Kefalonia

Food

Kefalonia is known for its rich culinary offerings, which include various specialties with Mediterranean spices and local ingredients. Here are some food specialties you should try when visiting Kefalonia:

Kefalonian Meat Pie (Kreatopita) – this is a traditional dish made from meat and pastry, usually prepared with beef, veal, or lamb. The pastry is made from flour, olive oil, and water, while the filling typically consists of meat, onions, garlic, parsley, and spices. The dish is served hot with Greek salad.

Robola Wine – Robola is a famous local variety of white wine that grows only on the island of Kefalonia. The wine is dry, aromatic, and acidic with citrus notes and pairs well with seafood and fish dishes.

Bourdeto – this is a traditional fish dish prepared with a spicy sauce made from paprika, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. This dish is usually served with mashed potatoes or pasta.

Savoro – Savoro is a fish dish prepared by cooking the fish in a sauce typically made from vinegar, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a flavorful and aromatic seafood dish.

Climate

Kefalonia has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. During the summer, which lasts from June to September, temperatures range between 25-30 °C (77-86 °F), and it can be hot and humid.

During July and August, the hottest months, temperatures can reach up to 35°C. Nighttime temperatures generally don’t drop below 20°C, allowing for pleasant evening swims in the sea or summer parties. Regarding the weather, Kefalonia experiences many sunny and dry days during the summer.

In July and August, there can be several rainy days in the month, but these are usually brief and intense storms. Kefalonia is also known for strong winds, especially on the northwest side of the island. In these areas, strong winds can disrupt maritime traffic and outdoor activities. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the weather forecast if you plan to engage in outdoor activities or travel by boat.

Settlements

Kefalonia, one of the largest Greek islands, has many settlements, and some of the largest and most well-known settlements include the following:

Argostoli – the capital of Kefalonia, located on the western coast of the island. This is the largest settlement on the island and has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions such as the city square and the archaeological museum.

Lixouri – the second-largest town on Kefalonia, situated on the eastern coast of the island. This town boasts many cafes, restaurants, and shops and is known for the monument to Adam C. Adamantios, a famous writer born in Lixouri.

Sami – a town located on the eastern coast of the island, known for its beaches and tourist attractions such as the old town and the ancient amphitheater.

Fiskardo – a picturesque town on the northern coast of the island, famous for its pastel-colored houses and a harbor filled with numerous yachts and boats. The Kefalonia National Park is located near Fiskardo.

Poros – a peaceful town on the southern coast of the island, known for its nature and beautiful beach.

Skala – a tourist resort located on the southeastern coast of the island, known for its beautiful beach and proximity to the ancient city of Skandine.

Lurdata – a settlement located on the southwestern coast of the island, known for its beautiful beach and proximity to the monastery of St. Gerasim.

Asos – a picturesque village located on the northwestern coast of the island, known for its fortress and beautiful sea views. These are just some of the villages in Kefalonia, and the island is full of other smaller and larger settlements, each making the island unique and special in its own way.

Nightlife

Kefalonia offers a diverse nightlife, especially in the summer months when the island is bustling with tourists. There are many bars, clubs, cafes, and tavernas that offer various types of entertainment, from live music to DJ performances. Some of the popular nightlife spots on the island are the towns of Lassi, Argostoli, and Fiskardo.

Lassi is home to some of the largest nightclubs on the island, such as Makris Gialos Beach Club, Odeon Club, and Mojito Beach Bar, which offer a wide range of music and cocktails. There are also numerous beach bars and cafes, such as Butlers House Bar, which are great places to relax as the sun sets.

Argostoli is the capital city of the island and has a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs. Some popular places include Casa Grec, Barista Caffe, Club Latino, and Astra. There are also many restaurants and tavernas where you can find various specialties of local cuisine.

Fiskardo, located in the northern part of the island, is known for its charming atmosphere and a variety of restaurants and bars. There are several bars that offer live music, such as The Local Bar and Kiki’s. There are also several restaurants and taverns that offer delicious food and specialties, such as Oinomelo and Tselenti.

In general, Kefalonia has many restaurants and taverns that offer various specialties of local cuisine, such as Greek salad, feta cheese, tzatziki, moussaka, fresh fish, and seafood. There are also restaurants offering international cuisine, such as Italian and Asian restaurants. In most tourist areas, there is a wide selection of restaurants and cafes offering different types of food, drinks, and entertainment.

Kefalonia offers plenty of nightlife options, and tourists can find entertainment to suit their tastes. Whether you want to dance until the early morning hours at nightclubs or relax with a cocktail by the sea, the island has many options to keep you entertained.

Islands

Kefalonia is one of the seven main Ionian islands in Greece and is surrounded by several smaller islands.

To the north is the island of Lefkada, to the east is Ithaca, and to the south are the small islands of Arkoudi, Atokos, and Kalamos. Also, on the western coast of Kefalonia, there is a small archipelago between Kefalonia and Italy, consisting of several smaller islands and islets.

Beaches

Kefalonia has many beaches that attract visitors with different tastes and preferences. Some of the most famous beaches in Kefalonia include:

Mirtos Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kefalonia, located on the northwest coast of the island. The beach features crystal-clear waters and white pebbles, surrounded by high cliffs that offer a spectacular view. Buses run between Mirtos and the capital city of Argostoli. Renting sunbeds on this beach costs around 8-10 euros per day.

Antisamos Beach is located on the eastern coast of Kefalonia and is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings. The beach was a filming location for “The Mandolinist” starring Penelope Cruz and Nicolas Cage. The beach offers several cafes and restaurants, as well as activities such as diving and jet skiing. Renting sunbeds on this beach costs around 8-10 euros per day.

Xi Beach is located on the southern coast of Kefalonia and is known for its red-colored sand. The beach has shallow waters and is suitable for families with children. There are several cafes and bars on the beach, and renting sunbeds costs around 5-7 euros per day.

Skala Beach is located on the southern coast of Kefalonia and is known for its crystal-clear waters and large beach. There are several restaurants and bars on the beach, and renting sunbeds costs around 5-7 euros per day.

Lourdas Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Kefalonia and is known for its beautiful surroundings and crystal-clear waters. The beach has several restaurants and bars, and renting sunbeds costs around 5-7 euros per day. Sunbed and umbrella rental prices may vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check current prices during your stay on the island. Many beaches also have free sections for visitors who prefer to bring their own towels and beach equipment.

Accommodation

You can check some of the well-known accommodations here

There are numerous hotels and accommodation options on the island of Kefalonia for travelers to choose from, depending on their preferences and budget. In the capital city of Argostoli and other major settlements on the island, there is a wide selection of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. Prices vary depending on the season, location, and quality of the accommodation.

During the peak season, when the demand for accommodation is highest, prices are typically at their peak. However, if you are looking for more affordable accommodation, there are several options to consider. Many private individuals offer rooms for rent, especially in smaller places on the island, and prices are usually more affordable than hotel rooms. Guesthouses and apartments can also be a good choice, especially if traveling with family or a group of friends, as they often offer more space and a kitchen for meal preparation. Kefalonia also has hostels that offer shared rooms and bathrooms, representing the most budget-friendly accommodation option. Hostels are usually located near the beaches and tourist attractions.

The best place to look for accommodation in Kefalonia is on tourist portals and reservation websites such as Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and the like. On these sites, you can browse accommodation options, view pictures and reviews from other travelers, and check prices and availability. Additionally, tourist agencies can assist you in organizing accommodation and your entire trip to Kefalonia. Many agencies offer accommodation and transportation packages at affordable prices.

What to Visit

Kefalonia is a beautiful island that offers an abundance of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, and numerous beaches. Here are some of the best places tourists should visit on the island:

Melissani Cave – a natural wonder with an impressive interior and turquoise water.

Drogarati Cave – another spectacular cave located near Melissani Cave.

Myrtos Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Fiskardo – a picturesque fishing village with traditional houses, restaurants, and a stunning sea view.

Argostoli – the capital city of the island, with numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and historical landmarks.

Assos – a traditional town located on a peninsula, with narrow streets, stone houses, and a fortress.

Skala – a place known for beautiful beaches, such as Skala Beach and Kaminia Beach.

Antisamos Beach – another beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters, located near Sami.

Mount Ainos – the highest mountain on the island, offering stunning views of the surrounding area and natural beauty.

Lassi – a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and numerous restaurants and bars. These are just some of the best places for tourists to visit in Kefalonia. The island also offers many other outdoor activities, such as hiking, diving, sailing, fishing, and much more. Tourists should explore different parts of the island to fully enjoy everything Kefalonia has to offer.

Temperature

Temperatures in Kefalonia depend on the season. Summer is usually warmer and drier, while winter is cooler and more rainy.

In the summer months (July and August), the average daytime temperature can reach 30-35°C, with peaks of around 40°C on the hottest days. Nighttime temperatures usually drop to around 20-25°C.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), temperatures are usually pleasant, around 20-25°C during the day, while nights can be slightly cooler, around 15-20°C.

Winter temperatures are typically lower, averaging around 10-15°C during the day, while nights can be quite cold, sometimes dropping below 5°C. However, even in winter, there are sunny days, and temperatures often rise to around 20°C, especially in January and February. It’s important to note that temperatures on the island of Kefalonia can vary depending on the location. For example, temperatures in the mountains may be lower than on the coast, and sea temperatures can vary depending on the region. If you plan to visit Kefalonia, it’s recommended to check the weather forecast and adjust your activities based on the temperatures and conditions. Also, don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing and gear depending on the season.