Summary
The majority of the most significant attractions on the mountainous island of Kefalonia are natural wonders, such as the legendary Melissani Cave and the island’s highest peak, Mount Aenos. Kefalonia’s coastline, much like its interior, is rugged, contributing to the stunning beauty of beaches like Myrtos and Petani.
Both of these beaches are situated at the base of impressive cliffs, adorned with lush greenery that cascades down the rock faces. It is difficult to find two finer beaches in all of Greece than this pair.
In addition to these highlights, Kefalonia offers an abundance of other choices, ranging from sandy bays used as nesting sites by loggerhead turtles to the picturesque cove at Assos Village, where the sea is as serene as a swimming pool.
Let us examine the best activities to pursue in Kefalonia:
1. Assos Village
Situated in a natural harbor and connected to the Errisos Peninsula, Assos is an exceptionally picturesque village encircled by towering hills.
Like much of Kefalonia, the area boasts rich greenery, including palm trees by the waterfront and pines, firs, and cypress trees in the hills.
The village features a short quay filled with fishing boats and bordered by tavernas and cafes that lead to a pebble beach, where houses possess steps directly descending to the calm, pool-like waters.
Perched on a rocky outcrop 170 meters above Assos Bay is a Venetian castle constructed in 1593. The ascent along a stone path is challenging, yet one is welcomed by the stone lion of St Mark upon arrival.
Through the castle gate, visitors can navigate the ruins of the former residence of the Venetian High Commissioner.
2. Petani Beach
Reaching this beach on the eastern Paliki Peninsula involves navigating a challenging route with eight hairpin turns.
However, your choice will be validated upon stepping onto the beach, greeted by the majestic limestone cliffs encircling it.
These cliffs are adorned with dark green garrigue, forming vertical columns that create a breathtaking striped effect as they descend to the beach.
The sandy and gravelly surface of this beach imparts a luminescent quality to the water along the shoreline.
During rough surf, it is advisable to exercise caution; the sea dips sharply only a few meters from the shore.
Nonetheless, on calm days, the sea resembles a sparkling pool, ideal for snorkeling among the rocks located at the southern end.
3. Myrtos Beach
Equally striking and positioned at the end of a winding road, Myrtos Beach is frequently hailed as the finest in Greece and is likely a scene you may already recognize from photographs.
This beach is situated between the steep slopes of two mountains, Kalon Oros and Agia Dynati, both rising 900 meters in the northern region of the island.
Vegetation clings to the slopes, which descend dramatically to this marble pebble beach, nearly a kilometer long, furnished with rows of sun loungers available for rent.
The beach possesses a steep gradient, and when sunlight illuminates the marble sediment disturbed in the water, it emanates a captivating shade of blue.
4. Mount Aenos
The highest mountain in Kefalonia reaches an elevation of 1,628 meters and lies within a National Park.
Within the elevation range of 700 to 1,200 meters, the mountain is adorned with a forest consisting of black pine and Greek fir, which is home to semi-wild ponies.
Five well-marked hiking trails exist throughout this enchanting environment, two of which lead to Megas Soros, the highest summit.
The most frequented route is the 6.5-kilometer Digaleto – Megas Soros trail, commencing a kilometer outside of Digaleto and requiring approximately 4.5 hours to reach the summit.
Upon arriving at the peak, you will encounter an expansive ridge of bare rock, providing an excellent vantage point from which to observe the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese peninsula.
5. Agios Gerasimos Monastery
St. Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia, lived in the 16th century, and his mummified body is preserved in a silver reliquary within this pink-brick church, occasionally displayed during services.
On his feast days, 16 August and 20 October, his sarcophagus is paraded over sick worshippers.
Gerasimos established the monastery in the 16th century on the grounds of an earlier structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The courtyard features a venerable plane tree and a well, which is believed to have been planted and sunk by the saint himself.
The walls of the church are adorned with brilliant frescoes depicting biblical scenes, saints, prophets, and apostles.
At the rear of the church, a trapdoor leads down to a cave where Gerasimos is thought to have resided prior to the construction of the monastery.
6. Antisamos Beach
Located ten minutes east of Sami, Antisamos is yet another scenic beach that contributes to Kefalonia’s allure.
This beach resides within a cove, framed by high hills densely covered in dark green pines and shrubs.
Awarded the Blue Flag annually, this beach features a satisfying horseshoe shape, with white pebbles instead of sand.
It is advisable to bring snorkeling gear, as the water is exceptionally clear, inviting exploration of the colorful fish beneath the surface.
Antisamos gained notoriety in 2001 after its appearance in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, featuring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz.
Previously secluded, the beach now hosts three bars and tavernas alongside sun loungers for enhanced comfort on the pebbly shore.
Climbing to the 18th-century Monastery of Argilion situated on the western flank of the beach offers a spectacular viewpoint of Antisamos and its dark hills.
7. Melissani Cave
An extraordinary natural wonder, Melissani Cave features a radiant underground lake, illuminated by natural sunlight filtering through a crevice in the rock.
In Greek mythology, Melissani served as the Cave of the Nymphs, where the nymph Melissani drowned after being spurned by the god Pan.
During an archaeological excavation in 1962, oil lamps and plates depicting Pan were discovered.
Your visit will be brief yet unforgettable as you row onto the lake with a guide to marvel at the stalactites and beams of light penetrating the cave’s ceiling, illuminating the water.
Make certain to arrive around midday when the sun is directly overhead, enhancing the lake’s stunning hues.
8. Argostoli Harbour
For those rising early, visiting Argostoli’s harbor promenade at dawn offers the opportunity to witness the sun rising over the bay.
A few meters from the quayside, a continuous line of palm trees adorns the promenade, paved with monochrome wave patterns and illuminated at night by traditional gaslights.
A stroll here post-dinner can be quite revitalizing.
During summer, the harbor teems with maritime activity, particularly in the mornings when fishing boats return.
This period is ideal for spotting loggerhead sea turtles swimming in the waters.
If you wish to prolong your walk, proceed past the marina toward Katavothres, located at the peninsula’s endpoint.
9. Makris Gialos Beach
The aforementioned beaches have showcased a blend of rugged beauty; however, sometimes luxury and comfort take precedence.
At Makris Gialos Beach, a stretch of golden sand is complemented by beach bars catering to visitors’ needs.
This setting allows relaxation without lifting a finger for refreshments at your sun lounger, while there remains ample space to the west for those who prefer a more laid-back approach.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, only a few isolated structures punctuate the shore amidst the rocks and pine trees.
Makris Gialos also features designated areas for beach games and a water sports center to satisfy adrenaline seekers.
10. Fiscardo Harbour
As Kefalonia’s northernmost port, Fiscardo offers a charming experience, with paved quaysides perfect for strolling while observing fishermen and amateur sailors tending to their boats.
The pathway is lined with quaint gaslights, and during the summer, tavernas, cafes, and bakeries fill the waterfront, interspersed with boutique shops and art galleries.
This harbor is entirely protected, creating calm, glassy waters almost devoid of ripples.
Across the channel, the majestic northwestern hills of Ithaca are visible, while the fir-covered hills behind Fiscardo provide opportunities for hiking with rewarding views of Ithaca and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea.
11. Kaminia Beach
Kaminia Beach, located at the southernmost point of Kefalonia, serves as a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles; hence, visitors are advised to respect the markers indicating the nests.
Aside from that, this lengthy sandy beach provides ample space to settle and enjoy one of the island’s longest stretches of sand.
Kaminia Beach extends two kilometers in length and is equipped with three tavernas, ensuring you stay refreshed without venturing far from your beach spot.
Along this impressive stretch, a double row of sun loungers and shade options are available, although they are not necessary for comfortable relaxation in the soft sand.
As Kaminia Beach is exposed to wind and sea currents, it features gentle, rolling waves, making it accessible for children and less experienced swimmers contrasting with the deeper waters of Myrtos and Petani.
12. Agios Georgios Castle
Perched on a hill southeast of Argostoli, the romantic ruins of a Venetian stronghold command attention.
Founded by the Byzantines in the 12th century, Agios Georgios is situated 300 meters above sea level, with much of its remaining architecture dating back to the early 16th century, following the end of the Ottoman Empire’s brief rule by the Venetians.
The Venetians constructed a 620-meter outer wall, a citadel (kastro), and a road from Argostoli that twisted around the hill, concealed from approaching pirate vessels.
Evidence of noble Venetian lineage can be seen in the coats of arms on several buildings, and visitors may explore the remnants of the citadel’s residential structures, alongside two Medieval churches in varying states of restoration.
St. Georgios Castle offers fantastic views; to the east lies the imposing Mount Aenos, while to the south and west, expansive vineyards and olive groves stretch toward the deep blue Ionian Sea.
13. Drogorati Cave
Located near Sami, Drogorati Cave was unearthed in the early 18th century when an earthquake revealed the cave’s extensive system for the first time.
In 1963, it began to operate as a show cave, showcasing numerous captivating features after a steep descent.
In July and August, the cave’s temperature remains a constant 18°C with high humidity (90%), providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
The strange formations of stalagmites and stalactites developed over millions of years; regrettably, some were destroyed during World War II when used for target practice.
The most magnificent chamber is the Chamber of Exaltation, covering 900 square meters and featuring exceptional acoustics that have enabled concert events to take place within.
14. De Bosset (Drapano) Bridge
More than 200 years ago, the picturesque Koutavos Lagoon adjacent to Argostoli was an unhealthy swamp, a breeding ground for malaria.
In 1813, the British Army commissioned Swiss engineer Charles de Bosset to construct a bridge over the swamp to facilitate access to surrounding villages.
The initial version was a wooden structure, but by the mid-19th century, it had been fully reconstructed in stone.
Following years of disrepair, the bridge recently reopened as a pedestrian-only crossing. While crossing, visitors may take photos of the obelisk erected upon its completion in 1839, and they may also observe loggerhead turtles in the water, which frequent the lagoon to feed.
15. Ithaca
From Sami, one can access a car ferry for a brief voyage to Ithaca, the homeland of the legendary hero Odysseus.
From Kefalonia’s perspective, Ithaca appears rugged, characterized by nearly vertical slopes extending from its shores to two peninsulas connected by a narrow isthmus.
In the spirit of Odysseus, Ithaca is an island best explored from the water; at the cozy main port of Vathy, visitors can rent a low-powered motorboat without requiring a license, journeying to discover hidden coves accessible only by boat.
On land, exhilarating hikes lead to the Pernarakia and Kathara Monasteries, both of which offer breathtaking views of Ithaca and its surrounding Ionian Islands.
