10 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit on Kefalonia
With bewitching turquoise and cerulean blue waters lapping up against white pebble beaches, and pine-scented limestone mountains slashed by lush, green, fertile valleys, Kefalonia (Cephalonia) is the largest, and one of the most beautiful, of Greece's Ionian Islands. In the previous millennium, the island depended primarily on agriculture, but following the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, based on the book by Louis de Bernieres and starring Penelope Cruz and Nicholas Cage, tourism has become increasingly important.
Almost all the island's towns and villages were devastated by a terrible earthquake in 1953, so there is little architecture of historical interest, with one notable exception: somehow the village of Fiskardo survived the large-scale destruction. However, there are still plenty of beautiful places to visit on Kefalonia. The airport lies nine kilometers south of Argostoli, which is the island's capital.
Plan your trip with our list of the top things to do on Kefalonia.
1. Fiskardo
Unquestionably Kefalonia's prettiest village, Fiskardo lies on the northeastern tip of the island and is the only settlement to have retained its 18th-century Venetian-style architecture from before the earthquake.
Backed by a dense cypress glade and built around a sheltered bay, it is popular with sailing crews who moor up their yachts here on summer nights. Most of the houses around the harbor now host upmarket seafood eateries, cafés, and holiday homes.
2. Assos
Ássos is a peaceful little village on the island's northwest coast, 10-kilometers from the popular village of Fiskardo. It is built on a causeway linking a hilly peninsula to the mainland. To reach it, you drive down a series of hairpin bends to where the village nestles in a quaint harbor, rimmed by seafood taverns.
The peninsula is capped by the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian castle, which you can walk up to for a closer look (allow about 40 minutes), and there are a couple of pebble beaches close to the village, where you can swim.
3. Myrtos Beach
One of the most photographed beaches in all of Greece is on Kefalonia. On the island's northwest coast, near Assos, Myrtos is beautiful. The two-kilometer-long beach is backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and fringes an amazing turquoise-blue sea. It's made of smooth white pebbles that, from afar, resemble sand. The view from the road above is stunning.
The beach itself is a little wild — there's no natural shade from the afternoon sun, and the seabed shelves suddenly into deep water with strong currents, so you need to be a confident swimmer.
4. Argostoli
On a peninsula on Kefalonia's southwest coast is the capital city of Argostóli. Although its history predates the 1950s, the old town was almost completely obliterated in an earthquake in 1953 and was rebuilt in modern style, following the original town plan. As a result, today it is a picturesque place, with a palm-lined seafront promenade, where local fishing boats moor up.
While in town, check out the small archaeological museum, which displays finds from the Mycenaean, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
5. Sámi
Located on the east coast, some 24 kilometers east from Argostóli, Sámi is the island's main port, served by regular ferries to and from Patras on the Greek mainland. The ancient town of Sami lay to the south of the modern town, on the slopes of the double-topped hill — the remains of the acropolis can still be seen, and from here, you have fine views down onto the bay.
6. Antisamos Beach
In a deep, curving bay on the east coast, three kilometers from the port town of Sámi, Antisamos is one of the most popular beaches on Kefalonia. Like Myrtos Beach, it is made up of white pebbles and backed by hills planted with pine woods.
It has limited facilities with just a taverna plus sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire. The sea is warm and clear and ideal for snorkeling, and the beach scenes in Captain Corelli's Mandolin were filmed here.
7. Boat Excursions
One of the favorite things to do in Kefalonia is to book a boat tour around the island for a half or full day. From deserted beaches to hidden coves, the island is filled with beautiful spots that will take your breath away.
There are numerous companies offering tour options, from glass-bottom boat excursions and full-day beach and village tours to snorkeling or scuba diving adventures. For diving, popular spots include Temple Cave; the Blue Lagoon; and the WWII shipwreck dive to see the Ardenia, which hailed from Italy.
8. Melissani Cave & Lake
Northwest of Sámi, Melissáni Cave is home to an underground lake. To visit it, you walk down a flight of steps to a landing stage, then climb aboard a small rowing boat with an oarsman for a 15-minute trip around the lake.
The roof of the cave fell in years ago, and sunlight enters through the hole in the roof, creating amazing shades of blue-colored light on the cave walls. The best visual effects occur around noon, when the sun is overhead. Archaeological finds suggest that the cave may once have been used as an ancient place of worship.
9. Hiking, Biking, & Bird-Watching in Ainos National Park
In the south of the island, the summit of Mount Ainos is the highest point in Kefalonia and rises 1,628 meters in elevation inside a national park.
The upper altitudes are covered in dense pine forests of the species Abies cephalonica (Kefallonian fir), which is endemic to Greece and has remained exceptionally pure here due to the isolation of the island.
The national park is ideal for hiking and mountain biking, and bird-watchers might spot woodpeckers, eagles, vultures, and hawks.
10. Drongarati Cave
Southwest of Sámi, near the village of Khaliotata, the Drongaráti Cave is huge — 95 meters long and 45 meters broad at its widest point. To enter it, you walk down a long flight of steps to arrive in an eerily beautiful cavern, well lit and filled with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
The second chamber has outstanding natural acoustics and occasionally hosts concerts — American-Greek soprano Maria Callas is said to have sung here.
Where to Stay on Kefalonia for Sightseeing
Luxury Hotels:
- On Kefalonia's southeast coast, Regina Dell Acqua Resort is set on the beachfront just a five-minute drive from downtown Skala. The five-star resort has a stylish, grand ambience throughout. The large swimming pool facing the Ionian Sea is a favorite perk. The gourmet restaurant here is also quite good, cooking up tasty Greek and Mediterranean fare.
- The Apollonion Asterias Resort & Spa is another top luxe choice that is great for families. Located in Lixouri, it has stylish rooms and suites, many of which have ocean views. The resort is also known for its architecture and contemporary art. There is a gallery on-site that hosts exhibitions throughout the summer season.
- Set on a hillside that slopes down to the sea, Apostolata Island Resort & Spa boasts great views from its rooms and suites. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a full-service spa on-site. All sorts of activities, including sailing lessons, can be arranged at this luxury property.
Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:
- The Odyssey Boutique Hotel is one of the best mid-range properties on the island. The 4-star hotel has a fabulous location, with stunning views of Aghia Effimia bay. It is a stylish property with a mix of rooms and suites. Book one of the sea-view executive suites for the most luxe experience. Each has different decor and comes with either a hydro massage shower or Jacuzzi tub. The hotel caters to couples and adults, with no children under 16 years allowed.
- For a boutique hotel sleep that is still affordable, check out the Kefalonia Grand Hotel. The vibe is all about historic elegance here, and many rooms have ocean views. If you are traveling with kids, babysitting can be arranged.
- In Peratata Village, the two-star Ionis Hotel is a top budget choice. It has clean and comfy rooms, some with kitchenettes. There is a swimming pool and snack bar on-site as well.
Map of Attractions & Things to Do on Kefalonia
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