Where to stay on the island just named the best in Greece
- 1/11
Where to stay on the island just named the best in Greece
Greece's hundreds of islands are holiday heaven and if you want to find out why, head to the Ionian Sea this summer and book a stay at one of the best hotels in Kefalonia.
Recently named the best Greek island for being a large island with plenty of space, as well as offering peace and quite for travellers in search of a tranquil trip to Greece.
One of our favourites in Greece, along with Santorini, Corfu and Crete, Kefalonia is a heavenly isle to visit, whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with the family (it's a terrific babymoon destination, too).
Across the water from Odysseus’s island Ithaca, Kefalonia is an island of beaches, pine forests and peaceful harbour towns, such as its capital, Argostoli.
If you’re hoping to follow in the footsteps of Nicholas Cage (or Captain Corelli), head to Sami, which is where parts of the 2001 film were shot.
A super-stylish new arrival to the island for this summer is Eliamos, 20 minutes away from Argostoli and above a sleepy cove. The retreat will have 12 sea-facing villas, with multi-room options that are perfect for groups and families.
We also approve of Celestial, which has apt LED lights above its pool to ensure things are suitably starry.
Or check in to F Zeen, a design hotel where guests’ wellbeing is the focus of every stay, whether that comes courtesy of the wholesome Mediterranean food served at the two restaurants or a session on a reformer Pilates machine.
Read on for our favourite hotels in Kefalonia for summer 2023…
Celestial - 2/11
1) Eliamos
New to Kefalonia this summer, Eliamos will feature 12 villas overlooking the Ionian Sea, each with its own saltwater pool or hot tub, plus outdoor dining space with a barbecue. There will be one- and two-bedroom villas, along with one with three bedrooms that’s perfect for bigger families and groups.
Kefalonia’s capital Argostoli is just 20 minutes away, but you’ll feel a world away from this secluded spot, above a quiet cove and remote beach. Guests will be able to work out at the wooden outdoor gym, with a view of the water.Pikon Photography - 3/11
2) F Zeen
If you’re not someone who lets their routine fall by the wayside on holiday, F Zeen is the hotel in Kefalonia for you, since it's home to some inspiring fitness spaces, whether you choose to frequent the two-level, sea-facing outdoor gym, do some yoga on the deck or join the daily fitness classes. Reformer Pilates is available too, as are good old jogs on the beach.
A general state of wellbeing is also assured by the two restaurants, which take a Hippocratic approach to eating (food as medicine), with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, many from the chef’s garden, and the Med’s famous life-prolonging meals.Courtesy of the hotel - 4/11
3) Celestial
As heavenly as its name suggests, Celestial is near the forest of Mousata and Trapezaki beach. Choose between suites overlooking the forest or the Ionian Sea – either way, you’ll have a private pool out on your deck. The Mediterranean restaurant extends out onto a terrace by the pool.
There are lots of beaches to explore nearby and you’ll also be able to visit sleepy fishing villages, caves and ruins.Courtesy of the hotel - 5/11
4) North Point Rooms
North Point Rooms is an adults-only Kefalonia hotel in a village called Markandonata in the north of the island, close to the fishing port of Fiskardo. There are just six rooms, set across three buildings, with a walled garden and a swimming pool.
Other spots to relax in at in this serene spot include a library, a living room with a fireplace (just in case it’s a little chilly) and an outdoor sitting area. There’s also a kitchen, where the breakfast spread is laid out each morning.Courtesy of the hotel - 6/11
5) Emelisse Nature Resort
Close to the fishing village of Fiskardo, Emelisse Nature Resort is another Kefalonia hotel that’s all about your wellbeing, with the wild surroundings, starring acres of cypress and cedar trees, as its starting point. Unsurprisingly, rest and relaxation is the order of the day and it’s not hard to feel serene when gazing out across the turquoise bay below.
Then there’s an Elemis spa, with treatments for men available, alongside its signature rituals for women. And if you’re not feeling great by now, there’s yoga, canyoning, kayaking, scuba-diving and sailing to name just a handful of the activities on offer.Booking.com - 7/11
6) Kefalonia Grand
On the harbour in Argostoli, Kefalonia Grand is a white townhouse that’s perfectly placed for exploring the island capital’s many bars and restaurants, as well as its picturesque promenade. The rooms have beamed ceilings, white four-poster beds and, if you’ve booked wisely, French doors showcasing the sea.
The open-air restaurant served classic Mediterranean cuisine, with some dishes based on 19th-century dishes. There’s also a café by the beach for coffees, smoothies and cocktails.Booking.com - 8/11
7) Ionian Emerald Resort
Ionian Emerald Resort overlooks the port of Sami in the east of the island. It’s close to the village of Karavomilos and a short drive from Agia Efthimia, as well as two caves: Drogkarati and Melissani, not to mention several beautiful beaches, including the shingle one it has direct access to. The centre of Sami is 20 minutes away on foot, perfect for an evening stroll down to a waterfront restaurant.
The hotel has a spa with a hair salon, in case your beach hair needs rescuing, plus treatments by hero Greek brand Apivita.Booking.com - 9/11
8) Canale
Slicker than some of Kefalonia’s more traditional hotels, Canale has suites with padded headboards, smooth concrete walls, open-plan bathrooms and sleek pendant lighting. For added indulgence, book a Penthouse Suite, which have a hot-tub-enhanced terrace and spectacular sea views, plus more Italian furniture and tech-geek-pleasing additions. Your room will also have its own wine cellar.
There’s no full restaurant, but the hotel has a lounge that serves salads and light dishes, plus a snack-dispensing pool bar.Booking.com - 10/11
9) Avithos
This Kefalonia hotel is in Svoronata, on the island’s southern shores, with olive groves and cypress trees creating the dream Hellenic backdrop. Avithos spans various buildings, which creates the feel of a village – guests can choose from studios, maisonettes and apartments, and the fact that they’re self-catering make it perfect for families. There’s a child-friendly pool, in addition to the main one.
You’ll be perfectly positioned for exploring each corner of the island from this central setting.Booking.com - 11/11
10) Petani Bay Hotel
Petani Bay Hotel is another adults-only retreat on Kefalonia’s western coastline. Sunsets over the Ionian are especially enjoyable from the hotel’s pool deck. You might prefer to linger in a cabana by the pool, but when you’re ready to venture out the concierge can arrange everything from boat rentals to wine tastings, fishing, spa treatments and horse-riding.
And if you’re keen to visit Odysseus’s island, day trips over to Ithaca are possible, too.Booking.com
