Kefalonia attracts visitors with its quiet charm, historical sites and quiet, sparsely populated atmosphere.
One stunningly beautiful Greek island still receives less than half as many tourists as Santorini.
Kefalonia, a peaceful corner of the Ionian Sea, received 755,929 foreign tourists in 2024, according to the Daily Express.
In comparison, 1,543,796 people visited Santorini, according to preliminary data from Fraport Greece, which operates 14 regional airports across the country.
Kefalonia, known for its rugged landscapes and serene beaches, also recorded a lower growth rate than Santorini. Since 2023, the number of international arrivals has increased by 1.3 %, compared to 1.8 % on the busier island.
Interestingly, Kefalonia is also about 10 times the size of Santorini, meaning that rarely-seen tourists can enjoy its lush greenery, extensive beaches, and rocky mountains.
While Santorini is famous for its dramatic sunsets and vibrant nightlife, Kefalonia attracts visitors with its quiet charm, historic sites and quiet, sparsely populated atmosphere.
Melissani Cave, an underground lake with piercing turquoise waters, is a must-visit destination. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the striking cave.Advertisement
For beach lovers, Myrtos Beach is known for its white pebbles and crystal clear blue waters, while Antisamos Beach is surrounded by hills and is a peaceful place to relax.
“The island is not just monotonous, it has a rich history and culture, for example, the Roman villa Scala, where you can see well – preserved mosaics,” the experts write.
Interestingly, the Archaeological Museum of Kefalonia in Argostoli also boasts a wealth of artifacts from the island’s past, demonstrating its Greek and Roman influence.
British tourists make up the largest share of foreign visitors arriving at Fraport airports. Airports managed by Fraport include Corfu, Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes and Skiathos.
