Lusso Travel Ltd, No. 1 Glasshouse - 1LG1,
Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK10 4TG
Perfect for laidback family holidays, Kefalonia enchants with dazzling beaches, turquoise coves, charming harbour towns with Italianate good looks and a well-earned reputation for its regional cuisine.
Take a boat ride through the channels and halls of the Melissani Cave to the turquoise lake hidden at its centre.
Hike to the top of the island’s highest peak, Mount Ainos, for magical views of the Ionian Sea and Peloponnese.
Pick of the beaches include the breathtaking bay of Myrtos in the west, Emblisi in the north, Andisamos in the east and the orange sands of Xi at the tip of the Paliki Peninsula.
If you’ve a head for heights, driving is a thrill on Kefalonia, particularly in the north, with snaking roads and steep drops offering breathtaking views that steal your breath at every turn.
Both Fiskardo and Assos are postcard perfect, with many of the island’s best restaurants found huddled along Fiskardo’s highly attractive harbourfront.
Kefalonia’s star quality was clear to see long before it was thrust into the spotlight as the backdrop to the 2001 film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. For starters, it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, including the beautiful white shingle beach of Andisamos and milky-white Myrtos, the island’s pin-up. To these you can add secret snorkelling spots like Dafnoudi and Emblisi, where slabs of limestone turn the water electric blue.
Additional highlights include the photogenic harbour towns of Assos and Fiskardo; the giddying heights of Mount Ainos, a national park where wild horses roam; and natural attractions like the Melissani Cave, a subterranean cenote hidden away for thousands of years before it was discovered after an earthquake hit the island.
Foodies and oenophiles will find much to admire too – Decanter recognised four Kefalonian vintages in its 2022 awards – and the whole island moves to a relaxed and friendly pace, making it perfect for families and those looking to slow down.
Set above a secluded beach overlooking the Ionian Sea, this spectacular 5-star Relais & Chateaux retreat is a must for wellness gurus, nature enthusiasts and style-conscious sun seekers. Radiating chic design and serene simplicity, the property is home to exclusive villas, an immersive spa and fresh, flavoursome fare.