Olive BayHotel
Olive Bay Hotel sits directly on Cephalonia's Ionian coastline, meaning your ceremony can take place steps from the water with minimal logistics headaches.
- Ceremony
- 20 seated
- Reception
- 150 seated
- Nearest airport
- EFL · 45 minutes
- Open season
- June – October
- Price range
- $$$
- Rating
- 4.7 /5 · 144
Olive Bay Hotel is a hotel destination wedding venue in Ag. Effimia 280 81, Greece, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Kephalonia International Airport (EFL), 45 minutes. Best months: June, July, August, October.
Olive Bay Hotel in Ag. Effimia 280 81, open June–October.
Olive Bay Hotel sits directly on Cephalonia's Ionian coastline, meaning your ceremony can take place steps from the water with minimal logistics headaches.
The property's 280-meter beachfront position eliminates the need for separate venue rentals, since accommodations, dining, and celebrations all happen in one location.
Guests arrive jet-lagged and can head straight to their rooms without transfers to multiple hotels.
This apartment hotel has a stunning view of Sami Bay & Ithaka, good sized rooms with a fully adequate kitchenette, comfortable bed, good air-con & a good balcony. The housekeeper/cleaner, Lela, does a splendid job and the manager/receptionist Amalia is both friendly and helpful. COVID years excepted, we have been visiting each year since 2015.
4 notes, from the desk.
Direct beachfront access with 280 meters of private coastline for ceremony setup
All-inclusive accommodation allows 150+ guests to stay on-site, reducing coordination complexity
Google rating of 4.7/5 reflects consistent hospitality standards across ceremonies and events
On-site dining facilities eliminate vendor sourcing for rehearsal dinners and receptions
Best held in June, July, August.
The months the weather — and the local rhythm — is kindest to a stay at Olive Bay Hotel.
Check availability.
Choose a day from the calendar.
We hold dates in pencil. A first note comes back within two business days.
How the weekend usually runs.
Yours will be different — nothing below is required. Every planning begins with the three meals you most want to eat, and builds outward.
- Afternoon/EveningGuest arrivals; check-in and welcome reception on beach terrace
- 10:00 AMRehearsal on beach with hotel coordinator
- 4:00 PMCeremony (beach or waterfront pavilion)
- 5:30 PMCocktail hour on terrace with sea views
- 7:00 PMReception dinner (beachfront or covered space)
- Late morningBrunch; guest departures afternoon/evening
Things worth knowing.
EFL · 45 minutes
Guests fly into Kephalonia International Airport. The desk arranges every transfer.
€15,000-35,000
Estimate assumes buffet or set menu reception, standard room types, and mid-season pricing (May-June, September-October). Peak season (July-August) adds 20-30% to rates. Add 19% VAT to all quoted prices.
€500-1,200
A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.
€65-95 / head
A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.
€80-180 / night
A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.
June – October
4 viable months. Shoulder dates soften the light and the rates.
Asked along the way.
Can we have the ceremony right on the beach?+
Yes. Olive Bay's beachfront location allows ceremonies directly on the sand or on seaside terraces. Coordination with the hotel ensures proper setup for weather contingencies.
What if guests need to fly in from different countries?+
Most European and some international guests use Kephalonia International Airport (35km away, 45-minute drive). The hotel can arrange ground transfers for all arriving parties.
Are there backup indoor spaces if weather turns?+
Yes. The hotel has covered pavilions and indoor event spaces suitable for receptions and ceremonies with full weather protection.
What's included in the room rate for guests?+
Standard rates include accommodation, breakfast, and beach access. Packages for wedding guest groups typically offer discounted rates and can include welcome beverages or dinners.
How far in advance should we book?+
June through September book 9-12 months ahead due to high season demand. April-May and September-October offer more availability with excellent weather.
Hold dates at Olive Bay Hotel.
A note to the desk with a rough season and guest count. We hold dates in pencil for three weeks before confirmation. A reply comes within two business days, from a person by name.