Kefalonia Villa Holidays
66 villas found

Mount Ainos, which is higher than Ben Nevis, dominates the whole island. The Forest of Ainos has been a National Park since 1962 and is protected by the Greek state. The mountain is covered in a type of fir tree unique to Greece. In the days when the Venetians ruled, this place was called Monte Nero or the black mountain because the Kefalonian Fir trees were so thick and dark - and there used to be more of them! You can actually get right to the topof Mount Ainos by car although the road is very rough and you might be taking a few risks with the suspension if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive. You will know when you have gone as far as you can because there are radio masts at that point. As you can imagine, the view from the top is amazing on a clear day. You can see the whole of Kefalonia, most of Ithaka and parts of Zante, Meganissi and Lefkas as well as Kyllini and the mainland coast, lots of vineyards and herds of goats. Will your camera cope?

The best way to fully appreciate this gorgeous coastline with its small secluded bays and beaches, coves and caves is from the water. Why not pack a picnic and be the skipper of your own boat? It can be huge fun, great exercise and gives you a marvellous sense of freedom. You can drop anchor and swim with the fishes in the wonderfully clear waters. Many of the hidden little beaches along the coast can only be reached from the sea. If you arrive byboat, you might have a secret beach all to yourself. You don’t need a driving licence, and will be given all the help you need even if you have no boating experience. This is a brilliant way to explore and escape the crowds.

Many of the sandy beaches of Southern Kefalonia were untouched by human development until recently, which suited the Loggerhead Sea Turtles perfectly, giving them a safe place to nest, secluded from the outside world. Not far along the coast is Kaminia Beach, another haven for this increasingly rare creature. It has now been declared a conservation area.

Just outside Scala are the interesting ruins of a 3rd century Roman villa which was excavated in 1957 to reveal 3 magnificent, remarkably well preserved mosaic floors. Part of the villa was covered by a church in in the early Christian times. Once the home of a wealthy Roman, it was discovered by accident in 1944 by the owner of the land. You can visit this site free of charge, which you must admit makes a refreshing change! If you are interested in ancient history, you might also like to visit the site of a 7th century temple dedicated to the god Apollo, with the foundation stones and parts of 3 Doric columns clearly visible. You will find the temple 2 miles along the beach road towards Poros. 

Off the beaten track, further South of Alaties, is a little bay of sand and shingle with a taverna which opens in high season. It is quite a long and winding road down to Aghia Jerusalem through lovely villages of crumbling Venetian houses which were not completely destroyed by the 1953 earthquake. This beach is not very well known and is a romantic spot to watch the sunset.

Agios Thomas consists of two sandy beaches which are the nearest beaches from the village of Karavados. The first beach is a small sandy beach located just below the tavern where the road stops.

The second beach is larger and reachable through a rocky slab where a comfortable snack-bar can be found, offering some shade and a beautiful view over the small bay of the area

A secluded bay on the south coast, close to the village of Svoronata, Ai Helis has unusual soft grey sand and shallow waters. Enclosed by steep imposing rocks it is safe for children and popular with families. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas and a cantina. A popular beach for sports, organised volley ball tournaments take place in high season. Access is via a long steep track or steps. There is free parking nearby.

A short drive from the Manganos crossroads, this tiny sandy beach is surrounded by smooth rock platforms on which to sunbathe. There are rock pools in the area where salt remains after evaporation of the seawater. The beach is reached by some steps below the taverna and you will find a couple of changing rooms which are quite useful as the beach is quite small.

Ammes is located in the south-west part of the island, in the area of Svoronata, a couple of kilometres from the capital of Kefalonia. The area is situated a few minutes from the island's airport but is peaceful and full of verdant vegetation. The village of Svoronata is located a couple of kilometres from here and offers tavernas and cafes. The nice sandy beach of Ammes is surrounded by many accommodations and offers a snack-bar.

Antisamos beach is one of the best beaches of Kefalonia and is located nearby to the village of Sami, 14 miles from the capital of the island. It is a beautiful and attractive pebble beach with turquoise waters, surrounded by impressive verdant hills. Thousands of visitors are attracted every summer by the natural beauty of the place. Antisamos Beach also offers a snack bar.

A long sandy south facing beach Avithos has fine golden sand and clear waters. A short drive from Svoronata, Avithos is popular with couples, families and turtles. There is a cantina, sunbeds, umbrellas and two tavernas nearby. Surrounded by impressive grassy cliffs access is via a steep road and steps. There is a small parking area.

A secluded pebble beach, accessible by walking through a short gorge at the end of the village of Old Antipata and is also frequented by motor boats visiting from Fiskardo.

Emblisi is a pebbly beach set in a small bay very close to the fishing village of Fiskardo. There is plenty of parking and a snack bar making it a popular beach with families.

A deep inlet on the east coast, only a five minutes drive from Fiskardo towards Tselentata. A pretty bay surrounded by olive and pine trees, with a taverna on the opposite side of the road.

The small resort of Katelios has a narrow strip of sandy beach which widens as it extends towards the southern headland. It is kept clean and well maintained during the summer months. There are generally sunbeds and umbrellas available to hire. Additional shade is provided by the large waterfront trees and the selection of beach bars and tavernas which line the road directly behind the beach.

Lourdas has a long white coarse sand and pebble beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kefalonia due to its crystalline water. It offers sun beds, umbrellas, taverns and a few shops. The surroundings are wonderful and Mount Ainos can be seen towering in the background.

Makris Yialos is located near Argostoli. This is a very good beach for sunbathing with a larger beach that can get very busy and has a fenced off area for sunloungers. There is also a good beach bar, a couple of good restaurants serving traditional Greek food, and watersports facilities available.

From the village of Ratzakli, take the road down to the long sandy beaches of Potamakia and Kaminia with warm shallow water. The bay at Mounda stretches for miles out towards Cape Mounda and it is here that the caretta caretta turtles return from great distances to lay their eggs. Learn the Turtle Code before visiting this beach and if you bring your own beach umbrella, make sure you use it as near to the shoreline as possible so as not to disturbany turtle's nests. The water is usually warm here and it is so shallow that it is quite a walk out to just get in past your knees. There is a small cantina with sun beds for hire. Great for families.

Myrtos beach is the trademark of Kefalonia Island and is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of the entire Ionian Islands. Located north of Argostoli (the island's capital), this impressive beach has a fine golden sand and wonderful turquoise waters, the whole place is surrounded by impressive and majestic vertical rocky cliffs. This pure paradise is one of the most photographed places in Greece and attracts thousands of visitors every summer. A snack-bar, sun beds and umbrella rentals are available on the beach.

There is a port at Pessada but this is well away around the headland and does not affect either of these two lovely bays. Park up near the road (there is little carpark to speak of) you walk down some nicely carved stone steps amid a riot of greenery. At the bottom there is a lovely little bay, with soft sand and clear water with plenty of rocks dotted about in the bay. To the right there is another even nicer bay just around the headland.

Platis Yialos is close to Makris and as its name suggests substantially smaller. As you approach it by road you can see interesting caves in the sandstone. The beach itself is smallish and flat with some lovely rocks to the side. It is less developed than Makris and quieter

Skala beach is dramatic, with several kilometres of soft, white sand. The resort and village are well maintained and clean and the beach cleaned regularly during the summer. Skala beach is a busy resort with a wide range of tavernas, shops, swimming pools, fairly quiet bars and the usual range of tourist amenities.

The sheltered bay of Spartia is situated at the bottom of a flowery hillside and is protected by large outcrops of rock. Spartia beach is made up of fine sand, coming from the limestone cliffs behind and is very popular in high season.

To the left of the beach is a small jetty and harbour where local fishermen moor their small boats. Above the beach are a couple of tavernas. Large turtles can often be seen swimming in the bay.

Trapezaki beach is clean, with a taverna serving lunches. It is divided into two sections, with sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent in the high season. As the sand shelves gently it is great for families with small children.