Where to Stay in Agia Efimia: The Best Areas and 16 Accommodations

Agia Efimia is one of the most picturesque small ports in northeastern Kefalonia, built amphitheatrically around a bay with calm waters. Despite its small size, it offers a good number of accommodations, from traditional guesthouses to modern apartments with views of the Ionian Sea.

Choosing where to stay here mainly depends on whether you want to be right in the port, surrounded by tavernas and cafes, or a little further out, in quieter spots with views and car access. Makriotika and the area towards Divarata offer a more peaceful stay, while the village centre is livelier.

In this article, you will find detailed information on the areas around Agia Efimia, the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you organise your stay.

What to See and Do in Agia Efimia

Agia Efimia is located on the northeastern coast of Kefalonia, opposite Ithaca, approximately 30 kilometres from Argostoli. The journey takes about 40 minutes by car via Sami. Kefalonia Airport is near Argostoli, about 35 kilometres from Agia Efimia, so the transfer takes approximately 45 minutes.

Access is mainly by air to Argostoli and then by road, but there is also the option of taking a ferry from Patras to Sami, which is just 9 kilometres from Agia Efimia. Many visitors coming from Ithaca or western Greece prefer this route, as Sami port offers regular services in the summer.

Agia Efimia village is small but well-maintained, with a picturesque harbour full of sailing boats that stop on their journey through the Ionian. The promenade has several tavernas serving fresh fish, cafes, and small grocery shops, but without the intense tourist traffic of other areas on the island.

The beaches around Agia Efimia are small and pebbly, with the most famous being Paradise and Xi, a sandy beach with reddish sand about 15 kilometres further south. Closer to the settlement are small coves with clear waters, ideal for those seeking a quiet swim away from the crowds.

The history of the area was marked by the devastating earthquake of 1953, which levelled a large part of Kefalonia. Agia Efimia was one of the few villages that did not suffer complete destruction, which is why it still retains some old buildings with character, something rare for the island.

From Agia Efimia, you can easily visit Melissani Cave, about 7 kilometres south, with its famous underground lake, as well as Drogarati Cave near Sami. Both attractions are among Kefalonia's most popular and are just a few minutes' drive away.

Regarding food, the fish tavernas in the port serve fresh fish and seafood, while in many establishments you will find local specialities such as Kefalonian meat pie and galatopita (milk pie). Robola wine, produced in the vineyards around Lake Agia Eleousa, is one of the most well-known local products.

Seasonality in Agia Efimia is less pronounced compared to more touristy areas of Kefalonia, but here too July and August bring the most activity, mainly from yacht owners and families. June and September offer a calmer pace, with the sea remaining warm until mid-October.

If you enjoy hiking, the inland area towards Divarata and Dendrinata hides paths through pine forests with views of the Ithaca-Kefalonia channel. Ithaca is clearly visible from many points in Agia Efimia and is a popular day trip by small boat or ferry from Sami.

The season in Agia Efimia essentially starts in May and lasts until the end of October, although most accommodations and restaurants operate fully from mid-May to mid-October. In August, accommodation prices rise significantly, while in June and September you can find prices up to 25% lower with equally good weather.

A few minutes south of Agia Efimia, the village of Fiskardo, at the northern tip of the island, offers a different scene with Venetian mansions and luxury yachts, and is a popular day visit for those staying in Agia Efimia. The drive takes about 25 minutes by car through picturesque mountain villages, with views of the Ithaca channel almost the entire way.

Swimming around Agia Efimia can easily be combined with diving, as there are schools in the area that organise excursions into the clear waters of the Ionian, with visibility often reaching twenty metres. Many visitors also prefer to rent a small boat for a day to explore isolated coves along the coast that are not accessible by road.

The Best Areas to Stay in Agia Efimia

Agia Efimia Port

The port is the natural heart of Agia Efimia, with accommodations just a few metres from the sea and easy access to tavernas, cafes, and small shops. It's an ideal choice if you don't have a car or want to do everything on foot.

Advantages:

• Zero distance from tavernas and shops
• Views of the port and boats
• Easy access without a car

Disadvantages:

• Can be busy and noisy in the evenings during summer
• Less privacy compared to more remote accommodations
• Prices are usually a little higher

Recommended Accommodations:

1. Ballas Apartments
Apartments above the water with views of the port and mountains. Operating since 1981 with family hospitality.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

2. Kefalonia Bay Palace
Hotel with a pool and bay views, within walking distance of the port.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

3. Hotel Moustakis
Family-run hotel operating since 1988, with simple but clean rooms close to the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

4. Poseidon Agia Efimia
Small accommodation with studios and apartments, close to the beach and shops.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

5. Sun Set Agia Efimia
Apartments with a terrace and sunset views over the bay.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

Makriotika

Makriotika is located a little higher up from the port, nestled among olive groves, and offers quieter accommodation with sea views. It is suitable for those who have a car and want peace and quiet without being too far from the centre.

Advantages:

• Panoramic views of the bay and Ithaca
• Quieter environment
• Several accommodations with swimming pools

Disadvantages:

• A car is needed for transportation
• Approximately 10-15 minutes' walk from the port
• Fewer dining options in the immediate area

Recommended Accommodations:

6. Christina's House
Traditional house with a garden and sea views, a quiet spot ideal for families.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

7. Fotini Apartments
Apartments with a pool and views of Agia Efimia bay, a few minutes from the centre by car.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

8. Afrodite Apartments
Simple apartments with a garden, suitable for peaceful family holidays.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

9. Nonna House
Renovated stone house with traditional character and countryside views.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

Divarata - Dendrinata

The villages of Divarata and Dendrinata are located in the hills above Agia Efimia and offer villas with pools and views of the Ionian Sea. This is an option for those who want isolation and will rent a car for all their transportation needs.

Advantages:

• Privacy and tranquility
• Many villas with private pools
• Panoramic views of the Ithaca channel

Disadvantages:

• A car is essential
• 5-10 minutes' drive from the beach
• Minimal services within the village

Recommended Accommodations:

10. Villa Kanna
Villa with private pool and views of the Ithaca channel, a quiet location among olive groves.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

11. Ora House
Traditional house with stone elements and modern renovation, with nature views.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

12. Sweet Home of Kefalonia
Comfortable house with a garden, suitable for families seeking tranquility.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

13. Luxury Stone Apartments
Stone apartments with modern amenities and hillside views.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

Paradise - Coastal Zone

The area around Paradise beach is located south of the port and offers accommodations closer to the sea, with less traffic than the centre. It's a good choice for those who want daily swims without needing to use a car.

Advantages:

• Close to a beach with clear waters
• Quieter than the port centre
• Good access towards Sami and Melissani

Disadvantages:

• Fewer shops in the area
• Requires a short trip for shopping
• The beach is small and fills up quickly

Recommended Accommodations:

14. Katerina Studios
Studios 30 metres from the sea, family-run with comfortable spaces.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

15. Mary's Studios & Apartment
Small accommodation with simple apartments near the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

16. The Seasons of Nickolas
Comfortable rooms with a terrace and sea views, near Paradise beach.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

Practical Tips for Your Stay

• Rent a car if you're staying outside the port. Most beaches and attractions in Kefalonia are several kilometres away, so a car greatly facilitates travel.
• Book early if you're travelling by boat. Agia Efimia is a popular stop for sailing boats, so accommodations near the port fill up quickly in July and August.
• Visit Melissani early in the morning. The cave fills up with tourist buses after 10 am, so it's advisable to go early to avoid the crowds.
• Try the local Robola wine. It's produced in vineyards near Lake Agia Eleousa and you'll find it in many local tavernas.
• Book ferry tickets from Sami early. If you're coming from Patras, summer ferry services fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Agia Efimia from Kefalonia Airport?

Approximately 35 kilometres, with the journey taking about 45 minutes by car.

Do I need a car in Agia Efimia?

If you're staying in the port, you can manage without one, but for beaches and attractions outside the village, a car is very helpful.

Which is the closest beach to the port?

Paradise beach, about 1 kilometre south of the port, with clear waters and less crowded than the main settlement.

Can I reach Agia Efimia by ferry?

Yes, via Sami port, which is about 9 kilometres away and offers regular services from Patras, especially during the summer months.

Which season offers the best accommodation prices?

June and the first half of September offer good sea temperatures with lower prices compared to August, when demand from boat owners significantly increases accommodation costs.

Is it worth staying in Makriotika instead of the port?

Yes, if you want peace and panoramic views of the bay and Ithaca, but you will need a car for your daily commutes to beaches and tavernas.

The Verdict

Agia Efimia is one of the most charming bases for a holiday in Kefalonia, ideal for those who want a combination of a quiet village, good food, and easy access to caves and beaches.

Choose the port if you want to be in the heart of the action, Makriotika or Divarata for more peace and views, or the area towards Paradise if daily swimming is your priority.

Also, check out our guides for where to stay in Agia Marina, Chania and where to stay in Olympic Beach.