Kefalonia delivers whichever picture of Greece you have in your head. This largest island in the Ionian Sea is known for its spectacular beaches, serene harbour towns, and bucolic countryside dotted with olive groves.
Stay in cosmopolitan Fiskardo on the northern tip of the island to soak up local culture around its beautiful natural bay. Or opt for a quiet retreat like Emelisse Nature Resort, with its beachy blues and whites and textured rope and rattan accents.
1. Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa
Located in the picturesque western side of Kefalonia, in Lixouri, Apollonion Asterias Resort and Spa is the perfect place for those seeking a beach/seaside, family, luxury, romance/honeymoon, countryside or nature/wildlife vacation. It has been operating since May 2010 and offers exceptional service to its guests. The hotel offers Greek and Mediterranean dishes in the restaurant, while cocktails are served at the pool bar overlooking the sea. The Health & Spa centre is a great place to relax with a selection of massages and beauty treatments, and well-organized banqueting and conference facilities are available.
The rooms at the hotel are fully equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. They are air conditioned and come with mini bars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. They are also furnished with refrigerators, coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. The en suite bathrooms have toiletries and showers. The staff at the hotel are always on hand to help you with any requests or questions that you might have during your stay, and they can assist with booking tours and activities.
This 5-star property features lagoon pools, lush gardens and family-friendly facilities, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to have a fun and relaxing holiday. The resort is within easy reach of Xi Beach and Megas Lakkos Beach, and it is a short drive from Petani Beach and Makris Yalos Beach.
The onsite spa is an excellent place to relax and unwind, and it has a sauna and steam bath, as well as a range of beauty and wellness treatments. There is also a gym, which is perfect for those who want to keep fit while on vacation.
A variety of dining options are available close to the hotel, including a restaurant and a coffee shop. The hotel also has a number of bars and is in an ideal location for those who enjoy shopping.
Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa is less than a 30-minute drive from Kefalonia International Airport. It is also a short drive from the famous Skala Beach and Argostoli City Centre.
2. Almyra Hotel
The Almyra is a chic and cosmopolitan hotel with an emphasis on relaxation. It’s the sort of place where you can leave your cares behind and just soak up all that perfect Mediterranean sunshine, and it’s also a great option for families who want a touch of luxury and a great location.
It’s a short drive from Paphos airport and, once you get to the resort, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice for holidaymakers of all ages. The rooms are designed with an elegant modern style, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies to enjoy the views. You can choose a standard room or upgrade to a superior sea view room for that extra special touch.
There’s plenty to do at the Almyra, with four restaurants, a bar and a spa. At Notios, the hotel’s signature restaurant, you can dine al fresco with a uniquely Mediterranean take on omakase (a series of tasting courses chosen by the chef). Mosaics serves buffet and a la carte options across a range of cuisines, while the seafront Ouzeri is a tasty Greek spot.
You can also relax in the hotel’s pool, with three outdoor and one indoor pools to choose from. And when it’s time for a little rest and recuperation, the hotel spa is just the thing to help you recharge. With an abundance of rejuvenating treatments and a beautiful, natural setting, you’ll feel like you’ve left your worries at home.
The Almyra hotel is a great choice for families too, with interconnecting room options available and kids clubs based on age-tailored programs. Plus, there’s a dedicated children’s swimming pool and the Notorios restaurant offers kid-friendly menus and film nights. And for more family fun, you can take a short walk to the nearby Annabelle hotel for dinner and other amenities.
It’s easy to explore the UNESCO heritage sights of Paphos from the Almyra Hotel, and it’s within walking distance of many cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. The beach is also close by, so you can spend sultry afternoons snoozing in the sun and dipping into the warm turquoise waters.
3. Emelisse Nature Resort
If you’re looking for a luxurious, five-star experience while on Kefalonia, Emelisse Nature Resort is a great option. This hotel is situated along the shoreline in Lixouri, a serene area that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the island’s traditional culture and scenery. It’s also within close proximity to a variety of beaches, including Xi Beach and Petani Beach. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s excellent dining options.
The hotel’s 66 air-conditioned accommodations are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and DVD players. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. Bathrooms include rainfall showerheads, slippers, designer toiletries, and bathrobes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels. Additionally, rooms include minibars and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers are also available. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
Guests can enjoy the property’s full-service spa, 2 outdoor pools, and outdoor tennis courts. There are also 2 restaurants on site, along with a snack bar/deli. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel’s bars, which include 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A complimentary manager’s reception is offered daily. This luxury resort also offers a business center, complimentary WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms.
There are several ways to get around Kefalonia, but a rental car is the best option for exploring the island. It allows you to go at your own pace and see more of the beautiful scenery that makes this island so unique. There are many great car rentals in the region, including Enterprise and Avis.
If you’d like to explore the city, Argostoli is just a short drive away. The capital of the island features a busy port, endearing streets, and lovely cafes. It’s also a good place to shop for locally made products and souvenirs.
If you’re planning to visit the island during peak season, book your stay well in advance. Especially in the summer months, hotels and apartments tend to fill up quickly. Luckily, booking online can help you avoid disappointment.
4. Angel Apartment
Spectacular beaches, captivating villages and mythological ruins are just the beginning of Cephalonia’s allure. Pristine coves and turquoise seas beckon swimmers and sunbathers to explore emerald shores while the capital, Argostoli, is a lively hub that’s home to many of the island’s best restaurants.
Secluded villas, boutique hotels and luxury resorts tucked away in lush countryside offer an escape from it all. Many of the best hotels in Kefalonia also feature breathtaking views.
The upper-middle-range White Rocks Hotel & Bungalows combines modern, minimalist design with a beautiful setting that offers access to both a private rocky beach and sandy cove. Rooms and suites feature furnished balconies that overlook the sparkling sea and secluded gardens filled with olive trees. The hotel’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a gorgeous open-air setting, complete with a pool and firepit.
This charming property is a short walk from Port Fiskardo and 24 miles from Cave Melissani. It features 3 bedrooms, an equipped kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property. Its air-conditioned apartments offer a dishwasher, a flat-screen TV and a shower. They are also fitted with a washing machine, a refrigerator and a coffee maker.
Occupying a 19th-century stone building with wooden shutters, this hotel is a peaceful retreat in southern Cephalonia. The five suites are tucked into a secluded spot within walking distance of the coast and village, but you’ll feel far removed from the buzz of bars and restaurants once inside the tranquil rooms. The rooms are simply decorated with white furniture and a balcony that runs the length of each room, offering sweeping views of the countryside.
The rooms at this 4-star hotel are equipped with a mini bar, a fridge and a stovetop. They each have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a hair dryer, and they are all air-conditioned.
Angel Apartment is a 10-minute drive from Emplisi Beach and less than a 20-minute stroll from Venetian Lighthouse of Fiskardo. Kimilia Beach is also within walking distance. For those wanting to discover the surrounding area, Lord Falcon and Greco are both an easy drive from the property.