It is miserable in the UK right now, am I right? So if you’re dreaming about hot weather, white beaches + exploring a new island in 2023, I would really recommend jumping on one of Jet2 flights to Kefalonia!
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and has gorgeous coasts lined with beaches, white cliffs and crystal clear water. It’s a 3.5 hour flight from Stansted to Kefalonia and I went with Jet2 holidays for 4 nights and would do anything to be there again right now!
Here’s my travel guide to the island with recommendations, things to do, places to eat and beaches to relax at!
* Press trip – Thanks to Jet2 for giving me the opportunity to review this stunning holiday destination!
Accommodation: We stayed at the Thalassa Boutique Hotel Kefalonia located in Lassi. If you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway I’d really recommend Thalassa – it’s an adults only holiday resort with modern, contemporary decor and with the most stunning view. The staff were so friendly and helpful and the beach is a short walk away – I would definitely come back here with my husband! There are so many beautiful hotels in Kefalonia, you can check some out here!
The food at the hotel was also delicious. They have a varied breakfast buffet on every morning where you can find freshly basked pastries, fruit + olives alongside hot food – think mushrooms, bacon and often a traditional greek breakfast dish named Strapastsada which is greek scrambled egg with tomato + feta. You can dine during the day and evening in their outside restaurant by the pool where they whip up beautiful gyros plates, seafood risotto and the cocktails are superb!
Things To Do:
Melissani Cave: If you visit Kefalonia you can’t leave without stopping by Melissani Cave which is located just outside of Sami. It was excavated by an archaeologist in 1962 who discovered several artefacts suggesting that the islet was a place of worship dedicated to the greek god Pan (God of the wild, shepherds and music – he’s often seen with his ‘panpipes’ in depictions) and his water nymphs. Upon arrival, you walk down a slanted walkway underneath the cave until you reach the crystal blue water, where you then hop into a boat for a stunning 15 minute boat ride around the cave. It’s short and sweet but I’d really recommend as I’d never experienced anything like it!
The best time to visit would be in the morning as it’s not so crowded and also so you catch the beautiful rays of sun entering the cave – it feels magical!
Visit Assos: I’d highly recommend a trip to Assos, a tiny, colourful and picturesque village north of Argostoli next to the seaside. The village is built into the hill of the Errissos Peninsula and it’s small but has 2 beaches, a wine bar, a couple of traditional greek cafes and is home to the Venetian Assos castle. We only had 30 minutes to walk around here but I could have spent days exploring it’s hidden passageways and photographing its colourful houses.
Saint Theodore Lighhouse + Sinkholes: Our lovely driver (we used Ace Travel Services Kefalonia) took us to two beautiful landmarks in Kefalonia both very close to one another. Firstly Saint Therodore’s Lighthouse near Argostoli. The original lighthouse was built in 1828 but was destroyed in the 1953 earthquake that destroyed most of Kefalonia’s architecture. An identical lighthouse was rebuilt in 1960 and if you want a romantic evening, I’d take a stroll there as the sun sets directly behind it! Nearby you can visit + learn about the geological mystery about the sinkholes under the sea in Kefalonia.
Haritatos Vineyard: If wine is your thing and you don’t know where to start with greek varieties, I would recommend Haritatos Vineyard in Lixouri. A small winery + family run estate that you can contact for a wine tasting experience in their beautiful home. You can explore their vineyard, olive grove and antique filled farmhouse home all whilst their gorgeous pets (lots of cats and dogs) run about your feet. The passion this family have for their wine and product is so inspiring and the wine itself was beautiful – I purchased a bottle of their dessert wine called Joya Darling made with Muscat grapes.
Myrtos Beach Viewpoint: If you want a Birdseye view of one of the most famous beaches in Kefalonia, I recommend driving to Myrtos Beach Viewpoint for a landscape that will blow you away.
And if none of that floats your boat there are so many beautiful beaches to relax and while away the time on!
Beaches:
Antisamos: One of the island’s most beautiful beaches made famous by the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin which was filmed there. This is where the Acron beach bar restaurant (mentioned below) is located, I really recommend the lobster linguini!
Petani Beach: On our 3rd morning of the trip we booked a yoga class on Petani beach which was absolutely incredible. The most revitalising yoga class I’ve ever experienced with such beautiful views and the sounds of the waves crashing.
Kalamia Beach: If beach bars and white rock cliffs are your jam, you will love Kalamia beach. It was a short drive from our hotel and was beautifully quiet, with sun beds, straw top umbrellas and resident cats. Just FYI there is no toilet facilities though despite being able to order drinks there, but the perfect spot for a bit of tanning.
Kaminia Beach: Kaminia is very close to the town of Skala and is popular with sea turtles to nest and lay their eggs! We weren’t lucky enough to spot this when we visited but at particular times you can see it happening!
There are so many more activities you can experience in Kefalonia. You can take a boat trip from Kyriaki fishing harbour to Fteri beach, go Sea Kayaking from Argostoli to Minies, visit a Venetian castle of Agios which was built 800 years ago, check out Agios Gerasimos Monastery to learn about the saint + see his mummified body, or take a hike or walking trail to Mount Ainos.
Food:
Melograno Restaurant (Argostoli) – My favourite meal of the trip was at Melograno, a beautifully decorated restaurant in Argsostoli covered in hanging plants + foliage. The cocktails were delicious (I had the Old Flavour with rum and pineapple) and every dish was delicious. For starters we shared fried sushi, kadafi shrimp, arancini with Kefalonia gruyere + beef carpaccio and for main I had a shrimp pasta with shrimp bisque – perfection!
Oinops: On our first evening we dined at Oiniops Wine Bar + Restaurant in Argostoli. They have an extensive choice of Greek wines available and dishes include cheese + meat boards, greek salads, pasta dishes, steak and burgers.
Acron Beach Bar – If you visit Antisamos Beach for the day I recommend the Acron Beach Bar + Restaurant – the food was delicious and they have plenty of seating options for those who want either sun or shade… plus you are right next to the beach so you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the sunshine with your toes in the sand.
I hope you found this travel guide helpful! Do let me know if you visit Kefalonia! Check out Jet2Holidays and their package holidays to Greece here.
Lots of love to you!
Katie xx
