Kefalonia (pronounced Kef-ah-lon-YA) is the largest of the Ionian Islands, located off Greece’s western coast. Over the centuries, it has been occupied by a mix of cultures—including the Romans, Venetians, Ottoman Turks, British, and even Italian and German forces during WWII. Because of its long history of occupation, the island has had many names, so don’t be surprised if you see it spelled as Cephalonia, Kefallinia, or Kephallenia. In Greek, it’s Κεφαλονιά, so the easiest way to refer to it in English is Kefalonia. What makes Kefalonia special is its authentic, untouched charm—you truly get to experience Greece. Unlike other islands that became tourist hotspots in the 1960s, Kefalonia remained a hidden gem until the late 1980s, partly due to the devastating 1953 earthquake that left much of it in ruins. If you’re curious to learn more, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (one of Kiki’s favorites) is a great book and movie that explores the island’s history. Dimitri, however, insists on disclaiming that he does not endorse the movie, calling it as “fictional” as Nicolas Cage’s Italian accent. Nonetheless, it captures Kefalonia’s natural beauty and the resilience of its people.
Kefalonia is a big island with plenty to see and do, we recommend staying for 3-5 days. This gives you enough time to explore while still leaving room for some laid-back days to relax at the beach or pool.
Expect sunny skies, warm days, and mild, breezy evenings. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 85°F, with evenings staying comfortably warm at around 70°F. The sun can be strong during peak hours, so stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade on especially hot days. Pro tip: If you're exploring Kefalonia, other parts of Greece, and especially Athens, plan your sightseeing in the morning and spend your afternoons at the beach or relaxing with a coffee at a café to escape the midday heat.
No strict dress code here—Dimitri has coined it “elevated island attire.” Think relaxed but sophisticated. We want everyone to feel comfortable, so flowy fabrics, light linens, and casual yet polished pieces are perfect. Slacks and a collared shirt are always a great choice. The key is to stay cool, stylish, and comfortable. A couple quick notes: it can get breezy by the water, so a light wrap or longer dress might be a good idea. Also, in Greece, black is traditionally worn by widows during mourning, so we encourage you to embrace the island's vibrant colors and wear something bright and fun!
Most restaurants you’ll dine at for dinner will be a taverna, where the dining experience is communal. You may order your own main dish, but you’ll definitely share it, and the salads and sides will be placed in the center of the table for everyone. Tavernas are casual, serving grilled meats and seafood prepared fresh on the spot. Another common type of restaurant in Greece is the estiatorio, a bit more formal, with a wider range of dishes. Here, you’ll find traditional Greek recipes like pastichio, moussaka, spanakopita, and more. Wine and beer are abundant and affordable. Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with the food in Greece. That said, a quick search on Google Maps or the web can help you find the best local spots and avoid the tourist traps. After dinner, it's a must to wind down with a nightcap, best enjoyed with some coffee and dessert at a local café by the water. You may only be in Greece once—it would be a shame to skip out on Nutella-filled crepes, rich chocolate soufflés, bougatsa, and of course, our two favorites: Galaktobouriko and Ekmek Kataifi. Little fun fact for the people: Most gyros (pronounced "yeeros") in Greece are made with pork, not lamb. Pork is more readily available and cheaper, especially when catering to large tourist crowds, while lamb is saved for special occasions and seasonal dishes.
The local currency is the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted, smaller shops, cafés, and beach bars may only take cash. It’s a good idea to have some on hand just in case.
Tipping in Greece isn’t as formal as in the U.S., but it’s appreciated! For restaurants, leaving a small tip (around 5-10%) is customary. For taxis or other services, rounding up the bill is perfectly fine.
In many parts of Greece, including some islands, it’s common for businesses to close for a few hours in the afternoon, typically from 2PM to 5PM, to rest during the hottest part of the day. Dimitri recalls his Yiayia scolding him for making any noise during siesta hours—worried about waking up Pappou or the neighbors. While this custom is gradually fading, especially in busier, tourist-friendly areas, it still lingers in the mountain villages and smaller towns.
Ferry services in Greece are an essential part of getting around, especially when traveling between the islands and the mainland. The country has an extensive and well-developed ferry network. You can book tickets on sites like DirectFerries.com or Ferryhopper.com, or go straight through the ferry companies' websites. Since August is peak season, it's a good idea to grab your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
We don’t have a registry—having all our favorite people together to celebrate is more than enough. We know many of you are traveling quite a distance to be with us, and we’re already so grateful for that. We’ll be overwhelmed with joy surrounded by so much love.