The Ionian islands are the definition of postcard-perfect, and it’s not hard to see why they’re such a popular holiday destination. There are seven main islands to choose from, but seeing as you’re here, it’s safe to say you’ve made your choice. And a good one, too, may we add. The largest of them all, Kefalonia is a true gem. You’ll find sparkling blue bays, hidden coves and colourful fishing villages along its coast. Away from the sea, the island’s interiors are covered in lush vegetation, rugged mountainous terrain and bucolic countryside.

With so many options, it's not easy to decide where to stay in Kefalonia, but luckily our travel experts at Plum Guide are here to help. We know the island pretty well and have compiled our top picks in this handy guide. Read on to discover the best towns and villages on the islands.

Explore our exclusive collection of villas in Kefalonia.

Located on the southeastern tip of Kefalonia, the resort town of Skala is a good choice for first-timers. It’s one of the most popular destinations on the island, best for holiday-makers who want access to excellent amenities, lively nightlife and sandy beaches. You’ll find plenty of beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas and free areas where you can set down your towel for the day. When you get tired of swimming and sunbathing, try the range of watersports on offer, or hire a boat and sail the breathtaking coastline. Skala Beach can get very busy during the summer months, so if you’re looking for something quieter, the nearby Kaminia Beach provides a tranquil escape from Skala’s crowds.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Kefalonia for peace and quiet? Svoronata fits the bill. Just a short drive from the airport, you can be out of the plane and into your accommodation in no time. A largely agricultural area, Svoronata is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards (and yes, there are a couple of wineries you can visit in the area). Although it's slightly inland, it's still near attractive beaches like Ammes, Ai-Helis and Avithos. Apart from lazy beach days and walks through the Mediterranean countryside, there’s not a whole lot to do here – but for some (us included), that’s the perfect holiday.

Argostoli is the largest town and Kefalonia’s capital. It’s not one of the main tourist areas, but it's still a great place to stay if you’re interested in local life and culture. Stroll down Lithostroto, the main pedestrian street with bars, shops and restaurants. There are also a couple of public squares which are the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere – Campana Square is home to a bell tower which you can climb for amazing views, while Platia Vallianou is full of bars and coffee shops, and is often used as a space for events and markets. Argostoli has a few museums worth visiting, including the Archaeological Museum, the Korgialenio Historic & Cultural Museum and the Focas Cosmetatos Museum. Venturing out to the Saint Theodore Lighthouse is also a fun thing to do on sunny afternoons.

Just a short drive from Argostoli is Lassi, one of the oldest resorts on the island. It’s the best destination for those who want a beach holiday where you can enjoy the comforts of a large town but with the peace and quiet of a small village. There are a few attractions here, including the church of St. Gerasimos and the cave of St. Gerasimos, which are worth spending a couple of hours visiting. However, most of your time will be spent on the golden beaches, sunbathing and swimming to your heart’s content – our favourites are the neighbouring beaches of Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos, laid-back spots backed by green cliffs. Thanks to its position on the west coast, you can stay until evening to catch some of the island’s finest sunsets.

Lying across the bay from Argostoli, the town of Lixouri is a popular resort for those seeking a more authentic vibe. Stroll down the promenade and you’ll see locals out and about with their families and colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down in the sea. Lixouri is full of traditional tavernas, shops and bars playing live music, particularly in the main square of Plateia Petritsi. When you’re not exploring the town centre, head to the various beaches such as Lepeda, Mega Lakos and Xi Beach. The latter is one of the most iconic spots on the whole island, known for its unique red sands and white cliffs.

Just a thirty-minute drive from the airport, the seaside town of Lourdas (or Lourdata) is home to one of the longest beaches on the south coast. At 1.5 kilometres long, it ticks all the boxes for the ideal beach day. Spend hours on end riding the waves with various watersports, and when you get hungry, choose from the numerous tavernas and beach bars. While Lourdas is a fantastic place for a beach holiday, keep in mind that it doesn’t offer a lot of tourist attractions. This is part of its appeal, as you get to experience an authentic Greek town.

On the east coast of Kefalonia is Agia Efimia, a delightful fishing village curved around a bay. While there is plenty of tourist infrastructure, the village has maintained its traditional charm, with many tavernas and bakeries serving up local delicacies like the famed Kefalonia meat pie. Aside from getting into a food coma, one of the best things to do here is to get out onto the water. You’ll find several companies along the bay where you can rent a sailboat or join a cruise tour for the day – the view looking back towards Agia Efimia is sensational. If you’re interested in ancient ruins, it’s worth trekking up into the mountains to the Monastery of Themata. Dating back to the 11th century, the monastery is still used for celebrations today – if you’re here during Easter or in August, you may catch an event. Agia Efimia is a good option if you're after somewhere to stay in Kefalonia tucked away from the crowds.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kefalonia for a romantic getaway, we recommend making a beeline for Assos. Built along a horseshoe-shaped peninsula on the island’s west coast, this picturesque village is right out of a postcard. Stroll hand-in-hand along the winding streets, admiring the pastel-hued Venetian houses. Continue uphill towards the village’s main attraction, its grand 15th-century castle. Once used as a defence against pirates and invaders, this Venetian fortification boasts incredible views of the island – it also makes a good proposal spot if you have that in mind. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach, a curve of soft white sand and a welcome respite from the crowded beaches of the more touristy resorts.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, head southeast to Poros. This fishing village was a bustling tourist town in the 1980s and 90s, but tourist numbers have since dropped with the development of resorts like Skala. Nevertheless, it remains a great choice for couples and families searching for a peaceful place to relax. You’ll find all you need in town, especially along the waterfront, which has a good selection of shops and alfresco restaurants. Poros is suitable for nature lovers, with spectacular beaches like Aragia and Koutsoupia, as well as natural beauty spots like the Poros Gorge, which is home to the Drakaina Cave. For breathtaking panoramas, climb up to Atros Monastery – it sits 760 metres above the bay, so the views are fantastic.

At the other end of the bay from Agia Efimia is Sami, a pretty village and the second-largest port on the island. It makes a good base if you’re planning on doing some island hopping, with ferry links to neighbouring isles like Ithaca and mainland Greece. Even if you don’t have your own boat, you can easily hire one from the marina. After a long day of sailing, the cocktail bars and restaurants along the waterfront provide a scenic spot for a sundowner. Sami is also home to a handful of attractions which make for fun day trips, from the turquoise lake in Melissani Cave to the 18th-century Agrilia Monastery and the ruins of the Roman Baths.

Located on the northern tip of the island, Fiskardo is one of Kefalonia’s best-preserved towns following the earthquake in 1953. Many of its grand Venetian buildings are still standing today, looking out majestically over the water – it’s no surprise that Fiskardo attracts an affluent crowd, with many luxury motorboats and sleek yachts moored in the town’s quaint harbour. Despite this, Fiskardo has a relaxed atmosphere, with many casual seafood restaurants along the waterfront. One of the most beautiful beaches in the area is Foki Beach, a small curve of crystal-clear waters just a five-minute drive from Fiskardo. There’s not a sunlounger in sight, but that’s made up for by the lush cypress trees surrounding the beach.

Thinking of taking a trip to Kefalonia? Unlike other platforms, Plum Guide carefully selects and vets every home in our collection, allowing you to book with confidence.

Explore our exclusive collection of hand-picked accommodations in Kefalonia.