Kefalonia
Your holiday destination
Travel Destination from Linz Airport
Kefalonia, the largest of the seven islands in the Ionian Sea, is often less known compared to its neighbouring islands Corfu and Zakynthos. However, it stands out with its stunning beaches, hidden coves and charming villages. The island is sparsely populated, but it offers a rich holiday experience.
Holiday on Kefalonia
Relax away from the tourist crowds
Few Greek islands are as diverse as Kefalonia. In the south, you'll find beautiful beaches, while the north is more mountainous with spectacular scenery. In the interior, Mount Ainos rises with its unique fir forest.
The countless sandy beaches are perfect for a beach holiday, but the island is also ideal for exploration and discovery.
A must-visit is the village of Assos, located in a picturesque bay. The colorful houses and crystal-clear waters are a striking sight from afar. Besides visiting the fortress, take time to enjoy the atmosphere of the island’s most beautiful village at a café by the water.
The fishing village of Fiskardo is also set around a bay and was one of the few areas spared from the 1953 earthquake. Many old buildings still stand here, and the village has even been used as a film set by Hollywood.
When it comes to the most beautiful beaches of the island, it’s difficult to choose, as there are stunning beaches all around the coast, each unique in its own way. There are wide sandy beaches with good infrastructure, as well as natural coves that are only accessible after a short walk. Among the most famous beaches is Xi Beach, where the orange sand forms a striking contrast to the light green water. Petani Beach, located in the north of the Paliki Peninsula, is considered by many locals to be the most beautiful beach on the island. Myrtos Beach is best known and the most photographed beach. The beach near Skala is also noteworthy as one of the main tourist hubs. At the beaches of Kaminia and Potamakia in the south, the Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand during the summer.
The fir forest on the summit of Mount Ainos (1,628 m) is under nature protection. Various hiking routes lead to the summit, and with a bit of luck, you may even encounter wild horses.
Local wines, such as Robola Kefallinias, and the hard cheese Kefalotyri attract food enthusiasts. For those with a sweet tooth, Pastokidono or Mandoles are a must-try.
Popular sights
- Melissani Lake: An underground lake surrounded by a limestone cave. You can take a guided boat tour through the cave. The best time to visit is at 12 noon when the sun's rays illuminate the water, making it appear in an almost otherworldly turquoise hue.
- Ithaca: The home island of Odysseus, easily accessible by ferry from the port town of Sami.
- Drogarati Cave: Impressive stalagmites and stalactites; concerts are also held here due to its excellent acoustics.
- Argostoli: The island’s capital, with picturesque streets, small shops, and fruit and vegetable stalls. You can also watch the famous sea turtles (Caretta) in the harbor.
- Myrtos Beach: The most famous beach on the island, 600 meters long, known for its white pebbles and the changing colors of the water, ranging from deep blue to turquoise to milky blue, making it one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.
Ideal Travel Time
The best time to visit is from May to October. Especially in July and August, there is little rainfall, with average temperatures of 32°C and water temperatures around 24°C. September offers ideal hiking weather, and you'll encounter fewer tourists.
From Linz Airport to Kefalonia
Package deals to Kefalonia can be found here.
Flights in detail