Kefalonia

Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
07/08/2025
Stunning aerial view of Myrtos Beach with turquoise waters and rugged cliffs on Kefalonia Island, Greece.
Ejona Muka, Pexels

Kefalonia, the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands, offers a diverse landscape of emerald-green mountains, dramatic limestone cliffs, and stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. It is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty, combined with opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

While not a dedicated party island, Kefalonia provides opportunities for socialising, particularly in its capital, Argostoli, which features a lively atmosphere with shops and cafes day and night. Other towns like Lixouri and charming villages such as Fiskardo also offer welcoming squares and traditional tavernas where visitors can enjoy local life and cuisine. Village festivals periodically invite visitors to experience local traditions.

Top 7 Things to do in Kefalonia

Kefalonia offers a range of experiences from exploring its famous beaches and unique geological formations to immersing oneself in charming villages and savoring local culinary delights.

1. Visit Myrtos Beach

Experience Myrtos Beach, widely considered one of Europe's most beautiful, with its sweeping crescent of white pebbles and striking turquoise waters set against dramatic cliffs. The interplay of sunlight and marble particles in the water creates a dazzling, sparkling effect. Ensure you stop at the viewpoints along the winding road for breathtaking panoramic photographs before descending to relax and swim.

Cost: Free to visit. Sunbeds and umbrellas may be available for rent.

Transport: Myrtos Beach is approximately 30-45 minutes by car or taxi from Argostoli. A taxi from Argostoli or Lixouri typically costs between £20 and £25 each way, or €30-€40 from Argostoli. Public buses from Argostoli run about three times a week and cost less than £5 (around €5-8) but the schedule is limited. Parking is available above the beach but fills quickly in summer, so arriving early is recommended. Renting a car or scooter provides the most flexibility.

2. Explore Melissani Cave Lake

Discover Melissani Cave Lake, an extraordinary geological phenomenon where a collapsed roof allows sunlight to illuminate the underground turquoise waters. Take a boat tour across the lake to fully appreciate the stunning light beam effect, which is most prominent between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

Cost: Entry tickets are approximately €8 for adults.

Transport: Melissani Cave is near Sami, about 3km away, and approximately 30km from Argostoli. A taxi from Sami typically costs €10-15, while from Argostoli it is €35-40. A local KTEL bus from Sami costs €1.80, and from Argostoli, it is €3-5, though it runs once daily. Many organized tours also include Melissani Cave.

3. Visit Drogarati Cave

Explore the majestic Drogarati Cave, a stalagmitic cavern estimated to be 150 million years old. The main chamber, known as the 'Concert Cave,' boasts impressive acoustics and has hosted performances due to its size and unique formations. Be prepared for a walk down about 150 steep steps.

Cost: Entrance fees are often combined with Melissani Cave tickets, or available as part of tours. A combined ticket with Melissani Cave can be around €12.

Transport: Drogarati Cave is about 5 km south of Sami. It is commonly visited as part of organized tours that include Melissani Cave, with pick-up options from Argostoli.

4. Stroll Through Fiskardo Village

Wander through Fiskardo, a picturesque harbor village on the northern tip of Kefalonia. Unique for its well-preserved Venetian architecture that survived the 1953 earthquake, its colorful buildings line a bustling harbor frequented by yachts and fishing boats. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, browse boutique shops, and dine at traditional tavernas.

Cost: Exploring the village is free. Costs for dining, shopping, and boat/kayak hire vary. Boat hire can be done for exploring secluded coves.

Transport: Fiskardo is located in northern Kefalonia. While specific public transport costs aren't always detailed, it's a popular destination for day trips by car or organized bus tours from other parts of the island, including Argostoli.

5. Discover Assos Village and Venetian Castle

Experience the tranquil charm of Assos, a quaint and colorful Venetian village nestled on the western coast. Stroll through its narrow, bougainvillea-lined streets, relax on Assos Beach with its clear, calm waters, or dine at a local taverna. A significant highlight is hiking up to the Venetian Fortress of Assos, perched on a promontory, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Ionian Sea.

Cost: Exploring the village and castle grounds is free. Boat trips or kayak rentals from Assos will incur a cost.

Transport: Assos is a short drive (approximately 15-20 minutes) from Myrtos Beach. It is often included in guided tours that visit Myrtos Beach and Fiskardo. Renting a car is recommended due to its location at the bottom of a steep, winding road.

6. Savor Kefalonian Gastronomy and Wine

Immerse yourself in Kefalonia's rich culinary traditions, shaped by its landscape and Venetian heritage. Taste the island's signature Kefalonian Meat Pie (Kreatopita), a hearty dish with slow-cooked meat and aromatic spices. Sample the crisp, citrusy Robola wine, unique to the island's indigenous grape, often available through winery tours in the Omala Valley. Explore local markets for fresh seafood, honey, olive oil, and traditional almond sweets like Mandoles.

Cost: Costs vary for meals and purchases. Wine tasting tours can range from around €60-€80 for a full-day tour including other attractions, or private tours around €62.64 per person for a food tour.

Transport: Food experiences are spread across the island, from tavernas in Argostoli, Fiskardo, and Skala to wineries in the Omala Valley. Many full-day tours combine wine tasting with visits to major attractions.

7. Embark on a Boat Trip

Discover Kefalonia's stunning coastline and hidden gems by taking a boat trip. Many secluded beaches and sea caves are only accessible by water, offering pristine swimming and snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters. Options range from self-drive boat rentals to organized day cruises that often include traditional Greek lunch and stops at scenic bays, like those near Fiskardo or even neighboring islands like Ithaca or Zakynthos.

Cost: Full-day boat trips around Kefalonia with lunch and snorkeling can cost around €50-€60 per adult. Shorter 'boat trip to White Rocks & Xi Beach' can be around €35. Private half-day trips can start from €800.

Transport: Boat trips often depart from major ports such as Argostoli, Sami, Poros, Skala, or Agia Efimia.

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