Hotels in Kefalonia

Kefalonia Introduction

Perched in the Ionian Sea off the coast of mainland Greece, Kefalonia paints a pretty picture with its soaring limestone cliffs, exotic beaches and unfathomable turquoise waters. The inspiration for Louis de Bernieres' Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the island's size means that despite its popularity, there's room enough for everyone to kick back and enjoy a taste of the good life – whether that means exploring the island's natural features, admiring its medieval architecture or simply settling back for a day on the sand.

Hotels in Kefalonia

Cheap Kefalonia hotels are pretty easy to come by and offer the perfect base if you're in the market for a bargain break. Most of these discount digs come complete with a pool, though they're often a fair way from the nearest beach. On the flip side, for those willing to part with a little more cash, upscale resorts and luxury hotels in Kefalonia, often complete with full-service spas and an array of leisure amenities, are just the thing. For families, private villas with sweeping sea views offer a fair-priced option and plenty of extra space.

Where to stay

If peaceful surroundings are high on your list of priorities you could do far worse than to head to the island's south side, where hotels in the likes of Skala and Lourdas place you steps from pristine stretches of beach and within easy reach of walks in Mount Ainos' dark fir forest. In the north, the villages of Assos and Fiscardo serve up cosmopolitan style, fine architecture and a dining scene to die for. Meanwhile, hotels in Argostoli, the capital, are the perfect choice for those keen to party the night away in the island's clubs and discos.

Things to see

Postcard-perfect beaches aside, Kefalonia has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to keeping visitors happy. History buffs can tick off trips to the medieval castles found in Assos and St. George, while those who prefer to explore the island's natural highlights can check out the stalactites and stalagmites at Drogarati Cave. There are also 2 rare geological phenomena: Kounopetra, a moving stone in Paliki, and the Katavothres, the so-called swallow holes near Argostoli. Those travelling with kids can enjoy family-friendly adventures such as swimming with Bavarian horses or clambering aboard a traditional Kaiki for a unique marine adventure that counts snorkelling above the remains of mysterious shipwrecks among its highlights. Thrill seekers, on the other hand, can soak up a bird's-eye view of the island as they paraglide over Myrtos Beach – with a qualified pilot, if needed.

How to get to Kefalonia

Cheap flights to Kefalonia International Airport are abundant over the summer months, with many low-cost carriers offering direct routes in May through October. There's no need to haul yourself to the capital, either – flights are readily available from airports such as Edinburgh and Manchester, too, each one typically taking less than 4 hours to whisk you from the often-dreary British summertime to the glorious Ionian sunshine. While some Kefalonia hotel deals include transfers, picking up a hire car at the airport or elsewhere is nearly always a good idea and makes travel in Kefalonia that bit easier during your stay.