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There are great many things to do in Greece, and so are in Kefalonia.
The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia, resplendently floats with boundless beauty waiting to be discovered.
From its shimmering beaches to its stunning mountains, the island beckons adventure seekers with a cornucopia of things to do and behold.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Kefalonia:
1. Myrtos Beach
A stunning beach located on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Kefalonia.
What to see or do: Relax on the white pebbled beach, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset from the beach, it is an unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: The beach can be crowded during peak season, so try to get there early to secure a good spot. Also, be mindful of the strong currents and only swim in designated areas.
It is recommended to bring your own food and drinks as there are limited options available at the beach.
2. Melissani Cave
A stunning underground lake in a beautiful cave on the island of Kefalonia in Greece.
What to see or do: Take a boat tour around the brilliant blue waters and marvel at the natural beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites while enjoying the unique acoustics of the cave.
Don’t miss: The moment when the sun shines through a hole in the cave ceiling, creating a dazzling display of light and color on the water below.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and make sure to wear non-slip shoes as the cave floor can be slippery.
Also, be prepared to take some amazing photos, but keep in mind that flash photography is not allowed inside the cave.
3. Assos Village
Picturesque village located on the west coast of Kefalonia island in Greece.
What to see or do: Stroll around the colorful narrow streets, visit the Venetian stone castle ruins, swim at the turquoise waters of the village’s beach, enjoy a seafood meal at a local taverna.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunset views from the top of the village’s hill.
Insider travel tips: Avoid visiting during peak summer season as the village can get crowded and the temperatures can be high. Instead, visit during shoulder season (late spring or early autumn) for a more relaxed and pleasant experience.
Also, beware of the steep uphill roads when driving or walking around the village.
4. Fiskardo Port
Fiskardo Port is a charming and picturesque harbor town located at the northern tip of Kefalonia island.
What to see or do: Stroll along the promenade to admire the colorful houses and fishing boats, or relax at one of the cozy waterfront cafes.
Visit the Fiskardo Lighthouse for stunning views of the Ionian Sea, or take a boat tour to explore the nearby secluded beaches and coves.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the fresh seafood at one of the many traditional tavernas.
Be sure to try the local specialty, Kefalonian meat pie, and spoil yourself with a glass of Robola wine, produced from the region’s famous vineyards.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, visit Fiskardo during the shoulder season, in May or September. For a unique experience, rent a boat to explore the coast and nearby islands.
And don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be quite strong during the summer months.
5. Drogarati Cave
Drogarati Cave is a breathtaking natural underground wonder located in Kefalonia, Greece.
What to see or do: Explore the magnificent underground formations and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that took thousands of years to form.
Don’t miss: The iconic “Sala of Apotheosis,” an impressive chamber that features incredible acoustics thanks to its 20-meter-high ceiling.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of steps to climb.
Also, check the schedule for live music events that take place in the cave and experience the magical acoustics for yourself.
6. Petani Beach
Petani Beach is a stunning, pebble-lined bay nestled on the northwest coast of Kefalonia island, Greece.
What to see or do: The crystal clear turquoise waters of Petani Beach are perfect for swimming or snorkelling. The beach is also great for sunbathing, relaxing or enjoying a picnic with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning sunset scenes – they are pure magic! Dip your feet into the warm sand and feel the chilled evening breeze.
Insider travel tips: – Parking is limited near the beach, so try to arrive early to secure a spot or take a bus/taxi.
7. St George’s Castle
St George’s Castle is a medieval fortress located on a hilltop in Kefalonia, Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, which includes the remains of the walls, towers, and a church. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of Kefalonia’s coastline.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the sunset from the castle.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk to the castle can be steep and rocky.
8. Monastery of Saint Gerasimos
The Monastery of Saint Gerasimos is a Greek Orthodox monastery dedicated to Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the monastery complex, which includes several churches, a museum, and a gift shop. The centerpiece of the complex is the church of Saint Gerasimos, which contains the saint’s tomb and relics.
Pilgrims often come to the monastery to venerate the relics, which are believed to possess healing powers.
Don’t miss: The monastery’s annual festival on October 20th, the feast day of Saint Gerasimos, is a major event on the island and attracts pilgrims from all over Greece.
During this time, the saint’s relics are paraded through the streets and visitors can enjoy traditional Greek music, food, and dancing.
Insider travel tips: – Modest dress is required inside the monastery, so be sure to cover your shoulders and wear pants or a long skirt.
9. Lighthouse of Fiskardo
The Lighthouse of Fiskardo is a picturesque lighthouse located at the edge of the harbor in the charming fishing village of Fiskardo, Kefalonia.
What to see or do: The lighthouse provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding waters and the Ionian Sea.
You can take a leisurely stroll around the lighthouse and the harbor and enjoy the stunning coastal view, sea breeze, and the bustling atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the perfect holiday photo with the iconic landmark lighthouse in the background. The lighthouse at Fiskardo is often ranked among the most beautiful lighthouses in Greece, and it’s easy to see why.
Insider travel tips: While the lighthouse can be visited and photographed at any time of the day, we recommend visiting during sunset or early morning when the sunlight is soft and golden, creating a magical atmosphere.
Also, wear comfortable shoes as the surrounding path can be rocky, and bring a camera to capture the views.
10. Skala Beach
Skala Beach is a stunning Blue Flag beach located on the southern coast of Kefalonia island in Greece.
What to see or do: The beach boasts crystal-clear waters and a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Water sports such as paddle-boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling are also popular activities.
Don’t miss: Visitors should make sure to take a stroll along the beach promenade where they will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes offering fresh seafood delicacies.
Insider travel tips: – For a more secluded and peaceful experience, head to the eastern end of the beach, far away from the main crowd.
11. Argostoli Harbor
Argostoli Harbor is a bustling waterfront in Kefalonia, Greece known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views.
What to see or do: – Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor, taking in the traditional architecture of the buildings and fishing boats.
Don’t miss: – The daily fish market, where you can watch fishermen unload their morning catch and choose fresh seafood to cook for dinner.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning to see the colorful fishing boats returning from their night’s work.
12. Castle of Agios Georgios
Castle of Agios Georgios, also known as St. George Castle, is a fortified Venetian complex located in the town of Peratata, Kefalonia, Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle walls and towers, which date back to the 16th century. The highlights include a well-preserved clock tower and the remains of a church with frescoes.
There is also a small museum on the premises that showcases the history of the castle and the region.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the surrounding countryside, and the neighboring island of Zakynthos from the top of the castle walls are not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable walking shoes as the castle terrain can be uneven in some areas. Plan to visit the castle early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
For history buffs, it’s worth reading up on the castle’s rich past before visiting to fully appreciate its significance.
13. Antisamos Beach
Antisamos Beach is a stunning stretch of pebbly beach located on the eastern coast of Kefalonia, Greece. It gained popularity as the filming location for the Hollywood movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy crystal clear turquoise waters for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Antisamos Beach is also a perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.
There are plenty of options for dining and drinking with beachfront bars and restaurants.
Don’t miss: Make sure to hike up the steep mountain slope at the left end of the beach to discover hidden coves and stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Also, check out the impressive Saristra Festival, which takes place annually in August and features live music, film screenings, and art installations.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early, especially in the peak season, as parking spaces are limited and the beach can get crowded.
It is advisable to bring your own beach umbrella and towel, as rentals can be quite expensive. If you’re looking for a quieter and more secluded spot, head to the smaller coves along the rocky coastline.
14. Fanari lighthouse
Fanari Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the south-western coast of Kefalonia, Greece.
What to see or do: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding landscapes, take photos with the lighthouse as a backdrop, and explore the nearby beach.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the lighthouse at sunset for a stunning view of the sun dipping below the horizon.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as you may need to climb a steep hill to reach the lighthouse.
15. Mount Ainos National Park
Mount Ainos National Park is a protected area located on the Greek island of Kefalonia.
It covers an area of 28 square kilometers and is named after Mount Ainos, which is the highest mountain on the island.
What to see or do: The park is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular activity here, and there are several trails of varying difficulty for visitors to enjoy.
You can also admire the abundant flora and fauna, including endemic species like the Kefalonian fir, Kefalonian pine, and the wild horse.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the Mount Ainos peak, which offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea. You can also visit the park’s Visitor Center, which provides information about the park and its biodiversity.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent when hiking in the park. It is also recommended to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
If you are traveling with children, the park’s playground is a great place for them to play while you take in the views.