The best hotels in Kefalonia are spread between the capital town of Argostoli, the beach areas of Lassi and Skala, and the pretty harbour of Fiskardo in the north. Kefalonia is one of the biggest and greenest Greek islands, so distances are real – having a car makes a huge difference if you want to see more than one bay.
My grandparents were from the little village of Pesada (most of the locals still share my surname!), and after many trips back I’ve narrowed this list down to the places that genuinely feel worth the money.
The little paradise of Eliamos Hotel in southern Kefalonia
BEST OVERALL HOTEL IN KEFALONIA (FOR FIRST-TIMERS):Kefalonia Grand – chic boutique base right on the Argostoli waterfront.
BUT ALSO CHECK:- For Beach Lovers: Thalassa Boutique Hotel – adults-only stay above Lassi’s beaches, walking distance to tavernas.
- For Families:Emelisse Nature Resort – resort-style pool, kids’ friendly layout and great base for exploring Fiskardo.
- For Couples & Wellness: F Zeen – adults-only retreat with yoga decks, spa and a calm beach right below.
- Best Value in Town:Mouikis Hotel – modern, central Argostoli hotel with a great rooftop terrace.
- All-Inclusive: no classic mega-resort all-inclusive in Kefalonia – expect half-board or B&B instead
- Adults Only Resort: Tesoro Blu Hotel – sleek adults-only hotel just outside Skala, with a huge pool and spa.
- In Argostoli (no car needed):Kefalonia Grand or Ionian Plaza
- In Fiskardo:Fiscardo Studios – simple studios right by the harbour, ideal for boat days and long, lazy dinners on the waterfront.
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands on Greece’s west coast, known for its pine-covered mountains, white-pebble bays and surreal turquoise water. It’s also the setting of “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, which helped turn places like Myrtos Beach into shorthand for Kefalonia’s wild scenery.
Kefalonia island is not very close to Athens, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach. You can drive or take the bus to Kyllini Port on the Peloponnese (about 3.5 hours) and then hop on the 1.5-hour ferry to Kefalonia, or simply fly.
There’s an international airport on Kefalonia, with daily flights from Athens year-round and seasonal direct flights from cities like London, Manchester, Vienna or Milan. Most international routes run roughly from May to October (always check Ferryhopper for the latest ferry schedules and Booking.com Flights for current routes).Read More: Athens to Kefalonia
You will be much better off renting a car in Kefalonia because the island is large, hilly and spread out. Local buses do exist and are fine for simple point-to-point journeys, but they run infrequently and rarely fit a tight holiday schedule. With a car you can base yourself in one hotel and still spend different days in Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, Skala or the central villages without burning half the day in transit.
Affiliate note: some of the hotel links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we’d happily send our own friends and family to.READ ALSO:
How To Get From Athens to Kefalonia
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Quick Guide: Where to Stay in Kefalonia
Before you pick a hotel, it helps to understand the main areas of Kefalonia. Each has a different feel and works for different types of trips:
- Argostoli & Lassi – best all-round base if it’s your first time on the island, you don’t want to change hotels, or you’re travelling without a car. Argostoli is the main town with lots of food options and a local feel, while nearby Lassi has easy-access sandy beaches.
- Skala (south-east coast) – long sandy beach, plenty of tavernas and low-rise hotels. Great for families and couples who want a classic “beach holiday in Greece” with the option of day trips around the island.
- Fiskardo & the north – picture-perfect harbour, colourful houses and a slightly more upmarket, yachtie feel. Perfect if you’re happy being at the far end of the island and want a romantic base, but less ideal if you want to criss-cross Kefalonia every day.
- Near the airport & Avithos/Trapezaki – quieter countryside stays close to sandy beaches and easy for early or late flights. Great for relaxed trips where you don’t care about being in a main town.
In all cases, having your own wheels unlocks the island. If you really don’t want to drive, stick to Argostoli, Lassi or Skala and choose a hotel within walking distance of restaurants and the sea.
1. F Zeen Kefalonia (Adults Only)
Location: Lourdas (south coast, above Lourdas Beach) – adults-only luxury wellness retreat on the hillside. F Zeen feels like a small village built into the slope, with rooms and suites stepping down towards the sea, several pools, outdoor gyms and a spa hidden among the trees. It’s designed around slow living: sunrise yoga, healthy breakfasts, long swims and lazy afternoons on the loungers rather than high-energy nightlife.
Best for: couples and wellness-focused travellers who want a stylish, adults-only environment right by the beach. You’ll need to be comfortable with steps and happy to rely on taxis or a rental car for exploring, but in exchange you get one of the most atmospheric hotels on the island.
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2. Eliamos Hotel & Spa (Villas with Private Pools)
Address: Spartia, Spartià, 28100, Greece
Location: hills above the south coast, a short drive from Spartia and Avithos beaches. Eliamos is essentially a tiny village of just 12 design villas, each with its own private pool and indoor–outdoor living space looking towards the sea or olive groves. The aesthetic is very “soft luxury”: natural materials, big terraces, and a feeling of privacy without being cut off from the world. There’s a restaurant focusing on local ingredients, a small spa, yoga and Pilates, plus a main infinity pool if you ever feel like leaving your villa.
Best for: couples or families who want villa-style independence but still like hotel comforts (breakfast, housekeeping, concierge, transfers). You’ll 100% want a car here, but in exchange you get serious peace and easy access to both beaches and Argostoli for dinners out.
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3. Kefalonia Grand (Best Central Base in Argostoli)
Address: Antoni Tritsi 82, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: right on Argostoli’s seafront promenade, a few minutes’ walk from Vallianou Square. Kefalonia Grand is a stylish boutique city hotel with compact but beautifully designed rooms, many with sea-view balconies. The ground-floor restaurant and bar spill out towards the waterfront, so you can wander straight out for a walk along the harbour or into the old streets for dinner.
Best for: first-time visitors and “I want to see everything” travellers. You’re in the most practical spot on the island for day trips (north, south and west are all reachable), with buses, taxis and tour pickups on your doorstep. There’s no pool, so you’ll be doing your swimming at nearby beaches or on boat trips, but you gain a lively town right outside the door.
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4. Thalassa Boutique Hotel (Adults Only, Lassi)
Address: Lassi, Lassi, 28100, Greece
Location: in Lassi, above Paliostafida beach and a short walk from Makris Gialos – one of the island’s most popular sandy stretches. Thalassa is an adults-only hotel with two pools, wide sea views and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere. Rooms are airy and most balconies look straight out over the bay, so you can watch the sunset from your own little perch before heading out to dinner.
Best for: couples who want easy beach access without sacrificing comfort or being stuck in the middle of nowhere. Lassi’s tavernas, bars and mini-markets are within strolling distance, and Argostoli is a very short taxi ride away if you want more choice or a bus connection.
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5. Anthemis Living (Stylish Suites in Argostoli)
Address: 10 Pilarinou, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: on the hillside above Argostoli, with big views over the lagoon and town. Anthemis Living is a small, very fresh-feeling property opened in 2023, with modern studios and suites that feel more like serviced apartments than a “classic” hotel room – think calm colour palette, quality bedding and well-thought-out lighting rather than ornate decor. Many units come with kitchenettes and balconies where you can have breakfast looking over the water.
Best for: couples or longer stays who want a quieter base close to town, or families who prefer more space than a standard hotel room. You’re still just a short drive or a downhill walk into central Argostoli, but you escape the evening noise.
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6. Argostoli Marina Suites (Lagoon-View Apartments)
Address: Antoni Tritsi 115, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: in the heart of Argostoli, opposite the marina and Koutavos lagoon. Argostoli Marina Suites is a tiny collection of just seven suites, all with modern interiors, kitchenettes and big windows or balconies facing the water. It feels more “local apartment” than hotel, but with enough design touches to feel special. Cafes, bakeries and tavernas are genuinely a few minutes’ walk away in every direction.
Best for: independent travellers, longer stays and anyone who likes having a bit of kitchen space to make breakfast or snacks. There’s no pool, but you get an extremely convenient base and much more room than a typical double hotel room in town.
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7. Emelisse Nature Resort (North-Coast Resort Near Fiskardo)
Address: Emplisis Bay, Fiskardo, 28084, Greece
Location: on a headland above Emblisi Bay, a short hop from Fiskardo. Emelisse is a low-rise resort hidden among cypress and cedar trees, with layered pools looking over the sea, a path down to swimming spots on the rocks, and plenty of loungers for doing absolutely nothing. The style is modern but warm, with stone and wood tones that blend into the landscape, and there are multiple restaurants plus a spa and small gym.
Best for: families and couples who want a resort base in the north of Kefalonia, close to Fiskardo’s harbour but with enough space and facilities to keep everyone happy on-site. It’s also a good choice if you want easy access to boat trips up and down the coast.
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8. Alley Boutique Hotel & Spa (City Hotel with Spa)
Address: Lavraga 3, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: in central Argostoli, between the marina and the main square. The Alley Boutique Hotel & Spa is a small, contemporary city hotel with just a few room types, modern bathrooms and some rooms overlooking the harbour. There’s a compact spa with treatments, a breakfast area and easy access to the waterfront promenade, shops and cafes.
Best for: short stays in Argostoli, either at the start or end of a trip, or for travellers who plan to be out exploring all day and just want a comfortable, central place to sleep with a little extra polish and spa access.
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9. Fiscardo Studios (Best Simple Stay in Fiskardo)
Address: Fiskardo, Fiskardo, 28084, Greece
Location: a few steps from the harbour in Fiskardo. Fiscardo Studios is a small set of self-catering studios with kitchenettes, balconies and either partial sea or village views. You’re within easy walking distance of the waterfront restaurants, boat rental stands and small local beaches, so you can skip driving altogether if you want a car-free few days in the north.
Best for: travellers who care more about location than facilities. There’s no pool or big communal areas, but you get a comfortable, good-value base in the most atmospheric harbour on the island.
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10. Mediterranee Hotel (Classic Beachfront Resort in Lassi)
Address: Lassi, Lassi, 28100, Greece
Location: seafront in Lassi, just above a sandy beach and about 2km from Argostoli. Mediterranee is a larger, more traditional 4-star resort with a big pool (including children’s section), two restaurants, bars and plenty of sun loungers. Rooms are simple but comfortable, most with balconies and either sea or garden views, and there’s even a lift down to the beach so you don’t have to tackle lots of steps.
Best for: families and anyone who wants one-hotel, feet-in-the-sand convenience without being too far from a main town. Styling is more “classic Greek resort” than boutique, but the location and ease are hard to beat.
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11. Celestial All Suites (Design Hotel Near Trapezaki)
Address: Mousata, Kefallonia, 28100, Greece
Location: on the hillside above Trapezaki Beach, on Kefalonia’s south coast. Celestial All Suites is a newer luxury boutique hotel with sleek suites (many with private pools), a large main pool, spa and a restaurant that gets consistently strong feedback. The atmosphere is calm and – while not strictly adults-only everywhere – feels very much geared towards couples and older teens rather than toddlers.
Best for: honeymooners and couples who want a stylish base with sea views and easy access to quieter south-coast beaches. You’ll need a car for getting around, but Argostoli is only around 20 minutes away for dinners or day trips.
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12. Costa Azzurra Hotel (Boutique Stay in Skala)
Address: Skala, Skala, 28086, Greece
Location: in the centre of Skala, a couple of minutes’ walk from the long beach and surrounded by restaurants and bars. Costa Azzurra is a compact 4-star hotel with individually styled rooms and suites, some with outdoor hot tubs or sea views, plus an on-site restaurant and bar that feel more “boutique” than package resort. Despite the central address, the building is set just off the main street so it still feels relatively calm.
Best for: couples and small groups who want to be in the middle of Skala’s action without staying in a huge resort. It’s easy to manage without a car here, though having one will still help for exploring other beaches and villages.
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13. Ionian Emerald Resort (5-Star near Sami & Melissani Cave)
Address: Main Street, Karavomylos, 28080, Greece
Location: in Karavomylos, just outside Sami on the island’s east coast. Ionian Emerald Resort is a 5-star hotel with a large pool, landscaped gardens and wide views across the bay towards Ithaca. It’s one of the most convenient bases for visiting Melissani Cave and Antisamos Beach, and has a more “resort” feel than the smaller boutique options in Argostoli or Fiskardo.
Best for: families and couples who like full-service hotels with on-site dining, spa and pool but don’t need to be in a big town. A rental car is almost essential if you stay here, but the payoff is easy access to some of the island’s standout natural sights.
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14. Ionian Plaza Hotel (On Argostoli’s Main Square)
Address: Plateia Vallianou, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: directly on Argostoli’s central square, with everything on your doorstep. Ionian Plaza is a city-style hotel with comfortable rooms, some looking onto the lively square, and easy access to bakeries, cafes, shops and the seafront. It also now includes a spa area, making it a more rounded option if you like having wellness facilities even in town.
Best for: travellers who value location over resort facilities. This is a great base if you’re combining Kefalonia with other islands, are in town for business, or simply want to walk everywhere without thinking about buses or taxis.
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15. Leivatho Hotel (Design Hotel above Avithos Beach)
Address: Avithos Beach, Svoronata, 28100, Greece
Location: just above Avithos Beach, in the Svoronata area not far from the airport. Leivatho Hotel has a distinctive low-rise, modern design with lots of glass and concrete softened by greenery. Studios and apartments are spacious, many with kitchenettes and large terraces, and the pool area looks out to the sea over the surrounding fields and olive groves.
Best for: design lovers and families who want a quieter, more local-feeling base with easy beach access and space for kids to roam. It’s also particularly handy if you’re arriving late or flying out early thanks to the short transfer time.
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16. Tourist Boutique Hotel (Seafront Argostoli with Great Breakfast)
Address: Antoni Tritsi 109, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: on the waterfront in Argostoli, a short walk from the main square and Lithostroto pedestrian street. Tourist Boutique Hotel is a long-running favourite with simple, bright rooms (many with sea-view balconies) and a strong reputation for its Greek breakfast built around local products – cheeses, pastries, honey and more. From the balcony you look across to Koutavos lagoon and the historic De Bosset bridge.
Best for: travellers who value a friendly, locally-owned hotel with character and a good breakfast over flashy design. It’s a lovely choice if you want to feel plugged into town life rather than staying in a resort bubble.
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17. Tesoro Blu Hotel & Spa (Adults Only, Near Skala)
Address: Skála, Skala, 28082, Greece
Location: just outside Skala, within walking distance of the beach and about a 20–25 minute stroll from the village centre. Tesoro Blu is an adults-only hotel with modern, minimalist architecture, a huge pool deck with sea views and a full spa. The vibe is much quieter than family resorts in the area – think reading by the pool, cocktails at sunset and spa treatments rather than kids’ clubs.
Best for: couples who want an adults-only stay near a proper resort town, so you can dip into Skala’s restaurants and bars when you want atmosphere but retreat to a more peaceful base.
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18. Mouikis Hotel (Modern Value Pick in Argostoli)
Address: Vironos Str. 3, Argostoli, 28100, Greece
Location: in a quiet street just behind the seafront in Argostoli. Mouikis Hotel is a family-run, eco-conscious 3-star with clean, modern rooms and a surprisingly lovely rooftop terrace with a small hot tub and sunset views over the bay. There’s also a small wellness area and gym, plus easy access to bakeries, cafes and the main square on foot.
Best for: value-focused travellers who still want somewhere modern and comfortable, plus anyone arriving by bus or staying car-free in Argostoli. It’s a great “hub” hotel if you’re planning to spend your days on the road and your evenings in town.
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VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT KEFALONIA
- Best Area To Stay in Kefalonia (without moving hotels): Argostoli and nearby Lassi. You’ll have the best mix of restaurants, local life and access to the rest of the island by car, tour or bus. See hotels in Argostoli
- Best Hotel in Kefalonia (overall):Kefalonia Grand for first-timers and short stays, thanks to its central location and stylish rooms on the waterfront.
- Best Villa-Style Option in Kefalonia: Erolidae Villas if you want your own space with a pool, but still like booking via a hotel-style platform.
- How many days do you need in Kefalonia? Because the island is one of the biggest in Greece, I’d suggest at least 5–7 nights if you want a relaxed pace with beach time and a few day trips (Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, Melissani Cave, Skala). You can also use Kefalonia as part of an Ionian island hop – there are ferry links to islands like Lefkada, Ithaki, Zakynthos and Corfu in summer.
- How to Move Around in Kefalonia: This is absolutely a “rent a car” island in my opinion. Distances are long, roads are winding and while local buses exist, they’re not timed for efficient sightseeing. If you really don’t want to drive, base yourself in Argostoli, Lassi or Skala, and use a mix of taxis and organised boat trips to see more.
