Kefalonia is a gem in the glittering Ionian Sea. Striking white limestone cliffs, golden sand beaches, soaring Mount Ainas, and the island’s colorful Mediterranean architecture delight travelers on sun-drenched vacations. As the largest of the seven Ionian Islands, Kefalonia offers something for all travelers, from beach lounging and sea kayaking to charming villages and underground lakes.
Check out these six activities to make your next visit to Kefalonia unforgettable.
1. Explore the capital Argostoli
The capital city of Kefalonia, Argostoli is a pastel-painted dream on the island’s main port. While most of the city has been rebuilt since the devastating earthquake in 1953, the town’s colorful streets are buzzing with activity.
Stroll the pedestrian shopping street of Lithostroto, a sleek marble walkway lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. I recommend stopping by Eros Deli for local products like olive oil, Kefalonia sweets, and a motley of Greek trinkets.
Down the way is Bell Square, where local children run wild while their parents sip drinks under shaded tables. Stop by iScream, a local family-run ice cream shop with high-quality flavors and friendly staff.
To catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, head to the harbor to watch wild loggerhead turtles feed. Every morning, fishermen dock along the waterfront to clean their daily catch, throwing scraps into the water to the hungry turtles. Watch for bubbles along the surface as these massive reptiles emerge to gulp down fish guts. The best time for turtle spotting is early morning, between 8:00-10:00 am when the fishermen arrive in the harbor.
2. Tour the coastline by kayak
What better way to explore the rugged coastline of this Ionian gem than from the water? Sea Kayaking Kefalonia has a variety of kayaking trips, from multiday excursions circumnavigating Kefalonia and Ithaca to laid-back day trips along the Kefalonia coast.
We opted for the 6-hour day trip from Agia Pelagia to Trapezaki along the southern coast. Our personable guides led us across the sparkling azure waters of the Ionian, past towering white limestone cliffs and golden sand beaches. The tour included paddling inside several sea caves and a stop to climb the Dias Islet, a small rocky outcropping named for Zeus with a chapel at its peak.
These tours are suitable for most abilities given the calm nature of the sea, even if you’re not a seasoned kayaker. However, even as a water sports enthusiast (hello Minnesota lakes) my arms were still burning after six hours of paddling.
3. Catch some rays at the beaches
As a classic summer holiday destination, time in Kefalonia is best spent lounging under the Mediterranean sun, overlooking the glimmering turquoise waters of the Ionian. Like other destinations on the Mediterranean coast, some beaches offer sun loungers and umbrella rentals, ranging in price from a couple of euros to €20 for the day.
Kefalonia is home to sand and white pebble beaches, both equally beautiful. I recommend bringing water shoes for the pebble beaches as they are surprisingly uncomfortable barefoot.
Beach Recommendations:
Markis Gialos: Just outside of Argostoli, this blue-flag beach is incredibly popular and often packed with beachgoers. If you want to rent an umbrella and sunbeds, arrive early to get a spot on the front row overlooking the sea. The area has two beach bars, and Costa Costa offers table service for patrons renting sunbeds.
Ammes: This tawny-sand beach is located beside the airport. So close, in fact, that you can almost see the delighted faces of newly arriving holidaygoers as they soar overhead toward the landing strip. This blue flag beach is small but offers pristine waters and a (tractor-powered) cantina.
Xi: Just across the sparkling Bay of Argostoli is a swath of copper-colored sand backed by striking white cliffs. Take a dip in the tranquil waters or sample local delicacies at one of the surrounding beach bars.
Emplisi: This stunning rocky cove is just a stone’s throw from Fiskardo. Park along the winding road and trek down to the small white pebble beach. The craggy coastline makes for great snorkeling, so don’t forget a mask and fins.
Petani: Much larger than the intimate Emplisi, this sprawling white pebble beach on the eastern side of the island is sandwiched between lush hillside and aquamarine waters. Relax at one of the seaside tavernas for traditional Greek fare while looking out over the glittering sea.
Antisamos: Just 15 minutes from the famous Melissani Caves, this white pebble beach was giving Ibiza vibes when we visited. Lined with plush sun loungers and a hip beach bar with pumping music and dancing, there’s more to do than just lay in the sun at Antisamos.
Myrtos: Kefalonia’s crown jewel, Myrtos is a sight to behold from the iconic aerial beach lookout. Getting to the beach requires descending along a winding road with switchbacks before arriving at the car park. But once you arrive, this expansive white sand beach is a slice of heaven, with a small cave tucked towards the beach’s southern end.
4. See Venetian ruins in charming Assos
At the island’s northern end, just past the iconic Myrtos lookout is the quaint village of Assos (or Asos). Protected by a peninsula, this coastal town is a postcard. Calm turquoise waters dotted with sailboats are surrounded by pastel-colored houses where the green hillside slopes to meet the sea.
Hike out on the peninsula to explore the ruins of the former Venetian castle and take in the panoramic views of the bay. Wander the picturesque streets of the town center, and stop for a Freddo at one of the tavernas overlooking the pebble beach.
5. Spend the afternoon in Fiskardo
The charming seaside village of Fiskardo (Fiscardo) is a must-see on Kefalonia’s northern coast. Home to a stunning pedestrian-friendly harbor lined with boutiques and restaurants, this is the perfect spot to relax for a late lunch.
The harbor is not only popular with local fishermen whose multicolored boats you’ll see bobbing in the port but also yacht crews and their glitzy clientele. Although popular with a more glamorous crowd, Fiskardo remains laid-back with a cozy atmosphere for all to enjoy.
6. Visit Melissani Lake and Drogarti Cave
Kefalonia is home to two impressive cave systems, both located near the seaside town of Sami.
The less popular of the two, Drogarti Cave, is home to a collection of remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations. After descending a winding staircase into the cave, you are greeted with views from the Royal Balcony, a stone platform overlooking the main chamber littered with protruding stalagmites and stalactites.
Descend the stairs and walk the hall’s perimeter, the site of occasional cultural performances due to its excellent acoustics. I recommend wearing good shoes and a jacket, as the cave floor can be slippery and the temperature inside is cool year-round.
Melissani Lake is one of Kefalonia’s most famous attractions, consisting of an underground cave complex and an exposed lake. Visitors are loaded onto small wooden boats and rowed across the diameter of the lake into the narrow enclosed islet, and back.
The ride is short, but pleasant, as you glide across the sapphire waters (look for eels) while your guide whistles or shares facts about the cave. The best time to visit is midday when the sun is above the lake (the roof caved in centuries ago), illuminating the crystal-clear water.
