DESTINATION KEFALONIAour blog
This blog reflects our personal opinion on some aspects of Kefalonia which we hope you will enjoy and maybe find useful.
We have done our best to keep the information below as accurate as possible but things change without our knowledge.
WHO FLIES TO KEFALONIA SUMMER 2024?
Please refer to each individual airlines website for latest flight schedules.
EasyJet – Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Milan, Naples, Nice, Venice
Ryanair – Stansted, Milan Bergamo, Pisa, Vienna, Rome
Jet2 – Stansted, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle
British Airways – Heathrow
Tui – Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, East Midlands, Bournemouth
Aegean Airlines – Athens
Sky Express – Athens, Corfu, Zakynthos, Preveza
The above is subject to change with the addition of many more airlines and destinations in high season – especially from Italy.
The official airport website is:- efl-airport.gr
What is usual weather for Kefalonia?
June is usually a perfect month with plenty of wild flowers still around yet still not too hot.
July and August are much hotter but of course by then the sea is really warm too. The Island is much busier with more events and a completely different international atmosphere.
September cools down and the island relaxes and enjoys the quieter roads and beaches. There is sometimes rain but this is welcomed and does not usually last for long before the sun is out again.
October can be much cooler in the evening and the weather is more unpredictable. There is often gorgeous weather with empty beaches also - the sea still plenty warm enough to swim.
From November onward we notice a change where the island becomes more damp and the nights become much longer.
During the winter months we can have beautiful days with clear skies perfect for enjoying days trips and coffee outside. Heating is necessary in winter as homes become cold and often damp, so a log fire or heating is a must. Most years snow falls on Aenos and the higher mountains around the Island.
Around April time the weather is very changeable - the dirty sand rain comes from the Sahara, with May day being the traditional day for the first swim of the summer - weather permitting!
WHAT ARE THE LOCAL FERRY TIMES AND DESTINATIONS?
ARGOSTOLI – LIXOURI
There are two companies who operate a ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri. The timetable depends on the time of year, but usually they run at least every 30 minutes and every 15 minutes in high season. The adult fare is currently 2.80 euros and a car costs 4 euros. You pay the conductor on the boat.
SAMI – PATRAS
08.00 return 13.30 https://www.levanteferries.com
POROS – KYLINI please check timetable
06.00, 11.00, 15.30, 17.15, 19.00, 21.00
return: 08.00, 13.00, 17.00, 19.00, 21.00 https://www.levanteferries.com
PESADA – SKINARI (ZAKYNTHOS)
07.45, 18.00 return: 09.45, 19.45 Ionionpelagos.com
SAMI – PISAETOS (ITHAKA)
08.15, 16.45 return: 09.00, 15.30, 21.30 Ionionpelagos.com
FISKARDO – NIDRI (LEFKAS) August/September – check timetable for other months.
11.15, 15.45 & 20.15 return: 09.00, 13.30 & 18.00 http://westferry.gr
ZAKYNTHOS – KEFALONIA (SAMI) – ITHAKA – LEFKAS – PAXOS – CORFU (NO CARS)
return: 06.00 from Corfu operates MON/WED/FRI
As with all ferries, it is essential to double check departure times as they will change without notice especially due to Covid-19 and reduced services. The websites are given for your information. Also, bear in mind that you might have to book for vehicles in high season.
Shop Opening Times - Summer 2024
LOW TO MEDIUM SEASON
Monday: 09.00 -14.00
Tuesday: 09.00 – 13.30 & 17.30 – 20.30
Wednesday: 09.00 – 14.00
Thursday: 09.00 – 13.30 & 17.30 – 20.30
Friday: 09.00 – 13.30 & 17.30 – 20.30
Saturday: 09.00 – 14.00
Sunday: Closed
HIGH SEASON
Monday: 09.30 – 14.00 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Tuesday: 09.30 – 13.30 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Wednesday: 09.30 – 14.00 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Thursday: 09.30 – 13.30 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Friday: 09.30 – 13.30 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Saturday: 09.30 – 14.00 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Sunday: 09.30 – 14.00 & 18.00 – 22.30 +
Interesting things to do in Argostoli
THE LOGGERHEAD TURTLES
To see the turtles in their natural habitat swimming alongside the harbour front or along the bridge is a wonderful sight. Especially if you have any children with you.
cultural museum
The Cultural Museum is extremely interesting with many exhibits from family life in days gone by – a real insight into how people lived on the island with a real focus on the human side. Also displayed are photos of pre-earthquake Kefalonia. It is easy to spend a morning here. The museum is situated in the road behind the theatre and is part of Kefalonia Library. Opening times:- Monday-Saturday: 9am – 2pm. Closed Sundays.
italian memorial
A poignant memorial to the Italian Acqui Division stationed in Kefalonia during World War II and massacred by the Germans. This Italian Division was made famous by the book and later film of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. It is situated on the top of the hill between Argostoli and St. Theodore lighthouse. The views from the top of hill are well worth the walk.
de bosset bridge
This is often quoted as the longest stone bridge in Europe and was built by British engineers in the 1800s and it is one of Argostoli’s best known and valued attractions. It is open once again to pedestrians and provides a wonderful opportunity to cross the lagoon on foot whilst enjoying the sea air, spotting wild water birds, swans and turtles. You can enjoy the backdrop of beautiful mountains on one side and the colourful town of Argostoli on the other. It is possible to hire little peddle boats to explore the lagoon.
An evening stroll with the local singers
Argostoli is full of atmosphere in the evenings in the height of the summer with many choices to wander along the harbour front, through the square, or step into the shopping street and alleys. If you chose the latter, often you will stumble upon the impromptu male choirs gathered to enjoy their local songs accompanied by traditional mandolins or guitars. It is really quite magical and is an authentic part of Kefalonian culture.
LOCAL BUSES
There is an excellent bus service if you are feeling adventurous and you are able to reach many of Kefalonia’s most famous villages. Often you are able to make a short day excursion. As the timetable does sometimes change depending on the season, it is best to check out the relevant timetable on their website.
WHAT ARE THE DATES OF HOLIDAYS IN KEFALONIA 2023?
1st May – May day – traditional outdoors day usually spent making wild flower wreaths to hand on doors for good luck.
21st May – Celebration with a parade through the main square of Argostoli to celebrate the union of Kefalonia with the Ionian Islands.
28th May – Bank Holiday Monday – a religious holiday for Whit Monday. Banks and public offices are closed.
15th August – Feast of Holy Mary – a national holiday in Greece
16th August – Feast of Agios Gerasimos. A local holiday with large celebrations at the monastery of Agios Gerasimos in Valsamata.
28th October – Oxi Day – celebrated by a parade through Argostoli to mark the defiance of Greece in the face of its oppresors during the Word War 2.
LOCAL CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS SUMMER 2024
When we are in possession of the new programme we will put some of the most important ones on here. For the meantime, you may get an idea of some events that usually happen:-
End of June - The International Gymnastics Festival for All 'Anna Pollatou'
Early August: Various Locations including Platys Gialos - The Open Air Film Festival 'SeaNema'
Early August: Palio Vlaxata Sami - The Saristra Festival
14th August:The regligious feast at Markopoulo where the snakes appear
Mid August: The Robola Wine Festival in Fragata
End of August: The Religious Fest and Varkarola in Assos
What are the beaches like in Kefalonia ?
The weather conditions during late spring can influence the beaches in as much as sand deposits or amount of exposed rocks or stones on each beach. However there are a whole host of beaches that all have their own character and are all definitely worth visiting. Sometimes you can decide on your beach to suit the weather or wind direction. Here are some of the most popular and some of my personal favourites:-
makris gialos
Makris Gialos is probably the most well known and largest beach in Lassi, close to Argostoli. It is very organised with many facilities and plenty of people – if you want a busy beach then this is the one.
PLATyS GIALOS
Platys Gialos has a canteen and beach beds with umbrellas. In very high season parking is difficult, so if driving you should leave your car in the car park opposite on the main road. In August it can be very busy with families, but it is still one the most beautiful gently shelving golden sandy beaches on Kefalonia. The bus from Argostoli also stops here.
palio stafida
This is a small beach with facilites and is a neighbour of the Hotel Mediterranee beach. It can be very sheltered here and the surroundings are beautiful.
gradakia
Gradakia is a very dark fine sandy beach with facilities in Lassi. The beach is gently shelving and quite lively. There are also little beach coves to explore around the coast next to Gradakia.
avithos
Avithos is usually a beautifully sandy beach with beds, umbrellas and a beach bar. The two tavernas on the beach make it a perfect beach day out. The sea is shallow, clean and it feels relaxing. A wander along the beach to the left or right feature unofficial nude bathing. It can get rather windy at Avithos and occasionally extreme weather in the winter shrinks the beach and brings in large stones.
ai helis
.This beach is close to the airport and is reached down a flight of steps which lead on to a very impressive black sandy beach. Beautiful, clean and calm, Ai Helis is very sheltered so a good choice on a windy day. There are beach beds, umbrellas and beach bar. Use the car park above the beach in the waste ground.
AGIOS thomAS BEACH
This beach is below the village of Karavados. There are two small beaches, the one to the left (looking at the sea) which is sometimes accessible and is reached by a small path and is beautiful and sandy. On the main beach are beds and umbrellas. The taverna is usually open in the evening and lunchtime during high season, but there is a wonderful cafe with a real tropical feel. It is possible to explore and swim in the beautiful clear pools around to the right hand side of the beach.
trapezaki & Kanali beach
To the left of the taverna (looking at the sea) is the beach known as Kanali. This is reached by walking about 5 minutes to the most perfect, unspoilt, quiet, shallow sandy beach with little or no people. You will definitely have the feeling of peace and space. There are no facilities, so take an umbrella and some water. Beware this beach is so quiet that there could be nudists farther away to the left. The taverna here is also excellent.
lourdas
Lourdas is a long stretch of fine stoney, shingly beach. It is quite deeply shelving, with beds and umbrellas and a large selection of tavernas. There is the wonderful backdrop of Mount Ainos behind the beach with still some old fashioned vegetable patches along the beach road.
skala
.The main beach is huge with many sunbeds and umbrellas, but there are quieter areas if you walk to the right or far to the left. Skala is becoming the most popular resort with many British tourists visiting Skala year after year. The newly built hotel complexes are located along the coastline between Skala and Poros. The beach can be very steeply shelving with small stones.
kaminia & MOUNDA
These beaches are just before Skala, nearest the village of Ratzakli and are where the loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. They are sandy, shallow and wonderful for children. The area is very quiet and peaceful but there are beach cafes for refreshments and umbrellas and beds to hire also.
ANTI SAMOS BEACH
Probably my favourite lively beach. There is a stunning backdrop of green forest and beautiful clear water with beds and umbrellas right on the shoreline. Quite big stones can hurt your feet so take rubber shoes if you can. It is perfect for snorkelling as sometimes feels like you are swimming in an aquarium! It is normally very sheltered. This was one of the settings for the film Captain Corellis Mandolin, together with Gorgota Beach. It has become very popular and now and can be very busy in high season with several beach bars selling snacks and cocktails – a kind of ‘Mykonos’ vibe with young beautiful people. Above the beach between Sami and Antisamos is the little monastery of Agios Aguila. I love this place for the peace and the views over all the Ionian Sea. To enter the area, open the white gate and close it again behind you. You are able to take a car inside.
foki beach
This beach is close to Fiskardo. I have enjoyed picnics under the olive trees on the beach. It is stoney, crystal clear and surrounded by pine woodland. There is a taverna by the little beach which I am told is good, but the beach is best avoided in super high season as it gets too busy
myrtos
Myrtos is perhaps the most photographed beach. If the weather is calm, swimming here is amazing with warm turquoise blue water almost like a pool. I recommend you take your own umbrella and position it by the water’s edge so as not to burn your feet on the hot stones! This beach is huge and yet never noisy as the white cliffs absorb any sound. Beware the beach is deeply shelving with very strong currents and I wouldn’t recommend it for young children. Do not sit under the cliffs or caves at the edges of the beach in case of falling rocks. On the junction with the main road is the lovely greek taverna , Alexandros – perfect after a morning or afternoon on the beach.
petani beach
Petani beach is on the far side of the Lixouri peninsula. It is similar to Myrtos but has a spectacular green backdrop and is also quite steeply shelving. The sunsets from here are perhaps the best on Kefalonia and a good simple taverna above the beach makes Petani interesting for a day out. Parking can be extremely difficult in high season.
vatsa
.Vatsa is like nowhere else on the island and has a real ‘hippy’ feel. It is in deepest Lixouri and you feel like you need your passport to go there. There is a super taverna on the beach with ducks walking through the middle. The beach is sandy and it feels so relaxing here – super chilled out.
xi
Xi beach, on the Lixouri peninsular, is famous for its red sand. It is a very gently shelving beach with beds and umbrellas, often belonging to the cafes along the beach and are often free. The scenery is unique and there are stretches of very quiet areas to relax. The grey cliffs behind the beach are made of therapeutic clay which is often seen covering some of the bathers!
minies
There are several beaches by the airport which are all sandy and quiet. The first beach you come to is called Spasmata and has beds and umbrellas and a beach bar. This beach is right at the end of the runway with dark fine sand. The second beach has yellow sand, is much quieter and the water is very shallow. The beach called Ammes and has sand bars so can be dangerous if there are currents. It can be windy at Minies and a bit unnerving when an aircraft takes off!
Lesser Known beautiful Beaches
Spartia beach is mainly frequented by locals and often families. It is a very gently shelving sandy beach with rocks to one side that are popular with teenagers and those wanting to dive. If you are interested in fossils, this is the beach and cliffs to visit.
Koroni is tiny but has its definite fans. Reasonably inaccessible, it is an effort to go to this beach. It sometimes hosts evening beach events.
It is a very long way to drive down to Agia Sofia in the north-east of the island, but worth it as there is a delicious taverna with home cooked food and the scenery is very unspoilt. The beaches in this area are stoney.
This beach is a real escape and is best when the wind direction means it is sheltered. The drive down is very difficult and I believe you need a jeep but others not. There is a very tropical feel to the beach bar and the sea and scenery are amazing.
There is a long walk through a forest to get to this rather small white stone beach in the north of the island, but again it is very beautiful once you make the effort. There are no facilities here so you need water at least. It can get much busier in August.
It has taken many years to finally visit this beach and it was not disappointing. It is quite a safari to reach it through the tiny village of Athera perched on the hill top on Lixouri side of Kefalonia. The beach is wonderful with fine silver sand, gently shelving into a protected natural harbour. An original waterfront boathouse and tiny island make the view interesting – especially when populated with visiting yachts. There are two tavernas – the one which we visited above the beach had great food and traditional music to complete the atmosphere. You will need to bring an umbrella but you can park on the beach. This is a super chill day out in a area almost lost in time.
This white stone beach is one of the closest to Fiskardo so can get very busy. The colours around are very intense and the sea is beautifully clear.
Fteri is perhaps one of the most exclusive beaches where you really need a boat to access. This is the destination of many famous visitors to Kefalonia who want to get away from crowds. There is now a water taxi that operates from Agia Kyriaki to Fteri.
There are many more beaches which are too numerous to mention, but it is certainly possible to find your own private beach with crystal clear water if you explore Kefalonia – especially with a little boat.
Places Not to Miss
MOUNT AINOS NATIONAL PARK
.This is so worth a visit. The views are everything you could imagine and more. It is a national park and a good deal of public money has been spent on adapting it for visitors. Take time to walk through the pine forests, have a picnic or a flask of tea… The flora and fauna are quite unique and the mountain is very cool. It’s best to choose a clear day so you get the best views. The road is asphalt all the way to the top.
ASSOS
Assos is probably one of my favourite places. It is so pretty, with flowers throughout the summer. It is lovely to swim from the village beach and sit with a coffee or drink at the cafe bordering the beach. There are tavernas here with delicious traditional food. We have in the past, had picnics on the benches below the castle looking at Assos. The walk to the castle is long but worth it for the view. Parking can be very difficult as can navigating the traffic through the village in high season.
fiskardo
.This has to be the ‘Cannes’ of Kefalonia, with prices to match. It is one of the villages not destroyed by the earthquake of 1953 (together with Assos) and has a character of its own. It is a beautiful village with lots of venetian architecture, quaint streets with trendy shops, cafes and restaurants on the quayside. The yachts dominate the village and there is an entirely different atmosphere here. I love to come for a coffee in the afternoon and mingle with the wealthy and famous! Eating here can be more expensive than elsewhere in Kefalonia.
melisani lake
Melisani Lake is one of the most famous attractions and well worth seeing particularly if visited at a quiet time and not behind lots of tour buses when it does loose some of its charm. Avoid a day when cruise boats are in and I would suggest the morning for the best colours. The entrance fee for the Lake is approximately 7 euro.
drongarati cave
.This is worth visiting too, although maybe not so famous at the Lake. There are many steps to go down and you may need a cardigan. Inside are stalactites and stalagmites and was once the venue of opera singing. Again, avoid being among the tour buses. Entrance Fee: approximately 4 euro.
sami
Sami has a gorgeous backdrop and is a very relaxing place to visit. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was actually filmed here with sets to imitate Argostoli. There are numerous tavernas along the harbour front with lovely simple food. Behind Sami itself high up overlooking the town are the ruins of Ancient Sami. with stunning photograph opportunities – like everywhere in Kefalonia. Be prepared to meet the goats and possibly enjoy a picnic up above the town near the little monastery of Agios Agrilion. From there you have the experience of a most tranquil and restful place with views over Anti Samos beach, Ithaka, Lefkas and far beyond.. A trip to Sami is perfect to combine with a visit to the lakes and caves and a swim at Anti Samos beach. Ferries sometimes run from here to Patras, Ithaka and Italy.
karavomilos
.Karavomilos is the little village just around the bay from Sami, near to Melisani Lake. It is the end of the journey for the sea water that has entered the Island at Katavothres in Argostoli and has passed under the mountains and through the Island to come out via the water wheel at Karavomilos. The beautiful lake and church are right on the waters edge. This is the home of Kefalonian Beer.
agios gerasimos monastery
This monastery is devoted to the patron saint of the island, St. Gerasimos. The Saint’s days are 16th August and 20th October. You will need to be dressed modestly to enter. Saint Gerasimos has two monasteries, the larger was recently completed and is very beautiful inside, and the smaller original monastery where the body of St. Gerasimos is kept. It is usual for the nuns to have a siesta so most often they are closed in the afternoon. All around is a splendid valley with the vineyards of the Robola grape.
st georges castle
.Saint Georges Castle was once the original capital of Kefalonia and is a Venetian fortress. Apart from the wonderful views from the hilltop, the castle is very interesting to walk around. The castle is open every day except Tuesdays from 08.30 until 15.30. A walk to the castle takes you past a cafe and indeed the village is a pleasure to walk around. If possible visit the ancient church in the village. There are lovely restaurants here, with amazing food and views.
agia kyriaki
This might seem a bit of a scruffy place, but it is absolutely authentic. There is a great taverna here which only sells what the fishermen have caught from their own boats, and good local wine. The service is beautifully ‘Kefalonian’ (take it or leave it…) but all part and parcel of the experience! There is a large quiet beach just along the coast with rugged and unspoilt scenery. There are umbrellas and beach beds for hire and a cafe behind. You can get to Agia Kyriaki by following the road to Lixouri then turning off at the sign for Zola. Follow the road through the village of Zola and down to Agia Kyriaki.
lixouri
.The second largest town on the island, it is easily reached by ferry from Argostoli. There is a nice town square and several cafes and restaurants to choose from. There has always been intense rivalry between Argostoli and Lixouri – Lixouri having the intellectuals and Argostoli the ‘nouveaux riche’! I believe the best way to visit Lixouri is to arrive by the little ferry from Argostoli and sail in to Lixouri harbour.
SUGGESTED ROAD TRIPS
DRIVE TO POROS
If you a lucky enough to have a car, it is wonderful to drive to Poros through the mountains. Take the road to Sami and once you are on the downward descent of Mount Ainos, just before you get to Sami you will see the signpost for Poros. This empty road takes you through the green mountains with stunning scenery and forgotten, isolated villages. You will probably smell the cheese factory well before you pass it! In Poros you can swim and relax.
DRIVE TO MYRTOS
There is a brand new empty road that takes you through the amazing mountain pass and completely different landscapes. Take the road towards Myrtos/Agia Efimia, then follow the road through Dilinata. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere just before the T-junction toward Dilinata is a splendid taverna called Pantheon tis Yefsis. Brilliant food at a reasonable price. A winter favourite of mine!
DAY TOUR 1
MYRTOS – ASSOS – FISKARDO
DAY TOUR 2
DRONGORATI CAVE – MELISANI LAKE – SAMI – ANTISAMOS
DAY TOUR 3
CASTLE – LOURDAS – POROS
DAY TOUR 4
MOUNT AINOS – AGIA EFIMIA
DAY TOUR 5
LIXOURI – MONASTERY KIPOURIA – XI BEACH/PETANI BEACH
FAMOUS KEFALONIAN FOOD
One of the pleasures of coming to Greece must be to try the greek food. There are plenty of opportunities and great tavernas on the island. These are the most common items found on the menu of a typical taverna:-
Kefalonian Meat Pie – Kreatopita
Pastitsio
Mousaka
Stuffed Tomatoes – Tomates Yemistes
Beef in Tomato Sauce – Moscari Kokkinisto
Roast Goat / Lamb– Katsiki /Arni sto fourno
Suckling Pig – Gourounopoulo
Rabbit in Red Sauce – Kouneli Kokkinisto
Lobster/Prawn Spaghetti – Astakomakaronada/Garidomakaronada
MEZES:- this is a very typical meal of appetizers which you would put in the middle of the table and share. It would make a very big meal!
Fried Courgettes/Aubergines
Little fried meatballs / Village Sausage
Fried Squid / Octapus in Vinegar
Courgette croquettes
Cheese/spinach pies
Saganaki – fried cheese
Various Dips – tsatsiki/spicey cheese/taramasalata/aubergine salad
Greek salad and of course …… chips
A WORD ABOUT KEFALONIAN WINE
Thank you for reading Our Blog – now we wish you many happy travels and experiences on the wonderful island of Kefalonia!
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