Kefalonia holidays

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.