Where To Stay In Kefalonia For Families: Best Areas and Accommodation [2024]
This guide will help you find the best accommodation for your family, including where to stay in Kefalonia for families (the best hotels, resorts and guesthouses) and the best areas to stay in Kefalonia!
The island of Kefalonia is the largest and most varied of the Ionian islands group in Greece. It boasts 150 miles of coastline, picture-perfect villages, and plenty of family-friendly sandy beaches. Head inland, and you’ll find a rugged mountainous interior with scattered traditional villages, wineries, and underground lakes.
In terms of accommodation, there’s just about everything in Kefalonia, from huge purpose-built hotels to small guesthouses and apartments available to rent. There’s something to suit all family types and all budgets.
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Map of Kefalonia Greece | The Best Places to Stay
Best places to stay in Kefalonia
1. Argostoli Kefalonia
As the capital of the Greek island of Kefalonia, Argostoli is one of the most popular places for families to stay in Kefalonia. You’ll have everything you need for a wonderful trip away.
The town has a bustling scene, traditional Venetian architecture, and a local feel. The main square is the hub of the town, where you’ll find plenty of tavernas, coffee shops, bars, and cafes selling delicious Greek food, from traditional Gyros to Greek salads.
If you’re on a budget, the cheapest accommodation is often found in Argostoli. The town is the hub of all major bus and taxi transport networks on the island, so if you’re planning on exploring the island by bus, this could be the place for you.
There’s plenty to do without even leaving Argostoli, from walking along the seafront promenade, eating in the local tavernas and souvenir shopping to visiting the Archeology museum. Argostoli has all the amenities you could ask for, including banks, shops and chemists.
A few of Kefalonia’s beaches are within a 10-minute drive of Argostoli, including Plati Yialos beach and Makri Yialos beach. Argostoli is a great place to base yourself on day trips from Kefalonia.
On a budget – Camping Argostoli
is located 1.5km out of Argostoli town, but the price definitely makes up for it! There’s a beach right in front of the campsite perfect for families due to its shallow waters and a slight breeze. It’s a great area to try out some water sports, too.
On a Budget – Argostoli Hotel
The family-run Argostoli Hotel is set in the centre of Argostoli town, just 200m from shops, bars and restaurants. If you’re arriving in Kefalonia by ferry, you’ll be just 300m from the hotel when you arrive. Breakfast is also provided.
Rooms are twin, double, triple, quadruple, or family. Cots can be provided on request, and all rooms include a fridge.
Luxury – The Kefalonia Grand
The Kefalonia Grand is located on Argostoli beachfront, near the famous Vallianou Square
The hotel has beautifully decorated rooms with a modern feel and fantastic views. The rooms even have a seating area.
If you’re arriving via ferry, this hotel is also just 300m from the port.
A fantastic breakfast is included in the room rate, and cots are provided on request.
2. Lixouri Kefalonia
Lixouri is one of the prettiest areas of Kefalonia and the second-biggest place in Kefalonia after Argostoli. It has all the amenities you need for the perfect family holiday.
Lixouri has two picturesque white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water and perfect swimming conditions: Petanoi Beach and Platia Ammos Beach. Platia Ammos is quieter, but you’ll have to climb 200 steps to get there. Petanoi Beach has been awarded blue flag status.
Lixouri is also home to the port of Lixouri. Ferry services to Argostoli operate all year round. During the summer season, you can travel to Patras and Killini on the mainland for onward travel to Athens.
Slice of Luxury – Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa
Just 600m from Lixouri Beach, the Apollonian Resort is the best five-star hotel in Kefalonia for families. The property features a large outdoor swimming pool, gym, outdoor cinema and spa. Guests can choose between a Half Board and an All-Inclusive package.
3. Sami Kefalonia
Sami is a picturesque seaside town that used to be the capital of Kefalonia. In modern times, it has been turned into a tourist resort. Sami is one of the top resorts that families love with one of the most famous beaches in the Ionian islands.
Budget-Mid – Staggia Studios
Just 80 from the beach, the Staggia Studios offer stunning sea and mountain views. They are set up for families, with fully equipped kitchenettes and extra beds provided upon request for €10 per night.
Rooms sleep 2-5 adults, depending on the option chosen. A yummy breakfast is also included in the room rate.
Budget-Mid – Remezzo Apartments
The Remezzo apartments are set in a fantastic location, 350 yards to the beach and within close proximity to amenities.
Each room is set up for families with a fully equipped kitchenette and dining area. Studios sleep 2 adults + kids. Cots can be provided on request.
Luxury – Ionian Emerald Resort
2km from Sami town in Karavomylos, the 5-star Ionian Emerald Resort is set right on the beachfront – perfect for a relaxing family break. The resort also features an outdoor pool, kids pool and restaurant.
4. Skala Kefalonia
The main resort of Kefalonia is Skala. It’s hugely popular with families and includes small, privately run guesthouses and huge, purpose-built hotels and resorts.
Holidays in Skala Kefalonia will be spent enjoying the beautiful Blue Flag beach – one of the best beaches in Kefalonia, eating in the many tavernas, bars and restaurants, shopping for souvenirs and learning about the history of Kefalonia. Skala is home to the ancient temple of Appolo.
Budget – Kate-Mari Studios
Located in the centre of Skala, 0.7 miles from Loutraki Beach, the Kate-Mari studios offer double, triple, and family rooms that sleep up to 4 guests.
A fantastic breakfast can be provided at an extra cost. Cots are available free of charge, but children over 9 are considered adults.
Mid-Range Hotel – Summer Sun
Just 150 yards from Skala beach, the Summer sun is the perfect choice for a family beach holiday. Rooms come with spacious balconies and panoramic sea views. Rooms are also equipped with a kitchenette. Cots are also available on request.
Luxury – Apostolata Island Resort and Spa
Located out of Skala but with a complimentary bus service to both Skala and Poros, the Apostolata Resort offers luxury rooms and an outdoor pool area fully equipped with sunbeds and parasols.
The Zephyros Restaurant. has panoramic views and an extensive a la carte menu. Guests can pay a little extra for a panoramic sea view and/or a private hot tub. Cots are provided on request.
5. Lassi Kefalonia
The Lassi Peninsula used to be a farming area located in the island’s North West. Now, Lassi is a purpose-built tourist resort very close to Argostoli. Lassi is now one of the most popular resorts in Kefalonia for families.
Holidays in Lassi Kefalonia will be spent browsing the extensive range of souvenir shops and tavernas and enjoying the tranquil beaches of Makris Yialos and Platis Yialos.
6. Agia Efimia
Once one of Kefalonia’s main fishing villages, Agia Effima is now a popular tourist resort. The main draw is the picturesque waterfront, popular with yacht island-hoppers.
Budget – Logaras Apartments
In the heart of Agia Efimia, Logaras Apartments are just 1.3 miles from the picturesque Ellinika beach. Each room has a patio and equipped kitchenette with a partial sea view balcony.
Apartments sleep up to 3 adults. Cots are NOT provided, but extra beds can be accommodated. Children over 10 are considered adults.
7. Assos Kefalonia
Assos (also known as Asos) is a small picturesque town in the North of Kefalonia. Assos could be the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere.
Luxury – Romanza Studios
Right in the heart of Assos village, the rooms at Romanza Studios feature sea views across the bay. All rooms are double (sleep up to 2 adults) and come with a fridge.
No cots or extra beds are available, although kids are very welcome.
8. Svoranata
Svoranata is a small, quiet village near Lassi and Argostoli in the southwest of Kefalonia island. The village is perfect for a laid-back family holiday to Kefalonia – exploring the winding streets and seeing what you discover along the way.
There are 3 beaches close to Svoranata – Avithos, Ai-Helis and Ammes Beach.
Luxury – Avithos Resort Hotel
The Avithos Resort is close to Avithos Beach and has spacious rooms, a freshwater pool with sunbeds and umbrellas, a luxury pool bar, and gardens.
Rooms are either family studios or superior studios, with breakfast included. Cots and extra beds can be accommodated.
9. Fiskardo Kefalonia
This small harbour town and fishing village has a calm atmosphere and is often named Kefalonia’s most beautiful place to stay. The town is often named one of the prettiest in Greece and one of the best places to visit in Kefalonia.
Everything in Fiscardo is somewhat more laid-back. Holidays in Fiskardo Kefalonia are spent strolling around the yachts, eating ice cream, and trying food from traditional Greek tavernas.
Mid-Range – Kalokeri Apartments
Right next to Fiskardo Port, Kalokeri Apartments are the perfect picturesque setting for day trips. Rooms are double/twin studios or apartments that sleep up to 4 adults and have panoramic sea views. There’s an outdoor pool, too! Cots are also provided.
10. Poros
A working fishing town and port, Poros is the main ferry terminal for ferries arriving from Killini on the mainland. If you’re island-hopping in Greece and arriving by ferry to Kefalonia, Poros is the most convenient place to stay.
Budget – Harbour View Oceanis Apartments
Just 150 yards from Poros village, the rooms at Harbour View Oceanis Apartments have balconies, studios or apartments with kitchenettes, and some have a fantastic sea view. Cots can also be provided.
Where to stay in Kefalonia without a car
There are plenty of fantastic places to hire a car in Kefalonia. Although you may want to consider car hire in Kefalonia, if it isn’t for you, there are some excellent places to stay where you can reach all the major sights without a car.
View cheap car rental in Kefalonia here.
Top 4 places to stay in Kefalonia without a car:
- Argostoli
- Poros
- Lassi
- Sami
- Skala
Quiet places to stay in Kefalonia
If you’re looking for a quiet family break in Kefalonia away from the stresses of 2020, you’re best off staying out of the main tourist resorts in villages. Here are the top 3 quiet places to stay in Kefalonia:
- Assos
- Svoranata
- Fiskardo
