Incredible Things to do in Kefalonia in the Winter
Kefalonia is a beautiful Greek island destination. During the summer months it can get pretty busy with tourists and locals alike. This gorgeous island has a lot to offer, but is Kefalonia worth visiting in the winter? We take a look at the pros and cons of visiting in the colder months. We also highlight some of the best things to do in Kefalonia in the winter. Included are some useful tips and some secret local knowledge to make your trip even better!
Where is Kefalonia
Kefalonia is part of the Greek Ionian Islands. It sits on the west coast of Greece and to the south east of Italy in the Ionian Sea. It has a small population of under 36,000 inhabitants and has spectacular, rugged landscapes.
How to Get There
In the summer, Kefalonia is super easy to reach from most European cities. You can hop on a flight and arrive in Kefalonia International Airport a few hours later. However, in the winter, there are far fewer flights. Most people find it easier to fly to Athens and connect from there. It can be a little more time consuming to visit Kefalonia in the winter but it is worth the effort.
What is the Weather Like in Kefalonia in the Winter
The weather in Kefalonia in the winter can be mixed. It certainly can rain quite a bit – especially in January where it can rain for an average of 10 days. However, there are plenty of sunny days too. There is even snow on higher ground creating incredible views! The temperatures average around 13 – 15°C (55 – 59°F) in the daytime and can dip as low as 5°C (41°F) at night.
Most accommodation is set up for the summer months so make sure you book somewhere that has heating and decent blankets to keep you warm at night. If you pack accordingly, the weather will not be an issue!
How Expensive is Kefalonia in the Winter
As we mentioned, Kefalonia is a popular tourist destination… in the summer. During the winter, the island is more peaceful and there is certainly a more relaxed vibe. Due to the low number of visitors to the island, the cost of almost everything goes down. This makes it even more worthwhile visiting Kefalonia in the winter!
Flights, accommodation and car hire are all better value than they are in the summer months. We also found that there were better offers for eating out during the quieter months and there were no crowds!
If you plan to stay a little longer, or even hide here for the winter, rental properties can be found for a few hundred euros per month.
Things to Do in Kefalonia in the Winter
Many people consider the Greek islands to be a summer holiday destination. That is true to an extent, there is an element of hibernation during the off season. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have the most fantastic time on the island. Here are just a few ideas for things to do in Kefalonia in the winter.
Relax with a Seafront Walk
Most towns in Kefalonia are on the coast. During the winter, the lack of tourists means you will have the seafront practically to yourself. A morning stroll along the picturesque waterfront is a fantastic way to start off a winter’s day in Kefalonia. In the larger towns, like Argostoli, cafes and restaurants remain open. So stop in for a coffee or breakfast and admire the view at an island pace.
Things to Do in Kefalonia in the Winter – Hiking
Kefalonia is not a densely populated island, making it great for hiking! Take a trip up Mount Aenos or explore other parts of Mount Aenos National Park. The drive to the national park is about 45 minutes from Argostoli.
For a hike near Argostoli, explore the ancient city of Krane and walk the cyclopean walls. You can begin the hike from the centre of Argostoli or you can drive for around 5 minutes and park before beginning the hike.
If you are based in Fiskardo, there is a beautiful route that will take you passed both the ancient Basilica and the venetian lighthouse. It is only a mini hike – around 2km – but very scenic. The route begins on the road in front of Nicholas Taverna.
Increase the Pace with Some Mountain Biking
It is possible to bike up Mount Ainos, and of course back down again, completely off road. There are also loads more biking routes in Mount Ainos National Park and around the island. The lack of cars in the winter makes this a perfect time to get on your bike!
If you didn’t pack your trusty stead, there are plenty of places around the island that will happily rent out a bike for as long as you need it.
Things to Do in Kefalonia in the Winter – Explore the Empty Beaches
There are so many incredible beaches all around Kefalonia. In the winter, you will have the beach almost to yourself!
Myrtos Beach is around a 40 minute drive from Argostoli making it perfect for a day trip. The journey is scenic and when you arrive, you will be blown away by the natural beauty of this part of the island.
There are some nice views of the Kefalonian mountains from Fiaki Beach in Lixouri. There are cafes and bars along the beach here that remain open all year round.
Ammes Beach is a nice mixture of rugged cliffs and soft sand. It is easy to get to and close to Argolstoli airport. However, there are very few flights during the winter.
Sample the Regional Cuisine
During the winter, the citizens of Kefalonia focus more on regional dishes – such as meat pie. There is also plenty of fresh fish to sample. Restaurants serve local, fresh produce making winter a delicious time to visit Kefalonia!
Visit the Village of Fiskardo
The village is quaint, colourful and really chilled in the winter months! As well as beautiful beaches, roman ruins and delicious eateries, there are many fascinating things to do in Fiskardo. The town is full of charming venetian architecture, so even just taking a stroll along the old streets is a joy.
Things to Do in Kefalonia in the Winter – Explore the Capital, Argostoli
Argostoli is not only a bustling island town with beautiful surroundings and an interesting history, but it is also home to a group of sea turtles! There are undoubtedly plenty of things to do in Argostoli.
Get Acquainted with the Sea Turtles
There are a number of permanent residents that remain in Argostoli all year long. The Bay provides everything the turtles need throughout the year so there is no need for them to leave. The water is shallow so it remains warm and it provides plenty of food for the sea turtles in the winter.
The harbour’s sea turtles make an appearance in time with the fishing boats. The best time of day to see them is before midday.
What is Closed in the Winter in Kefalonia
It is definitely best to base yourself in the island’s capital, Argostoli, when visiting Kefalonia in the winter. The town runs pretty much as normal throughout the year – although it is far quieter than it is in the warmer months. The smaller towns of Lixouri and Fiskardo are still open to an extent.
The summer resort towns of Lasi, Skala and Sami are almost completely closed up for the winter with accommodation, restaurants and bars closed for months. The island buses also work on a reduced schedule, there are fewer cruise ship arrivals and almost no organised tours.
How to Travel Around Kefalonia in the Winter
Kefalonia’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere! Or, if you are short on time, hiring a car might help you make the most of your visit to the island – and you should get a good deal during the off season!
If you are based in one of the larger towns, most places are walkable. You can also easily rent a scooter to get around a bit quicker.
If you decide to rent a car in Kefalonia, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style… Saying that, the roads in Kefalonia are much quieter during the winter.
Plan your journey in advance as there are some small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. However, this is improving all the time. Several mountain routes can be perilous in the winter if you do not plan ahead and take great care.
Is it worth Visiting Kefalonia in the Winter?
Kefalonia is the second largest of the Ionian islands. During the summer it is bustling and there is something for all tastes. However, in the winter, the whole atmosphere is different. Many resort towns are completely shut up, bus services are reduced and restaurants, cafes and bars change their opening times.
So is it really worth visiting Kefalonia in the winter? Yes, absolutely! We found it to be a relaxing place to spend our time. The weather was far more pleasant than that of northern Europe and you definitely get to experience the true, authentic island vibe. The lower costs in winter certainly add to the appeal as well as the lack of crowds, even in the largest towns.
If you can work remotely, or have no need to work at all, spending the winter in Kefalonia is a great idea! The locals are kind and welcoming and the nature on the island is stunning all year round.
We were based in Argostoli so didn’t find it necessary to hire a car. However, the buses are very limited off season so it is important to plan ahead.
The Greek Language
Many Greeks speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Greek. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers, but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
Hello Γειά σου (YAH-soo)
Please Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE)
Thank you Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)
Yes Ναί (neh)
No όχι (OH-hee)
Goodbye Γειά σου (YAH-soo)
More information
- For Kefalonia tourist info click HERE
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not go island hopping and try exploring Corfu in the Winter? This beautiful Greek island has so much to offer, even in the colder months.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Kefalonia or anywhere else in Greece? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Short on time? Save “Incredible Things to do in Kefalonia in the Winter” for later by clicking on the pin below.
