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Best Hotels in Kefalonia

Greece › Kefalonia Best Hotels
Updated: September 3, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

Best Hotels in Kefalonia: Quick Picks

Hotel pool surrounded by lush tropical greenery

The adults-only F Zeen Kefalonia is one of my favorite hotels for couples, a 5-minute walk from Lourdas Beach.

See Also
• Best Beaches in Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, with mountains, caves, small villages, and some excellent beaches. It’s also much bigger than many first-time visitors expect. Driving from Skala in the southeast to Fiskardo in the north takes close to two hours, so where you stay makes a real difference.

For most visitors, the main choices are:

  • Fiskardo and the North: The prettiest and most expensive part of Kefalonia. Fiskardo escaped much of the destruction of the 1953 earthquake and still has its colorful Venetian-style buildings. Best for couples, good restaurants, boat trips, and a quieter upscale stay.
  • Argostoli and Lassi: The most convenient area for a first visit. Argostoli has the island’s best selection of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Lassi is a few minutes away and has sandy beaches and resort hotels.
  • Sami and the East: A good base for Melissani Cave, Antisamos Beach, Ithaca ferries, and exploring central Kefalonia.
  • Skala and the Southeast: A relaxed beach resort with a long beach, plenty of restaurants, and a good choice of hotels. It’s farther from Fiskardo, Myrtos, and the north.
Overhead view of a long beach set next to a steep green mountain

Myrtos Beach

Kefalonia is the setting for Louis de Bernières’ novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and much of the 2001 film was shot around Sami and Antisamos Beach. The island gets busy in July and August, but its size means crowds are more spread out than on Santorini or Zakynthos.

Getting To and Around Kefalonia

  • By Plane: Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) is about 15 minutes south of Argostoli. There are flights from Athens and many seasonal international flights during the tourist season.
  • By Ferry from the Mainland: There are no ferries from Athens or Piraeus to Kefalonia. The main route is Kyllini to Poros, a 1-hour 30-minute crossing to southeastern Kefalonia. There is also a Patras to Sami ferry. If you’re coming from Athens, flying is much easier than taking a bus or driving to a mainland ferry port.
  • Island Hopping: Sami has ferries to Pisaetos on Ithaca. Seasonal ferries also operate between Kefalonia and Zakynthos and between northern Kefalonia and Lefkada. These smaller routes can change from year to year, so check the current schedule before building an itinerary around them.
  • Do I need a car? For most visitors, yes. Kefalonia is large and mountainous, and many of its best beaches, villages, and viewpoints are awkward to reach by bus. If you’re staying only in Argostoli or Lassi and don’t plan to explore much, you can manage without one. Otherwise, I recommend renting a car, ideally at the airport.

The Best Places to Stay on Kefalonia

People lounge on a sandy beach, with a white hotel perched above.

White Rocks Hotel sits above Platis Gialos Beach and has direct access to its own small beach.

Best Places on Kefalonia for…

  • Where to Stay on Kefalonia for First-Timers: Argostoli
    Argostoli is the easiest base for a first visit. It has Kefalonia’s best selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightlife, and it’s much more active in the evening than the island’s beach resorts. Vallianos Square and pedestrian Lithostroto Street are at the center of town, while the waterfront is good for walking and watching for loggerhead turtles in Koutavos Lagoon.

    Argostoli is also Kefalonia’s bus hub and only a short drive from the sandy beaches of Lassi. The main disadvantage is that there’s no good swimming beach in town itself.

    • Long stone bridge over the sea.

    The 689-meter De Bosset Bridge crosses Koutavos Lagoon and is one of my favorite walks in Argostoli.

  • Where to Stay on Kefalonia for Water Sports: Lassi
    Makris Gialos is one of Kefalonia’s best-organized beaches, with water skiing, jet skis, towable rides, paddleboards, pedal boats, and other water sports during the summer season.
  • Where to Stay on Kefalonia for Couples or Honeymooners: Fiskardo
    Fiskardo is my favorite base for couples. It’s small, attractive, and easy to explore on foot, with waterfront tavernas, boat rentals, and small swimming coves nearby. Stay at Emelisse Nature Resort for a full resort or FiscardoStudios to be right in the village.
    • Boats moored along a harbor promenade lined with restaurants.

    Fiskardo’s harbor is lined with restaurants and cafes, with fishing boats and yachts moored alongside.

  • Where to Stay on Kefalonia for Families: Lassi or Skala
    Lassi is best for families who want sandy beaches and easy access to Argostoli and the airport. Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos are the main beaches. Skala is better if you want a self-contained beach resort with a very long beach and plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
  • Where to Stay on Kefalonia without a Car: Argostoli
    Argostoli is the easiest place to stay without a rental car. Restaurants, shops, nightlife, taxis, and the main bus station are all in town, and Lassi’s beaches are only a short taxi ride away. You can see some of Kefalonia by bus, but a car is still much better for Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, Petani, and the inland villages.
Pedestrians walk along a palm-lined seafront promenade with wavy pebble mosaic design.

Argostoli’s waterfront has plenty of tavernas and cafes. Vallianos Square and pedestrian Lithostroto Street are one block inland.

The 6 Best Towns in Kefalonia for Tourists

1. Argostoli

Diners eat under umbrellas alongside the seafront.
Best for first-time visitors, restaurants, nightlife, and travelers without a car. Argostoli is Kefalonia’s capital and largest town. Most of the center is walkable, with restaurants and cafes along the waterfront and around Vallianos Square, plus shops on pedestrian Lithostroto Street. The Korgialenio History and Folklore Museum is worth a visit. The Archaeological Museum of Argostoli remains closed while it is being rebuilt.

The waterfront follows Koutavos Lagoon, where loggerhead turtles are regularly seen around the fishing boats. The 689-meter De Bosset Bridge crosses the lagoon and makes a good walk, especially early or late in the day. Argostoli has no proper town beach, but Lassi is only a few minutes away.

2. Fiskardo

Cobbled central square in the Greek town of Fiskardo.
Best for couples, a romantic stay, and a walkable village. Fiskardo is Kefalonia’s prettiest resort town, with colorful buildings wrapped around a small yacht harbor. Restaurants and cafes line the waterfront, and several small beaches and swimming coves are within walking distance or a short drive.

It’s also one of the most expensive places to stay on Kefalonia and a long drive from the airport, Argostoli, and southern beaches. I wouldn’t choose Fiskardo if your main goal is touring the entire island, but it’s excellent for two or three relaxed days in the north.

3. Lassi

Rocky cove covered in pine trees and sheltering a golden sandy beach
Best for beaches, families, and easy access to Argostoli. Lassi is Kefalonia’s most convenient beach-resort area. Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos have sand, clear water, sun beds, and water sports, while the main road has plenty of tavernas, bars, and mini markets.

Argostoli is only about a 5 to 10-minute drive away, and the airport is also close. Lassi doesn’t have much traditional village atmosphere, but it’s one of the easiest places to stay if you want good beaches without giving up access to restaurants and services.

4. Lourdata

A man walks along a long, clean beach
Best for couples looking for a quiet beach stay. Lourdata, also called Lourdas, sits below Mount Ainos on Kefalonia’s south coast. Lourdas Beach is long and has tavernas and beach bars along the waterfront. More restaurants and shops are uphill in Lourdata and neighboring Vlachata.

The steep hillside is the main drawback. Unless you’re staying right by the water, walking back from the beach can be a workout. A rental car is useful here.

5. Sami

Two people dine at a cafe table under a pine tree on a sandy beach
Best for sightseeing, caves, Ithaca ferries, and exploring eastern Kefalonia. Sami is a small port town with waterfront tavernas and one of the island’s most practical locations. Melissani Lake is about 5 minutes away by car, Drogarati Cave about 10 minutes, and Antisamos Beach about 15 minutes.

The Archaeological Collection of Sami is small but good, with finds from ancient Sami and Fiskardo. Ferries from Sami also make Ithaca an easy day trip.

Sami’s town beach is not a reason to stay here, but its central location makes it one of Kefalonia’s best bases if sightseeing is more important than resort atmosphere.

6. Skala

Rows of sun beds with thatched umbrellas on a beach
Best for a traditional beach-resort vacation. Skala has one of Kefalonia’s longest beaches and a compact resort center with restaurants, cafes, bars, mini markets, and hotels. It’s easy to spend several days here without driving much.

The tradeoff is location. Skala is on the southeastern end of Kefalonia, so Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, and the north are long drives. It’s best for visitors who primarily want the beach rather than a central sightseeing base.

Palm tree-flanked entrance of a beach bar landscaped with tropical plants.

We love the laid-back atmosphere and cocktails at Ammos Beach Bar in Skala.

12 Best Hotels in Kefalonia

1. Emelisse Nature Resort – Fiskardo

View across a hotel infinity edge pool to the blue sea on a sunny day.
My favorite hotel in Kefalonia. Emelisse sits above Emblisi Bay just outside Fiskardo, with sea views toward Ithaca and Lefkada. Rooms range from doubles to multi-bedroom suites and villas, including new 3 and 4-bedroom villas with private pools.

There are two outdoor pools, a spa, gym, tennis and squash courts, restaurants and bars, and a rock platform for swimming in the sea. The resort runs a shuttle into Fiskardo, and Emblisi Beach is about a 5-minute walk away. Excellent choice for couples, families, and anyone who wants to stay in the north without being directly in the busy harbor.

2. Thalassa Boutique Hotel (adults-only) – Lassi

Private swimming pool with floating sun beds, shared by two suites at a modern hotel
Very good adults-only boutique hotel in Lassi, with sea views, two pools, gardens, a restaurant, and cocktail bar. Rooms and suites are spread among several low-rise buildings, and newer swim-up rooms share a pool.

The location is a big advantage: Makris Gialos is about a 10-minute walk, Argostoli is less than 10 minutes by car, and the airport is close. My favorite Lassi hotel for couples and honeymooners who want beaches nearby but don’t need to be directly on the sand.

3. Ionian Emerald Resort – Sami

Blue free-form swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and backed by a modern hotel
The best full-service hotel near Sami and a good choice for families. Rooms, suites, and maisonettes face the gardens, pool, or sea, and some newer suites have private pools. There’s a large outdoor pool, restaurant, and pool bar.

The location is the main reason to stay here. You can walk along the waterfront into Sami, while Melissani Lake is only a few minutes away by car. It’s also convenient for ferries to Ithaca and exploring Antisamos, Agia Efimia, and eastern Kefalonia.

4. White Rocks Hotel – Lassi

Stone walkway in a Greek hotel leading to the beach.
My favorite beach hotel on Kefalonia. White Rocks sits on a pine-covered hillside next to Platis Gialos, with direct access to both public beaches and its own small beach. Rooms are divided between the main hotel and bungalow-style buildings, and there are adults-only infinity pool suites.

The hotel has a large pool, restaurants, beach bar, yoga, and cooking classes. It’s only about 10 minutes from the airport and a few minutes from the restaurants of Lassi. Best for travelers who want a proper resort but don’t want to be isolated.

5. Kefalonia Grand – Argostoli

Small, white, and modern hotel on a palm tree-lined street
My favorite hotel in central Argostoli. It’s directly on the waterfront and an easy walk to Vallianos Square, Lithostroto Street, restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Rooms are modern but fairly compact, so book a sea-view room with a balcony if the budget allows. The ground-floor restaurant and terrace face the harbor. Best for first-time visitors and anyone staying without a car.

6. The Alley Boutique Hotel – Argostoli

View down a cobbled lane of a modern hotel with greenery in front
Small boutique hotel just off Argostoli’s waterfront, close to the town’s best restaurants and nightlife. The 29 rooms include doubles, 2-bedroom suites, and a large top-floor loft suite with a harbor-view terrace.

There’s a garden patio, bar, spa, and small gym. A good alternative to Kefalonia Grand if you prefer a quieter side street while remaining right in the center.

7. Electra Kefalonia Hotel – Svoronata

View over private swimming pools and an expansive green lawn to the sea.
Best choice near Kefalonia Airport. Electra is a modern hotel facing the sea in quiet Svoronata, only a few minutes from the terminal. Rooms and suites have balconies, and some suites have private pools.

There’s an outdoor pool, restaurant, pool bar, spa facilities, and gym. Ammes Beach and a few tavernas are within walking distance. I wouldn’t choose it as the best base for seeing the whole island, but it’s excellent for an early flight, late arrival, or quiet stay near the airport.

8. FiscardoStudios – Fiskardo

Hotel balcony with table and chairs overlooking a Greek harbor
Six simple studios in one of the best locations in Fiskardo, steps from the waterfront restaurants, cafes, and shops. Each has a kitchenette and balcony, and some overlook the harbor.

There are few hotel facilities, but that’s not the point. Stay here if you want to walk out your door and be in the middle of Fiskardo. The airport is about 55 km away, and the drive takes well over an hour.

9. F Zeen Kefalonia (adults-only) – Lourdata

Hotel swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and overlooking the sea
One of Kefalonia’s best hotels for couples. F Zeen is an adults-only resort built into the hillside above Lourdas Beach, with rooms, suites, and villas spread through thick gardens. Some accommodations have private pools.

The resort puts more emphasis on fitness and wellness than most Kefalonia hotels, with three pools, yoga, exercise classes, a spa, hiking, paddleboarding, and other activities. Lourdas Beach is about a 5-minute walk downhill. Best for couples who want to spend most of their time at the hotel and beach.

10. Leivatho Hotel – Svoronata

Hotel patio covered by a sun shade, with adjacent swimming pool
Good-value family-friendly hotel in a quiet rural setting near Avithos Beach. Rooms have kitchen facilities and garden or sea views, and there’s a swimming pool with sea views.

Avithos Beach and its beach tavernas are about a 5-minute walk away. A rental car is helpful for restaurants, sightseeing, and exploring the rest of Kefalonia.

11. Mediterranee – Lassi

Hotel pool deck with palm trees on a cloudy day
Large, older-style resort with a very good location in Lassi, a big pool, and direct access to the water. Rooms are straightforward rather than luxurious. Upper-floor sea-view rooms are worth booking if available.

Restaurants and tavernas along Lassi’s main road are an easy uphill walk, and Argostoli is about 10 minutes away by car. A good choice if location and beach access matter more than boutique style.

12. Tesoro Blu (adults-only) – Skala

View overlooking a hotel pool deck and the blue sea
Modern adults-only resort outside Skala, with 89 rooms plus larger suites. Rooms have balconies or terraces and garden, mountain, or sea views, while some suites add private pools.

The large outdoor pool is the centerpiece of the hotel, and there’s also a spa, pool bar, and two restaurants. Skala Beach and several tavernas are within walking distance. Good for couples who want a quiet resort and easy access to Skala, but it’s a long drive from northern Kefalonia.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.