Kefalonia Holidays

from £ 244 pp

Spectacular countryside, hidden beaches and laid-back towns are yours for the taking on holidays to Kefalonia – aka Captain Corelli’s isle.

Captain Corelli’s isle

The biggest of the Greek Ionian Islands, Kefalonia shot to fame in the Hollywood blockbuster, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Take one look at the place and you’ll see why its scenery was deserving of the big screen. Tree-studded hills stand guard over sprawling vineyards, and honey-hued sands are kissed by turquoise waters.

The popular resorts

Skala, in the south-east, leads the way as far as holiday resorts are concerned. Its long beach is backed by pines, and its nightlife is the liveliest on the island, with stylish bars and music clubs setting the tone. Lourdas, further west, is also popular. Life here revolves around the sleepy main square, and the village is fringed by 2 miles of coastline. Then there’s Lassi, which people flock to from far and wide to watch the spectacular sunsets.

Sightseeing

Wherever you choose to stay, the island’s main attractions are within day-tripping distance. Don’t miss Myrtos Bay, a spectacular chalk-white beach which Captain Corelli’s directors couldn’t resist slotting into the movie. And pay a visit to the age-old chambers at the Drogorati Caves.

At a glance

Follow in Hollywood’s footsteps on world-famous Myrtos Beach
Pack a picnic and head for Kefalonia’s poppy fields
Watch the world go by in one of Fiskardo’s harbour-side cafés

Destinations in Kefalonia

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Kefalonia’s beaches

The beaches in Kefalonia are among the most photogenic in Greece – we’re talking white slithers of sand that give way to forest-trimmed bays. And the great thing about this island is, if you rent a car and just drive along the coast, you’ll stumble upon near-deserted beaches that look like they haven’t been visited in years.
The big beach

Makris Gialos Beach, in Lassi, is the liveliest stretch of coast on the island. Restaurants, bars and cafés line up behind the white sands, keeping visitors going with food and drink all day long. Have a go at snorkelling while you’re here – the water is really clear and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a loggerhead turtle or two.
The secret beach

With a quiet village setting and no sand-side facilities to speak of, Vatsa Beach, about a 5-minute drive from Lassi, is usually devoid of visitors. The golden sands are home to nothing but a single Greek taverna, so it’s worth bringing a picnic with you if you plan on staying a while.

Bargain Buys

Sami and Lassi have stores packed with straw trilby hats, imitation Havaiana flip-flops and beach inflatables. But for more authentic take-homes, Skala is the place to seek out. The pine-shaded village square is bordered by cubbyhole shops selling pottery, ceramics and lace. They also stock quality local produce, like giant knuckles of cheese, spicy soutsoukaki sausages and pots of honey.
Mid-Range Buys

Kefalonia’s answer to high-street brands like M&S can be found in busy Argostoli. Lithostrato Street, in particular, is a good bet for local fashions, Lancôme make-up counters, and miniature Greek versions of Debenhams and House of Fraser. You’ll also see some names you recognise, such as The Body Shop.
Designer Buys

Fiskardo is a bit of an A-list haunt, so keep an eye out for celebrities while you’re trawling the boutiques here. The best ones are down by the harbour, and include top-end names like Gucci and D&G. You can get your hands on anything from designer sunglasses and new-season handbags to one-of-a-kind cocktail dresses and jewellery made for showing off.

Laid-back evenings

The harbour in Fiskardo has an upmarket feel, thanks to its fairy-lit restaurants and luxurious wine bars. You’ll find every type of cuisine going here – from gourmet Thai to traditional Greek. Over in Skala, you can walk off your dinner with a stroll around the ruins of the 3rd-century Roman villa on the outskirts of town – they look spectacular when they’re lit up after sunset.
Lively evenings

Kefalonia’s capital, Argostoli, has a great set of bars, bouzouki clubs and discos – most of which spiral out from the main square, Platia Vallianou. You’ll also find a couple of nightclubs here, which attract celebrity DJs in the summer months. Lassi is another good option for a night out. Wander down the main strip, and you’ll find a parade of live music venues and karaoke bars.

Kefalonia meat pie

Meat pies are what Kefalonia does best. The pies are made from a crumbly, thick-crusted pastry case, which is filled to bursting with tender meat, rice and vegetables. The meat varies depending on where you go, but lamb, beef and pork are the most popular options.
Bourbourelia

In the winter time, locals huddle around their kitchen tables and tuck in to giant bowls of bourbourelia with ladle-like spoons. It’s a thick, warming soup made with locally-grown beans, corn and grain, and is usually served alongside big wedges of freshly-baked bread.
Riganada

This is the Greeks’ take on bruschetta. Dry slices of bread are rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Grated tomatoes are then spread on top, along with a sprinkle of sea salt and dried oregano. Some restaurants will add some extra bits and pieces, like black olives, crumbled feta cheese or green pesto.
Strapatsada

Granted, this might not be the most attractive dish in the world – but it sure is tasty. What’s more, with just three ingredients, it’s really simple to make. Tomatoes are either grated or pureed in a food processor, before being cooked in a generous pool of olive oil. Whisked eggs are then added, to form a scramble that’s goes really well with toast.
Robola

Kefalonia is famous for its Robola wine – a dry, white variety with a fruity flavour and a crisp, lemony aftertaste. It’s quite light, so it goes with just about everything. Pair it with a meaty tuna fillet or a swordfish steak to bring out the flavour of the fish.

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Account & Booking

Kefalonia Holidays

Captain Corelli’s isle

The popular resorts

Sightseeing

At a glance

Destinations in Kefalonia

Top Destinations

Top things to See and Do in Kefalonia

Kefalonia’s beaches

The big beach

The secret beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Kefalonia meat pie

Bourbourelia

Riganada

Strapatsada

Robola

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