Waymark

Greece · Ionian Islands

Kefalonia travel guide

Myrtos Beach, caves and colourful harbour villages

Myrtos Beach. Photo: unknown, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 15mflight from London
EFLnearest main airport
27° in Augwarmest month
12° in Febcoolest month

Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island, with mountains, vineyards and some of Greece's most beautiful beaches. Myrtos, a white crescent below steep cliffs, is the most famous.

Fiskardo and Assos are pretty harbour villages, and the Melissani lake cave is unforgettable. The island was the setting for Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Good forBeachesSceneryRelaxingCouples

What Kefalonia is known for

  • Myrtos Beach

    Brilliant blue water below white cliffs.

  • Melissani Cave

    An underground lake lit by sunlight.

  • Fiskardo

    A colourful harbour village.

  • Captain Corelli's Mandolin

    The film shot on the island.

Top things to do in Kefalonia

  1. 1

    Myrtos Beach

    A beach of white pebbles and electric-blue water.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Melissani Cave

    A boat ride on a lake inside a cave with an open roof.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Fiskardo

    Harbour-side tavernas and yachts.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Assos

    A tiny village below a ruined Venetian castle.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in Kefalonia

Where to stay in Kefalonia

Find a hotel in Kefalonia

Best time to visit Kefalonia

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. June and September: hot and sunny with a warm sea, and calmer than August.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
12.4 C12°J12.3 C12°F13.8 C14°M15.9 C16°A19.4 C19°M23.4 C23°J25.9 C26°J26.8 C27°A24.3 C24°S21 C21°O17.6 C18°N14.1 C14°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Kefalonia, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 15m from London to EFL, and flights from most UK airports.

Hire a car: buses are infrequent. Roads are steep and winding.

Find flights to Kefalonia (EFL)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Visit Melissani around midday, when sunlight shines into the cave.
  • Bring water shoes for pebble beaches.
  • Try the local Robola white wine.
Greece guidesVisasHealthcare abroadPlugs & adaptersDriving abroadWhen to go

Kefalonia FAQ

Is Kefalonia better than Zakynthos?

Kefalonia is bigger and quieter. Zakynthos has more nightlife.

Do I need a car?

Yes, to explore the island's spread-out beaches and villages.

More places in Greece

Back to the Greece travel guide + Add Kefalonia to your bucket list