Contents
Kefalonia is one of Greece’s largest islands, offering something for everyone, making it an ideal choice for a family holiday in Greece. Boasting stunning beaches in varying shades of blue set against lush mountains, Kefalonia is a gorgeous island best suited for a relaxed, laid-back holiday with the family. It also offers fun activities for families with active kids and great attractions both adults and kids will love.
Here are the must-visit destinations for family travel in Kefalonia.
Fiskardo
Like most islands in Greece, Kefalonia is home to some picturesque towns and villages that are fun to explore with your kids, such as Fiskardo village, which sits along the Ionian Sea. It’s so beautiful that the Greek government call it “great natural beauty.” Due to this, Fiskardo is a protected area and boasts stunning scenery.
The best way to get to Fiskardo is by car. It’s about an hour’s drive from Argostoli, Kefalonia’s capital. It’s also possible to reach here by boat from Lefkada Island. As you wander around its picturesque streets, you’ll find iconic architecture with strong Venetian influences nestled by the coast of a scenic bay and surrounded by lush and verdant hills with dense olive and cypress trees. Lose yourself in the narrow streets and discover the little nooks and crannies.
If the kids have worked up some appetite and want to relax after walking around, take them to the port of Fiskardo Bay, where you’ll find seafront restaurants and cafes looking out to the scenic waters. Grab a seat, order your meal, and admire the yachts and vessels passing by.
Assos
Assos is another charming village that’s a must-visit for families traveling to Kefalonia. Perched along a horseshoe-shaped peninsula in North-western Kefalonia overlooking the turquoise waters, Assos is a beautiful village with narrow alleyways lined with colorful bougainvillea, ancient old churches, and ruins of a Venetian castle.
One of the best ways to explore Assos with your kids is to rent a boat from the pier of Assos and explore the surrounding, including remote beaches accessible only by sea. Take your kids to swim in the crystal-clear waters alongside stingrays at dolphins at one of the secret beaches.
After a day of exploring the water, it’s time to head inland. If your kids love to hike, walk up to the ruins of a castle. Despite being in ruins, it looks charming, a reminder of the Venetian influence on the island. The arch itself is one of the castle’s most-preserved parts. Going to the Assos castle requires quite a long hike through elevated paths. But the route is incredibly stunning, taking you through stunning olive tree forests before reaching the arched entrance of the castle.
Myrtos Beach
Families will find some lovely beach villas in Kefalonia, perfect if they want to stay close to the shore and have easy access to the beach. Kefalonia is famous for having some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, such as Myrtos Beach. Nestled north on the island, about 30 kilometers from Argostoli, Myrtos is a blue-flag beach, thanks to its clean waters and pristine natural environments.
Myrtos Beach belongs to the municipality of Sami, about a 45-minute drive from Argostoli. As you drive through the winding road heading to the beach, one of the things that will catch your attention is the area’s breathtaking views. Once you reach your destination, the stunning views of the clear waters with endless shades of blue will welcome you.
Make your way towards the side of the beach, where you’ll find a small and quiet cave with a beach to swim on. It’s a fun place to explore, especially if you’ve got adventurous kids. But it’s worth noting that the waters are deep. So, if you’re bringing the kids, have them wear armbands or swimming rings, and don’t leave them unattended.
Argostoli
Argostoli is Kefalonia’s capital city and where you’ll most likely arrive on your visit to the island. As the biggest city on the isl
and, it has a rich cultural and historical heritage, as evident in its Venetian mansions, fantastic museums, monuments, and historic squares, which you’ll come across as you stroll through its picturesque streets.
As the capital city, Argostoli has many hotels, shops, supermarkets, tavernas, cafes, and seaside eateries, making it an ideal base for your holiday to Kefalonia. It also offers many family-friendly activities and attractions. Take the kids to the city center, where you’ll find an open cinema. On some days, you can witness cultural and religious festivals. You will also find shops offering boat tours and yacht rentals. Everything that a tourist needs are in Argostoli.
But despite being touristy, Argostoli is a fun place to explore. When the kids are tired, head to Central Square, where you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops, supermarkets, bakeries, and snack shops.
Families who like to take in some culture can explore the city’s museums. You’ll also find some fascinating statues around town. You can also visit the charming tourist resort town of Lassi, only a short walking distance from Argostoli.
Ainos National Park
If you want to escape the tourist crowds and visit somewhere quiet, take the family to Ainos National Park. A paradise for nature lovers, it boasts stunning natural landscapes and offers plenty of hiking opportunities. The park is also home to Mount Ainos, the island’s highest peak, and a popular spot for mountain climbing, where you can marvel at the island’s breathtaking views at the top.
Aside from its natural wonders, Ainos National Park is also home to incredible wildlife species and lush vegetation. As you hike around the park, you can spot wild goats roaming freely in the hills and many different types of trees and plants.
The best way to explore Mount Ainos is to go hiking or trekking. It’s also possible to camp in the park. You can also find some historical attractions as you trek through the park, such as the Panagia Monastery and an outdoor theatre close to the summit.