The island’s capital is Argostoli, a neat and pleasant town filled with cafes, restaurants and bars. Take a seat at Ampelaki Restaurant, a little gem that combines the best quality ingredients with a passion for Kefalonian and Greek cuisine, or take your pick from the bustling cafes crowding the main square, Platia Valiianou.
Kefalonia’s coastline is dotted with secret beaches, ranging from soft and sandy to wild and rocky. Most of the beaches are quiet, even in the peak summer months, with plenty of natural shade provided by pine tree forests stretching down to the shoreline.
A morning at the picture-perfect Myrtos Beach, with its unbelievably soft sand and turquoise waters, is a sublime experience never to be forgotten.
Nature lovers can look out for the protected loggerhead turtles that creep ashore each night to lay their precious eggs, as well as the highly endangered monk seal, which plays in the warm waters around the coastline.
The most iconic settlement on the island is Fiscardo, the ‘St Tropez of Kefalonia’. This small fishing village was the only settlement not destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and retains its picturesque charm and examples of the island’s original Venetian architecture. Transforming into a yachters’ paradise come summer, the numerous tavernas lining its small harbour make the perfect setting for a long, leisurely lunch with a side of people-watching.
set on an elevated hillside above agia efimia, camara is an off-plan residence designed as a contemporary interpretation of mediterranean island architecture. positioned on a 4,167 sqm (44,853 sqft) plot, the property commands uninterrupted 180-degree views across the ionian sea, with its architecture carefully shaped to respond to the contours of the land and the openness of the surrounding landscape.
the residence has been conceived as a series of interconnected volumes that follow the natural topography rather than impose upon it. low stone walls, sheltered courtyards and shaded transitional spaces create a gradual progression through the property, while arched openings and carefully framed sightlines maintain a constant visual connection with the sea. the architecture balances clean contemporary forms with a material palette rooted in the character of kefalonia, combining textured plaster, natural stone, timber detailing and terracotta elements that soften the relationship between the built structure and its setting.
at its centre, the principal living spaces are arranged to face the horizon, with expansive openings allowing natural light to move through the interiors throughout the day. the design prioritises openness and simplicity, creating a seamless relationship between the internal spaces and the terraces beyond. high ceilings introduce volume without sacrificing warmth, while the restrained palette of stone, timber and natural finishes allows the landscape to remain the dominant presence within the home.
the residence will comprise six en-suite bedrooms distributed between the main house and an independent guest house positioned discreetly within the grounds. each suite has been planned to maintain privacy while preserving open sea views and a direct relationship with the surrounding landscape. throughout the property, the architectural language remains consistent, combining natural materials and soft textures with a calm and understated aesthetic.
outdoor spaces have been integrated as a continuation of the architecture rather than separate recreational areas. broad terraces extend towards the view, creating a sequence of open and sheltered spaces that respond to different times of day and changing conditions. the orientation of the property maximises natural light and prevailing breezes, while the arrangement of the built volumes provides protection from exposure without interrupting the openness of the site.
the wider grounds have been designed to preserve the natural character of the hillside, allowing the residence to sit comfortably within its environment. mediterranean planting and carefully considered landscaping reinforce the connection between the architecture and the terrain, ensuring that the scale of the property remains balanced within the wider landscape.
agia efimia remains one of kefalonia’s most established harbour villages, known for its protected bay, sailing culture and easy access to the island’s eastern coastline. from the elevated position of the property, the harbour, nearby coves and the wider ionian landscape remain within view, while the setting itself preserves a strong sense of privacy and tranquillity.
as the light shifts across the water during the afternoon, the changing colours of the ionian become an integral part of the experience of the house, with the sea remaining the defining feature of the landscape from every principal space.
