Discover Melissani Cave
Or the Cave of the Nymphs, as it’s known in Greek mythology. Grab your partner and book a boat tour to catch a glimpse of the lush waters that glow blue and green in the sunlight streaming through the hole in its roof - sounds like something from a film or TV show - H20:Just Add Water anyone?
Make the most of the Med
Explore the crystal-clear waters that surround Kefalonia however you fancy - rent a sea kayak or a snorkel, give scuba diving a go, or just sit on the shore and let the waves lap your legs. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a serene afternoon, soak up the paradise that is the Mediterranean Sea.
Jump on a sun cruise
If you're not one for dipping in the sea, but you really fancy getting up close and personal with everything the Med is packing, then keep reading, this one's for you. Glass-bottom boat trips - the perfect way to see creatures of the deep, try to spot dolphins and swim over ancient shipwrecks without having to get your hair wet. Make sure you check locally, these trips usually run throughout the months of May to September.
Get your history hat on
Despite the sun, sea, and sand in Kefalonia being more than enough to win you over, the island also boasts a rich history. Check out cultural hotspots such as the Lighthouse of Saint Theodori, De Bosset Bridge, and Agios Georgios Castle—the ruins of a Venetian stronghold originally built in the Byzantine era - maybe best saved for the cooler months, but still a surefire way to make the most of your day.
Stargazing at the Dark Sky Park of Mount Aenos
By day you can go on hikes through woodland trails and to long abandoned towns, by night you can look at stars light years away at the observatory, or with your naked eye - oh and you can camp here too if you arrange in advance. A nature lovers dream that we're sure takes the cake if you're more about exploring and less about lazing by the pool all day - or maybe you're into both, we won't judge. But, this is definitely not one to miss!
What events can I go to in Kefalonia?
Many festivals and events are held on this picture-perfect island, from religious ceremonies to lush celebrations - take a look at how stacked the year is below, especially that jam-packed summer.
Traditional Music and Dance Performances (January) - start the year off with a bang with these performances that take place throughout taverns and cultural venues - don't miss out on a chance to get immersed in the local culture.
Carnival (February) - this month is the the peak of the festivities with parades, parties, street performances and traditional music that is sure to have you shaking your groove thing and livin' la-like a local.
Spring Festivals (March) - turns out, Greeks loveeee a party - you can expect a tonne of local music, food and activities popping off all over the place to ring in the start of Spring.
Easter (April) - Easter in Kefalonia is a deeply spiritual event, as it is in all of Greece. Celebrations will include folk dances, lunch banquets with whole lambs on the spit, and the painting of eggs which are broken with friends afterwards.
Union of the Ionian Islands (May) - a festival full of music and great food held to celebrate the union of the islands with mainland Greece. Keep an eye out for the marching bands that snake through the capital.
Summer Solstice Celebrations - start Summer is style with a day of celebrations that ring in the longest day, and the toasties months! What better way to celebrate than under the Grecian sun at a beach party, or around a huge bonfire when the sun finally sets.
Agia Efimia Festival (July) - a procession, live music and dancing by the harbour accompany local market stalls in the village of Agia Efimia. Chat to the locals at this welcoming, family-friendly event.
Saristra Festival (August) - a modern Greek art and music festival taking place at the ruins of Old Vlachata, a town destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, with plenty of live bands, and DJs playing everything from Greek rock to indie to dance music.
Colour Festival (August) - the biggest beach party of the year! Find live DJs and buzzing bars at Lourdas this August. Many of the younger locals flock here for a night of dancing on the sand with colourful paints.
Saint Gerasimos Name Day Festival (August) - a religious ceremony celebrating the island’s patron saint’s name day. This festival is often considered the most important event in Kefalonia’s calendar. In fact, pilgrims from all over Greece make their way to St. Gerasimos Monastery to kiss the feet of his mummified remains for a blessing!
Where’s the best nightlife in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia is one of the more mellow Greek islands when it comes to partying - there are no wild strips open all hours, but that doesn't mean you can't still have a good time after sundown. Check out these top spots for dancing, drinking, and chatting the night away:
Captain's Bar - if you're looking for great food and cocktails, then this is the spot for you, complete with friendly staff and sports screens where you can catch the footy!
Bee’s Knees The Bar - artisanal cocktails paired with live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check out Bee’s Knees #6 - a signature drink with saffron-infused local honey!
Eden Bar - in a dreamy garden away from the hustle and bustle, this bar’s wide selection of cocktails paired with its laidback music make it a great place to unwind in the evening
Trentis Bar - with a daily happy hour (including mocktails for the kids), sunset views and screens showing sports, this one's a firm family-fave
Karma Cocktail Bar - a cosy cocktail bar overlooking Skala Beach, with a friendly atmosphere, music and TV screens where you can catch the latest games
Enigma Club - we said no wild strips, but we didn't say no clubs - this spot is the perfect place to dance the night away with DJ sets, live music and themed parties.
What's the food like in Kefalonia?
Fall in love with traditional Greek cuisine on a holiday to Kefalonia. With fresh local veg, fish, and meats complementing the Mediterranean base of wheat, olive oil, and wine - how could you go wrong? Throw on a generous amount of lemon juice, the right herbs and spices, and the Greeks might have us sold on this one... Check out a few of our fav dishes below:
Tzatziki - a staple side dish of yoghurt, cucumber, and herbs - often paired with bread, meat or veg
Moussaka - arguably Greece’s most popular dish (for good reason) - with layers of fried aubergine, potatoes, and minced meat, covered with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. It's okay. We're drooling too.
Gyros - rotisserie meat, onions, fresh salad, and sauces all lovingly wrapped in a pitta. (Tip: swap out the meat for halloumi if you fancy a veggie version!)
Dolmades - steamed vine leaves stuffed with well-seasoned rice and meat
Baklava - tiny pastries layered with crushed nuts and soaked in a sweet, honey-like syrup
Ouzo - an aniseed-flavoured liquor often taken as a shot at the end of a meal
Looking for somewhere to eat? Check out these top dining spots to try on your holiday to Kefalonia:
Alati All Day Bar & Restaurant - a modern venue right by the sea, with authentic Greek food and fresh seafood on the menu - plus plenty of free space for the kids to have a play!
Captain Nikolas - a family-run taverna with a terrace that overlooks the forest and sea, serving up staples such as pasta, meatballs, seabass and some pretty tempting desserts...
Lorraine’s Magic Hill - situated on the green slopes above Lourdas Beach, we’re big fans of this family-run restaurant, famed for its home-cooking and delicious desserts. Chat with Lorraine herself for a recommendation of which special to go for!
Flamingo - a vine-filled courtyard in the buzzing Skala resort, popular with the youngsters for the butterbean stew and top banter with the lively staff
Drosos Tavern - fish fresh off the boat is served at this affordable and lesser-known gem, but with stunning views on top of all that, there are more reasons to visit this place than just the Red Snapper!
Avil - this delish spot in Fiskardo is the best place to grab stunning seafood and gorge Greek specialities all with outdoor terrace seating overlooking the harbour - sounds like perfect jolly dining to us.
