a few fishing and snorkeling trips available from Katelios.
• If you wanted to do a two-part holiday in Kefalonia where you had some beach time and some exploring, Katelios is the perfect place to stay for the beach part.

4. Atheras – Lassu Retreat, Zola

The Paliki Peninsula on the west of Kefalonia offers a slightly different vibe compared to other parts of the island. It’s quieter, less developed, and feels more authentically Greek – like travelling back in time a bit. Most people booking holidays to Kefalonia don’t even bother exploring the area due to it being a little bit more cut off and out of the way. But, that said, the extra effort could be worth it if remote is what you’re after.

And actually, by booking into Atheras Lassu in Zola, we think it’s striking a happy-medium. At the top of the peninsula you’re not a million miles from the airport and you’re still in the right vicinity for some day-trips to Argostoli, Myrtos and Asos. There are fewer beaches here than in the south of Kefalonia island, and perhaps a little harder to reach, but they reward you with gorgeous vistas, way fewer people and the waters are calm.

Built in 2024 this beautiful 2 bedroom modern apartment has the most incredible sea views and is only a 15 minute walk to a gorgeous beach (Vouti beach), albeit downhill. And Stou Tsagkari, one of the best restaurants in Kefalonia, according to a lot of people, is only a short walk away.

For the best deals at Atheras Lassu Retreat, click here.

PROS…

• More authentically Greek.
• Some extremely beautiful beaches, although perhaps a little harder to get to.

CONS…

• You will need a car when staying in this area of Kefalonia.
• Being more remote, there are fewer hotels and restaurants.
• Other than beaches, there is less to do in this part of Kefalonia.
• Less people speak English.
• Not the best base for people wanting to explore.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• Be sure to visit Taverna Gialos on Atheras Beach and have the catch of the day (hopefully the Seabass) – you will not regret it!
• Paralia Petani, Fteri Beach and Vouti Beach are allegedly the most beautiful beaches in Kefalonia.
• This is the area to hire a boat and explore some of the coves that you can’t reach by foot.

5. The Kefalonia Grand in Argostoli

If you have no interest in beaches whatsoever and want to explore the island on your Kefalonia holiday, then Argostoli might just be the place for you. In fact, if you don’t like driving abroad, this is definitely the best place to stay in Kefalonia without a car.

Right on the edge of the busiest part of town, but still walkable to a plethora of restaurants and bars, the Kefalonia Grand is definitely our favourite hotel in Argostoli. It’s modern and elegant (something you often have to search hard for in Greece) and it’s very good value for money. You won’t find any all-inclusive’s or large hotels here in Argostoli, it’s more guest houses and small hotels, and this one is a beaut!

For the best deals at The Kefalonia Grand, click here.

PROS…

• The best transport links for exploring the rest of Kefalonia island.
• The biggest choice of bars and restaurants.
• Great for shopping.
• Daily morning walks to the port to see the turtles.
• Lots of museums, gardens and churches to visit.
• The perfect place to stay without a car.

CONS…

• Busier and less relaxing.
• Beaches are a drive or bus away and hotels in Argostoli aren’t the type you lie on sunloungers in.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• It’s only 20 minutes from Kefalonia airport.
• There’s nothing more enjoyable than a frappe by the water at Kefalonia’s oldest restaurant – Kalafatis.
• De Bosset’s is great for cocktails.

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So there you have it, our top 5 suggestions on where to stay in Kefalonia whatever your preferences. If, during your research you find there are suggestions for the resorts of Poros and Skala we would say to avoid them. Both places feel like you have travelled back in time, and not even in a good way. They’re probably more Miami Vice than Mama Mia. We just thought it was worth mentioning this.

And if you would like to read more about some of the best places to visit in Kefalonia so that you can better decide where you want to stay, check out our other post ‘The Kefalonia Bucket List’

We hope this has helped in some way towards your Kefalonia holiday planning.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for their continued support. Every booking made through one of our links (even if you don’t go with one of our suggested hotels) makes us a small commission at no extra cost to you. This all helps towards the blog-expenses and we are very grateful. Thank you

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