Although Cephalonia could let movie stardom go to its head, this beautiful Ionian isle does nothing of the sort. Sure, it shot to fame as the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin — the bestselling novel by Louis de Bernières that became a blockbuster movie — but it remains overwhelmingly down-to-earth and resoundingly authentic. With accommodation to match.
As the largest in its archipelago, Cephalonia (or Kefalonia to the Greeks) has ample space to accommodate attractions. There are beaches, of course (Myrtos is a stunner), and pretty seaside towns, plus the heights of Mount Ainos National Park to explore, complete with wild horses. Tap into the Captain Corelli story by discovering ruined villages that remain from the huge earthquake that rocked the island in 1953 or head to Argostoli, the capital, on the look out for turtles swimming beside the harbour. Whatever your style of stay — be it a beach resort or a boutique hotel in the countryside — you’ll find inspiration here with our pick of the best hotels in Cephalonia.
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1. Celestial All Suites, Trapezaki
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for adults-only glory
A heavenly stay is guaranteed at Celestial All Suites. Some 20 minutes’ drive from Argostoli, this luxurious hideaway is surrounded by pines on a sea-facing hillside, less than 10 minutes’ walk above Trapezaki beach. There’s a minimum age requirement of 15, so such natural serenity won’t be interrupted by other people’s noisy kids. Further amplifying the relaxing air is a neutral, earthy colour scheme across 40 spacious suites, each with its own pool and terrace. The peaceful panorama (best enjoyed from a poolside day-bed) spans forest, sea and cedar-swathed Mount Ainos to glorious effect.
2. Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, Spartia
£££ | SPA | POOL | Best for embracing villa life
There are just 12 villas — ranging from one to three bedrooms — at the achingly pretty Eliamos, which is above a remote cove on the south of the island. Against a backdrop of the dazzling Ionian Sea and dotted among the flower-filled gardens are fresh saltwater pools and open-plan living spaces, all of which are dressed in neutral tones, linens and textured wall hangings, with sapphire-blue tiled bathrooms and indoor-outdoor showers. The location, just 20 minutes’ drive from Argostoli, is handy. But be warned, with its restaurant, small spa and sea views, this is a place you may never want to leave.
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3. Emelisse Nature Resort, Fiskardo
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for boutiquey escapism
The Emelisse is one of the top luxury hotels in Cephalonia, with an atmosphere designed to have you feeling utterly rejuvenated before you’ve even made it to your room. The views alone, across the azure waters to the islands of Lefkada and Ithaca, will lift the soul, whether enjoyed from your balcony, the infinity pool or the breakfast terrace. Once checked in, you have the choice to do as little — perhaps lie on the private beach — or as much — hit the tennis court or watch a film in the open-air cinema — as you like. You needn’t set foot beyond the grounds for the duration of your stay, but the hotel has plenty of activities, including yacht cruises, scuba diving, winery tours, or simply taking a bike and cycling to the nearby fishing village of Fiskardo.
4. F Zeen Retreat, Livathos
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for modern bohos
Barefoot luxury is the vibe at the adults-only F Zeen Retreat. The hotel’s name is derived from an ancient Greek term for “bliss”, and that’s certainly what you’ll find here. Natural materials feature heavily in the hotel’s design (it’s a plastic-free zone), and match the natural experiences on offer to guests. These include daily yoga and meditation classes, dips in freshwater pools, and the modern Greek cuisine served in two restaurants, some of the produce for which comes from the hotel’s vegetable garden. It’s in a spectacular location, with Mount Ainos on one side and the sweeping sands of Lourdas Bay to the other. Lounging is a big part of the attraction, but there are plenty of activities to consider too, including an open-air cinema, jeep safaris, paddleboarding and boat tours.
5. Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa, Lixouri
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for entertaining the whole family
The Paliki peninsula, Cephalonia’s western portion, is separated from the rest of the isle by the Gulf of Argostoli. Hidden in the countryside, near the peninsula’s south-coast Xi beach, is Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa: a laid-back and relaxing all-inclusive. Two pools, a playground and a splash park make this an ideal choice for families, as does the international buffet (supported by Greek and Italian à la carte restaurants). Sports facilities and an art gallery are among the leisure facilities, and you’re a ten-minute drive from Lixouri, the peninsula’s largest village, from where you can ferry across to livelier Argostoli.
6. Kefalonia Grand, Argostoli
£ | Best for modern design
In the capital Argostoli, the Kefalonia Grand occupies a handsome white building on the waterfront — you might spend a good chunk of a stay here staring at the yachts docked in the harbour just yards from the hotel. The modern decor draws on a neutral colour palette of grey, black and oatmeal, and some rooms have balconies and sea views. When you’ve had your fill of Argostoli, the helpful staff can arrange various organised activities, including hiking on Mount Ainos, a history tour, and sailing; you can hire a car here too, if you’d prefer to explore alone.
7. Ionian Emerald Resort, Sami
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for family getaways
A 25-minute walk from the lovely little town of Sami, the Ionian Emerald is the place to head to if you’re keen to spend a few days relaxing. There’s everything you might need for some proper holiday R&R, including a beach, a pool with daybeds and a spa. The restaurant and bar on the first floor have an outdoor terrace with a pool view. It’s a good base for island excursions, too; hire a car from reception then meander up the coast, stopping at fishing villages and beaches. At the end of the day, return to simple, comfortable rooms, each with either a balcony or terrace, and listen to the sound of the waves.
8. Argostoli Essence Suites, Argostoli
£ | SPA | POOL | Best for living like a local
The location of this aparthotel in the Cephalonian capital of Argostoli is just one reason to love it — you’re a two-minute stroll from shops and tavernas, and there are pretty harbour views from the balconies of many of the suites. Inside, light-filled rooms are an oasis of calm, with floaty, white linen curtains, ruffled-edge cream bedspreads, hessian furniture and beige stone sinks. There’s a small pool, which is an excellent suntrap, but the draw of these suites is the chance to combine island exploration with a chic and comfortable base.
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9. Canale Hotel, Argostoli
££ | POOL | Best for smart interiors
The Canale has a more urban feel than many boutique hotels on the island. The mood here is grown-up and sophisticated, with lots of black and gold, leather and stone. All rooms have balconies with sea views, and those in the upper categories have their own private hot tubs. There’s a small pool for refreshing dips after a day wandering the capital, and a lounge bar serving cocktails and modern Mediterranean cuisine. Friendly staff will fall over backwards to accommodate you, organising sailing charters, wine tastings and cabana bookings on a local beach among many other things.
10. Petani Bay Hotel, Paliki
££ | POOL | Best for proper R&R
A little bit of peace and quiet is on the cards at Petani Bay, an adults-only hotel in a secluded spot in western Cephalonia. The pastel-coloured building sits in grounds of olive trees and wildflowers and is built around the view, perching above the curve of its namesake bay. Every suite has a balcony and most have sea views, though you might prefer to take it all in from the infinity pool. The friendly concierge can arrange excursions such as riding and fishing, organise rental cars and book local restaurants. Come early evening, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find yourself back on the hotel terrace with a glass of local wine in your hand, watching the sun sink into the Ionian.
11. Avithos Resort, Svoronata
£ | POOL | Best for laid-back escapes
In the low-key village of Svoronata, Avithros is a peaceful, friendly place, whose staff will go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Its studios and apartments are big on natural materials such as wood and stone, and are decorated in a stylishly muted colour scheme of beige and greys. It’s a 15-minute walk to the beach, though you may struggle to move from the canopied daybeds by the pool. You’ll want a car to explore on your own, but the hotel will happily arrange private island tours and boat cruises if needed.
12. White Rocks Hotel, Platis Gialos
£££ | POOL | Best for sea views
Stretching along a cliff with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, White Rocks sits in a 50-acre, pine-clad plot near the lively resort town of Lassi. The hotel goes to some effort to reduce its impact on the environment, sourcing materials and produce locally and minimising its water and energy consumption. It does nothing to scrimp on style or facilities, though: there’s a freshwater pool as well as a small private beach, a boutique selling art and fashion from the island, and the offer of in-room spa treatments. Dining choices range from the relaxed beach bar for pizzas and snacks to the more formal Lungomare, which serves a modern Mediterranean menu heavy on seafood and mezze.
13. Hotel Tourist, Argostoli
£ | Best for local flavour
It’s hard to miss the pink Hotel Tourist, and harder still to forget thanks to its tiny price tag and the exceptionally accommodating welcome you’ll get from the staff. Rooms are cosy and comfortable with a dash of contemporary style, and some have balconies with sea views. A highlight is the generous Greek breakfast, which includes plenty of local produce such as Cephalonia honeycomb and feta cheese. In the city centre and close to restaurants, bars and shops, but on a quiet street, this is an excellent base for exploring the capital.
14. NorthPoint Rooms 1953, Antipata
£ | POOL | Best for getting away from it all
For a taste of rural life, book one of the six delightful rooms at NorthPoint Rooms 1953, way up in the north of the island, close to Fiskardo. Each is set in one of three buildings and has heaps of character, with wooden ceilings and exposed stone walls. The setting is lovely too, within a quiet, walled garden with plenty of places to lounge, a lap pool and an outdoor kitchen. Staff are full of local tips and will cheerfully help arrange the minutiae of your holiday, from restaurant bookings to boat trips. If there’s a group of you, you’re able to rent out the site in its entirety.
15. Olivemare, Katelios
£ | POOL | Best for a couples retreat
Occupying a modern white mansion surrounded by olive groves, Olivemare is a peaceful little hideaway in southern Cephalonia. It’s a five-minute walk to the beach and close to restaurants and bars but, once you’re inside, you’ll feel a world away from noise and hubbub. There are only five rooms here, each with wooden shutters, whitewashed furniture and a private terrace with loungers and seating. The gardens, with a lovely long pool, are a terrific place to relax in the heat of the day. Of note is the breakfast buffet — it changes daily but always features local produce, such as Cephalonian pastries and breads.
16. Fiscardonna Luxury Suites, Fiskardo
£ | Best for a sense of heritage
Visitors are drawn to the fishing village of Fiskardo for its Venetian architecture, which is particularly attractive on its colourful harbourfront. Many people come for a day trip but it’s a lovely place to spend the night, and there are few better choices than Fiscardonna. The hotel’s five suites occupy a 19th-century stone building with wooden shutters, dramatically floodlit at night. Our favourite is the two-story Danai suite, with a balcony that runs the length of the building. You’re a short walk from two beaches here.
17. Regina dell Acqua, Skala
££ | POOL | Best for outdoor living
Right on the beach and with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, Regina dell Acqua is the perfect place to stay if you crave sea and sand. Everything here is focused on outdoor living, with a pool bar, plentiful loungers, an alfresco restaurant and pool-side massages. All rooms have a balcony or terrace, though you pay more for a sea view. If you’re feeling swish, the Presidential Suite has its own sauna, private pool, hot tub and separate lounge. There’s a kids’ pool and adjoining bedrooms, making it a good family friendly option too.
18. Makis Studios, Skala
£ | POOL | Best for an affordable getaway
Close to the island’s Poros ferry port, this smart boutique hotel has 43 tropical-chic rooms with wicker-framed mirrors, glossy potted ferns, boho embroidered cushions and carved wooden lamps giving a jungle-explorer feel. Out on the expansive terrace is a large pool with loungers, while Skala’s sandy beach is just over the road. It’s also a short walk to tavernas and shops in the main town, making it popular with young families sticking close to base who want everything on their doorstep. Makis is a family-run place, so extra-friendly — the sort of relaxed beach hotel with a cluster of books to borrow and read by the pool, and live traditional Greek music one night a week at the restaurant.
19. Museum Hotel George Molfetas, Faraklata
££ | Best for stepping back in time
This five-room hotel is a delightful little place up in the hills of central Cephalonia, in a village surrounded by olive groves. George Molfetas was the great-uncle of current owner Katerina, who assembled various antiques and artefacts belonging to her ancestors and used them to furnish the 19th-century house. The result is that you feel like you’re staying in the home of your Greek grandparents. Katerina herself is on hand to make your stay a memorable one, whether talking you through the organic food served up in the restaurant or arranging a visit to a local winery.
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Additional reporting by James Litston, Hannah Summers and Lucy Thackray
We regularly reassess and refresh this list, adding the latest advice and inspiration
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