KEFALONIA TRAVEL GUIDE

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Kefalonia (also spelt Cephalonia) is a greek island in the Ionian Sea with magnificent scenery, fantastic beaches, high mountains, lush vegetation, picturesque seaside villages and hospitable people.

Kefalonia is a popular summer tourist destination for greeks and foreign nationals, and one of the best greek islands to spend your summer holidays.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Kefalonia by showing you the top attractions and things to do, best beaches & places to visit including maps, photos and itinerary.

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands with stunning beaches and beautiful mountainous and coastal scenery.

An ideal destination for a relaxed holiday in the sun, but also for people looking for something more adventurous or cultural, as it combines beach activities with hiking opportunities, scenic drives, and visits to unique caves and picturesque seaside villages.

It has been made famous as the setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin film. It is very popular with Greeks, Italians, and the last few years with other foreign nationals as a package holiday destination with direct flights to the island.

Most of Kefalonia has been destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and most towns and villages were completely rebuilt.

Kefalonia has some famous sights and attractions worth visiting, like the famous Myrtos and Petani beaches, Mount Ainos (Enos), Melissani and Drogarati Caves, and the cosmopolitan Fiskardo and picturesque Asos seaside villages.

The main town and capital of the island is Argostoli, but the main ferry ports are Poros and Sami. Lixouri is the second largest town.

The best time for a beach holiday on the island of Kefalonia is from June to mid-September. The weather is dry, sunny and warm, although there is a possibility of rain in September. Also, most tourist facilities are only open during these months. However, due to the mountainous terrain, it can be cloudy at higher altitudes even in the summer months. The sea is warmer from mid-July to mid-September.

I would probably avoid peak tourist season: mid-July to late August, especially the first 3 weeks of August, as the island tends to be crowded with mostly Greeks and Europeans on vacation, and prices are higher. The weather can also be very hot, with temperatures over 30°C.

For me, the best time to visit is the middle of June or the beginning of September when the temperatures are more favourable, there are fewer people and the prices are cheaper, but you can still swim in the sea and enjoy the buzz of the island.

In May, it can be a little cold to swim and sunbathe in the sea, but mostly the weather is dry and sunny. October is still warm, but there are significantly more clouds and the chance of rainy days is higher.

During the low season, there are fewer ferries and flights and some shops, hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas, close in October and don’t open until April-May, usually around Easter.

Kefalonia is a big island (about 904sqkm), so I would recommend a minimum stay of 5 days, as exploring the island can be quite hectic with long drives. Travelling from one side to another can be tiring.

Ideally, you should stay on the island for a full week if you would like to explore it at a more relaxed pace and combine it with a day trip to neighbouring Ithaki (Ithaca).

The most popular places to stay in Kefalonia are Argostoli, Lassi (near Makris Gialos) & Skala, but you could also stay in Poros, Lixouri, Agia Efimia, Asos, Sami and Fiskardo, as they also provide hotels and tourist amenities.

There are also other less popular places to stay in various parts of the island like Kato Katelios, Lourdata as well as plenty of hotels around the airport.

For me, Argostoli, Lassi or Sami are the best places to stay with a lot of tourist amenities and also well located to explore the rest of the island.

Lixouri is a bit out of the way but provides more affordable options.

Asos and Fiskardo are the most picturesque seaside villages, but accommodation can be expensive.

Skala is a good place if you want to be close to a nice beach and is popular with package holidaymakers, but it is further away from the rest of the sights.

Lassi is a good option if you want to combine both, close to a big town (Argostoli), but also to the beach of Maktris Gialos.

Best hotels in Kefalonia

• Kefalonia Grand Hotel: Situated on Argostoli waterfront with most rooms with a balcony and sea views and great staff.
• Canale Hotel & Suites: Great hotel in Argostoli Harbour with superb breakfast and amazing staff.
• Mouikis Hotel Kefalonia: This hotel centrally located in Argostoli offers rooms with a balcony, a nice rooftop terrace, a good breakfast and private parking.
• White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia: Located by Platis Gialos Beach with panoramic views of the sea and its own outdoor pool.
• Regina Dell’ Acqua: Situated in Skala this is a 5-star luxury hotel close to the beach.
• Melidron Hotel: A small family-run hotel well situated in Skala close to the town and beach.
• Fiskardo Bay Hotel: Located a short walk from the scenic Fiscardo waterfront offers rooms with a balcony and great views and a swimming pool
• Emelisse: Peaceful location close to Emplisi Beach and 15min walk from Fiskardo with spacious rooms, great restaurant and staff.
• F Zeen Retreat: Situated close to Lourdata Beach this hotel offers spacious rooms and great facilities.
• Odyssey Boutique Hotel: Luxury 4-star hotel in Agia Efimia with views of the Ionian Sea
• Sami Beach Hotel: Decent hotel by the beach between Sami and Karavomilos.
• Assos View Villas: Beautiful villas with a pool and amazing views of Asos.
• Hotel Summery: This hotel is located next to the beach and very close to the central square of Lixouri. Good value for money.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole island. You can find the hotels on this map.

By Plane

Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou is connected to Athens (2-3 daily, 1hr) all year round and also to some other domestic destinations, like Zakynthos, Preveza and Corfu during summer. During summer, the airport also receives low-cost flights from many European countries.

If you are travelling from Athens, taking a flight can be a bit more expensive than taking the ferry from Patra or Killini, especially in the high season. However, it is much more convenient and definitely recommended if you have limited time in Greece.

For the best website to book your flights, check the link below. Always check prices in advance for the best deals.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 7km south of Argostoli. Upon your arrival, you can rent a car (highly recommended) in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

There is a taxi service outside the terminal building. The journey to Argostoli is about 15min and costs around €15 euros, while the trip to Lassi is only 10min and costs €10. A taxi ride to Skala costs around €50 and takes about 45min, while a ride to Sami costs around €40.

There is also a limited bus service between the airport and the capital Argostoli. The bus stop is located on the left side of the main entrance of the departures building.

It is also worth checking with your hotel as most of them offer airport transfers at an extra charge.

By Ferry

Kefalonia has two main ferry ports (Sami & Poros) that provide connections to the mainland. There are ferries from the port of Patra to Sami via Ithaki (1 daily, 3 hours, €15.5 ) and Killini to Poros (4 daily, 1.5h, €13.50 ) or Astakos to Sami (1 daily, 2.5h).

Kefalonia is also connected by ferry to other islands a few times per week: Zakynthos (Agios Nikolaos to Pesada, 1 hour or Zakynthos to Sami, 3 hours), Lefkada (Vassiliki to Fiskardo, 1 hour or Lefkada to Sami, 3.5h) and Ithaki (Pisaetos to Sami, 30 minutes).

If you don’t have your own vehicle, Kefalonia is connected to Athens by bus (KTEL) every day of the year. The buses depart from Athens and arrive in Patras and Killini to connect with the departure of the ferries for the island. The trip Athens-Kefalonia via Patras lasts 6 hours and arrives at Sami while via Killini lasts about 5 hours and arrives at Poros.

For the cheapest site to book your ferry ticket in Greece, check the link below.

By Car

I would recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore the island, as it gives you the freedom to go to more remote areas and stop wherever you like to appreciate the views.

Car rental for a day is usually 50 euros in the peak summer season. Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season (July/August), there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive.

Most of the car rental offices are located at the airport or around Argostoli and Lassi. There are some at the ferry ports of the island (Sami). Renting at the airport is usually the cheapest option.

Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

By Taxi

There are taxi stands in Argostoli but taxis can be a bit expensive if you plan to go further distances.

Indicative fares of taxi routes:

• Argostoli to Lassi €7 (5min)
• Argostoli to Sami: €40 (45min)
• Argostoli to Skala: €35 (50min)
• Argostoli to Poros: €60 (57min)
• Argostoli to Fiskardo: €75 (70min)
• Argostoli to Asos: €60 (55min)

By Bus

There is a decent but limited bus service that connects Argostoli with the main villages and resorts of the island. Although public transport is cheap, bus services are not that frequent and you need to plan in advance if you are relying on public transport. For more information visit the KTEL Kefalonia site.

The best places to go for a meal are Argostoli, Fiskardo harbour, Lixouri and Sami for the best choices in a beautiful setting. For good restaurants by the sea, you can also visit Kato Katelios and Agia Efimia. There are also good restaurants in the resorts of Lassi and Skala. Below you can find a list of some of the best restaurants in Kefalonia.

Best restaurants in Kefalonia

• Tassia Restaurant: One of the most famous restaurants in Kefalonia to sample astakomakaronada overlooking the Fiskardo harbour.
• Melograno Restaurant
• Vasso’s Restaurant
• Spiros Restaurant
• Karnagio
• Ampelaki Greek Restaurant
• Agrapidos Taverna
• Kyani Akti
• Pomantza Traditional Fish Tavern
• Ta Pitharia Tavern
• Zefki Greek Traditional Tavern
• Blue Sea Restaurant
• Akrogiali
• Ladokolla
• Maria’s Restaurant

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map.

Local Cuisine

• Meat Pie (kreatopita): Pastry with minced meat
• Bakaliaros with agliada: Salted cod with potatoes and garlic sauce
• Strapatsada: Scrambled eggs fried with tomatoes and feta cheese
• Tsigaridia: Greens cooked with tomato sauce
• Mandolato: Sweet made of almonds and sugar (soft nougat)
• Local Robola Wine is quite famous and worth trying
• More information about the best greek dishes you can find here.

1. Enjoy one of the scenic drives

It is worth renting a car and exploring the island as it offers some stunning drives with great views of the mountains and coastline.

2. Swim at one of the amazing beaches – Myrtos, Petani, Antisamos & Xi

Myrtos is one of the most famous and picturesque beaches in Greece. The combination of white pebbles, turquoise waters, and steep cliffs creates a breathtaking scene.

Petani is also a beautiful beach in great surroundings as well as Antisamos with its lush greenery and Xi beach with its unique red sand and white cliffs.

3. Visit the seaside village of Fiskardo

Fiskardo is a picturesque village with preserved Venetian architecture. You can explore its narrow streets, enjoy the colorful buildings, and have a meal in one of the waterfront tavernas.

4. Visit Asos village and its fort

Assos is a charming village with colourful houses situated on a peninsula. You can explore the Venetian castle ruins and enjoy the views of the Ionian Sea.

5. Melissani Cave

You can take a boat tour of Melissani Cave, an underground lake with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The cave is surrounded by lush vegetation, and sunlight creates stunning reflections on the water.

6. Cave of Drogarati

You can explore Drogarati Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s acoustics are utilized for concerts and events.

7. Visit busy Argostoli and spot sea turtles

Argostoli is a great place to spot the Careta Careta sea turtles that come every morning to the harbour to eat any leftovers from the fishermen’s morning catch.

8. Hike Mount Ainos

Mount Ainos is the highest peak in Kefalonia, offering hiking trails with beautiful views. The national park is home to the rare Kefalonian fir tree.

9. Take a day trip to Ithaki

Kefalonia is close to the island of Ithaca, known for its connection to Homer’s Odyssey. You can take a boat trip to explore Ithaca’s charming villages and landscapes.

10. Agios Gerasimos Monastery and Robola winery

It is worth visiting the monastery of Agios Gerasimos, the e patron saint of Kefalonia. The monastery is a place of pilgrimage and houses the saint’s relics.

You can learn about the island’s winemaking tradition by visiting the Robola Wine Cooperative, where you can taste and purchase local wines

11. Agios Georgios Castle

You can visit the Agios Georgios Castle near Perata which provides great views of the southwest coast of Kefalonia

1. Argostoli

Argostoli is Kefalonia’s capital town, built amphitheatrically within a bay. The town was mostly destroyed in the 1953 earthquake and most houses were rebuilt. It is a great place for an evening stroll along the pedestrian street and Vallianou Square and also at the waterfront, which is full of yachts and boats.

It is the best place to stay on the island with lots of hotels, restaurants, bars and all the tourist amenities. However, there is no beach within walking distance, the closest beach is in the Lassi Area.

Argostoli is well connected with Lixouri with frequent ferries (every 30min, 20min).

Some of the best attractions and best things to do in Argostoli are summarised below:

1. Watch the sea turtles: Caretta-caretta sea turtles can be spotted in the Argostoli harbour every morning. Turtles can be seen around the fishing boats, coming to eat the fish thrown from the fishermen’s morning catch.
2. Walk along the Lithostroto: Stroll along Lithostroto, the main pedestrian street in Argostoli, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk and some shopping.
3. Observe the De Bosset Bridge: Check out the De Bosset Bridge, a historic stone bridge that connects Argostoli with the opposite side of the lagoon. It’s a picturesque spot for a walk and offers great views of the Argostoli and the bay.
4. Try Local Cuisine at the Waterfront Tavernas: Argostoli’s waterfront is lined with tavernas offering delicious Greek cuisine. Try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and seafood dishes.
5. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli: Explore the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from different periods of Kefalonia’s history, including Mycenaean and Roman artifacts.
6. Take a Boat Trip to Lixouri: Hop on a ferry or boat for a short trip across the bay to Lixouri, the second-largest town on the island. Explore Lixouri’s charming streets, squares, and beaches.
7. Relax at Vallianos Square: Spend some time at Vallianos Square, a central square surrounded by cafes and shops. It’s a great place to relax and people-watch.
8. See the Katavothres Geological Phenomenon: Witness the Katavothres geological phenomenon, where seawater mysteriously disappears into sinkholes and re-emerges in the Melissani Cave, several kilometers away.
9. Explore the St. Theodore Lighthouse: Drive or hike to the St. Theodore Lighthouse for nice views of the coastline. It’s a scenic spot to capture photos.
10. Visit the Koutavos Lagoon: Explore the Koutavos Lagoon, located near Argostoli. You can walk or cycle along the lagoon, enjoying the natural beauty and observing the birdlife.
11. Visit the Korgialenio Historic and Folklore Museum: Explore the Korgialenio Museum to learn about the history, culture, and folklore of Kefalonia. The museum displays artifacts and exhibits related to the island’s past.

2. Fiskardo

Fiskardo is a cosmopolitan seaside village with colourful traditional houses, chic restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafes. It is a lovely place for a stroll but it does get very crowded during the summer months. It is also a great place to taste seafood in one of the fish tavernas on the waterfront. Fiskardo is a mooring area for luxury yachts and it’s very popular with the international jet set.

It is worth visiting the Roman cemetery and the Venetian Lighthouse.

There are two good pebble beaches close to Fiskardo, Emplisi and Foki Beach.

3. Asos (Assos)

Asos is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Kefalonia, built in a small isthmus between the mainland and the small Asos peninsula. The peninsula has a Venetian fort at the top of the hill, which is worth climbing, as it offers spectacular views of Asos village and the Kefalonia coastline. Its waterfront is popular with yachts and fishing boats and it has a small pebble beach and a few tavernas. There is a paved path from the village to the top of the hill and the 16th-century Venetian castle with marvellous views of the surrounding area along the way. The hike up takes about 30min. It’s free to enter the fort and the castle but there is not a lot to see apart from ruins but the views are worth the hike. All that is left is the remains of the castle walls with the arched gate, Agios Markos church and parts of the barracks.

4. Sami

Sami is the main ferry port of Kefalonia with ferry connections to Pisaetos in Ithaki, but also to Astakos and Patra. There is an ok white sand beach between Sami and Karavomilos. Karavomilos has a nice small lake.

Sami is a nice seaside town and a great base to explore the island. There is a choice of some decent accommodation options and nice restaurants and cafes by the seafront.

The best nearby beach is located further away from the town. Antisamos Beach, one of the best on the island, is located to the north of the town, a 10min scenic drive.

You can also visit the Akropolis of Ancient Sami up on the hill, easily accessible by car, which offers some great views towards the town and the greater area. There you can see the remains of the Cyclopean walls as well as remnants of an ancient theatre.

5. Agia Effimia

It is a nice seaside village with a small fishing harbour. It has become quite popular in the last few years with some good accommodation options and restaurants by the seafront.

6. Lixouri

Lixouri is the second biggest town of Kefalonia, located in Paliki peninsula on the other side of Argostoli. It is a nice and quiet seaside town with two-storey buildings and a decent seafront. Good for an evening stroll and dinner by the sea. It offers some affordable accommodation options and decent seafood tavernas.

It is well connected with Argostoli by frequent ferries (every 30min until midnight, 20min). it is worth taking the ferry even if you have a car as it saves about 1h travelling by road. Ferry prices are cheap.

There is a small beach at the south side of the harbour but the closest decent beach is Lepeda. Lepeda is a beautiful, red sandy beach, about 2.5km on foot to the south of Lixouri.

7. Poros

It is the island’s second main port with ferries to Killini on the mainland. It is a busy town with a decent white pebbly beach at the north side. It has some good accommodation options and a few restaurants.

8. Lassi

Lassi is the most popular tourist resort in Kefalonia, close to Argostoli, with two cosmopolitan sandy beaches: Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos in the vicinity.

There are a lot of hotels scattered around Lassi Area. Restaurants and bars as well as shops and souvenir stores can be found along the village’s main street.

9. Kourkoumelata

This is a small village but has some very neoclassical buildings and a beautiful square and it’s worth having a stroll. It is worth also visiting for the sea views.

10. Peratata

It is a nice village close to the Castle of Agios Georgios.

11. Kato Katelios

This is a small resort on the south of the island with a nice little harbour, a decent beach and some good fish tavernas.

12. Old Vlachata

This is a village in ruins but it is an interesting place to visit to discover Kefalonia’s past. You can see the old stone houses as they used to be before the earthquake.

13. Valsamata

The village is located between hills on Omala plateau and is surrounded by vineyards

14. Skala

Skala is the biggest resort on the south coast with a nice sandy beach. It is popular with package holidaymakers. It offers some great hotel options by the sea and the town has some good restaurants, bars and most of the tourist amenities.

Kefalonia has some amazing beaches with crystal-clear water. On the north coast, most of them are with white pebbles and sand, while on the south coast are with golden sand. Some of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia are Myrtos Beach, Petani Beach, Skala, Antisamos Beach and Makris Gialos as well as Xi Beach with its red-coloured sand.

Below is a list of the 35 best beaches on the island.

1. Myrtos Beach: Myrtos is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It features white pebbles, turquoise waters, and a backdrop of steep cliffs. The contrast between the sea and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
2. Petani Beach: One of the most spectacular beaches in Kefalonia with white sand and pebbles. Nestled between cliffs, Petani Beach is known for its stunning sunset views. The beach has white pebbles and clear waters.
3. Antisamos Beach: Antisamos gained fame as one of the filming locations for the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” It is a beautiful beach with turquoise waters and lush green surroundings.
4. Xi Beach: Xi Beach is distinctive for its reddish-brown sand and clay cliffs. The beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the shallow waters make it suitable for families.
5. Makris Gialos Beach: Located near the capital, Argostoli, Makris Gialos is a well-organized beach with golden sands and clear waters. It’s popular among both locals and tourists.
6. Platys Gialos Beach: This beach offers soft golden sands and shallow waters, making it family-friendly. There are various water sports and facilities available, and it’s close to Lassi, a popular resort area.
7. Platia Ammos Beach: One of the most stunning beaches on the island with white sand and clear waters. However the road getting there is not the best, and the steps down to the beach have been damaged. It is still possible to visit but needs caution. The viewpoint at the top is a must.
8. Kaminia Beach: It is a long sandy and remote beach surrounded by nature. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.
9. Skala Beach: Skala is a popular resort area, and its beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles. The long shoreline provides plenty of space, and there are various amenities nearby.
10. Fteri Beach: An amazing remote beach with white sand and surrounded by cliffs. It is only accessible by sea taxi (from Agia Kiriaki – 20€) or a hike of 1.5 hours.
11. Agia Kiriaki Beach: A picturesque white pebble beach with clear blue waters.
12. Foki Beach: Foki is a smaller, more secluded beach near Fiskardo. It has pebbles and crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
13. Lourdata Beach: Lourdata is a long sandy beach with clear blue waters near Lourdata village.
14. Atheras Beach: A fine strip of sand in Paliki Peninsula with shallow waters. The road getting there offers some great views of the bay.
15. Kounopetra Beach: A reddish sandy beach surrounded by white cliffs, more peaceful than Xi with shallow waters.
16. Megas Lakkos Beach: A quiet and unspoiled beach with golden sands and clear waters. It’s less crowded than some of the more popular beaches on the island.
17. Lepeda Beach: Located near Lixouri, Lepeda has unique reddish-orange sands and is known for its stunning sunset views. The water is usually calm, making it suitable for swimming.
18. Amidi Beach: Beautiful, but secluded beach. Accessible only by boat.
19. Ammes Beach: Ammes is a sandy beach with shallow waters, making it suitable for families with children. It’s conveniently located near the airport.
20. Paliostafida Beach: Nice and quiet beach with transparent and shallow sea, perfect for families.
21. Megali Ammos Beach: Translating to “Big Sand,” Megali Ammos is a sandy beach located near Argostoli. It’s a family-friendly beach with shallow waters.
22. Vatsa Beach: Vatsa is a less crowded beach with pebbles and crystal-clear waters. It’s a peaceful spot for those looking to escape the more touristy areas.
23. Jerusalem Beach: A secluded beach with a combination of sand and pebbles. The waters are calm and inviting, making it a peaceful place to relax.
24. Emplisi Beach: Near Fiskardo, Emplisi is a pebbly beach with crystal-clear waters. The surrounding cliffs and greenery add to the scenic beauty.
25. Minies Beach
26. Giagana Beach
27. Asos Beach
28. Gradakia Beach
29. Eglina Beach
30. Avithos Beach
31. Ai Helis Beach
32. Trapezaki Beach: Trapezaki is a sandy beach with clear waters, located on the southern part of the island. It’s organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and has nearby tavernas.
33. Alaties Beach: Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, Alaties is a small beach surrounded by rocks. It’s a picturesque spot for swimming and snorkelling.
34. Koroni Beach
35. Poros Beach

You can click on the map below for the location of the best attractions, restaurants & hotels, as well as the best villages and beaches to visit in Kefalonia.

It is worth staying in Kefalonia for a week if you want to explore it. The following itinerary includes things to do for 7 days on the island. I have taken Argostoli as a base & overnight stay for the duration of the holiday; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of the island.

Day 1

• Visit Drogarati Cave
• Visit the Acropolis of Ancient Sami for a great view of Sami town & coast
• Quick photo stop of Monastery of Theotokou Agrilion for a view of Antisamos Beach.
• Swim at beautiful Antisamos Beach.
• A stop for a coffee or snack at Sami Harbour.
• Visit Melissani Cave.
• Optional visit to Old Vlachata
• Drive to Agia Effimia by the coastal road.
• Stroll at Agia Effimia harbour
• Optional Visit to Monastery Thetokou Thematon
• Photo stop at Panagia Lamia Church
• Back to Argostoli.
• Total drive time: 2.5h

Day 2

• Enjoy the view of Myrtos Beach
• Swim at Myrtos Beach
• Visit Asos village and walk to the fort for amazing views
• Detour to a sightseeing point of Asos.
• Optional swim at Foki Beach
• Visit cosmopolitan Fiskardo for an evening stroll
• Take the route through Erisou villages and Neochori for great views towards Ithaki
• Back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 3.15h (130km)

Day 3

• Visit Mycenaean Tholos Tomb of Poros
• Optional visit to Moni Iperagias Theotokou Atrou (only by 4×4) for a great view of the coast and Poros.
• Visit Poros harbour.
• Swim at Skala Beach.
• Optional swim at Kaminia Beach.
• Visit Kato Katelios for a snack at the tavernas.
• Back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 2.5h

Day 4

• Visit Castle of Agios Georgios
• Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
• Wine tasting at Robola Winery
• Drive to Ainos National Park for a hike or just to enjoy the views
• Take the alternative route through Agia Eirini
• Visit the Church of Our Lady Fidousa
• Swim at Lourdata Beach
• Total drive time: 3h (100km)

Day 5

• Photo stop at Atheras Beach
• Swim at Petani Beach
• Photo stop of Platia Ammos Beach
• Take the route through Moni Kipoureon
• Photo stop at Kounopetra Harbour to enjoy the views of the coastline
• Swim at the magnificent red sand beach of Xi.
• Photo stop at Lepeda Beach
• Visit Lixouri town for a meal
• Take the ferry back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 2.5h (95km)

Day 6

• Turtle watching at Argostoli Harbour
• Stroll at De Bosset Bridge
• Photo stop at Agia Kyriaki Beach
• Water taxi to Fteri (20 euros)
• Stop at Sinkholes of Argostoli
• Photo stop at Saint Theodore Lighthouse
• Swim at Makris Gialos or Platis Gialos
• Photo stop at Avithos Beach
• Have a stroll at Kourkoumelata village
• Take the scenic route through Lakithra back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 2h

Day 7

• Take a day trip to Ithaki

You can find the routes for the above itinerary on the flowing clickable map.

You can check the best photographs from the island of Kefalonia here.

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations on the island where you enjoy great views.

1. Viewpoint of Myrtos Beach
2. Myrtos Beach Viewpoint
3. Venetian Castle of Asos
4. Asos Harbour Viewpoint
5. Mount Ainos Viewpoint
6. Petani Beach Viewpoint
7. Akropolis of Ancient Sami
8. Antisamos Beach Viewpoint
9. Panoramic Point to Asos
10. Platia Ammos Viewpoint
11. Agia Efimia Viewpoint
12. Atheras Beach Viewpoint
13. Argostoli Viewpoint
14. Asos Viewpoint
15. De Bosset Bridge
16. Castle of Agios Georgios
17. Valsamata Viewpoint
18. Argostoli Bay Viewpoint
19. Filoscultura di Spiros Chourmouzis
20. Panagia Lamia
21. Moni Theotokou Agrilion
22. Poros Coast Viewpoint
23. Observation Deck Fiskardo
24. Good View Park
25. Poros Beach Viewpoint
26. View of the south coast
27. Road with views of Argostoli

You can check these viewpoints locations and the best photo spots on the island in the following map.

There are a few centres for watersports and other activities on the island of Kefalonia for the more adventurous.

Waterports

There is a water sports centre at Makris Gialos beach where you can try jet-ski, water-ski or wake-board. You can also rent a boat, kayak or pedal boat.

There is another water sports centre at Antisamos Beach that offers various water sports activities.

Diving

There are 4 dive centres on the island that offer diving and snorkelling trips:

• Pirate Divers Club in Lassi
• Blue Manta Diving & Aquanautic Club in Skala
• Aquatic Dive Club in Agia Effimia
• Fiskardo Divers in Fiskardo

Day trip to Ithaki Island

Ithaki is a small island to the east of Kefalonia with stunning scenery, a picture-postcard town of Vathy and some great beaches. There are full-day daily excursions from Sami or Agia Effimia in high season.

Some of the available tours are summarised below:

• Discover Ithaka (Ithaca) Cruise & Tour: This tour starts from Sami with visits to Vathy, Gidaki Beach, Kioni, Frikes and Stavros. (10hr, €76)
• Ithaca Cruise to Gidaki Beach, Vathy & Kioni Village: Tour starts from Agia Efimia with visits to Gidaki, Vathy, Kioni and Ammoudi Beach (6h, €67)
• Day Trip to Ithaki Island with a Swim Stop: This tour starts from Poros with stops at Vathy, Gidaki and Kioni (€55)

You can also visit the island independently if you have a car. You can take the ferry from Sami and spend a whole day there or longer exploring this beautiful island. The ferry ride takes about 30min.

Kefalonia Sightseeing Tour

If you don’t have your own transport the following tours are a good option to see more of the island:

• Kefalonia Island Bus Tour: This tour starts from Argostoli and includes wine tasting at Robola winery, a visit to Drogorati and Melissani Caves, lunch at Fiscado Harbour and a photo stop at Myrtos Beach (7hr, €45 euros)
• Full-Day Private Tour in Kefalonia: This is a private tour and can be tailored to suit your needs starting in Argostoli and includes a visit to the Lighthouse and sinkholes, Drogorati and Melissani Caves, Antisamos, Myrtos beach, Asos, Agia Efimia & Fiscardo harbour (7,5h, €98 euros)
• Kefalonia North Road Trip: Be picked up in Argostoli, Agia Effimia, or Sami and drive along the scenic roads to go swimming at Myrtos Beach. Have traditional lunch in the village of Fiskardo by the sea and finish your trip in Asos (9h, €50)
• Highlights of Kefalonia: This tour starts from Argostoli and includes a photo stop at Myrtos beach, Agia Efimia, Melissani and Drogarati Caves, Robola Winery and Agios Gerasimos Monastery (5.5h, €60 euros)

Trip to Zakynthos or Lefkada

Difficult to do as a day trip, but it’s worth visiting the other two islands for a longer stay. This will need to be planned carefully according to the ferry connections as there are no daily ferries.

More information about excursions & tours in Kefalonia can be found here.

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Kefalonia 🙂

The best destination for souvenir shopping is Argostoli with shops selling the usual greek souvenirs, as well as jewellery and typical local crafts and traditional products from the island. Most of the shops are located on the pedestrian street (Lithostroto) parallel to the promenade.

A unique souvenir to buy is the local Robola Wine.

You can check the following posts:

• Kefalonia Beaches
• Best things to do in Kefalonia

Other useful websites for more information about Kefalonia:

• visitkefaloniaisland.gr: A good website for Kefalonia with a lot of information about the island.
• Mysterious Greece: A good website with detailed information about Greece, including Kefalonia

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit to Kefalonia:

• Lonely Planet Greek Islands (Travel Guide): This comprehensive guide also includes information about Kefalonia. Only worth it if you are planning to visit other islands in Greece.

• Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners. HotelsCombined is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites.
• Ferries: Ferryhopper is one of the best websites to check ferry schedules and buy the cheapest ferry tickets while in Greece.
• Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport: You can use this website to check bus timetables on the island.
• Day Trips & Tours: Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

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