Located between Lefkada and Zakynthos, Kefalonia is the largest of the 7 Ionian Islands in Greece. A beautiful piece of land with exotic beaches, magical underground caves and green forests. We visited this island as part of a three-week itinerary in the Ionian Sea and fell in love with it! So in this post I’ll tell you what to see and do in Kefalonia, as well as how to get around, where to stay and how much time to spend there.
Visiting the coastal towns of Kefalonia
But First …
How did Kefalonia get it name? And is it Kefalonia, or Cephalonia?
Kefalonia (Greek: Κεφαλονιά) derived its name from the mythological figure of Cephalus (or Kephalos), believed to be the first king of this region and the son of the legendary Greek hero Hermes. Etymologically, the word kephalos means “head” in Greek.
Since Cephalus is also known as Kephalos, both spellings of the island’s name are in use today. However, throughout its long history Kefalonia’s name had many different spellings, like Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia.
Village in Kealonia
Kefalonia First Impressions
What will strike you when you first descend on the island is its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Despite being filled with many unique places and things to do, Kefalonia is not as touristy and over-developed like other Greek islands. In fact, it looks pretty remote when compared with crowded destinations like, Corfu, Nafplio, or Split.
Life on this island seems to have a much slower and calmer pace. People make a living by raising goats, growing crops, or looking after their olive trees. All over the island you’ll find small family-run cafés that lure you in with their local dishes.
Life is slow paced in Kefalonia
Also, being the biggest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia never seems too crowded, not even in summer. There is always enough room to stretch out on the beach, or find an empty table at the village tavernas.
In terms of architecture, the majority of the houses you’ll see today on the island are new constructions. That’s because in 1953 Kefalonia was struck by a huge earthquake which destroyed the largest part of the island. Except for Fiskardo which remained untouched, almost all the other villages have been demolished by the quake.
How Many Days to Spend in Kefalonia
If you are thinking of visiting Kefalonia on a day trip from Zakynthos or other islands, don’t! Although you’ll find many companies who offer group day excursions and boat tours to Kefalonia, I can assure you that’s not enough time for this island.
Hotel terrace in Kefalonia
The minimum that you’ll need for visiting the major sites in Kefalonia is four-five days. But if you want to spend time on the beach or take walks around the island, you’ll need more. Keep in mind that Kefalonia is a pretty big island, which is why I recommend planning around a week if you want to properly enjoy its attractions.
Top Things to Do in Kefalonia
There are quite a few fun things to do in Kefalonia, whether you come here with a big family, with a group of friends, or just as a couple. From visiting Mycenaean tombs, Byzantine ruins and Venetian castles, to sunbathing on pristine beaches or getting lost in fantastic caves, you can find activities and attractions for every taste. But let’s take them in order and make sure you won’t miss anything.
Visiting Fiscardo Village, one of the best things in Kefalonia
1. Take a Boat Ride in Melissani Lake and Cave
One of the most unusual places to visit in Kefalonia is the Melissani Cave. Located in Sami Village, this cave with a deep blue underground lake is the island’s most famous attraction, and once you see it you’ll understand why.
Melissani Lake
Melissani Cave is not very big, but is particularly impressive because the erosion caused its ceiling to collapse, leaving the cave exposed. We visited this place mid-afternoon in October, when the crystal-clear waters reflect the light, filling the cave with a magical glow.
Boat riding in Melissani Cave
It doesn’t take a long time to visit the cave, just about 15 minutes. It’s a guided boat tour around the small lake inside.
2. Visit the Drogarati Cave
Not far from Melissani is the Drogarati Cave, which was accidentally discovered after a strong earthquake revealed its entrance. Although its existence has been known for a long, long time, Drogarati Cave only opened to the public in 1963. Unlike Melissani, you can visit this cave on your own.
Drogarati Cave
This is a nice activity to consider in case you have a rainy day in Kefalonia! Both Melissani and Drogarati caves can be included in one single ticket, so you can explore both in one day.
3. Cross the De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli
Argostoli is Kefalonia’s capital. This town once boasted some beautiful Venetian architecture and imposing mansions, but the 1953 earthquake destroyed most of it. As a result, today the city mainly displays traditional houses of Ionian architecture. Even so, Kefalonia’s capital is an attractive place to visit, with its waterfront promenade where locals come to chat and eat at the many restaurants.
Argostoli
One of Argostoly’s most recognizable landmarks is De Bosset Bridge, a 700 meters bridge that connects the town with the opposite mainland of Kefalonia.
The Obelisk near De Bosset Bridge
Half way along the bridge you’ll see a four-faced obelisk rising from the sea. This monument is a symbol of gratitude of the Kefalonian Parliament to Great Britain.
4. Stop by Lake Karavomilos
Karavomilos Lake is one of the most charming spots to visit in Kefalonia. The lake is of great geological importance as it connects through an underground network of caves with the sinkholes of Argostoli.
Lake Karavomilos
This is a fun place to visit with kids, as there are plenty of swans, geese and other types of birds around waiting to be fed!
5. Visit Assos Village
Located on a horseshoe-shaped peninsula in Northwestern Kefalonia, the quaint seaside fishing village of Assos deserves at least a couple of hours of your time.
View of Assos from the Highway
It is one of the most picturesque spots on the entire island, full of colorful houses, old churches and narrow alleyways lined with bougainvilleas.
Assos Village
Here you can take a short swim at Assos Beach, try the local Greek cuisine at a waterfront cafe, or hike to see the remains of a 16th-century Venetian Castle.
6. Wander Through the Ruins of the Venetian Castle in Assos
And while you are in Assos, don’t miss the town’s most important attraction: the ruins of the Venetian Castle. This is a place is a must if you are in Kefalonia!
The road up to the castle is shaded by bine trees and perfectly paved, with great views of the village. It’s suitable for even for wheelchairs, so even though the fortress seems high, it’s not so difficult getting up to the top. Along the way there are benches at different viewpoints where you can stop to admire the views.
Asos Castle
This castle is one of the largest ones in Greece and one of the two remaining fortresses in Kefalonia, representative of Venetian Military Architecture. Its main purpose was to protect the island from pirates and the Ottoman invaders.
7. See the Sunset at Myrtos Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia, very close to Assos. It’s an absolutely stunning spot, with pure white pebbles next to the turquoise sea and surround by dramatic white cliffs.
Myrtos Beach
A steep, winding road will take you down there. We arrived here pretty late in the afternoon, when the sun was almost set. The beach is well worth the visit just to see it, even if you don’t have time to swim.
8. Stop for a Bite in Fiskardo
Fiskardo is one of the two most beautiful villages in Cephalonia, next to Assos. The village is spread around the waterfront where small fishing boats and private yachts are docked.
Fiskardo marina
Fiskardo was one of the very few settlements that remained intact after the 1953 earthquake. For this reason, this is the only part of Kefalonia where you can still see the original Venetian architecture.
Buildings in Fiscardo
9. Hike to the Two Lighthouses in Fiskardo
There are actually two lighthouses in Fiskaro that you should visit. The Venetian one, which was built in the 16th century during the Venetian rule on Kefalonia, and the nearby Victorian lighthouse built in 1892, which is still in operation today.
The Victorian Lighthouse (on the left) and the Venetian Lighthouse (on the right)
10. Visit the Monastery of Panagia Agrilion
The Monastery of Agrilion stands on the top of the hill of Sami and is dedicated to Virgin Mary Theotokos. The church was built during the 18th century on the site where two shepherds discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary.
Panagia Agrilion Monastery in Sami
Nowadays, visiting the chapel and the ruins of the old bell tower is free. Next to the chapel are the living quarters of some monks. From up here, you get spectacular views over both sides of the peninsula, all the way to Ithaca and down over Antisamos Beach.
11. Enjoy a Moment of Peace at the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
St. Gerasimos is the patron saint of Kefalonia and this monastery was built in his name. His remains are displayed in a glass case, above his tomb.
Agios Geronimos Monastery
Gerasimos arrived in Kefalonia in 1560 from Mount Athos, where he was ordained a monk. He built on this site a monastery where he took care of the poor until his death, in 1579.
The church itself is very beautiful, with colorful icons and marble tiles on the floor. Agios Gerasimos Monastery is located 15km from Argostoli, near the village of Valsamata.
12. Taste the Local Wines at Gentilini Winery
If you are in the mood for some wine tasting, I would recommend a stop at Gentilini. This is a small family run winery that produces some good quality and unique wines from the local Kefalonian varieties. I am not particularly fond of Greek wines, but this was a pleasant experience. They have a friendly and knowledgeable staff who will guide you through the wines, answering any questions you may have.
Wine tasting at the Gentilini Winery
The tasting included a complimentary plate with their own organic extra virgin olive oil, local cheese, grape tomatoes and fresh bread.
13. Drink a Beer at Remetzo Café
There is not much to see or do in Poros, other than visit the small souvenir shops or take a ferry for Ithaca Island, or mainland Greece. But while you are waiting for the ferry, don’t miss a very unique bar-café located right at the left of the port.
Remetzo Café in Sami
The bar has a very beautiful and peaceful setting, overlooking the water. I expected it to be busy, but to our surprise there weren’t too many tourists when we visited. A truly outstanding experience you shouldn’t miss in Kefalonia!
How to Get Around in Kefalonia
The best way to visit Kefalonia is definitely by car. A car or a motorcycle allows you to access all areas of the island at any time, without being dependent on bus routes. Driving around Kefalonia may be a little stressful as the roads are narrow and steep in some parts, but a car is still the best choice on this island.
Can you get around Kefalonia without a car? Technically yes, the KTEL bus service stops in Argostoli at the harbor front and takes you to Sami and other places on the island. But without a car it would be really difficult to see all the sites listed in this guide.
Agia Eftimia Beach
Where to Stay in Kefalonia
There are a few beautiful resort towns in Kefalonia where you can make a home base for exploring the island. Like Skala, Lourdas, Lixouri, or Argostoli. The best places to stay for exploring the island’s attractions is in Sami, or the neighboring villages of Karavomilos (8 km up the coast), or Agia Efimia. From Sami is also easy to catch a ferry for Ithaca, in case you want to do a day trip there.
Thalassa Boutique Hotel in Lasi
We stayed in Lassi, which is somewhat in the middle of the island, at a resort called Thalassa Boutique Hotel. This is a perfect place for couples seeking some quiet time, as it is an adults-only hotel. Besides having two pools and a restaurant on the premises, the hotel also featured rooms with private pools.
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