Kefalonia is famous for its beauty, a resplendent tapestry of rugged mountains, verdant landscapes, and multicoloured waters. As the largest Ionian Island, its storied past is etched in Roman and Mycenaean tombs, Byzantine churches and Venetian castles, bearing silent testimony to millennia of diverse cultural influences.

Culturally, Kefalonia harmoniously blends traditional and contemporary lifestyles. The island’s pretty seaside and mountain villages thrum with local customs and festivities, often revolving around music, art and wine, while its bustling capital, Argostoli, teems with vibrant cafes and shops.

Kefalonian gastronomy is a feast for the senses. Visit its wineries to savour robust Robola wines, follow the local’s lead and eat at traditional taverns to taste succulent meat pies, hand-picked garden vegetables and freshly caught fish, and try modern gourmet restaurants that seamlessly blend the island’s traditional cooking with high-end culinary concepts.

One of Kefalonia’s greatest attributes is its boldly chromatic natural canvas, which widely ranges from the ethereal allure of the Melissani Cave and the surrendering beauty of its many beaches to the scenic, verdant slopes of Mount Ainos, its sprawling vineyards and rare geological formations. Its diverse wildlife is fascinating too, especially with the presence on Argostoli’s shores of the endangered Carreta Carreta loggerhead turtle.

With a multitude of cultural attractions, including striking archaeological sites, majestic monasteries and churches and impressive architectural constructions, there is much to discover in Kefalonia. Ideally, explore it by car or boat, and be sure to visit its scenic villages like Assos and Fiskardo. The choice of accommodations too, is more than pleasing; stay in a restored mansion, resort, boutique hotel or retreat and savour genuine hospitality that includes plush modern comforts like pools, spas and sweeping views as well as excellent cuisine and services.

Your Guide to Kefalonia