Best family hotels in Kefalonia: top resorts according to parents

Not only is Emelisse Nature Resort one of the best luxury hotels on the island, it's also one of the most family-friendly resorts in Kefalonia. Set among cypress hills above the picturesque fishing village of Fiskardo, the boutique resort is magazine-worthy stylish, with whitewashed walls, elegant teak and rattan furniture, and lots of breezy, open spaces. 

Accommodation is housed within two-storey villas and bordered by lush gardens and tropical flowers. Best for families are the two-bedroom Family Apartments that enjoy a fully equipped kitchen along with a private shared swimming pool.  

In addition to the main pool there's a children's pool, and the hotel offers direct access to the beach. There are bicycles to borrow, an open-air cinema, a tennis court, and a complimentary shuttle bus to nearby Fiskardo. Emelisse can also organise activities including yacht cruises and winery tours, scuba diving, kayaking and more.   

Nearest beach: Emblisi beach is on your doorstep

Nearest airport: Kefalonia International Airport (34 miles)

Located in the southwestern corner of Kefalonia, the beautiful four-star Avithos Resort is an excellent choice for families looking for a self-catering option on the island. The resort offers a range of light-filled rooms, studios and apartments that sleep up to four, as well as maisonettes that can accommodate five. Each comes with a kitchen and private balcony or veranda. 

The decor - both in the common areas and rooms - is chic and understated with earthy linens, wicker lampshades and simple but stylish wooden furniture. A large swimming pool sits at the heart of the property flanked by sun loungers with plump cushions, breezy day beds and artfully placed plants. There's also a kids' pool for younger visitors.

A buffet breakfast is available, served in the good-looking dining area. Two tavernas are within easy walking distance if you don’t feel like cooking and Argostoli, the island capital, is a 15-minute drive away. 

Nearest beach: Avithos Beach (1 mile)

Nearest airport: Kefalonia International Airport (2 miles)

The elegant Electra Kefalonia is one of the best family hotels in Kefalonia. This luxurious property is perched in the southwest corner of the island, within walking distance of Ames, a golden sandy beach, and a short bus or taxi ride away from the capital, Argostoli. 

The 34 rooms and suites feel a little corporate but offer plenty of space and most enjoy stunning sea views. There's a range of options for families: the Maisonette Sea View can sleep three people, the Superior Maisonette Sea View can accommodate four guests and, perfect for larger families, is the Two-Storey Premium Suite that sleeps five. 

Meals are served in the breezy Turquoise Restaurant & Bar or, if you fancy a change, the pretty village of Svoronata is under a mile away, where you will find a handful of tasty tavernas. 

A sparkling swimming pool sits at the heart of the property with comfy sunbeds for lounging. The hotel's spa and wellness centre is another highlight, in particular the spa treatments that include a rejuvenating Kobido facial massage, otherwise known as the massage of eternal youth. 

Nearest beach: Ammes Beach (100 metres)

Nearest airport:  Kefalonia International Airport (1 mile)

For a home away from home, consider Marilia Villas, a small collection of light-filled properties set among a lush garden near the laid-back tourist village of Lassi. With plenty of accommodation options and space, this is one of the best Kefalonia hotels for families if you're travelling with grandparents or friends.

The spacious Garden Bungalows come with three beach-themed bedrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, comfortable living area and sunny veranda. The Two-Bedroom Villa can sleep up to five people with a generous terrace overlooking the garden, furnished with a dining table and sun loungers. Groups of six should consider the Three-Bedroom Villa. 

The only downside to the Marilia Villas is the lack of swimming pool but a public pool is a short, five-minute walk away. Even closer is the excellent Makris Yialos beach.

Nearest beach: Makris Yialos Beach (190 metres)

Nearest airport: Kefalonia International Airport (3 miles)

For good value rooms with views look no further than the Nine Muses Hotel, one of Kefalonia's best beach hotels for families. Overlooking pretty Skala Beach, one of the most popular stretches of golden sand on the island, rooms sit within cheery two-storey pastel-coloured buildings, connected by stone pathways lined with lush plants and tropical flowers. 

There are three room options at the Nine Muses: Superior Twin Rooms, Superior Double Rooms and Luxury Suites. Families travelling with younger children should opt for the two-storey suites that sleep up to four guests. Families with teens will need to book separate rooms. 

There are two swimming pools to enjoy - a large freshwater main pool and a smaller, quieter triangle-shaped pool tucked away on the edge of the property. Massages and beauty treatments are available at the spa, the hotel's Avra Restaurant has an indoor and outdoor dining space and there are three bars to choose from.  

Nearest beach: Skala Beach (50 metres)

Nearest airport: Kefalonia International Airport (22 miles)

Sleek, modern and incredibly stylish, White Rocks is one of our favourite luxury family-friendly hotels in Kefalonia. Located on a pine-clad peninsula, the hotel enjoys blockbuster views over the sparkling Ionian Sea as well as direct access to two Blue Flag sandy beaches and a VIP-worthy private cove. 

The 160 elegant bedrooms range from cosy doubles to superior bungalows and suites with infinity pools, and each one showcases works by local artists. For families, the split-level Junior Suite Sea Front Spa is a great option with room for up to four people and access of a sea view Jacuzzi hot tub. Families of five should book the spacious Junior Suite Sea Front room or the Junior Suite Sea View.

Drinking and dining options are plentiful, with two bars and three restaurants (half board options are available), and there's an emphasis on seasonal produce from local farmers. A large swimming pool overlooks the sea, the hotel offers yoga classes and cooking lessons, and while there's no spa, in-room massages can be arranged. 

Nearest beach: Direct access to two beaches and a private cove

Nearest airport: Kefalonia International Airport (3 miles)

Guests who've stayed at Regina dell Acqua rave about this family-run beachfront hotel, some returning year after year. While it's not the most modern of properties, it is charming, and the service is exceptional. 

The majority of the 38 bedrooms are cheery doubles with private balances or terraces, and some are inter-connecting, which works very well for families. For something a little more chichi, the high flying Presidential Suite enjoys its own swimming pool decorated with a mosaic dolphin. 

It's easy to let the days drift by at Regina dell Acqua; as well as direct access to Skala beach (one of the prettiest on the island), the hotel has a lovely swimming pool, a separate children's pool, poolside massages and a pool bar. Meals are served in the sea-view restaurant, where you'll find tasty Greek food and there’s a good selection of tavernas and cafes within walking distance.

Nearest beach: Located on Skala beach 

Nearest airport: Kefalonia International Airport (22 miles)