- Kylie Jenner is reportedly vacationing on Kefalonia, an underrated Greek island known for its turquoise beaches, luxe hotels, and laid-back atmosphere.
- Unlike more crowded destinations like Santorini or Mykonos, Kefalonia is lesser known but still has just as much natural beauty as its counterparts.
- There are a number of beaches that travelers can visit, as well as a variety of idyllic vineyards.
Kylie Jenner is living the European summer dream and sharing it all on social media. And yes, it’s making us a bit jealous. But it’s also inspiring us to plan a Greek island vacation, too. But not to just any old island, but the same one Jenner is (reportedly) at: Kefalonia.
The island, tucked to the west of mainland Greece, is part of the Ionian Islands, and is most certainly visited, but is far more of an undercover gem than its more popular cousins to the south, like Mykonos and Santorini. According to the U.K.-based newspaper, The Daily Express, it received just 755,929 international visitors in 2024, compared to Santorini’s 1.5 million. But in every way, Kefalonia is just as magical.Â
The island is packed with gorgeous, soft-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. That includes several Blue Flag beaches, an organization that finds and awards coastal stretches for their sustainability and cleanliness, like Ai Helis Beach, Ammes Beach, Aragia Beach, and Makris Gialos Beach. However, none are as glamorous or as picturesque as Myrtos, which has small, white pebbles that lead out to turquoise waters. The whole shebang is framed by towering cliffs on its sides.
But there’s plenty more for you (and Kylie Jenner) to do here, too, including exploring the Melissani and Drogarati caves, visiting the small towns lining the shore such as Argostoli (the capital of Kefalonia), hiking through Mount Ainos National Park, and naturally, eating plenty of fantastic Greek food paired with locally produced Greek wines.
I recommend Orealios Gaea, a vineyard that specializes in growing Robola white wine grapes. It’s also situated next to Monastery Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia, which was built in the year 1200 and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites on the island.
Though Jenner didn’t share where she’s staying on this trip, she would have plenty of luxurious properties on the island to choose from, including the stunning Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa Kefalonia, which is on the southern end of the island and offers fantastic ocean views from its infinity pool. And with just 12 villas, Jenner (or you) can have the utmost in privacy. Had she not had her daughter in tow, Jenner could have checked into the adults-only F Zeen Kefalonia, which has two infinity pools, a spa, and breathtaking ocean views.Â
Again, Kefalonia is known, but not so well known that the Instagram crowd has overrun it just yet. And that’s likely exactly the type of celebrity-worthy exclusivity Jenner was looking for on her getaway.Â
“While many of the Greek Islands are situated on the eastern coast, Kefalonia is located on the western coast in the Ionian Sea. This inevitably creates an air of exclusivity and uniqueness as well as quiet beaches,” Damaris Osorio, a relationship manager specializing in Greek travel at Black Tomato, said in a Nov. 2024 interview with Travel + Leisure. “People can enjoy a multitude of outdoor experiences such as caving, jeep safaris, coasteering, and sea kayaking while escaping the crowds. Far fewer people think of visiting Kefalonia while in Greece and typically opt for the classic spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, but it’s unfettered and equally beautiful. Perfect for those seeking a combination of adventure and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”
