Why Honeymoon in Kefalonia
The natural beauty sets Kefalonia apart. Myrtos, Antisamos and Petani are pebble and sand beaches below cliffs and green hills, with water in shades from pale aqua to deep blue. Inland, Mount Ainos is a national park with its own species of fir tree. Two caves near Sami, Melissani and Drogarati, add something you do not get on most Greek islands.
It is also calm. Kefalonia has resorts, but its towns never feel crowded the way Santorini does. Much of the island stays quiet even in August. It suits couples who enjoy long drives, hiking, swimming and good local food rather than nightlife.
The Ionian Islands also feel different from the Aegean. They were ruled by Venice for centuries, so the architecture, food and music show Italian influence. The landscape is greener, with cypress trees and olive groves running down to the sea.
When to Go
June and September are the best months for most couples. The sea is warm and the island is green, while crowds and prices are lower than in July and August. Late May and early October also work well for a quieter trip, though the sea is cooler.
The Ionian side of Greece is generally less windy in summer than the Cyclades, which makes boat trips and swimming more comfortable. It is also wetter in winter, which is why the islands are so green. From November to March, rain is common and many hotels close.
July and August are hot and busy, especially with Italian and other European visitors in August. Book ahead and expect full beaches at Myrtos and Antisamos by midday. In summer, loggerhead sea turtles nest on some southern beaches. You can often see them in Argostoli harbor near the fish market.
Where to Stay
Because the island is large, choose a base or two that matches your plans.
- Fiskardo: the prettiest harbor village in the north, with Venetian-era houses that survived the 1953 earthquake, yachts, restaurants and boutique stays. It is also the closest port for Ithaca and Lefkada.
- Assos: a tiny village on an isthmus below a Venetian castle, very romantic and quiet, with a few rooms and tavernas.
- Agia Efimia and Sami: on the east coast, central for Myrtos, Antisamos and the caves, with ferries to Ithaca.
- Argostoli and Lassi: the capital and nearby beach area, best for restaurants and short airport transfers.
- Skala and the south: sandy beaches and more resort hotels.
Look for villas or small hotels with sea views and pools, since many of the best stays are outside towns. A car is essential for most of them.
Romantic Things to Do
Drive the coast road north from Argostoli and stop at the viewpoint above Myrtos Beach. Then go down to swim, but watch the waves. The beach shelves steeply and can have a strong shore break.
Visit Melissani Cave near Sami. A boatman rows you across an underground lake where sunlight through the collapsed roof turns the water bright blue. Midday is best for the light. Nearby, Drogarati Cave has large stalactite chambers.
Walk around Assos at sunset and climb to the castle walls for views. Have dinner by the water in Fiskardo on another evening.
Rent a small boat with no license required, or join a cruise, to explore coves along the north and east coasts. Take the ferry to Ithaca for a day of quiet harbors like Vathy and Kioni.
Hike in Mount Ainos National Park on cool trails through the fir forest, with views over the island.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Athens (ATH) and take a domestic flight to Kefalonia (EFL), which takes under an hour. In summer, there are also many direct flights from European cities, so connecting through London or another hub can be easy.
Ferries connect Kefalonia with the mainland port of Kyllini, about four hours from Athens by car. Others link it with Ithaca, Lefkada and Zakynthos. Schedules are seasonal, so check before you plan an island hop.
Rent a car for your stay. The island's main roads are paved and generally good, but mountain roads are narrow and winding with steep drops. Allow more time than the map suggests, especially to reach Fiskardo or Assos. Taxis are available but expensive for long distances. Buses run between main towns, but they are infrequent.
In Fiskardo and Assos, parking is limited in summer. Use the lots at the edge of the village and walk in.
Food and Drink
Kefalonian food has its own character. Try kreatopita, a meat pie with rice and spices. Also try aliada, a garlicky potato dip often served with salt cod. Local feta and graviera are good, as is thyme honey from the mountains.
The island is known for Robola, a crisp white wine grown in the Omala valley below Mount Ainos. Wineries and the local cooperative offer tastings. Mavrodaphne, a sweet red, is also made here.
For dinner, harbor tavernas in Fiskardo and Agia Efimia serve fresh fish. Look for simple village places inland for grilled meats. Many restaurants have tables right on the water.
Mandoles, red caramelized almonds, plus pasteli, a sesame and honey bar, make good gifts. Breakfast often includes fresh pastries and Greek yogurt with local honey. Coffee culture is Italian influenced. The espresso is excellent.
Honeymoon Tips
Driving is the main challenge. Roads are winding, with goats, buses and tourists in rental cars. Take it slowly, avoid driving after drinking wine and do not rely on GPS for shortcuts on unpaved tracks.
Myrtos and some west coast beaches can have strong waves and currents. Swim only when conditions are calm and stay close to shore if you are not strong swimmers.
Wear water shoes on pebble beaches and bring snorkel gear, since the water is very clear.
Kefalonia is less expensive than the Cyclades for food and many villas, although luxury options are limited compared with Santorini or Mykonos. Book ahead in July and August.
The island is in an earthquake zone, as the 1953 disaster showed. Learn the hotel's safety guidance on arrival. It is rarely a concern for visitors, but it is wise to know.
