After sharing why we chose to return to Kefalonia for a second time, I wanted to put together something a little more practical about how we actually spend our time on the island.
We don’t tend to holiday with a strict itinerary. Instead, we hire a car, choose somewhere we’d like to explore, and see where the day takes us.
It means we’ve discovered beaches we might otherwise have missed, stopped in villages simply because they looked beautiful, and found places to eat because we happened to be passing at exactly the right time.
Our Kefalonia Travel Guide: The Places We Loved
So rather than a guide to everything there is to do in Kefalonia, this is our Kefalonia. The places we’ve loved, the ones we’ve returned to, and the experiences that made us fall for the island all over again.
Where we stayed
For both visits, we’ve chosen a private villa tucked away in a peaceful village above the beach.
The views are everything. Waking up to the sea, enjoying a coffee on the terrace, and watching the sunset in the evening gives us the breathing space we so often need.
Apart from the occasional local driving along the pathway towards the beach, it’s wonderfully quiet. And although it feels secluded, we’re relatively central on the island, making it a brilliant base for exploring.
For us, that balance of privacy and adventure is what makes villa life in Kefalonia so special.
Hiring a car
For us, hiring a car in Kefalonia is essential. If you want to explore beyond the main resorts, I’d definitely recommend hiring a car.
We’ve always used CBR, located just opposite the airport, and have found them reliable and trustworthy. Collection and drop-off couldn’t be easier.
Driving is generally straightforward, but some of the roads leading to secluded beaches and mountain villages can be steep and uneven. Make sure your car has enough power for the climbs and check your insurance cover, particularly if you’re planning to venture off the main roads or take the car on a ferry.
Parking is usually manageable, although the locals have a wonderfully relaxed approach to it. Expect plenty of well-loved little cars parked wherever there’s a space!
The beaches we loved
It’s impossible to write about Kefalonia without talking about the water. Kefalonia has some of the most beautiful water we’ve ever seen, and exploring its beaches is always a highlight.
Myrtos Beach
The contrast between the brilliant white pebbles, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water is breathtaking. It’s every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest. My tip? Arrive early to beat the crowds and avoid the rather questionable parking that develops along the hillside later in the day.
Antisamos Beach
Surrounded by lush green hills, with beautiful clear water and a fantastic atmosphere, Antisamos is somewhere you could easily spend the whole day. There’s plenty of opportunity for watersports, and we particularly loved the beach bar vibe at Acron. A lovely mix of natural beauty and a little holiday luxury.
Agios Thomas Beach
If snorkelling is your thing, add this one to your list. Alongside its two small sandy coves, there’s a rocky limestone shelf with swimming pool-style ladders leading directly into the sea. It’s a brilliant spot for slipping into the clear turquoise water and exploring beneath the surface.
Kako Lagadi Beach
One for the adventurous! Tucked away between Skala and Poros, this secluded cove requires a rocky scramble down a ravine or an arrival by boat. But the reward is worth the effort. Beautiful water, sea caves, and wonderful snorkelling. Wear sensible shoes if you’re tackling the descent and check conditions before setting off.
Where we ate
Greek food is always going to deserve its own mention. Some meals were planned, others were little tavernas we stumbled across while exploring, and then there are the meals that will be ones we. One of the joys of returning to Kefalonia was revisiting our favourite restaurants and discovering a few new ones. And we certainly ate well!
Avithos Preview
A favourite from our first visit, perched above the beach with incredible seafood and beautiful sea views. And, of course, my favourite rosé from the local Sarris winery. We couldn’t wait to return.
Ammos
Another favourite we were excited to revisit. A beach bar with a slightly more upmarket feel, a fantastic atmosphere, and something a little different from the traditional Greek taverna. Spend the day on the beach and walk over the road to the restaurant.
Anemos
The restaurant we visited three times! Incredible sunset views, wonderful service, and food we couldn’t get enough of. George loved the burger, we loved the tomahawk steak, and the orange pie was unforgettable.
Derek’s Restaurant
Overlooking Trapezaki Beach, this became another regular stop. Relaxed, welcoming, and consistently delicious food. Sometimes that’s all you need. A great place to stop after a morning spent snorkelling.
Islazul
Just below our villa on Koroni Beach, serving the most delicious Caribbean tacos. Simple beachside food in a beautiful setting. What’s not to love?
Our favourite experiences
If I had to pick out the moments that really shaped this trip, they would probably be:
Watching the sunrise and sunset from our villa terrace, enjoying long, lazy lunches together, and having nowhere in particular we needed to be. But we also love a little adventure. Renting a boat and discovering hidden beach coves, packing up the car to explore somewhere off the beaten track, and stumbling across beach bars we might otherwise have missed.
They’re the things we’d recommend to anyone visiting Kefalonia, but they’re also the moments we’ll remember when we think back to this particular family holiday.
Why We’d Go Back Again
I think the fact that we’ve visited Kefalonia twice says everything. It’s an island that gives us the freedom to holiday exactly how we want to. Some days we’re exploring from morning until evening, while others are spent doing very little at all. And as George gets older, these family holidays feel even more special.
There are still beaches we haven’t discovered, restaurants we’d love to try, and places we’d happily return to for a third time. And that’s the lovely thing about Kefalonia.
Our Kefalonia Travel Guide: The Places We Loved
Planning your first visit? You can read all about why we returned to the island for a second time in this post.
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
