The choice of base matters more in Kefalonia than in most Greek islands. The island is large — Myrtos beach to Skala is over an hour's drive — and the character of each area is genuinely different. Here's how to choose.
Argostoli: The Capital, the Hub
Argostoli is one of the best places to stay with plenty of tourist amenities and well located to explore the rest of the island. The capital has everything: a lively waterfront, the morning fish market, turtles in the harbour, good restaurants across every price point, and the best road access to all parts of the island.
Best for: First-timers, solo travellers, those who want a blend of local life and tourist infrastructure, and anyone who wants flexibility to explore the whole island.
Not ideal for: Those who want to be steps from a beach (the nearest good beach is Lassi, about 3km away).
Lassi: Beach Convenience Near Argostoli
The resort strip just outside Argostoli, Lassi sits next to Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos beaches — sandy, accessible, with watersports. More touristy than Argostoli itself, but convenient for beach-focused holidays, especially families.
Fiskardo: The Glamorous North
Fiskardo is the most picturesque seaside village with Venetian architecture, but accommodation can be expensive. The only village to survive the 1953 earthquake intact, Fiskardo is beautiful in a way that's almost self-conscious about it — yachts, Venetian buildings, candlelit restaurants. Recommended for romantic breaks, special occasions, and those willing to pay for the setting.
Not ideal for: Those on a budget, or who want easy access to the whole island (Fiskardo is 40km from Argostoli on mountain roads).
Skala: Family Beach Holiday
Skala in the south has the island's best sandy beach: 3km of gently shelving, pine-backed shore. Skala is one of the most popular places to stay in Kefalonia, particularly with families. Good taverna scene, watersports, and a relaxed pace. Less spectacular for dramatic scenery, but excellent for an uncomplicated beach holiday.
Sami: Central, Practical, Underrated
Sami is the island's main ferry port and sits centrally on the east coast — well-placed for the caves (Melissani, Drogarati), for Antisamos beach, and for the Ithaca ferry. Sami provides plenty of tourist amenities and is well located to explore the rest of the island. The waterfront is quieter than Argostoli but has good restaurants.
Best for: Travellers who want a car-ferry base, cave enthusiasts, those doing Kefalonia + Ithaca.
Lixouri: Cheaper, More Local
Lixouri, across the bay from Argostoli (connected by a 15-minute ferry), offers a more local experience at lower prices. Lixouri is a bit out of the way but provides more affordable options. Base here for Petani and Xi beaches — both on the Paliki peninsula.
Agia Efimia: Quiet East Coast
A small, charming harbour town between Sami and Fiskardo. Excellent for boat rentals to hidden coves. Rent a boat at Agia Efimia to explore the hidden bays that can only be reached via the water. Quieter than Argostoli, more convenient than Fiskardo for central island access.
The Verdict
For your first visit: Argostoli or Lassi — maximum flexibility. For romance: Fiskardo — worth the premium. For families: Skala — the best beach setup on the island. For budget: Lixouri — genuine local atmosphere at lower prices. For island-hopping: Sami — best ferry connections.
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