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Karavados Beach Hotel
Karavados, Kefalonia, Greek Islands, Greece
(334)
7 Nights
26th Sep 2021
Self Catering
London Gatwick - Direct
Based On Studio
Kefalonia Holidays 2021/2022
Though it's the largest of the Ionian Islands, holidays to Kefalonia enjoy a lack of crowds. Visitors come for the island's understated beauty and quiet beaches, as well as inland natural wonders such as lakes and caves. You can sample Kefalonia's unique cuisine and traditions on cheap package holidays to Greece, including the August snake festival.
Kefalonia Holiday Deals 2021/2022
(334)
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Ocean View Hotel
Skala, Kefalonia, Greek Islands, Greece
(140)
7 Nights
14th Sep 2021
Bed and Breakfast
Manchester - Direct
Based On Double Room
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San Giorgio Hotel
Skala, Kefalonia, Greek Islands, Greece
(1522)
7 Nights
1st May 2022
All Inclusive
Birmingham - Direct
Based On Twin Room
Unspoilt natural beauty
Those familiar with Kefalonia will most likely have struck upon its name either due to the book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin or the subsequent film that were both based here. Indeed, prior to the movie’s release in 2001, very few visitors troubled the island’s shores at all.
Even now, Kefalonia still doesn’t receive anything like the number of tourists visiting nearby Corfu. The island is a pleasing middle ground between undiscovered natural charm and tourist infrastructure, with restaurants and hotels meeting demand.
All Inclusive holidays to Kefalonia are proving more popular with couples and families than singles or party-goers. The plethora of beaches which encircle this pretty island offer ample opportunity to hit the sand. 11 of them are Blue Flag accredited, while the turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Inland, a variety of different natural attractions keep visitors coming back for more. And to round it off, the island has its own brand of Ionian cooking, complete with enough bars and clubs to keep holidaymakers going into the early hours.
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek
Time Difference: GMT +2
Population: Approx 36,000
Religion: Greek Orthadox
Resorts
Aghia Efimia
The charming Aghia Efimia is surrounded by idyllic beaches, pastel-coloured houses, and mysterious underground caves. From sightseeing and scuba diving, to sunbathing and shopping, there's plenty to do – or not do – in this laidback fishing village.
Argostoli
Argostoli is the capital of the charming, relaxed island of Kefalonia. Enjoy the peace as you wander along the quiet cobbled streets of this harbour town then take in a bit of culture, shop, or stretch out on the beaches. In the evenings you can enjoy the lively nightlife.
Assos
With its horseshoe-shaped bay, azure sea and rolling hills, Assos is a peaceful paradise. Get away from the stresses of daily life, and enjoy the laidback pace, warm pebble beach and panoramic views. Whether you want to sunbathe by the sea, explore historical fortresses, or hike luscious countryside, Assos has something for everyone.
Buzukata
The secluded hamlet of Buzukata is tucked away on the island of Kefalonia. Hidden among the cypresses on a hillside in the north of Kefalonia, this peaceful place guarantees a tranquil, relaxing break. Visit white-pebble beaches and family-run tavernas, and soak up the gentle, calming atmosphere of the stunning bays.
Fiskardo
Fiskardo is a historic and stylish town on Kefalonia's northern tip. It's known as the St Tropez of Greece holidays, as A-list celebrities and personalities hang around here. The beauty of the town ensures visitors fall in love when they visit, while the beaches and quaint tavernas help seal the deal.
Karavados
From deep oxblood-reds to zesty citrus yellows to luscious rainforest greens, this small village in the south of Kefalonia is incredibly easy on the eye. Split your time between Karavados' traditional town and its hidden beaches – and save a few days for venturing out to Zante and Argostoli.
Katelios
Katelios is situated on the eastern side of Kefalonia, and is ideal for a relaxed Greek island holiday. You can spend your days kicking back on one of the small beaches, walking in the hills or visiting the beach bar. Skala is nearby for more nightlife and Argostoli for good shops.
Lakithra
Tucked into the south of Kefalonia, the village of Lakithra is shrouded by a spectacular landscape. Its chalk-white buildings sprawl over vibrant green hills, with views over the azure blue Ionian Sea. Thanks to a year-round cool breeze, visitors to Lakithra can enjoy al fresco dining and exploring its rich countryside.
Lassi
Benefiting from two beautiful white sand beaches and a lively main street, Lassi is a self-contained holiday resort as well as a base to explore the island's countryside and capital. Choose Lassi for your cheap holidays to Kefalonia and you'll get easy access to the cultural hub of Argostoli, as well as a quick transfer time from the airport.
Lixouri
The second largest town in Kefalonia, Lixouri has a rich cultural heritage and benefits from easy access to the capital, Argostoli, just across the bay. With authentic tavernas and the odd museum in town, there is more to do on Greece holidays here than in the smaller villages, but beaches are slightly further out.
Lourdas
A quiet village setting on the west side of the island, Kefalonia holidays in Lourdas offer a Blue Flag beach and access to the highest mountain in all of the Ionian Islands. Hearty homemade food is available at the local Greek tavernas, with the capital city being half an hour's drive away.
Ratzaki
Nestled in the south-east corner of Kefalonia, west of Skala, lies Ratzaki. This sleepy village is just moments away from one of the finest beaches on the whole island – Kaminia – and sums up Ratzaki's tranquil feel. The views in this Kefalonian idyll are breathtaking – on a clear day, you'll see Zante from across the Ionian Sea – and the slow pace of life here is utter beguiling.
Sami
Sami offers wholesome restaurants, spectacular natural caves and a local beach that found fame in the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin. It's a pretty village resort with ferry access to the mainland and just a 15-minute drive from the delights of the island's capital, and a popular best-kept-secret of visitors in the know on holidays to Greece.
Skala
Skala is the largest resort in southern Kefalonia and has one of the best Blue Flag beaches on the island. Despite being a favourite with holidaymakers looking for Greek island holidays, it has retained its local charm and offers excellent local food and views of the unspoilt, pine-forested countryside.
Spartia
Located on the south-west of Kefalonia, Spartia is a charming hillside village with plenty to do. Its narrow streets, handful of traditional tavernas and peaceful beach ensure you'll have a restful holiday – but its position on the island means you can take many day trips to explore its surroundings.
Svoronata
Just a 10-minute drive from the island's airport, Svoronata offers a surprisingly quiet spot for holidaymakers looking for year-round sunshine on cheap package holidays to Greece. The main draw to the village is easy access to three gorgeous beaches and wholesome locally sourced food.
Vathi
Lying on the north-east coast of the island of Meganissi and nestled within a sheltered inlet is the tiny village of Vathi. Quiet and relaxed, the hub of the village is the pretty harbour where you can watch fishing boats bringing in fresh produce that will be served at the tables of the tavernas close by. Vathi also enjoys a beautiful countryside setting, with the bay surrounded by wooded hills and picturesque olive groves.
Recline on one of the most famous beaches in Europe
Antisamos beach has caught the eye of beach-lovers worldwide after it was used as the backdrop to the 2001 film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Visitors to the island can grab a snapshot of the famous location, or simply lie back and soak up the rays in this sun-kissed idyll.
Due to the impressive number of beaches from which to choose, there are also places to escape and top up your tan in solitude. You can check out the natural skin-enhancing properties of the clay found on Xi, or see the loggerhead turtles which pay yearly visits to Kaminia. Meanwhile, the north-western oasis of Atheras Beach is the perfect place to dig out your snorkel and check out life beneath the waves. One thing’s for sure, in Kefalonia there’s a stretch of sand with your name on it.
Gorge yourself on Ionian cuisine
The Ionian Isles have their own particular method of cookery, distinct from the more traditional Greek styles found on the mainland and in other parts of the archipelago. Heavily influenced by Austrian and Italian – and particularly Venetian – styles, the cuisine uses simple recipes fortified with fresh ingredients and choice herbs and spices. A visit to Kefalonia without trying its kreatopita meat pie would be a crying shame.
For those with a more international palate, different types of restaurant are emerging across the island, including Chinese, Mexican, Italian, American and British. There are also more than enough late-night drinking dens to keep you entertained after dark.
A land of forgotten lakes and caves
The perimeter of Kefalonia might dazzle with its stunning selection of beaches, but its interior is every bit as impressive. Take Melissani Lake, for example. This underground body of water was only discovered when the cavernous roof stretching above it caved in. Nowadays, you can take a gondola ride right across its placid waters and gaze in awe through the cavity above.
The Drogarati Caves are another awe-inspiring attraction. They contain an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years, providing a fascinating look into the rocky history of the island.
Live the high life
The northern town of Fiskardo is the only part of the island left unblemished by the catastrophic Ionian earthquake of 1953. In the following half century, the preserved Venetian architecture has proved a beacon for the rich and famous around the globe, earning the town the nickname of the ‘St. Tropez of Greece‘. Wander among the opulent marina and you’ll soon see why.
Meanwhile, if you visit Kefalonia in summer, there’s a good chance you’ll get to witness one of the island’s historic festivals. The feast of the Assumption of Mary happens in August and you can head to the town of Markopoulo to witness the snake festival. On the 14th of the month, a sea of small, non-venomous snakes slithers towards the local chapel, where a banquet greets their arrival. This symbolic event kicks off a week of dancing, singing and feasting across the island.