Is Argostoli or Fiskardo the better base?

Argostoli is the better base for practical reasons: it has the full range of services, car hire companies, and central access to the whole island. Fiskardo is the more atmospheric choice if budget is less of a concern and you want a village feel rather than a working capital. Fiskardo is 40km north of Argostoli, so consider which beaches and sites you want to visit most.

What is Assos like to stay in?

Assos is a small, quiet village at the end of a long winding road on the west coast. The village wraps around a bay beneath a Venetian castle and the surrounding hills are covered in olive trees. There are a handful of cafes and tavernas but very limited services. Best suited to visitors who want seclusion and outstanding scenery and are comfortable being far from shops or nightlife.

Do I need a hire car on Kefalonia?

Yes. Kefalonia is large and hilly, and public buses are infrequent. Without a car, you are effectively confined to your resort. The island's best beaches, Myrtos, Petani, and the coastal roads around Assos, all require driving. Car hire is available in Argostoli and at the airport. Book ahead for July and August.

Is Kefalonia expensive?

Kefalonia sits in the mid-to-upper price range among Greek islands. Budget accommodation exists in Argostoli and Lassi; Fiskardo is significantly more expensive. Self-catering villas and studios often offer the best value, particularly for stays of a week or more. July and August prices are noticeably higher than May, June, or September.

Where to Stay in Kefalonia | The Greece Guides

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and significantly more varied than its neighbours. The island has several distinct bases ranging from the practical capital at Argostoli to the upscale harbour village of Fiskardo in the north, each with a different character and a different relationship to the island’s main beaches. All prices below are approximate as of 2026.

Argostoli

The island capital sits on a long narrow bay on the west coast. It is a working town with supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, and a busy central square. The waterfront promenade runs along the bay with restaurants and cafes facing the water. Car hire is straightforward from here, with agencies clustered around the port.

The town beach is unremarkable; Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos beaches at Lassi (4km south) are significantly better.

Budget (from approximately EUR 50-70 per night): Kefalonia Star Hotel and Mirabel Hotel in central Argostoli are standard mid-budget options with clean rooms and walking-distance access to the waterfront. Basic in finish but well-located.

Mid-range (approximately EUR 90-140 per night): Olga Hotel is a reliable mid-range choice on the waterfront, with sea-view rooms and breakfast included. The Mediterranean Spa Hotel sits above Argostoli with a pool and panoramic bay views.

Luxury (approximately EUR 200-350 per night): Emelisse Nature Resort near Fiskardo is the island’s top luxury address, with infinity pool villas overlooking the sea. For Argostoli itself, Prokopata Estate offers villa-style accommodation with olive grove views and pool.

Lassi

Directly south of Argostoli and connected by a short coastal road, Lassi is effectively Argostoli’s beach resort extension. The beaches here, particularly Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos, are sandy, organised, and popular. The area has the most beach-resort infrastructure on the island.

Budget to mid-range (approximately EUR 60-110 per night): Bavarian Village, Captain’s House, and numerous studio complexes line the road between Argostoli and Lassi. Most offer pools and are within walking distance of at least one beach.

Mid-range to luxury (approximately EUR 130-280 per night): White Rocks Hotel is the most established full-service hotel at Lassi, with access to a small private beach, multiple pools, and rooms facing the water.

Fiskardo

At the northern tip of the island, Fiskardo is the only village to have survived the 1953 earthquake intact. Neoclassical mansions in pale ochre and terracotta line the harbour, and the anchorage is full of sailing yachts from late May through September. The village is genuinely charming but small, expensive, and oriented almost entirely toward upscale tourism.

Mid-range (approximately EUR 120-180 per night): Regina’s Studios and Stella Apartments offer self-catering options at the more accessible end of Fiskardo’s price range. Book early; the village has limited beds in total.

Luxury (approximately EUR 220-450+ per night): Emelisse Nature Resort is 3km south of Fiskardo and is the island’s most acclaimed hotel. Infinity-pool villas, a clifftop setting, and a genuine commitment to food and wine make it worth the premium for a special trip. Tara’s Boutique Hotel in the village itself offers a smaller, more intimate alternative.

Assos

One of the most photographed places on Kefalonia, Assos sits at the end of a peninsula 40km north of Argostoli, connected to the mainland part of the island by a narrow isthmus. The village has a small beach, a handful of excellent tavernas, and the ruins of a Venetian castle on the headland above.

Mid-range (from approximately EUR 100-160 per night): Accommodation in Assos is limited to a small number of guesthouses and studios. Linardos Apartments and similar family-run options fill up quickly. The remoteness makes last-minute bookings difficult.

Lourdas and the South

The south coast around Lourdas and Katelios has some of Kefalonia’s best beaches and a quieter, more local atmosphere than the north. The beaches at Lourdas are long and the sea clear.

Mid-range (approximately EUR 80-130 per night): Lourdas has a number of small hotels and studio complexes close to the beach. Lourdas Hotel and Studios is one of the most consistently reviewed properties in the area.

Booking Tips

Book Fiskardo and Assos accommodation as early as possible, often 3 to 4 months ahead for peak season. Argostoli and Lassi have more capacity and slightly more flexibility but July and August still require advance planning. The island airport accepts direct flights from northern Europe in summer, which drives demand sharply in those months.

Where to Stay in Kefalonia: Best Areas and Hotels