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.
Places To Stay In Kefalonia View all places to stay »

Karavados
Karavados is a pocket-sized village in the south of Kefalonia, anchored among pine forests and citrus groves. It has all the mainstays of a typical Greek town, including rustic houses with cheerful gardens, an oxblood-red church, and a couple of tiny tavernas. While mountains lie to the north, a pancake-flat plain rolls out for a mile to the coast. Here, you’ll find a couple of beaches with views right across to Zante.

Fiskardo
This stylish town on Kefalonia's northern tip is known as the St Tropez of Greece – and with good reason, too. Demi Moore and Jon Bon Jovi have been spotted here, while Roman Abramovich parks his yacht in the harbour. It’s Fiskardo’s beauty and history that attracts the A-list – it mostly escaped the 1953 earthquake, and the candy-coloured Venetian buildings draped in bougainvillea make a great backdrop for a glitzy marina.

Karavomilos
Karavomilos is a peaceful fishing village on the east coast of Kefalonia. It wraps around the west side of Sami Bay, and is separated from the waves by a beach. There’s no sand – instead, you’ll find smooth white pebbles warmed by the Mediterranean sun, and shaded by a curtain of eucalyptus trees.

Fiskardo
This stylish town on Kefalonia's northern tip is known as the St Tropez of Greece – and with good reason, too. Demi Moore and Jon Bon Jovi have been spotted here, while Roman Abramovich parks his yacht in the harbour. It’s Fiskardo’s beauty and history that attracts the A-list – it mostly escaped the 1953 earthquake, and the candy-coloured Venetian buildings draped in bougainvillea make a great backdrop for a glitzy marina.

Bazukata
Bazukata keeps a low profile on the Greek island of Kefalonia. This tiny hamlet is perched on a cypress-clad hillside up in the north, with views across to the neighbouring island of Ithaca. This pindrop-peaceful place isn’t full of shops, bars and restaurants, but you'll find them in heaps at the nearby town of Fiskardo.

Assos
Assos is a pindrop-peaceful village on the west coast of Kefalonia. It’s nestled into a horseshoe-shaped bay filled with azure waters. There are a handful of waterside tavernas down by the harbour, which come with views of the pebbly beach. The village is backed by rolling hills carpeted with cypress and pine trees. And there's a huge 16th-century fortress on top of one of them.
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Top 5 resorts in Kefalonia
Top 5 hotels in Kefalonia
Top 5 villas in Kefalonia
