What is Kefalonia like?
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands. It has turquoise beaches under cliffs, caves with underground lakes, colourful Venetian-style villages and a national park on Mount Ainos, the highest peak in the Ionian islands (about 1,600 m). It is a big, varied island that suits a week-long road trip.
When is the best time to visit Kefalonia?
May–June and September–October: warm, less crowded and better value. July and August are peak season.
How to get to Kefalonia
By air: Kefalonia International Airport is about 8 km from Argostoli, the capital, with domestic flights from Athens (about an hour) and seasonal flights from Europe. We found no direct Tel Aviv–Kefalonia flight confirmed for 2026 on airline or airport websites. You can fly to Athens and continue by domestic flight or ferry. Check current fares from Tel Aviv on Yavanet's flights page, updated every morning. Seasonal summer routes sometimes open, so check close to your dates.
By ferry: according to Ferryhopper, ferries sail from Kyllini in the Peloponnese to Poros on Kefalonia (about 1.5 hours) and from Patras to Sami (about 3 hours). There are also links to Ithaca and Zakynthos.
Top things to do in Kefalonia
- Melissani Cave: an underground lake lit blue by the sun, explored by small boat.
- Drogarati Cave: an impressive stalactite cave near Sami.
- The view of Myrtos beach from the road above, one of Greece's most photographed scenes.
- Assos: pastel houses below the ruins of a Venetian castle.
- Fiskardo: a picturesque harbour village in the north with waterfront restaurants.
- Argostoli: the promenade, the shopping street and, sometimes, sea turtles by the fishermen's quay.
- Mount Ainos National Park and its Kefalonian fir forest.
- Robola wineries in the Omala valley.
- A day trip to neighbouring Ithaca.
- Lixouri and the Paliki peninsula: the quiet side of the bay, with red-sand beaches such as Xi.
Best beaches in Kefalonia
- Myrtos: white pebbles beneath cliffs. Check beforehand that access is open, as the road has been temporarily closed by damage in the past.
- Antisamos: near Sami, clear water and green scenery.
- Xi: reddish sand and shallow water, good for kids.
- Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos: close to Argostoli, sand and facilities.
- Skala: a long beach in the southeast.
- Emblisi and Fteri: small coves in the north.
Where to stay in Kefalonia
Argostoli: a lively capital close to the airport and southern beaches.
Lassi area: near the beaches and town, good for families.
Sami and Agia Efimia: central, close to the caves and Antisamos.
Fiskardo and Assos: more romantic and quiet, but far from the airport.
Skala: a resort with a long beach.
Do you need a car in Kefalonia?
Yes. Kefalonia is large, mountains separate its regions and public transport is limited. A car lets you reach the caves, beaches and villages. Roads are winding, so allow plenty of driving time. Before you rent, read our guide to renting a car in Greece.
What to eat in Kefalonia
Kefalonian meat pie (kreatopita), cod pie, mandoles (caramelised almonds) and white Robola wine from the slopes of Mount Ainos.
Shabbat & kosher in Kefalonia
We have not verified a Chabad house, active synagogue or kosher restaurant in Kefalonia. Our Shabbat times & kosher in Greece page lists candle-lighting times and the kosher places we have verified around Greece. You can order kosher groceries and meals in advance from Chabad's e-kosher.gr, which delivers across Greece, including the islands. Order a few days before you arrive, especially ahead of Shabbat.
