The inspiration for Louis de Bernieres’ bestseller

This island claims to have been the home of Odysseus, the seafaring hero of Homer’s epic poem. On top of this, Kefalonia inspired the book and film ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, which recounted a story of love amidst the horrors of war.

Why go?

For sun-worshipping, island-hopping and nature-loving. Kefalonia is studded with great beaches, many only reachable by boat. You could try sunbathing on the deck of a ferry as it chugs from island to island. Heading inland, you can enjoy the aroma of Greek fir trees in the National Park.

When to go? 

Kefalonia has rainy winters and dry, hot summers: the average temperature in May is 18°C, climbing to 26°C in July and 28°C in September. The month of August sees the Choral Music Festival, the International Folklore Festival and the Romboli Wine Festival. European continental flights run only in summer.

How to get there?

For cheap flights to Kefalonia you can flyfrom Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff and London (Gatwick, Luton and Stansted). Alternatively, check out cheap flights to Athens, cheap flights to Zante or  cheap flights to Lefkada and take a ferry.

Must see

Don’t miss Myrtos Beach (recently voted fifth most beautiful in the world) with its turquoise waters and fine sand. Drogarati has a stalagmite cavern of rare beauty and scale. Drive to the National Park at the summit of Mount Ainos and prepare to have your breath taken away by the vistas! Don’t leave without sampling the local cuisine, such as kreatopita (a crusty meat pie) or crasato (pork cooked in wine).