27 BEST Things To Do In Kefalonia

Kefalonia (Kefallinia or Cephallonia) is an idyllic Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Known for its diverse beauty and breathtaking beaches, visiting here feels like living in paradise. It’s the largest islet in the area, marked by towering mountain peaks, cerulean waters, and historic towns.

It’s famous both for its wine and laid-back, friendly feel. We spent nearly two weeks exploring the island, enjoying Myrtos Beach, eating at Myrtillo, and watching the yachts pull up in Fiskardo. Even after all this time, we had a tough time leaving Kefalonia as we loved it so much! With so much to see and do here, you’ll want to read up on all the best spots for any itinerary with this list of the best things to do in Kefalonia, Greece.

Where is Kefalonia?

Before we dig into the best things to do in Kefalonia, let’s pinpoint the location! Kefalonia is a large Ionian Island and a popular destination for summer tourists to Greece. It’s close to other islands like Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca.

Like the other Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is blessed with lush forests, dizzying mountains, and dramatic cliff drops that lead straight into the wonderful blue sea.

The main airport, Kefalonia International Airport, is located near Argostoli and Lassi, and is a small island airport. There are flights to Italy, Athens, the UK, and plenty of destinations around Europe. It’s also just a 1.5 hour ferry ride away from the more popular island of Zakynthos, making it a perfect addition to a trip there!

Best Things to do in Kefalonia

Mount Aenos

Mount Aenos is the tallest mountain on the whole island at over 5,000 feet high. There’s a national park around it that offers a few different hikes on circular trails all with different levels of difficulty.

The sweeping panoramas from the top stretch over the island uninterrupted as far as the eye can see and are well worth any climb. Black pine and Greek fir forests cover the side.

The summit is called Mega Soros and it’s easily the most popular viewpoint to enjoy here. We love to pack a picnic and spend the day here soaking up all the scenery and sunshine.

Antisamos Beach

One of Kefalonia’s biggest draws is its collection of pristine shores to explore. Antisamos Beach is certainly a favorite cove on the island, and after visiting it, we found it to be one of the best beaches in Greece. High forested hills surround Antisamos and instead of sand, it’s covered in small white pebbles.

The water here is crystal clear, making it the perfect candidate for some snorkeling among calm water. It’s famous for appearing in the acclaimed film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

There are a few bars where you can grab a drink and a bite as well as a couple of loungers to rent for ultimate comfort while sunbathing. The bar, Acron, lets you lounge in their loungers for free when you buy something!

As you make your way to or from Antisamos Beach, don't forget to stop at the viewpoint for a nice view and photo!

Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave may be the island’s greatest natural wonder and one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. Here you’ll find a striking azure lake underneath tall cavern walls. There’s an opening at the top where the sun can shine onto the sparkling surface, creating a dramatic scene.

You can take a guided boat tour for €8 to get up close to the many geological marvels inside, like stalactites. It’s best to go at midday for the perfect photo ops, and it’s hard not to want to snap a million pics here. It can get busy with other tourists, resulting in a long line during the summer months, but it’s well worth a short wait or full boat to experience this magnificent gem.

Since we visited Kefalonia in mid-September, we didn’t have to wait in any line and were the only tourists in our boat – that’s why I love visiting Greece in September! I was expecting the boat tour to last for awhile, but in reality, the whole excursion around the cave takes less than 20 minutes. You can purchase a combined ticket for €10 that grants you access to Drogarati Cave, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

Book a Kefalonia Tour!

Drogarati Cave

If you just visited Melissani Cave, you may as well combine your ticket with Drogarati Cave for a few extra euro. The Drogarati Cave was first discovered in the early 1700s after an earthquake made it visible for the first time. It’s known for the strange rock formations you can find deep down within the cavern, such as both stalactites and stalagmites, which are formed over the course of millions of years.

The Chamber of Exaltation is the claim to fame of this natural marvel both for its sheer size and its impressive acoustics. It’s also a great way to escape the scorching afternoon Greek sun.

Makris Gialos Beach

Makris Gialos Beach is most known for its luxurious comfort, cleanliness, and organization. While it lacks some of the rugged beauty of other Kefalonia beaches, it makes up for it with convenient amenities.

It has a tourist resort kind of vibe and is easily accessible. You’ll be able to enjoy delicious food and drinks delivered right to your sun lounger from any of the refined beach bars on the golden sandy shore here.

There’s also a wide range of water sports that you can try out on the crystal-clear seas such as kayaking. The calm and warm waves make it ideal for swimming as well.

Agios Georgios Castle

Set just Southeast of Argostoli, is the spectacular estate known as Agios Georgios Castle. These romantic ruins were founded by the Byzantines way back in the 12th century. Much of the remaining architecture is from when it was a Venetian stronghold in the 16th century.

It was even the capital of Kefalonia until the mid-1700s. You can explore ancient citadels and Medieval churches all while enjoying stunning vistas of both the distant mountains and vast sea.

Petani Beach

Petani Beach is an undisturbed slice of paradise along the island’s west coast. It offers a more rugged and real beach experience, complete with transparent turquoise waters and a pebbly shore. It’s also encircled by dramatic limestone cliffs, giving it a remote and secluded setting.

Check how choppy the surf is before jumping in, the waves can get super big here. Though on a calm day, it’s ideal for a refreshing dip. There are a few sun decks and umbrellas to relax under here, as well as parking spaces and restroom facilities.

Head here around sunset and have a seafood dinner and drinks at Erasmias Petani, which have tables overlooking the beach, and serve up delicious fresh fish.

Myrtos Beach

Another scenic stretch of coastline in Kefalonia can be found at Myrtos Beach. Myrtos Beach is arguably the most famous beach in Kefalonia and one of the most well-known in the Ionians. Heading here is easily one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. It may look familiar since it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Greece, though pictures can’t fully capture the striking beauty of this beach.

Myrtos is set between two towering mountainsides and the shimmering blue of the sea is mesmerizing. It’s about half a mile long and instead of sand, you’ll find marbled pebbles. There are sun loungers to rent and rest on, or you can park your towel right on the pebbles. Be sure to stop at the viewpoint up top before heading down to the actual beach for jaw-dropping vistas.

10 Things To Know BEFORE Visiting Myrtos Beach On Kefalonia

Asos

Unlike some Greek islands in the Cyclades, the Ionians are not as blessed with charming idyllic Greek towns. Though there are three main towns that tourists enjoy. Those are Sami, Fiskardo, and Asos. Asos is right near Myrtos Beach and is well worth heading to for a half day or longer. It’s located on the hillsides of a natural harbor and surrounded by vibrant greenery. Only about 100 inhabitants live in this tiny borough, but it won’t feel like that in the summer, as this small town is one of Kefalonia’s most popular places to visit.

Picture pastel-colored houses that line the waterfront, along with a smattering of cute bars, taverns, and cafes. The views from the top of the town are gorgeous and wandering the winding streets here is a lovely way to spend a day in Kefalonia. We made our way here after Myrtos Beach and spent a few hours walking around, petting the cats, and swimming in the calm waters.

If you can score accommodation in Asos, don’t hesitate. Though it’s a small town, and accommodation here books up fast, so you’ll have to book well in advance.

If you can score a room at Chromata Assos Villas Kefalonia, book immediately!

Day Trip to Ithaca

Ithaca is another small island that’s only a short distance away from the coasts of Kefalonia. It’s easy to get an affordable ferry from Sami or Fiskardo to take you up close to this sea surrounded treasure, making it the perfect day trip . Here there are two peninsulas connected only by an isthmus.

The main port, Vathy, has smaller boats to rent to explore the cove-filled coastline. Onshore, you can hike to the top of several of the peaks here, such as Pernarakia or Kathara, and bask in breathtaking panoramas looking out over Kefalonia and beyond. Our favorite town in Ithaka is Kioni, and we highly recommend visiting as it’s one of the best things to do in Ithaca. We stayed on Ithaca for five days and loved our time. To this day Ithaca remains one of our favorite Greek islands. It’s far from the madding crowds of Zakynthos, Corfu, and Kefalonia too. So, if you can swing your itinerary to include a few days in Ithaca, we recommend it.

Ithaca is also legendary for being the mythical home of Odysseus as well. Talk about epic!

Sami

Speaking of Sami, this town is worth a visit whether you need a ferry or not. It’s located on the Eastern side of the island and is fairly large in size compared to some of the other villages in Kefalonia.

We love to wander the historic port here and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming restaurants or taverns. The Venetian architecture along the scenic oceanfront is simply marvelous. You can even visit the acropolis set just behind Sami and learn more about the rich history of the region.

Argostoli

Argostoli is the biggest town in and the capital of Kefalonia. The harbor is always a bustling and picturesque scene, especially at sunrise when the fishing boats are all coming in with their fresh catch or at sunset as everyone makes their way to the bars for a glass of Greek wine. The promenade is a beautiful way to enjoy a waterfront stroll at any time of day as well.

Sometimes you can even spot sea turtles in the waves here, and it’s common for people to see them around the harbor! Cine Anny, an open-air cinema that’s so much fun to catch a flick at, is also in this city. The Argostoli Archeology Museum also makes for an educational and engaging experience.

If you need to buy some souvenirs, Argostoli is the best place to shop for locally made products, too.

Spend a Night in Argostoli

If you are looking for a night out at a nice restaurant while on vacation, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops in Argostoli. Like most things Greek, they are open well into the wee hours of the night during the summer. Often, we would head out for dinner around 9 or 10pm, and do a little shopping or have a gelato stop at one of the cafes after!

Our favorite evening in Argostoli was spent at Οίνοψ wine bar restaurant in the center of town. They serve up upscale Greek food that gives you a nice break from traditional taverna food. Another good option if you’re tired of Greek food? Sepia Sushi Restaurant! I know, I know, sushi on a Greek island? But trust me when I say it held up to its rave reviews!

Rent a Boat and Explore the White Rocks

We love to rent a boat in Greece and do it on every island we can. In the past, we’ve rented a boat on Corfu and Paros, and believe me when I say our boat rental days are always our favorite days.

White Rocks Beach - only accessibly by boat on Kefalonia — White Rocks Beach – only accessible by boat

Renting a boat offers a unique and flexible way to explore Kefalonia and its coastlines, while providing privacy. The freedom and access remote areas untouched by large tourist crowds is unmatched. And yes, tourists can rent a boat in Greece under 30 HP without a license. We rented a boat in Argostoli with Argostoli Boat Hire for €140 + fuel for the day and explored White Rocks Beach (only accessible by boat). The guys at Argostoli Boat Hire gave us a cooler, Bluetooth speakers, and an exceptionally clean and beautiful boat! We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the water!

Fteri Beach

Fteri is one of the more wild and exotic beaches on Kefalonia. It boasts all the trademark beauty of the Kefalonia shores: white pebbles, crystalline waters, lush greenery, and limestone peaks.

It’s one of the most undisturbed areas on the island, and as such is considered the most idyllic. Since there’s no actual road that can access it, the only ways to get there is to take a taxi boat from Zola, or you can hike down to it on this path (wear closed-toed shoes!). As a more remote beach, you’ll need to bring all your own supplies with you to this one, too.

However the effort you’ll put into reaching Fteri is well worth it, as it’s truly one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece. I’m not sure I’ve seen such blue water, even after visiting over 20 Greek Islands!

You must bring sun protection to Fteri as there is very little shade. You’ll also want enough water for your full day at the beach.

Fteri Water Taxi

We didn’t just visit Fteri Beach, instead we splurged on a full day boat tour that took us not only to Fteri Beach, but to 5 other beaches and coves in the area too. Fteri Water Taxi runs different boat trips every day during the summer that take visitors to not just Fteri Beach, but other highlights including Amidi Beach, Blue Lagoon, Kamari Beach, Gianiskari Cave, and Aspros Gialos. They even throw lunch into the mix.

Of our nearly two weeks in Kefalonia, our day spent with the Fteri Water Taxi crew was one of our most memorable. We also met a lot of cool people on the boat too, which is great if you are looking to meet other travelers in Kefalonia.

Fiskardo

Fiskardo is a picture-perfect cove and a historic fishing village in Kefalonia. Out of all the towns in Kefalonia (including Asos and Sami), Fiskardo was by far our favorite. It’s the northernmost port on the island and a delightful spot to watch the boats go in and out. The glassy waterfront is lined with bakeries, cafes, taverns, and art shops. It feels like a trip back in time with many of the original homes and independent stores from even before the infamous 1953 earthquake that almost leveled the entire island. I only wish that we had booked our accommodation earlier so that we could have stayed in Fiskardo for at least a few days (it was all booked up when we visited in September!)

Make sure to check out Foki Beach nearby, it’s a small bit of coastline with plenty of natural shade, which really comes in handy since the sun can get so intense.

We recommend booking a stay at Emelisse Nature Resort

Paralia Emplisi

Nearby to Fiskardo is Paralia Emplisi. It is a beautiful little beach with calm water. There’s not much space to spread out here, and the beach stays pretty busy, but we still found the waters to be some of the most calming to swim in.

De Bosset Bridge

De Bosset, also known as Deprano, is the longest stone bridge that’s been built over the sea in the entire world! It’s well worth seeing and enjoying a relaxing stroll along as well.

It was first constructed in the early 1800s to make villages around the bay more accessible. Both sides boast spectacular views out over the sparkling lagoon waters. It’s an especially popular spot for sunset and there are often sea creatures like turtles that you can see as well so keep your eyes peeled.

Skala Beach

Skala is one of the longest sandy beaches on the island’s southern end. It’s known for having clear blue waters out in front and dense green hills behind. Snorkeling here is a favorite pastime, and there are plenty of fish to find.

Many also head out on the open waters to explore hidden ocean caves on a boat tour from this shore. It’s full of beach bars and amazing eateries, so it’s easy to spend a whole day here.

Skala is one of the most popular beaches on the island, not because it’s the most beautiful but because this is where all the resorts are. Kefalonia in general doesn’t have a ton of cheap tourism like Zakynthos and Corfu, but if you’re going to find cheap tourism, it will be at Skala Beach. It’s still a beach in Greece, so it’s far from ugly, but it’s worth mentioning if you plan on booking accommodation in Skala.

Avithos Beach

Avithos Beach is a quiet, sandy beach not far from the airport. As I prefer pebble beaches, it wasn’t my favorite beach on Kefalonia. Still we found ourselves here multiple times because of Avithos Preview restaurant, which dishes up great seafood with stellar views.

Pessada Beach

Pessada Beach isn’t a well known beach in Kefalonia, as there are very few comfortable places to sit. However it boasts great views over an exquisite bay full of small fishing boats, and the waters are very calm for a swim. It’s also right next to the ferry port that goes to Zakynthos, so if you’re waiting for the ferry, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

Winery Tour

Kefalonia is famous for its wine and one of the best things to do in Kefalonia is go to a winery. You won’t want to leave this island without at least trying it. The tradition of crafting this grape-based drink is said to date all the way back to the Neolithic era.

Robalo is a white wine with notes of fruit and honey that’s coveted all around the world and made exclusively on this island. There are several vineyards where you can tour and taste this local nectar. Check out Orealios, Gentilini, Sclavos, or Haritatos wineries while here.

Katavothres

The Katavothres, or sinkholes, of Kefalonia, are a geological wonder that can’t ever be fully explained to this day! It’s a unique site unlike any other. It’s thought that they are a complicated series of underground caves and passageways beneath the island.

The warm ocean waters rush onto shore through the rocks and simply disappear. They end up in the majestic Melissani Lake before returning to back the sea. The power of the ocean here was once used as free electricity for mills and the giant wheel constructed to harness it can still be seen.

Karavomilos

Karavomilos is an astonishing and enchanting body of water that is also extremely unique. It’s located in the west part of Sami and was originally just a little fishing village.

Today, the lake is made up of 99% fresh water, despite being entirely fed by the katavothres. Within local lore, it is shrouded in legend and mystery which makes it all the more alluring if you ask us. You can also see so many species of ducks living here!

Xi Beach

Xi Beach is named for its distinctive X shape. Its red-colored sand also helps it to stand out and it’s one of the most popular coves on the island for locals and visitors alike. The waters are shallower, so families with younger children will often go since it’s easier for them to swim.

White clay cliffs are all around this scenic shoreline and it’s even traditional to rub the clay on your body and then rinse it in the sea. It’s said to be good for your skin and a fun DIY spa experience!

Travel to Zakynthos

Zakynthos is just a short ferry ride away from Kefalonia, and there are plenty of things to do on Zakynthos including seeing the famous shipwreck beach, catching sunset from the Keri Lighthouse, and relaxing at Xigia Beach. Truly, it would be hard to just make a day trip to Zakynthos, so we recommend heading there for at least a few days.

Best Restaurants in Kefalonia

Captain Nikolas (Paliki): One of the best things to do in Kefalonia is eat at a Traditional Greek Taverna. Captain Nikolas is one of the best-reviewed restaurants on the island and for good reason!
Olive Lounge Bar & Restaurant: Amazing view paired with tantalizing food. Some of the best you will find on Kefalonia – reservations recommended.
Esperides Restaurant: Beautiful environment with a great wine list!

Best Things to Do in Kefalonia Map

How to Get Around Kefalonia

driving in kefalonia — Driving in Kefalonia

The best way to get around Kefalonia is with a rental car. The island is very large and if you want to get to all these Kefalonia attractions, it is best to have a car. We typically rent a car on every Greek island we visit.

Experience driving in Greece is helpful, as I can almost guarantee the roads on the Ionian Islands are nothing like driving back where you are from. Roads are winding, steep, and often dilapidated. Still I would not book a scooter or 4×4 to get around Kefalonia,. The island is BIG and it will take you forever to get around, even with a car! You can see our tips for renting a car in Greece here.

Search and Compare Prices for Rental Cars

DiscoverCars.com – We use them to search and compare rental car prices around the globe.
Auto Europe – Compares the best rates!

How Many Days Should You Spend on Kefalonia?

Personally we spent ten days in Kefalonia, and I really wish we could have stayed longer. We spent seven days on Zakynthos, 14 on Corfu, three on Lefkada, and five on Ithaca. Going back in time, I would have cut our Zakynthos visit to five days and given more time to Kefalonia.

I just loved this island! However, we are lucky and work remotely, and I know not everyone has months on end to kill in Greece. With that in mind, I think three days would give you a good grip on the island and let you enjoy a few of the best things to do in Kefalonia, but surely not everything, and I guarantee you will leave wanting more time. The island is quite large, and it takes a long time to get from point to point.

I would recommend at least five days on Kefalonia so you aren’t running ragged around the island trying to do as much as possible. That gives you enough time to relax while still taking in all the island’s beauty!

Is Kefalonia Safe?

As with most Greek Islands, Kefalonia is very safe. The Greeks are some of the most hospitable people in the world, and there is very little crime on the islands.

Rest assured knowing you will have a safe experience in Kefalonia. Of course, always take normal precautions when traveling.

Is Kefalonia Worth Visiting?

Many declare Kefalonia as the most beautiful Greek island, and after visiting nearly 25 Greek islands in the Ionian, Cyclades, and Saronic groups, I can attest that Kefalonia is one of my favorites. While beauty is certainly subjective, there is no double that Kefalonia is stunning and absolutely worth visiting. You certainly won’t regret adding Kefalonia to your Ionian itinerary.

Kefalonia vs Zakynthos?

We visited Zakynthos before Kefalonia and found Zakynthos incredibly crowded (even for September, so I can’t imagine summer) and cheap touristy feeling. When we took the ferry to Kefalonia and spent just one hour on Kefalonia it was like a breath of fresh air. To me, the difference between Zakynthos and Kefalonia was like night and day. So much quieter, less party vibes, no neon signs, and very few bus tours – are you catching my drift?

Athough I tried hard to love Zakynthos, it will go down as one of my least favorite Greek Islands. Not because the island isn’t pretty, like all the other Ionian Islands Zakynthos is STUNNING. However, the reason I didn’t love Zakynthos was that it was too busy. Again, we visited in early/mid September, when many other islands like Tinos, Serifos, and Milos are winding down for the summer. However, Zakynthos seemed to be still going strong.

All that being said, Zakynthos is still worth visiting, we have just been to many Greek islands and spent nearly six months traveling around Greece, so we get pretty peculiar with what we seek nowadays. Even with its growing popularity, it remains one of the prettiest Mediterranean Islands.

Both Kefalonia and Zakynthos can compete for natural beauty – it’s hard to get sick of the cliffside views, bright blue water, and delicious Greek food. Beyond the crowds and vibes, in general I found Kefalonia beaches nicer, and the restaurants much better (and cheaper).

Kefalonia vs. Zakynthos • Which Ionian Island is Better for YOU?

When is the Best Time to Visit Kefalonia?

The best time to visit Kefalonia and the Greek Islands, in general, is in May and September when the weather is sunny and mild, but summer tourism is not at its peak. June, July, and August are the busiest months on the Ionian Islands and are when you will find higher prices and plenty of people.

My favorite time to visit Greece is always September, and that is when we visited Kefalonia. While September is still far from quiet on Kefalonia, it still meant that we had quieter beaches, and crowd-free experiences at Melissani Cave and on our Fteri Water Boat day trip.

In October, things will start to wind down for the season, and by November, many restaurants and businesses will close until April, when it is high season again.

When is the Best Time To Visit Greece?

Where to Stay on Kefalonia

If you are visiting Kefalonia between June and September, I can’t stress enough how important it is to book your accommodation in advance. Especially if you want to stay away from Argostoli and would prefer to stay in the smaller towns like Asos and Fiskardo. These are small towns, and there is not enough accommodation to go around, so please book ahead.

Because we booked last minute we stayed in Argostoli, and in a small Airbnb near Pessada, which were both great, but if I had known any better, I would have chosen to stay in Fiskardo. Though, by staying in Argostoli, you are always close to the island’s best restaurants, bars, and shops!

How to Get Around the Greek Islands

Kefalonia International Airport is the best way to access the island. It is well connected to many major destinations around Europe, like Vienna and Berlin.

It’s also possible to connect Kefalonia via ferry to the other Ionian Islands like Corfu, Zakynthos, and Ithaki. There is also a semi-regular service to Bari (Italy). We recommend checking schedules on Ferry Hopper.

Greek Travel Planning Resources

‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
Currency: Euro – (EUR) – €
Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days in the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival for free. Check with your embassy to see if that is you.
Weather: The weather in Greece is a Mediterranean climate. This means winters are mild and rainy, while summers are warm and dry with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
What to Pack: Warm weather clothes and a swimsuit, don’t forget a good pair of clothes to go and a jacket for cool nights. Read about what to wear in Greece.
Budget: If you’re in the initial stages of planning, check out our awesome post that breaks down how much a trip to Greece costs.
Rent a Car: We suggest most visitors consider renting a car for the best trip possible. Try Discover Cars to compare quotes from different rental agencies. Check Price Here!
Protect Your Trip: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! We always carry travel insurance to protect us from injury, theft, or a canceled trip. We use HeyMondo for our insurance needs.
Tours in Greece: Check out our list of the best tours you can enjoy in Greece!
Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.

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