kefalonia tourism information

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Climatic Data

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

© P. Merakos

Unique Experiences

Around the island

The cave lake of melissani, kourkoumelata, filming in kefalonia.

CAPTAIN CORRELLI'S MANDOLIN

Dr. Iannis and his beautiful daughter, Pelagia (Penelope Cruz) live an idyllic life on the Greek island of Kefalonia; that is, until Italian forces occupy it during World War II and Capt. Corelli (Nicolas Cage) is placed in the Iannis home as a boarder. Corelli and Pelagia are quickly smitten with each other, but when the Nazis arrive, he must fight to liberate the island from the real enemy.

DIRECTOR: JOHN MADDEN FILMING LOCATION: KEFALONIA

Local Dishes

Cod Fish Pie

Almond Cake

Other destinations.

Ferry routes

Kefalonia Greece Travel Guide & Best Things To Do

The island of Kefalonia Greece (also spelled Cephalonia) is amazingly scenic, and it’s still not as crowded as other Greek islands like Zakynthos or Santorini .

You can visit Kefalonia on a day trip from Zakynthos and see some of the top sights in one full day, but in my opinion it’s better to stay at least a few days on the island and spend more time sightseeing.

The most famous thing to see in Kefalonia island is the Melissani lake and cave, but the island also has loads of good beaches with soft white pebbles and turquoise water.

This travel blog will explain some of the best things to do in Kefalonia Greece, how to get there, where to stay, and the best transport options and tour packages. I’ve also included a handy Kefalonia island map for trip planning!

Best Kefalonia Tours

First of all, if you only have a short stay in Kefalonia, such as a few days or less, then a day tour can be a great way to see the island.

We recommend GetYourGuide for Kefalonia tours! They have high rated private tours that go to a bunch of the best sights like Melissani Cave, Antisamos Beach, and Myrtos Viewpoint.

If you’re a solo traveler on a budget, they also have shared tours by bus. These tours usually include free hotel pickup and drop-off from most of the popular areas in Kefalonia.

We’ve used this company for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Kefalonia Greece Private Tour / Bus Tour

Where Is Kefalonia Island?

Kefalonia (also spelled Cephalonia) is an island located in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece.

There are a total of seven Ionian Islands in Greece, and the distance from Athens to Kefalonia is only about 260 kilometers (160 miles) in a straight line.

Fteri Beach — one of the best things to do in Kefalonia Greece!

How To Get To Kefalonia Greece

Kefalonia island can be reached by flight or ferry.

Flying to Kefalonia is the easiest, fastest, and most expensive (but recommended) way to get there. The Kefalonia airport (EFL) is served by daily nonstop flights from Athens, as well as some international cities like Amsterdam, London, and Munich.

The flight time to Kefalonia from Athens is 1 hour, and it costs anywhere from 50 to 100 Euros for a one way ticket with Aegean/Olympic Air or Sky Express.

The best airline to use is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) instead of Sky Express if you have a choice, but any of them are fine. Free checked baggage is usually included in the ticket prices.

Shop Now: Kefalonia flights at Skyscanner

Drone view of Assos village

Taking the ferry to Kefalonia from Athens is cheaper than flying, but it’s slower and a bit more complicated.

You first have to take a 4 hour bus ride from Athens to Kyllini (which costs 25 Euros), and then hop on the ferry there. The boat ride from Kyllini to Kefalonia takes around 1.5 hours and costs about 14 Euros.

There are also ferries running from nearby islands like Zakynthos and Ithaca, so if you’re interested in doing some island hopping in Greece and you want to see more than just Kefalonia, you can mix up the itinerary a bit.

For example, you can fly into Kefalonia for a few days, take the ferry to Zakynthos , and then fly from Zakynthos back to Athens. Or do the same thing in the opposite direction. That’s what we did, and it worked out great!

There are even day tours to Kefalonia from Zakynthos if you’re short on time and want to see some of the highlights of the island.

Myrtos Viewpoint — one of the best things to do in Kefalonia Greece!

Transport: How To Get Around On Kefalonia

Kefalonia is a pretty good sized island (almost twice as big as Zakynthos ), and driving from one side to the other can take hours. If you want to do the island justice, then you’ll need transport.

For short distance trips near town, there’s no Uber but you can hire a taxi. We used Welcome Pickups for our airport transfers in Greece, and had a great experience. They have clean cars and safe drivers who will bring you from the airport to your hotel, and vice versa.

The main way to get around on Kefalonia island is by renting a car. There are many companies offering car rentals on the island, but we recommend DiscoverCars !

Driving in Kefalonia is a little stressful, but not too hard, and most of the roads are in good condition. We found it to be a bit easier than Zakynthos. It’s a more mountainous island, so you’ll occasionally have steep roads, but these are well paved.

Another view of Assos village

A few remote roads in Cephalonia may still be gravel with occasional potholes, but even those roads are quickly improving as the island becomes more accessible and popular with travelers.

The main difficulty is driving in Argostoli town, where there’s more traffic and the roads are narrow, with lots of cars parked on both sides. Drive slowly in town and stay alert. Once you get out of town, the roads are smooth sailing for the most part.

Greeks drive on the right side of the road, similar to the US and Canada. The locals like to drive fast, and they frequently ignore speed limits and pass on double yellow lines. Just be aware of this, and move over to let them pass.

Petani Beach — blue water and white pebbles

Since the law was changed in 2021, foreign tourists from Australia, Canada, UK and the United States do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece anymore.

The actual text of the new law (in Greek language) can be found in Law 4850, art. 25, par. η, page 10697 , and it’s also been confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Greece .

With that said, it still doesn’t hurt to have an IDP for Kefalonia in case there’s confusion from the authorities or your local car rental company. Many people in Greece still seem to be unaware of this change.

If you don’t feel like driving in Kefalonia, it’s also possible to see the island with a private tour or bus tour .  

Where To Stay In Kefalonia

Argostoli Marina

Garbis Villas

Mouikis Hotel

Aenos Hotel

Best Things To Do In Kefalonia Greece

• melissani cave lake.

Melissani is a spectacular underground lake and cave in Kefalonia with an open ceiling that lights up its stunning blue water.

You can go into this cave and take a short paddleboat tour around the lake, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Kefalonia! If you visit Melissani cave at the right time of day, the ceiling lets in just enough light to make the water color go crazy, turning a transparent bright blue.

I would almost say this is a bucket list item that every world traveler needs to see, although the boat ride is a bit short and the lake is really dependent on the right lighting in order to look its best.

Melissani Cave Lake

Because of its beauty, Melissani has become one of the most popular places to visit in Kefalonia, so you’ll usually have to queue to see it. During the high season months, the line can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes.

Mid-day is the best time to see the cave because that’s when the sun is highest in the sky, lighting up the colors of the lake. Unfortunately, that’s also the busiest time to visit, so be prepared to wait.

Even though the boat ride is short (about 10 minutes), it’s loaded with good photo opportunities! If you’re lucky, you can sometimes see eels swimming around in the lake too. It’s a great little adventure.

Read More: Melissani Cave Lake

Book Now: Melissani Lake Private Tour / Half-Day Tour / Bus Tour

Rowboats on the stunning Melissani Lake

• Antisamos Beach

Antisamos is a beautiful beach with clear water and soft waves, and it’s surrounded by green hills on all sides. The water at this beach is clear as glass and great for swimming.

It used to be a quiet, hidden beach, but nowadays it’s quite commercial and busy. There’s easy access on a paved road from the harbor town of Sami, and the beach has restaurants with lots of umbrellas, bathrooms, and parking.

Because of the proximity to Sami, this beach is easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave.

Overall, it’s a great beach to bring the family for swimming and relaxing!

Relaxing at Antisamos Beach

• Myrtos Beach

Myrtos is one of the most spectacular locations in Kefalonia Greece, with a snow white pebble beach surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides, and a viewpoint where you can look down at the beach from above.

Make sure you stop at the roadside viewpoint (located here ) before going down to the beach. It has some of the best scenery in Kefalonia, and you don’t have to pay or do any hiking to see it!

This spot has amazing views of the Kefalonia coastline and the steep road leading down to the beach. Parking is limited, but there’s usually space since cars continually come and go.

Myrtos Viewpoint

Myrtos Beach is accessed by a steep paved road that can be a little unnerving at times, especially since you have to share it with other cars going back up the hill.

In the high season, it’s best to come here early for parking because Myrtos is very popular. However, the beach is more than 700 meters long so it never feels too crowded at all. Waves can be rough here, so it’s probably not a great spot for kids to swim.

The bright pebbles and cliffs at Myrtos Beach are almost blindingly white, with colorful turquoise water. It’s probably Kefalonia’s most beautiful beach!

Myrtos Beach

• Assos Village

Assos is a little seaside village on a peninsula in northern Kefalonia. A visit to this spot is definitely one of the best things to do in Kefalonia Greece!

It’s a quaint and colorful town that’s great for pictures, and we would’ve loved to stay longer. There’s a nice little protected beach where you can go for a swim, and plenty of shops and restaurants by the coast.

Shade trees and benches by the water make it a great place to sit and relax.

Assos village

Assos once served as the administrative capital of northern Cephalonia under Venetian rule, starting in 1593.

If you have extra time, climb the hill to the Venetian Castle of Assos for a great view of the town from the opposite side. You can reach the castle ruins in about 30-40 minutes from the car park, and it’s free to visit.

Parking at Assos is limited and can fill up in the high season months, so you’ll want to arrive early if possible.

Where To Stay In Assos: Romanza Studios

• Fiskardo Village

Fiskardo is a historic harbor town on the northern tip of Kefalonia island, with a ferry that runs to the nearby Greek islands of Ithaca and Lefkada.

Even if you don’t plan on using the ferry, Fiskardo is a great place to visit to walk around the harbor and enjoy the seaside views. We had a great lunch of Greek gyros in Fiskardo and bought some souvenirs.

I have to say the town of Fiskardo was more crowded than Assos and not quite as photogenic. It’s still worth a visit, but if you have to choose only one of these towns to see then I would pick Assos for sure.

Where To Stay: Fiscardo Studios

Fiskardo village

The old Venetian lighthouse at Fiskardo village

• Fteri Beach

Fteri is a secluded beach that’s reachable by boat (‘ water taxi ‘) from the town of Zola.

The boat ride is easy and comfy, and takes less than 10 minutes each way. You can stay at the beach for hours if you like, and the boat captain will give you a WhatsApp number to call when you’re ready to go back to Zola.

I had my doubts about this setup at first, but it worked really smoothly for us. You don’t have to book anything in advance, and during the high season there are plenty of boats coming and going.

Fteri is a beautiful beach and very photogenic, with a turquoise water color that almost looks unreal. The beach was empty when we arrived, although it started to fill up with people by the time we left.

Fteri Beach

The beach is reachable by boat (‘ water taxi ‘)

The waves at Fteri are calm so it’s great for swimming, although water shoes help for walking on the hard white pebbles. If you want, you can pay extra to explore some of the other nearby beaches and sea caves by boat.

If you’re on a budget, you can also reach Fteri by hiking for about 30-45 minutes on a trail , but the path is rough and unmarked so most people use the water taxi instead.

Prices for the water taxis are pretty reasonable, and if you’re a solo traveler you don’t have to rent your own boat, you can join a boat with other people to save costs. Overall, it’s a very fun experience!

Drone view of Fteri Beach

• Petani Beach

Petani Beach might be tied with Fteri as the most beautiful beach on the island of Kefalonia Greece. This one is located on the western peninsula of the island.

This is an easy access beach with all the facilities: restaurants and bars, showers, and lots of umbrellas. Like the other top beaches in Kefalonia, it can get very busy during the peak season, so it’s a good idea to show up early.

The water at this beach is crystal clear and it’s surrounded by limestone mountains. It’s very nice!

Petani Beach

Best Kefalonia Photo Spot

I would have to say the best photo spot in Kefalonia is probably the Melissani cave and lake. It was my favorite of the many places we saw in Kefalonia Greece.

The viewpoint above Myrtos Beach is also amazing, and Assos village is highly photogenic at any time of day. Kefalonia is a great place for photographers.

For drone pilots, it’s possible to take amazing photos on Kefalonia island. The locals in Greece aren’t strict about drones here, and there are lots of quiet places to fly without disturbing anyone. If in doubt, just ask before you fly.

Best Beaches In Kefalonia Greece

The island of Cephalonia is loaded with great beaches. It has a much better selection of beaches than nearby Zakynthos island .

If you’re mainly just looking for the popular beaches with easy access and beachfront accommodation, check out the beaches on the southern coast of the island, such as Kalamia, Xi, Makris Gialos, Skala, and Ragia Beach.

For the really scenic beaches, check out Antisamos, Myrtos, Fteri, and Petani Beach. All of these have colorful turquoise water, white pebble shores, and dramatic limestone mountains.

Snow white pebbles at Myrtos Beach

Kefalonia Island Map

Here’s a Kefalonia island map you can use to plan your trip in Greece.

You can click the icons on this map to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations may be approximate.

What To Bring

Here are some packing suggestions for your trip to Kefalonia Greece.

Most of the items below can probably be found on the island in a pinch, but the quality of stuff you buy on the street won’t be guaranteed (personally, I’m not about to use a junky knockoff bag from a street vendor to protect my expensive camera gear).

It’s best to buy vetted products online!

• Waterproof Bag: Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats. I brought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside. Everything was kept dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronics and just need something small to protect your phone.
• Snorkeling Gear: Good for exploring the clear waters around Kefalonia, and sometimes you can even see turtles. Snorkels and masks can be borrowed or rented from the boat companies too, but if you plan to do multiple tours it’s better to bring your own gear.
• Water Shoes: Save your feet some grief and wear water shoes! Many of the beaches in Kefalonia have pebbles instead of sand, so water shoes will feel better for getting in and out of the water.

White Rocks Beach

Fteri Beach is one of our favorites

Other Kefalonia Tips

• Credit Cards: You can pay by credit card for most hotels, restaurants, and other things in Kefalonia, but it’s still a good idea to carry cash (in Euros). Some smaller restaurants only take cash, or the card machines may go down. If you show up at a harbor and want to book a boat tour on the spot, then they’ll ask you to pay in cash.
• ATM: There are ATMs within reach of every corner of the island. We usually pulled 200 Euros at a time, and never had any issues. One thing to note is that the ATMs will offer you their own conversion rate (which is a really bad rate), or you can continue in Euros. Make sure you choose Euros without their silly conversion rate. This is a well known scam at ATMs in Greece, but it’s easily avoided if you know what you’re doing.
• Cell Service: Phone reception is strong across most of Kefalonia island, although you may lose service in some places while driving around because the island is fairly mountainous.
• WiFi: Internet quality in Kefalonia is not the greatest, but it’s improving, especially in the main town areas. Don’t expect WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or other European countries), but it’s generally good enough for emails, browsing, and maybe a little bit of streaming.

Kefalonia views at Myrtos Beach

• Language: The local language in Kefalonia is Greek, of course, but almost everyone speaks and understands enough English for conversation. Lots of UK tourists visit the Ionian islands, so the locals are accustomed to speaking English with travelers.
• Mosquitoes: We never saw any mosquitoes in Kefalonia, and the island isn’t known to be home to the West Nile Virus, so it’s not really a significant concern here.
• Water: The tap water in Kefalonia is supposed to be safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste good. It’s better to drink bottled water, which is cheap and can be found at any mini market. You can use the tap water for cooking or brushing your teeth.

Is Kefalonia Safe?

Yes, Kefalonia is a very safe place to visit!

Greece has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world. Just take normal precautions and you shouldn’t have any issues with crime.

Kefalonia island is not so touristy that you might feel resented, and the locals were very friendly in our experience.

Bird crossing at the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos

Is Kefalonia Worth It?

Yes, I think Kefalonia is worth it. We really enjoyed our time spent on the island, and some of the sights like Melissani Lake and Myrtos Beach are spectacular.

If you’re looking for an island with amazing scenery, beaches, and not too many people, Cephalonia is a great option!  

How Long To Stay In Kefalonia Greece

Three or four days is enough time to see the highlights of Kefalonia, although a week or two would be more relaxed.

There are many nice beaches and hidden spots in Kefalonia island, and it’s less expensive than Zakynthos , so you could definitely stay longer if you want! We only stayed 4 days, and we felt like we needed more time.

If you only have one day in Kefalonia (i.e. on a day trip from Zakynthos or something), then make sure you go to the Melissani cave. It’s one of the single best sights in Cephalonia Greece!

Melissani Cave Lake — one of the best things to do in Kefalonia Greece!

Fteri beach cliffs

Kefalonia Greece Itinerary

Here’s what a sample 4-day itinerary for Cephalonia island could look like:

• Day 1: Central/East Kefalonia . Drive over to Sami to see the amazing Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave, then relax at Antisamos Beach before continuing the road trip over to the east coast of Kefalonia, stopping at some of the more hidden beaches like Ragia, Limenia, Kako Lagadi, and Skala Beach.
• Day 2: North Kefalonia . Head to the north end of Kefalonia, stopping at Myrtos Viewpoint and the seaside town of Assos along the way. Drive all the way to the far northern tip of Kefalonia island and visit the harbor town of Fiskardo, where you can grab lunch. Visit the nearby Foki Beach and then start the drive back to south Kefalonia. Stop at Myrtos Beach on the way back!
• Day 3: West Kefalonia . Start the day by visiting some spectacular beaches at Zola. Take the short water taxi over to Fteri Beach, and then afterwards see Vouti and/or Kiriaki Beach. Drive around Kefalonia’s western peninsula, seeing some amazing spots like Petani Beach and Xi Beach.
• Day 4: South Kefalonia . Take a slow day exploring sights in Argostoli, including the De Bosset Bridge, Fanari Lighthouse, and Kalamia Beach. End the day at the Castle of Agios Georgios, and get an early dinner at Kastro Cafe , one of the best restaurants in Kefalonia!

I hope this sample itinerary gives you some ideas for your own trip to Cephalonia. As always, feel free to ask any questions if you have them.

Kefalonia Hotels

Best time to visit kefalonia greece.

The best time to visit Kefalonia island depends on what you’re looking for, but generally the nicest weather is from early May to late October. All of these months are mostly warm and sunny. The shoulder months in spring and autumn can be nice if you’re wanting good weather without the crowds.

The hottest months in Greece are July and August, and Kefalonia during this time has temperatures of up to 27 °C (82 °F) during the day time, and lows of 19 °C (67 °F). This can be great for swimming in a pool or lounging at the beach, although these two months can also be a bit more busy with tourists.

Winter in Kefalonia is fairly mild, but it’s wetter, cooler, and more overcast, and there may be some snowfall, especially on the Ainos mountains. High temperatures are around 11 °C (53 °F), and lows are around 6 °C (43 °F). Not as many boats and tours are running at this time, but you may get a good deal on hotels and things.

Regardless of when you decide to visit Cephalonia, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!

A sunny afternoon on Myrtos Beach

More Greece Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the best things to do in Kefalonia Greece.

We have more travel guides for the Greek islands coming soon, so don’t forget to check back later!

Happy travels!

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Thank you for the great article! Husband and I are planning our honeymoon for September and this was helpful.

Nice! Have a great trip.

Really helpful thank you can you tell me what the public transport like as I won’t feel comfortable driving.

Hi Brenda. Since the island is pretty big, it’s not very well connected by public transport. If you don’t feel comfortable driving, I would recommend staying in a popular area like Argostoli that has all the things you need, and then perhaps booking a day tour (with transport included) so you can see some of the main sights on the island.

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KEFALONIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Kefalonia (also spelt Cephalonia) is a greek island in the Ionian Sea with magnificent scenery, fantastic beaches, high mountains, lush vegetation, picturesque seaside villages and hospitable people.

Kefalonia is a popular summer tourist destination for greeks and foreign nationals, and one of the best greek islands to spend your summer holidays.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Kefalonia by showing you the top attractions and things to do , best beaches & places to visit including maps , photos and itinerary .

INTRODUCTION TO KEFALONIA

Why visit Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands with stunning beaches and beautiful mountainous and coastal scenery.

An ideal destination for a relaxed holiday in the sun , but also for people looking for something more adventurous or cultural, as it combines beach activities with hiking opportunities, scenic drives, and visits to unique caves and picturesque seaside villages .

It has been made famous as the setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin film. It is very popular with Greeks, Italians, and the last few years with other foreign nationals as a package holiday destination with direct flights to the island.

Most of Kefalonia has been destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and most towns and villages were completely rebuilt.

Kefalonia has some famous sights and attractions worth visiting, like the famous Myrtos and Petani beaches, Mount Ainos (Enos), Melissani and Drogarati Caves, and the cosmopolitan Fiskardo and picturesque Asos seaside villages.

The main town and capital of the island is Argostoli, but the main ferry ports are Poros and Sami . Lixouri is the second largest town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KEFALONIA

The best time for a beach holiday on the island of Kefalonia is from June to mid-September. The weather is dry, sunny and warm, although there is a possibility of rain in September. Also, most tourist facilities are only open during these months. However, due to the mountainous terrain, it can be cloudy at higher altitudes even in the summer months. The sea is warmer from mid-July to mid-September. I would probably avoid peak tourist season: mid-July to late August, especially the first 3 weeks of August, as the island tends to be crowded with mostly Greeks and Europeans on vacation, and prices are higher. The weather can also be very hot, with temperatures over 30°C.

For me, the best time to visit is the middle of June or the beginning of September when the temperatures are more favourable, there are fewer people and the prices are cheaper, but you can still swim in the sea and enjoy the buzz of the island.

In May, it can be a little cold to swim and sunbathe in the sea, but mostly the weather is dry and sunny. October is still warm, but there are significantly more clouds and the chance of rainy days is higher.

During the low season, there are fewer ferries and flights and some shops, hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas, close in October and don’t open until April-May, usually around Easter.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN KEFALONIA

Kefalonia is a big island (about 904sqkm), so I would recommend a minimum stay of 5 days , as exploring the island can be quite hectic with long drives. Travelling from one side to another can be tiring.

Ideally, you should stay on the island for a full week if you would like to explore it at a more relaxed pace and combine it with a day trip to neighbouring Ithaki (Ithaca) .

WHERE TO STAY IN KEFALONIA

The most popular places to stay in Kefalonia are Argostoli, Lassi (near Makris Gialos) & Skala , but you could also stay in Poros, Lixouri, Agia Efimia, Asos, Sami and Fiskardo , as they also provide hotels and tourist amenities.

There are also other less popular places to stay in various parts of the island like Kato Katelios , Lourdata as well as plenty of hotels around the airport .

For me, Argostoli, Lassi or Sami are the best places to stay with a lot of tourist amenities and also well located to explore the rest of the island.

Lixouri is a bit out of the way but provides more affordable options .

Asos and Fiskardo are the most picturesque seaside villages , but accommodation can be expensive .

Skala is a good place if you want to be close to a nice beach and is popular with package holidaymakers, but it is further away from the rest of the sights.

Lassi is a good option if you want to combine both, close to a big town (Argostoli), but also to the beach of Maktris Gialos .

Best hotels in Kefalonia

• Kefalonia Grand Hotel : Situated on Argostoli waterfront with most rooms with a balcony and sea views and great staff.
• Canale Hotel & Suites : Great hotel in Argostoli Harbour with superb breakfast and amazing staff.
• Mouikis Hotel Kefalonia : This hotel centrally located in Argostoli offers rooms with a balcony, a nice rooftop terrace, a good breakfast and private parking.
• White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia : Located by Platis Gialos Beach with panoramic views of the sea and its own outdoor pool.
• Regina Dell’ Acqua : Situated in Skala this is a 5-star luxury hotel close to the beach.
• Melidron Hotel : A small family-run hotel well situated in Skala close to the town and beach.
• Fiskardo Bay Hotel : Located a short walk from the scenic Fiscardo waterfront offers rooms with a balcony and great views and a swimming pool
• Emelisse : Peaceful location close to Emplisi Beach and 15min walk from Fiskardo with spacious rooms, great restaurant and staff.
• F Zeen Retreat : Situated close to Lourdata Beach this hotel offers spacious rooms and great facilities.
• Odyssey Boutique Hotel : Luxury 4-star hotel in Agia Efimia with views of the Ionian Sea
• Sami Beach Hotel : Decent hotel by the beach between Sami and Karavomilos.
• Assos View Villas : Beautiful villas with a pool and amazing views of Asos.
• Hotel Summery : This hotel is located next to the beach and very close to the central square of Lixouri. Good value for money.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole island. You can find the hotels on this map .

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

No visas are required for visits up to 90 days for most nationalities.

Kefalonia is a safe place and you shouldn’t come across any issues during your stay. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on your belongings and use common-sense precautions in crowded tourist areas.

Travel Insurance

It’s always advisable to get travel insurance . You never know what might happen; better to be fully covered in case of an accident, medical emergency or flight delays.

SafetyWing is an excellent choice for long-term travellers. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

Kefalonia has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers.

Summer (June to mid-September) : The weather is dry, sunny and hot. Average temperatures are between 21 to 30 degrees.

Autumn (mid-September to November) : The weather starts to get cloudier, colder and also rainier. Average temperatures are between 16 to 22 degrees. November and December are the rainiest months in Kefalonia.

Winter (December to mid-March) : It can get quite cold and windy and also rainy and sometimes it even snows on Mount Ainos. Average temperatures are between 9 to 15 degrees. The coldest month is  February .

Spring (mid-March to May) : The weather starts getting warmer and sunnier with average temperatures between 12 to 20 degrees.

You can check historical weather data here .

For greek weather websites, you can visit: Meteo or Freemeteo

Greek , but most people in tourist areas speak some english or italian.

The currency is the euro. It’s worth having some cash with you as some small shops, cafes or restaurants as well as boat tour operators might not accept cards. The best place to exchange some money is through an ATM that can be found in the main towns and resorts of the island.

Kefalonia isn’t a very expensive island, but prices are much higher (almost double) during July and August, especially for accommodation. Eating out is very affordable.

The power plugs and sockets are of type C and F (with two round pins). The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Packing List

If you visit in the summertime like most tourists, you will only need to pack summer clothes, walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, flip flops, sunscreen and swimwear. However, I will recommend having a light summer jacket , as it can get cooler up in the mountains and at night, especially in September and May.

For more information on travel gear and what to pack click below .

Internet/Mobile Phone

To avoid roaming charges, you can buy a local SIM card in one of the shops of either Wind , Vodafone or Cosmote (the main mobile providers) in Argostoli.

Airalo is also a good alternative as it provides access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards) for over 200 countries. Travellers can download and install a digital data pack and get free internet without roaming charges.

However, Airalo is compatible with only the latest mobile phones

HOW TO GET TO KEFALONIA

Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou is connected to Athens (2-3 daily, 1hr) all year round and also to some other domestic destinations, like Zakynthos, Preveza and Corfu during summer. During summer, the airport also receives low-cost flights from many European countries.

If you are travelling from Athens, taking a flight can be a bit more expensive than taking the ferry from Patra or Killini, especially in the high season. However, it is much more convenient and definitely recommended if you have limited time in Greece.

For the best website to book your flights, check the link below. Always check prices in advance for the best deals.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 7km south of Argostoli. Upon your arrival, you can rent a car (highly recommended) in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

There is a taxi service outside the terminal building. The journey to Argostoli is about 15min and costs around €15 euros, while the trip to Lassi is only 10min and costs €10 . A taxi ride to Skala costs around €50 and takes about 45min, while a ride to Sami costs around €40 .

There is also a limited bus service between the airport and the capital Argostoli. The bus stop is located on the left side of the main entrance of the departures building.

It is also worth checking with your hotel as most of them offer airport transfers at an extra charge.

Kefalonia has two main ferry ports ( Sami & Poros ) that provide connections to the mainland. There are ferries from the port of Patra to Sami via Ithaki (1 daily, 3 hours, €15.5 ) and Killini to Poros (4 daily, 1.5h, €13.50 ) or Astakos to Sami (1 daily, 2.5h).

Kefalonia is also connected by ferry to other islands a few times per week: Zakynthos (Agios Nikolaos to Pesada, 1 hour or Zakynthos to Sami, 3 hours), Lefkada (Vassiliki to Fiskardo, 1 hour or Lefkada to Sami, 3.5h) and Ithaki (Pisaetos to Sami, 30 minutes).

If you don’t have your own vehicle, Kefalonia is connected to Athens by bus (KTEL) every day of the year. The buses depart from Athens and arrive in Patras and Killini to connect with the departure of the ferries for the island. The trip Athens-Kefalonia via Patras lasts 6 hours and arrives at Sami while via Killini lasts about 5 hours and arrives at Poros.

For the cheapest site to book your ferry ticket in Greece, check the link below.

HOW TO GET AROUND KEFALONIA

I would recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore the island , as it gives you the freedom to go to more remote areas and stop wherever you like to appreciate the views.

Car rental for a day is usually 50 euros in the peak summer season. Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season (July/August), there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive.

Most of the car rental offices are located at the airport or around Argostoli and Lassi. There are some at the ferry ports of the island (Sami). Renting at the airport is usually the cheapest option.

Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

There are taxi stands in Argostoli but taxis can be a bit expensive if you plan to go further distances.

Indicative fares of taxi routes :

• Argostoli to Lassi €7 (5min)
• Argostoli to Sami: €40 (45min)
• Argostoli to Skala: €35 (50min)
• Argostoli to Poros: €60 (57min)
• Argostoli to Fiskardo: €75 (70min)
• Argostoli to Asos: €60 (55min)

There is a decent but limited bus service that connects Argostoli with the main villages and resorts of the island. Although public transport is cheap , bus services are not that frequent and you need to plan in advance if you are relying on public transport. For more information visit the KTEL Kefalonia site .

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

The best places to go for a meal are Argostoli, Fiskardo harbour, Lixouri and Sami for the best choices in a beautiful setting. For good restaurants by the sea, you can also visit Kato Katelios and Agia Efimia. There are also good restaurants in the resorts of Lassi and Skala. Below you can find a list of some of the best restaurants in Kefalonia.

Best restaurants in Kefalonia

• Tassia Restaurant : One of the most famous restaurants in Kefalonia to sample astakomakaronada overlooking the Fiskardo harbour.
• Melograno Restaurant
• Vasso’s Restaurant
• Spiros Restaurant
• Ampelaki Greek Restaurant
• Agrapidos Taverna
• Pomantza Traditional Fish Tavern
• Ta Pitharia Tavern
• Zefki Greek Traditional Tavern
• Blue Sea Restaurant
• Maria’s Restaurant

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map .

Local Cuisine

• Meat Pie (kreatopita) : Pastry with minced meat
• Bakaliaros with agliada : Salted cod with potatoes and garlic sauce
• Strapatsada : Scrambled eggs fried with tomatoes and feta cheese
• Tsigaridia : Greens cooked with tomato sauce
• Mandolato: Sweet made of almonds and sugar (soft nougat)
• Local Robola Wine is quite famous and worth trying
• More information about the best greek dishes you can find here .

THINGS TO DO IN KEFALONIA

Best sights and attractions

1. Enjoy one of the scenic drives

It is worth renting a car and exploring the island as it offers some stunning drives with great views of the mountains and coastline.

2. Swim at one of the amazing beaches – Myrtos, Petani, Antisamos & Xi

Myrtos is one of the most famous and picturesque beaches in Greece. The combination of white pebbles, turquoise waters, and steep cliffs creates a breathtaking scene.

Petani is also a beautiful beach in great surroundings as well as Antisamos with its lush greenery and Xi beach with its unique red sand and white cliffs.

3. Visit the seaside village of Fiskardo

Fiskardo is a picturesque village with preserved Venetian architecture. You can explore its narrow streets, enjoy the colorful buildings, and have a meal in one of the waterfront tavernas.

4. Visit Asos village and its fort

Assos is a charming village with colourful houses situated on a peninsula. You can explore the Venetian castle ruins and enjoy the views of the Ionian Sea.

5. Melissani Cave

You can take a boat tour of Melissani Cave, an underground lake with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The cave is surrounded by lush vegetation, and sunlight creates stunning reflections on the water.

6. Cave of Drogarati

You can explore Drogarati Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s acoustics are utilized for concerts and events.

7. Visit busy Argostoli and spot sea turtles

Argostoli is a great place to spot the Careta Careta sea turtles that come every morning to the harbour to eat any leftovers from the fishermen’s morning catch.

8. Hike Mount Ainos

Mount Ainos is the highest peak in Kefalonia, offering hiking trails with beautiful views. The national park is home to the rare Kefalonian fir tree.

9. Take a day trip to Ithaki

Kefalonia is close to the island of Ithaca, known for its connection to Homer’s Odyssey. You can take a boat trip to explore Ithaca’s charming villages and landscapes.

10. Agios Gerasimos Monastery and Robola winery

It is worth visiting the monastery of Agios Gerasimos, the e patron saint of Kefalonia. The monastery is a place of pilgrimage and houses the saint’s relics.

You can learn about the island’s winemaking tradition by visiting the Robola Wine Cooperative, where you can taste and purchase local wines

11. Agios Georgios Castle

You can visit the Agios Georgios Castle near Perata which provides great views of the southwest coast of Kefalonia

KEFALONIA BEST TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. argostoli.

Argostol i is Kefalonia’s capital town , built amphitheatrically within a bay. The town was mostly destroyed in the 1953 earthquake and most houses were rebuilt. It is a great place for an evening stroll along the pedestrian street and Vallianou Square and also at the waterfront , which is full of yachts and boats .

It is the best place to stay on the island with lots of hotels , restaurants , bars and all the tourist amenities . However, there is no beach within walking distance, the closest beach is in the Lassi Area .

Argostoli is well connected with Lixouri with frequent ferries (every 30min, 20min).

Some of the best attractions and best things to do in Argostoli are summarised below:

• Watch the sea turtles : Caretta-caretta sea turtles can be spotted in the Argostoli harbour every morning. Turtles can be seen around the fishing boats, coming to eat the fish thrown from the fishermen’s morning catch.
• Walk along the Lithostroto: Stroll along Lithostroto, the main pedestrian street in Argostoli, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk and some shopping.
• Observe the De Bosset Bridge: Check out the De Bosset Bridge, a historic stone bridge that connects Argostoli with the opposite side of the lagoon. It’s a picturesque spot for a walk and offers great views of the Argostoli and the bay.
• Try Local Cuisine at the Waterfront Tavernas: Argostoli’s waterfront is lined with tavernas offering delicious Greek cuisine. Try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and seafood dishes.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli: Explore the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from different periods of Kefalonia’s history, including Mycenaean and Roman artifacts.
• Take a Boat Trip to Lixouri: Hop on a ferry or boat for a short trip across the bay to Lixouri, the second-largest town on the island. Explore Lixouri’s charming streets, squares, and beaches.
• Relax at Vallianos Square: Spend some time at Vallianos Square, a central square surrounded by cafes and shops. It’s a great place to relax and people-watch.
• See the Katavothres Geological Phenomenon: Witness the Katavothres geological phenomenon, where seawater mysteriously disappears into sinkholes and re-emerges in the Melissani Cave, several kilometers away.
• Explore the St. Theodore Lighthouse: Drive or hike to the St. Theodore Lighthouse for nice views of the coastline. It’s a scenic spot to capture photos.
• Visit the Koutavos Lagoon: Explore the Koutavos Lagoon, located near Argostoli. You can walk or cycle along the lagoon, enjoying the natural beauty and observing the birdlife.
• Visit the Korgialenio Historic and Folklore Museum: Explore the Korgialenio Museum to learn about the history, culture, and folklore of Kefalonia. The museum displays artifacts and exhibits related to the island’s past.

2. Fiskardo

Fiskardo is a cosmopolitan seaside village with colourful traditional houses , chic restaurants , boutiques, bars and cafes. It is a lovely place for a stroll but it does get very crowded during the summer months. It is also a great place to taste seafood in one of the fish tavernas on the waterfront. Fiskardo is a mooring area for luxury yachts and it’s very popular with the international jet set .

It is worth visiting the Roman cemetery and the Venetian Lighthouse .

There are two good pebble beaches close to Fiskardo, Emplisi and Foki Beach .

3. Asos (Assos)

Asos is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Kefalonia, built in a small isthmus between the mainland and the small Asos peninsula . The peninsula has a Venetian fort at the top of the hill, which is worth climbing, as it offers spectacular views of Asos village and the Kefalonia coastline. Its waterfront is popular with yachts and fishing boats and it has a small pebble beach and a few tavernas. There is a paved path from the village to the top of the hill and the 16th-century Venetian castle with marvellous views of the surrounding area along the way. The hike up takes about 30min . It’s free to enter the fort and the castle but there is not a lot to see apart from ruins but the views are worth the hike. All that is left is the remains of the castle walls with the arched gate, Agios Markos church and parts of the barracks.

Sami is the main ferry port of Kefalonia with ferry connections to Pisaetos in Ithaki, but also to Astakos and Patra. There is an ok white sand beach between Sami and Karavomilos. Karavomilos has a nice small lake.

Sami is a nice seaside town and a great base to explore the island. There is a choice of some decent accommodation options and nice restaurants and cafes by the seafront.

The best nearby beach is located further away from the town. Antisamos Beach , one of the best on the island, is located to the north of the town, a 10min scenic drive.

You can also visit the Akropolis of Ancient Sami up on the hill, easily accessible by car, which offers some great views towards the town and the greater area. There you can see the remains of the Cyclopean walls as well as remnants of an ancient theatre.

5. Agia Effimia

It is a nice seaside village with a small fishing harbour. It has become quite popular in the last few years with some good accommodation options and restaurants by the seafront.

Lixouri is the second biggest town of Kefalonia, located in Paliki peninsula on the other side of Argostoli. It is a nice and quiet seaside town with two-storey buildings and a decent seafront. Good for an evening stroll and dinner by the sea. It offers some affordable accommodation options and decent seafood tavernas.

It is well connected with Argostoli by frequent ferries (every 30min until midnight, 20min). it is worth taking the ferry even if you have a car as it saves about 1h travelling by road. Ferry prices are cheap.

There is a small beach at the south side of the harbour but the closest decent beach is Lepeda . Lepeda is a beautiful, red sandy beach, about 2.5km on foot to the south of Lixouri.

It is the island’s second main port with ferries to Killini on the mainland. It is a busy town with a decent white pebbly beach at the north side. It has some good accommodation options and a few restaurants.

Lassi is the most popular tourist resort in Kefalonia, close to Argostoli, with two cosmopolitan sandy beaches: Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos in the vicinity.

There are a lot of hotels scattered around Lassi Area. Restaurants and bars as well as shops and souvenir stores can be found along the village’s main street.

9. Kourkoumelata

This is a small village but has some very neoclassical buildings and a beautiful square and it’s worth having a stroll. It is worth also visiting for the sea views.

10. Peratata

It is a nice village close to the Castle of Agios Georgios.

11. Kato Katelios

This is a small resort on the south of the island with a nice little harbour, a decent beach and some good fish tavernas.

12. Old Vlachata

This is a village in ruins but it is an interesting place to visit to discover Kefalonia’s past. You can see the old stone houses as they used to be before the earthquake.

13. Valsamata

The village is located between hills on Omala plateau and is surrounded by vineyards

Skala is the biggest resort on the south coast with a nice sandy beach. It is popular with package holidaymakers. It offers some great hotel options by the sea and the town has some good restaurants, bars and most of the tourist amenities.

KEFALONIA BEST BEACHES

Kefalonia has some amazing beaches with crystal-clear water . On the north coast, most of them are with white pebbles and sand, while on the south coast are with golden sand. Some of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia are Myrtos Beach, Petani Beach, Skala, Antisamos Beach and Makris Gialos as well as Xi Beach with its red-coloured sand.

Below is a list of the 35 best beaches on the island.

• Myrtos Beach: Myrtos is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It features white pebbles, turquoise waters, and a backdrop of steep cliffs. The contrast between the sea and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
• Petani Beach: One of the most spectacular beaches in Kefalonia with white sand and pebbles. Nestled between cliffs, Petani Beach is known for its stunning sunset views. The beach has white pebbles and clear waters.
• Antisamos Beach: Antisamos gained fame as one of the filming locations for the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” It is a beautiful beach with turquoise waters and lush green surroundings.
• Xi Beach: Xi Beach is distinctive for its reddish-brown sand and clay cliffs. The beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the shallow waters make it suitable for families.
• Makris Gialos Beach: Located near the capital, Argostoli, Makris Gialos is a well-organized beach with golden sands and clear waters. It’s popular among both locals and tourists.
• Platys Gialos Beach: This beach offers soft golden sands and shallow waters, making it family-friendly. There are various water sports and facilities available, and it’s close to Lassi, a popular resort area.
• Platia Ammos Beach : One of the most stunning beaches on the island with white sand and clear waters. However the road getting there is not the best, and the steps down to the beach have been damaged. It is still possible to visit but needs caution. The viewpoint at the top is a must.
• Kaminia Beach: It is a long sandy and remote beach surrounded by nature. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.
• Skala Beach: Skala is a popular resort area, and its beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles. The long shoreline provides plenty of space, and there are various amenities nearby.
• Fteri Beach : An amazing remote beach with white sand and surrounded by cliffs. It is only accessible by sea taxi (from Agia Kiriaki – 20€) or a hike of 1.5 hours.
• Agia Kiriaki Beach : A picturesque white pebble beach with clear blue waters.
• Foki Beach: Foki is a smaller, more secluded beach near Fiskardo. It has pebbles and crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Lourdata Beach: Lourdata is a long sandy beach with clear blue waters near Lourdata village.
• Atheras Beach : A fine strip of sand in Paliki Peninsula with shallow waters. The road getting there offers some great views of the bay.
• Kounopetra Beach : A reddish sandy beach surrounded by white cliffs, more peaceful than Xi with shallow waters.
• Megas Lakkos Beach: A quiet and unspoiled beach with golden sands and clear waters. It’s less crowded than some of the more popular beaches on the island.
• Lepeda Beach: Located near Lixouri, Lepeda has unique reddish-orange sands and is known for its stunning sunset views. The water is usually calm, making it suitable for swimming.
• Amidi Beach : Beautiful, but secluded beach. Accessible only by boat.
• Ammes Beach: Ammes is a sandy beach with shallow waters, making it suitable for families with children. It’s conveniently located near the airport.
• Paliostafida Beach : Nice and quiet beach with transparent and shallow sea, perfect for families.
• Megali Ammos Beach: Translating to “Big Sand,” Megali Ammos is a sandy beach located near Argostoli. It’s a family-friendly beach with shallow waters.
• Vatsa Beach: Vatsa is a less crowded beach with pebbles and crystal-clear waters. It’s a peaceful spot for those looking to escape the more touristy areas.
• Jerusalem Beach: A secluded beach with a combination of sand and pebbles. The waters are calm and inviting, making it a peaceful place to relax.
• Emplisi Beach: Near Fiskardo, Emplisi is a pebbly beach with crystal-clear waters. The surrounding cliffs and greenery add to the scenic beauty.
• Minies Beach
• Giagana Beach
• Gradakia Beach
• Eglina Beach
• Avithos Beach
• Ai Helis Beach
• Trapezaki Beach: Trapezaki is a sandy beach with clear waters, located on the southern part of the island. It’s organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and has nearby tavernas.
• Alaties Beach: Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, Alaties is a small beach surrounded by rocks. It’s a picturesque spot for swimming and snorkelling.
• Koroni Beach
• Poros Beach

KEFALONIA TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best attractions, restaurants & hotels, as well as the best villages and beaches to visit in Kefalonia.

KEFALONIA ITINERARY

It is worth staying in Kefalonia for a week if you want to explore it. The following itinerary includes things to do for 7 days on the island. I have taken Argostoli as a base & overnight stay for the duration of the holiday; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of the island.

• Visit Drogarati Cave
• Visit the Acropolis of Ancient Sami for a great view of Sami town & coast
• Quick photo stop of Monastery of Theotokou Agrilion for a view of Antisamos Beach.
• Swim at beautiful Antisamos Beach.
• A stop for a coffee or snack at Sami Harbour.
• Visit Melissani Cave.
• Optional visit to Old Vlachata
• Drive to Agia Effimia by the coastal road.
• Stroll at Agia Effimia harbour
• Optional Visit to Monastery Thetokou Thematon
• Photo stop at Panagia Lamia Church
• Back to Argostoli.
• Total drive time: 2.5h
• Enjoy the view of Myrtos Beach
• Swim at Myrtos Beach
• Visit Asos village and walk to the fort for amazing views
• Detour to a sightseeing point of Asos.
• Optional swim at Foki Beach
• Visit cosmopolitan Fiskardo for an evening stroll
• Take the route through Erisou villages and Neochori for great views towards Ithaki
• Back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 3.15h (130km)
• Visit Mycenaean Tholos Tomb of Poros
• Optional visit to Moni Iperagias Theotokou Atrou (only by 4×4) for a great view of the coast and Poros.
• Visit Poros harbour.
• Swim at Skala Beach.
• Optional swim at Kaminia Beach.
• Visit Kato Katelios for a snack at the tavernas.
• Visit Castle of Agios Georgios
• Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
• Wine tasting at Robola Winery
• Drive to Ainos National Park for a hike or just to enjoy the views
• Take the alternative route through Agia Eirini
• Visit the Church of Our Lady Fidousa
• Swim at Lourdata Beach
• Total drive time: 3h (100km)
• Photo stop at Atheras Beach
• Swim at Petani Beach
• Photo stop of Platia Ammos Beach
• Take the route through Moni Kipoureon
• Photo stop at Kounopetra Harbour to enjoy the views of the coastline
• Swim at the magnificent red sand beach of Xi.
• Photo stop at Lepeda Beach
• Visit Lixouri town for a meal
• Take the ferry back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 2.5h (95km)
• Turtle watching at Argostoli Harbour
• Stroll at De Bosset Bridge
• Photo stop at Agia Kyriaki Beach
• Water taxi to Fteri (20 euros)
• Stop at Sinkholes of Argostoli
• Photo stop at Saint Theodore Lighthouse
• Swim at Makris Gialos or Platis Gialos
• Photo stop at Avithos Beach
• Have a stroll at Kourkoumelata village
• Take the scenic route through Lakithra back to Argostoli
• Total drive time: 2h
• Take a day trip to Ithaki

You can find the routes for the above itinerary on the flowing clickable map.

KEFALONIA PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs from the island of Kefalonia here .

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations on the island where you enjoy great views .

• Viewpoint of Myrtos Beach
• Myrtos Beach Viewpoint
• Venetian Castle of Asos
• Asos Harbour Viewpoint
• Mount Ainos Viewpoint
• Petani Beach Viewpoint
• Akropolis of Ancient Sami
• Antisamos Beach Viewpoint
• Panoramic Point to Asos
• Platia Ammos Viewpoint
• Agia Efimia Viewpoint
• Atheras Beach Viewpoint
• Argostoli Viewpoint
• Asos Viewpoint
• De Bosset Bridge
• Castle of Agios Georgios
• Valsamata Viewpoint
• Argostoli Bay Viewpoint
• Filoscultura di Spiros Chourmouzis
• Panagia Lamia
• Moni Theotokou Agrilion
• Poros Coast Viewpoint
• Observation Deck Fiskardo
• Good View Park
• Poros Beach Viewpoint
• View of the south coast
• Road with views of Argostoli

You can check these viewpoints locations and the best photo spots on the island in the following map .

KEFALONIA ACTIVITIES

There are a few centres for watersports and other activities on the island of Kefalonia for the more adventurous.

There is a water sports centre at Makris Gialos beach where you can try jet-ski, water-ski or wake-board. You can also rent a boat, kayak or pedal boat.

There is another water sports centre at Antisamos Beach that offers various water sports activities.

There are 4 dive centres on the island that offer diving and snorkelling trips:

• Pirate Divers Club in Lassi
• Blue Manta Diving & Aquanautic Club in Skala
• Aquatic Dive Club in Agia Effimia
• Fiskardo Divers in Fiskardo

KEFALONIA EXCURSIONS & TOURS

Day trip to ithaki island.

Ithaki is a small island to the east of Kefalonia with stunning scenery, a picture-postcard town of Vathy and some great beaches. There are full-day daily excursions from Sami or Agia Effimia in high season.

Some of the available tours are summarised below:

• Discover Ithaka (Ithaca) Cruise & Tour : This tour starts from Sami with visits to Vathy, Gidaki Beach, Kioni, Frikes and Stavros. (10hr, €76)
• Ithaca Cruise to Gidaki Beach, Vathy & Kioni Village : Tour starts from Agia Efimia with visits to Gidaki, Vathy, Kioni and Ammoudi Beach (6h, €67)
• Day Trip to Ithaki Island with a Swim Stop: This tour starts from Poros with stops at Vathy, Gidaki and Kioni (€55)

You can also visit the island independently if you have a car. You can take the ferry from Sami and spend a whole day there or longer exploring this beautiful island. The ferry ride takes about 30min.

Kefalonia Sightseeing Tour

If you don’t have your own transport the following tours are a good option to see more of the island:

• Kefalonia Island Bus Tour : This tour starts from Argostoli and includes wine tasting at Robola winery, a visit to Drogorati and Melissani Caves, lunch at Fiscado Harbour and a photo stop at Myrtos Beach (7hr, €45 euros)
• Full-Day Private Tour in Kefalonia : This is a private tour and can be tailored to suit your needs starting in Argostoli and includes a visit to the Lighthouse and sinkholes, Drogorati and Melissani Caves, Antisamos, Myrtos beach, Asos, Agia Efimia & Fiscardo harbour (7,5h, €98 euros)
• Kefalonia North Road Trip : Be picked up in Argostoli, Agia Effimia, or Sami and drive along the scenic roads to go swimming at Myrtos Beach. Have traditional lunch in the village of Fiskardo by the sea and finish your trip in Asos (9h, €50)
• Highlights of Kefalonia : This tour starts from Argostoli and includes a photo stop at Myrtos beach, Agia Efimia, Melissani and Drogarati Caves, Robola Winery and Agios Gerasimos Monastery (5.5h, €60 euros)

Trip to Zakynthos or Lefkada

Difficult to do as a day trip, but it’s worth visiting the other two islands for a longer stay . This will need to be planned carefully according to the ferry connections as there are no daily ferries.

More information about excursions & tours in Kefalonia can be found here .

VIRTUAL TOUR

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Kefalonia 🙂

THINGS TO BUY IN KEFALONIA

The best destination for souvenir shopping is Argostoli with shops selling the usual greek souvenirs , as well as jewellery and typical local crafts and traditional products from the island. Most of the shops are located on the pedestrian street (Lithostroto) parallel to the promenade.

A unique souvenir to buy is the local Robola Wine .

FURTHER READING

You can check the following posts :

• Kefalonia Beaches
• Best things to do in Kefalonia

Other useful  websites  for more information about Kefalonia :

• visitkefaloniaisland.gr : A good website for Kefalonia with a lot of information about the island.
• Mysterious Greece : A good website with detailed information about Greece, including Kefalonia

Some good  travel guides  to buy before your visit to Kefalonia:

• Lonely Planet Greek Islands (Travel Guide) : This comprehensive guide also includes information about Kefalonia. Only worth it if you are planning to visit other islands in Greece.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners. HotelsCombined is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites.
• Ferries : Ferryhopper is one of the best websites to check ferry schedules and buy the cheapest ferry tickets while in Greece.
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport : You can use this website to check bus timetables on the island.
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

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Kefalonia Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 07:24 am

The allure of the Ionian Sea is indisputable and our comprehensive Kefalonia Travel Guide is all you need to plan the perfect vacation to the largest of the Ionian Islands, a treasure trove of stunning beaches, natural wonders, lush forests and picturesque towns and villages steeped in history.

Complete with all the practical information you need to plan your trip to Kefalonia, recommendations for the best places to stay in Kefalonia, historical facts about the island, and the best beaches and top things to do in Kefalonia, this guide has everything you need to know about Kefalonia in one place.

Not to mention that our knowledge of Kefalonia is an almost-local one. Blessed with dear friends and their open invitation to visit them in their summer home in Kefalonia, we know the island pretty well. Welcome to our ultimate Kefalonia travel guide!

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit our  Disclosure page .

The Ultimate Kefalonia Travel Guide: Travel Resources

• Book a direct flight to Kefalonia or book your flight to Athens .
• Planning a road trip to Kefalonia?  Rent a car here!
• Find the best deals on  Booking . com  for your  accommodation in Kefalonia .
• Book  the best tours  with   GetYourGuide  or  Viator  in Kefalonia.
• Travel without a worry in the world.  Click here  to buy your  travel insurance .
• Make your transactions in foreign currency  simple without visiting a bureau de change.  Order your Wise Card here!

Where Is Kefalonia Greece

Kefalonia or Cephalonia is one of the largest Greek islands and the biggest Ionian Island. It’s in the heart of the Ionian Sea, off the coast of the Peloponnese and Western Greece. Similar to the rest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is well-known for its gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water, lush vegetation and marvellous mountainous scenery.

Argostoli is Kefalonia’s capital and largest town. West of Argostoli, on the other side of the bay, is Lixouri, the main town on the Paliki Peninsula. Poros and Sami on the eastern side of the island are Kefalonia’s two main ports connecting Kefalonia to mainland Greece.

Best Time To Visit Kefalonia

Like most places in Greece , Kefalonia enjoys good weather with warm temperatures throughout the year. However, despite its mild temperatures, the island of Kefalonia sees a lot of rainfall for the better part of the year.

The best time to visit Kefalonia to enjoy more sunshine and avoid rain is during the summer months when the maximum temperature is around 30°C. Although June to September is the high season in Greece, Kefalonia doesn’t feel crowded, thanks to its big size.

How Many Days in Kefalonia

Unlike the Cyclades Islands , which are all compact and fairly easy to explore in a handful of days, there are also several big islands in Greece. One of them is Kefalonia. So, if you have experience with the smaller Greek Islands you visited before, expect the exact opposite in Kefalonia.

Long distances leave you less time relaxing on the beach as the main Kefalonia attractions are scattered all over the island. Therefore, we recommend staying at least one week in Kefalonia to check out some of the best things to do in Kefalonia and have some free time, too. If you plan to stay for fewer days, it’s better to focus on one part of this beautiful island instead of trying to see everything.

How To Get To Kefalonia

The best way to get to Kefalonia is by plane. There are plenty of direct flights from major European cities in the summer. Kefalonia’s airport is a 15-minute drive from Argostoli, the island’s capital.

If you can’t find a direct flight to Kefalonia International Airport, the next best option is to book a flight to Athens and then continue to Kefalonia either by car or bus.

By Car & Ferry From Athens

If you fly to Athens, rent a car at the airport and drive directly to Kyllini Port in the Peloponnese, where the ferries to Kefalonia depart from. The drive from Athens Airport to Kyllini Port takes about three and a half hours via the E94 and A8 Motorways, while the ferry ride from Kyllini to Poros Port on Kefalonia Island lasts about one hour and a half.

By Bus & Ferry From Athens

Alternatively, from Athens Airport, take Bus X93 to the Athens KTEL Bus Station , where the long-distance bus to Kefalonia departs. The KTEL bus ticket includes the Kyllini to Poros ferry ride. Check out the Kefalonia KTEL Bus schedule here .

Like all the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is no longer connected to Piraeus, the largest port in Greece. By ferry, you can reach Kefalonia from the Greek mainland ports of Kyllini and Patras in Western Peloponnese or other Ionian Islands, like Zante (or Zakynthos) .

Ferries from Kyllini Port go to Poros Port in Kefalonia all year round while ferries from Patras Port go to Sami Port in Kefalonia in the summer months. From Patras, you can continue your trip to Italy , with daily ferries to Bari or Ancona.

Sami Port in Kefalonia is well-connected to Ithaca Island in the summer, too. In the peak season, you can also reach Kefalonia from Lefkada Island after a short ferry ride to the village of Fiskardo in the northern part of Kefalonia.

PRO TIP: Ferry schedules are subject to change, so make sure you double-check before booking your ferry tickets to Kefalonia.

How To Get Around Kefalonia

Public transport.

Public transport in Kefalonia is run by the KTEL bus company. Buses are frequent and connect the island’s main towns and villages. During the peak season, expect to find more itineraries on the timetable. Although not the best way to get around the island, if renting a car is not an option for you, public buses will take you to most of the island’s highlights.

Check out the KTEL Bus timetable for local routes here .

Local Ferry

A local ferry connects Kefalonia’s two main towns, Argostoli and Lixouri, throughout the year. This is the best way to commute between the two towns, especially if you’re not driving. Check out the local ferry itineraries here .

From fantastic exotic beaches with crystal clear waters to hidden lakes in the forest and abandoned villages in the mountains, Kefalonia boasts unique scenery. The most hassle-free way to appreciate the island’s beauty is by car.

Kefalonia’s main road network is in very good condition. There aren’t any highways, only local roads that make distances look longer when driving from one side of the island to the other. Be careful of the steep narrow roads that lead to the beaches. Also, you may come across the occasional dirt road but nothing too strenuous.

If you don’t drive to Kefalonia in your car, make sure to book a rental car in advance as they quickly disappear in the high season.

Where To Stay in Kefalonia

Argostoli for first-timers.

With plenty of fantastic things to do in and around Argostoli, the island’s capital city is the best place to stay for your first time in Kefalonia.

Featuring an excellent location on Argostoli’s seafront, the 4-star Kefalonia Grand Hotel offers sparklingly clean modern rooms with sea views. Situated right on Argostoli’s central square, Aenos Hotel features gorgeous comfortable rooms in a prime location in the heart of Kefalonia’s capital.

Fiskardo For Couples

Located in the north of Kefalonia, this renowned quaint village is home to some of the best hotels for a romantic getaway. Nestled in the heart of Fiskardo, both Faros Suites and Balhambra Suites are ideal for a romantic laid-back stay in one of the most beautiful villages in Kefalonia.

Sami For Exploration

For those who want to explore Kefalonia by car, there is no better place to use as a base than Sami. Thanks to its central location, Sami is easily accessible from the rest of the island.

Some of the best places to visit in Kefalonia, such as the beaches of Myrtos and Antisamos, the villages of Assos and Fiskardo and Melissani Cave, are within easy driving distance from Sami, while Argostoli is a mere 35-minute drive from there. On top of that, ferries to Ithaca (or Ithaki) run daily from Sami Port in the summer, making it easy to plan a day trip to the neighbouring island.

Situated in a convenient location with easy parking, Mary’s Studios and Apartment offers fully equipped studios with spacious terraces, ideal for a perfect stay in Kefalonia.

Skala For Families

Away from the hustle and bustle of the island’s more popular locations, Skala remains a small touristic seaside town ideal for families and relaxing holidays. Skala is home to many hotels, restaurants, cafés and beach bars, usually frequented by a lot of people. However, you can always find a great spot on the beach to enjoy the sun and the sea away from the crowds, even in August.

Situated in the heart of the town, Skala Hotel is a family-run hotel with modern refurbished rooms with sea views. The comfortable suites are ideal for families while the sandy beach – a true paradise for the little ones – is only a few steps from the hotel.

5 Things To Know Before Visiting Kefalonia

1. the 1953 great kefalonia earthquake.

This Kefalonia travel guide wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t mention an event that marked the island’s rich history. On the 12th of August, 1953, Kefalonia was hit by one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of modern Greece. It was the third big earthquake in four consecutive days that flattened Zakynthos, Ithaki and Kefalonia, claiming between 445 and 800 lives.

Fiskardo was the only village in Kefalonia that wasn’t razed to the ground. The catastrophic quake of 7.2 magnitude on the Richter scale resulted in a big migration flow to Athens and abroad. An inevitable economic decline ensued. It took a long time for Kefalonia to stand back on its feet. It wasn’t before the late 1980s that Kefalonia started emerging as one of the main touristic destinations in Greece.

Nowadays, Kefalonia is still hit by earthquakes. Yet, there is nothing to be afraid of anymore as structural engineering has evolved since and because of the 1953 earthquake. Most of the buildings are now protected according to modern anti-seismic regulations.

2. The Island’s Mysterious Underground Waters

A short drive from Argostoli, a 19th-century water mill rolls the waters that vanish in the depths of the earth through one of the island’s sinkholes.

In 1963, scientists managed to prove that underground waters traverse Kefalonia from west to east. They did so by pouring red paint into the Argostoli Sinkholes. After two weeks, the water in Melissani Cave and Sami turned red, explaining a unique geological phenomenon that used to be a mystery in the past.

3. The Magic of Ainos Mountain

Considering that Kefalonia is popular for its fantastic beaches, the island’s splendid mountainous landscape comes as a pleasant surprise. With its highest peak at 1628 metres, Mount Ainos is the tallest mountain in Kefalonia and the Ionian Islands. The most exciting part is that Ainos Mountain is home to a black-pine forest, the natural habitat of wild horses.

In the summer, Mount Ainos National Park is ideal for outdoor activities, especially hiking. You can drive through Mount Ainos and leave your car at the parking next to the Transmitter Station. From there, follow the trails to explore the island’s national park. If you are lucky, you might catch glimpses of the forest’s beautiful inhabitants.

4. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Was Filmed in Kefalonia

Starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is one of the most popular films set in Greece. The film, based on a novel by Louis de Bernières , is the love story of a music-lover Italian army captain and a local Greek woman who fell in love in Kefalonia when the island was under Italian and German occupation.

For more inspiration before visiting Greece, you can check out our list of 20 novels set in Greece.

5. Kefalonia Has Its Local Dialect

Similar to the other Ionian Islands, Kefalonia’s dialect is influenced by the Italian language. Occupied by the Venetians for several centuries, the locals use alternated Italian words until today. It’s hard to notice the difference if you don’t speak Greek. That said, you may pick up some words if you speak Italian.

3 Best Places To Visit in Kefalonia

Situated in the northern part of Kefalonia, about an hour’s drive from Argostoli, Assos (or Asos) is the indisputable gem of the island. This small seaside village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Greece and for good reason

For a perfect day in Assos, leave your car at the small public parking space in the narrowest part of the peninsula. Spend a relaxing day by the turquoise waters of the village’s beach, have lunch at one of the seafront restaurants and take a stroll along the quaint harbour.

Before leaving Assos, walk along the scenic path that leads to the 16th-century Venetian Castle for incredible views of the picturesque village.

2. Fiskardo

A 35-minute drive north of Assos, Fiskardo (or Fiscardo) is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kefalonia. As Fiskardo was the only village that survived the 1953 Great Kefalonia earthquake, this is the perfect place to have a look at the island’s pre-earthquake traditional architecture, as most buildings in Fiskardo still retain original elements.

Start your walk marvelling at the ancient ruins of a Roman cemetery at the edge of the once sleepy fishing village.

Walk along the promenade that passes through the charming harbour and leads to the trail for the Old Venetian Lighthouse of Fiskardo and the enchanting ruins of an early Christian Basilica.

Although the village has kept its traditional features, Fiskardo is renowned for its fine dining and cosmopolitan vibes. The former hidden gem is now a top destination for the rich and famous. Therefore, don’t be surprised if there are more luxury yachts than fishing boats at the harbour. Also, taxi boats never stop bringing VIP guests to Fiskardo for a luxury dinner.

3. Argostoli

With its beautiful architecture, elegant air and authentic vibes, Argostoli is one of the best places to visit in Kefalonia. The vibrant capital of the island boasts several squares and pedestrianised streets, ideal for people-watching. A great way to be immersed in the unique atmosphere of Argostoli is to grab an ice cream and mingle with the locals as you walk along the lively main street.

The indisputable highlight of Argostoli is the seemingly endless De Bosset Bridge while a special mention should be made to the adorable loggerhead turtles that inhabit the port.

5 Best Beaches in Kefalonia

1. myrtos beach.

Kefalonia is mostly known for its beaches. This is why we’re starting this section of our Kefalonia travel guide with one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and certainly the most famous beach in Kefalonia. Myrtos will dazzle you with its beauty. It’s one of those places that never fail to astonish, even if you’ve seen a zillion photos of the beach before you actually get there.

First, enjoy panoramic views of Myrtos from this viewpoint . Then drive the downhill road to the beach to swim in mind-blowingly turquoise waters and lie on otherworldily white pebbles.

Thanks to its western orientation, Myrtos is ideal for epic sunsets. Therefore, it’s worth sticking around until the golden hour. However, if you plan to spend the whole day there, bring a beach umbrella as those offered by beach bars are hard to come by.

Keep in mind that when the weather is windy, it’s best to refrain from getting into the water as the waves can get pretty high. Myrtos is also infamous for its strong currents. Therefore, it might be a good idea to check the weather forecast before going to Myrtos Beach to make sure you pick a windless day.

2. Petani Beach

Located on the other side of the island, on the Paliki Peninsula, the smaller Petani Beach has something of Myrtos’ splendour. The surrounding exotic landscape and the beach’s turquoise waters will take you aback before you even start descending the hill to the beach. Petani Beach is organised with beach bars and restaurants and it’s perfect for idyllic sunsets.

Like with Myrtos Beach, pick a windless day for your trip to Petani Beach for an unforgettable – and safe – experience.

3. Antisamos Beach

A 10-minute drive from Sami, Antisamos Beach is one of the best beaches in Kefalonia. Alongside Sami, Antisamos was one of Captain Corelli Mandolin’s filming locations that made the island known to the world. Antisamos stands out for its lush green scenery and somewhat eerily emerald waters.

The beach is fully organised with beach bars, restaurants, showers, sunbeds and umbrellas you can rent for the day. Parking is quite easy even in the peak season. For the more adventurous, there are also water sports to try. Antisamos isn’t the best for families as the beach has large pebbles and the waters are deep.

4. Xi Beach

Kefalonia has no shortage of unique landscapes and Xi Beach is one of them. With a red-sanded shoreline and crystal clear waters surrounded by clay rock formations, Xi Beach is out of this world.

A 13-minute drive from Lixouri, Xi Beach can be overly crowded, especially in the high season. The swallow waters and the amenities make Xi one of the most family-friendly beaches in Kefalonia.

5. Skala Beach

If there’s a happy place for us in Kefalonia, it’s the long sandy Skala Beach. Maybe it’s because we have so many fond memories of having a great time with our dear friends there, but Skala Beach has won a very special place in our hearts.

Situated in eastern Kefalonia, just a 20-minute drive from Poros Port, laid-back Skala is ideal for everyone. Families with small kids who can make the most of the facilities offered by beach bars and restaurants, groups of friends eager to do water sports and sip cocktails, couples in love and loners who want to enjoy reading a book at one of many quiet spots on the sand.

7 Best Things To Do in Kefalonia

No Kefalonia travel guide is complete without a mention of the top things to do in Kefalonia. However, in this article, we tried to keep this list short. For the full list of the best things to do in Kefalonia, watch our Kefalonia YouTube video:

1. Get Into The Depths of Melissani & Drogarati Caves

Situated near Sami and a 10-minute drive from Agia Efimia , Melissani Cave with its underground lake is the ultimate highlight of Kefalonia. The water of Melissani Lake comes from the Sinkholes in Argostoli as we mentioned above. As opposed to Diros Cave in Mani, the roof of Melissani Cave has collapsed, creating an impressive shaft over the lake.

The cave is accessible via an underground tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, you embark on small rowing boats to enjoy a memorable boat ride among stalagmites and stalactites. Try to visit the Cave of Melissani at noon on a bright sunny day when the sunlight hits the lake and the boats look as if they’re hovering over the deep blue waters.

Often overlooked, the nearby Drogarati Cave is another cave worth visiting in Kefalonia. The 95-metre-deep Drogarati Cave is famous for its excellent acoustics. In the past, it even hosted live performances. The over 100-million-year cave boasts numerous impressive formations of stalagmites and stalactites. If you plan to visit both caves, you can buy a combined ticket, available at either site.

2. Step Inside Agios Gerasimos Monastery

Canonised in 1622, Saint Gerasimos is Kefalonia’s patron saint. Saint Gerasimos was renowned for the miracles he performed for people with mental issues. Situated in a gorgeous landscape, a 20-minute drive from Argostoli, the sacred Monastery of Saint Gerasimos is home to his relics, which have remained intact throughout the centuries. You can check them out yourselves if you want.

If you happen to be in Kefalonia on the 16th of August, don’t miss the big feast of the Saint in the monastery. Saint Gerasimos is the locals’ beloved Saint. That explains why almost every male on the island is called Gerasimos or Makis (short for Gerasimos).

3. Visit a Scenic Winery

Apart from its dazzling beaches, Kefalonia boasts a favourable morphology that endorses the production of high-quality local wine. The island’s most famous grape variety is Robola, which produces exquisite dry white wine. Situated near Saint Gerasimos Monastery, the Robola Wine Cooperative is a great place to indulge in a wine tasting of local wines, paired with delicious food.

4. Wander Around a Ghost Village

In 1953, the Great Kefalonia Earthquake levelled a big part of the island. Most villages were rebuilt but others were abandoned forever. Old Vlachata Village near the south coast of Kefalonia is one of the latter. Nowadays, you can still wander among the ruins of this ghost village, step inside roofless homes and try to imagine how the devastating earthquake changed the locals’ lives forever.

Yet, Old Vlachata is brought back to life for three days every August, thanks to the Saristra Festival , a Music and Art Festival that contributes to the village’s reconnection with the past through live performances and installations.

5. Take The Trip To Lixouri

One of our favourite things to do in Kefalonia is to take the local ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri, the second-largest city in Kefalonia.

A popular tourist destination since the 19th century, Lixouri was one of the Greek Royal Family’s favourite summer resorts in the 1950s. However, the city decayed after the 1953 earthquake and never regained its former glory as a vacation spot. Nowadays, only a few original buildings are still standing. Yet, with its authentic vibes and laid-back ambience, the rebuilt Lixouri is worth a visit.

If you’re driving, instead of getting back to Argostoli by ferry, drive along the seaside road that leads from Lixouri to Argostoli for outstanding panoramic views along the way. This drive is one of the most memorable things to do in Kefalonia in its own right.

6. Walk Along The De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli

Constructed in 1813 by the Swiss engineer and Kefalonia’s Governor Charles de Bosset, the De Bosset Bridge is the world’s longest stone bridge built over the sea. The bridge was partially damaged after the 1953 earthquake and closed to vehicles in 2009.

Since 2013, the renovated De Bosset Bridge has been pedestrian-only. It’s ideal for a relaxing long walk with superb views over Koutavos Lagoon and Argostoli Town.

7. Head To an Iconic Lighthouse at Sunset

Built in 1828 on an artificial peninsula, the iconic Lighthouse of Agioi Theodoroi is one of the most famous landmarks in Kefalonia. The Doric-style lighthouse was completely destroyed after the 1953 earthquake and rebuilt according to its original plans. A short drive from Argostoli, it’s the ultimate romantic place in Kefalonia to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Now that you reached the end of our ultimate travel guide for Kefalonia, we do hope it helps you plan your holidays to one of the most remarkable islands in Greece. We know we’ll never stop going back to Kefalonia and we get the feeling that you’ll want to visit Kefalonia more than once, too. So, make sure you keep this thorough Kefalonia travel guide handy!

WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina EDITING: Maria

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Kefalonia travel guide: the complete 2024 guide to kefalonia, greece.

April 7, 2023

Welcome to my Kefalonia travel guide – the ultimate travel guide to Kefalonia, and the only guide you’ll ever need to plan your dream vacation to this beautiful Greek island!

I stumbled across Kefalonia when looking for summer holidays in 2022. Since I had never heard of it, I didn’t have too many expectations, but boy, does this island have a lot to offer!

Kefalonia, also known as Cephalonia or Kefallinia, is the largest of the Ionian islands in western Greece . The island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages.

With so many attractions and activities to enjoy, suffice it to say that planning a trip to Kefalonia can be a little overwhelming.

But fear not – because in this comprehensive travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your time on this stunning island.

Read more: The ultimate Europe backpacking packing list for summer

Kefalonia travel guide: table of contents, where is kefalonia.

• Top 3 reasons to visit Kefalonia

Kefalonia climate

Best time to visit kefalonia, kefalonia out of season.

• Recommended timeframe
• Kefalonia tourist map
• Best Viator tour in Kefalonia
• The best beaches in Kefalonia
• Public transportation
• Where to eat and drink in Kefalonia
• Best hotels
• Best resorts
• Best hostels
• Top Kefalonia travel tips
• Planning your trip to Kefalonia
• Pinterest gallery

Kefalonia Travel Guide: About Kefalonia

If you’ve never heard of Kefalonia island before, you’re probably like I was and are wondering:

Where in the heck is this island, anyway?

Kefalonia is a beautiful island located in the Ionian Sea, just 30 miles west of mainland Greece.

The island is known for its rugged landscapes, stunning beaches, and brilliant, clear, turquoise water.

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, with a total area of about 300 square miles (781 square kilometers) and a population of around 35,000 people.

The island is divided into four main regions: Argostoli, Paliki, Sami, and Erisos.

(More on that below on my Kefalonia tourist map .)

Did you know? Kefalonia is just 6 miles west of the tiny island of Ithaca. Kefalonia island has even been suggested to be the original Ithaca, the homeland of Odysseus!

Is Kefalonia nice?

I would be remiss if I didn’t make it clear in this Kefalonia guide just how nice this Greek island really is.

So yes, Kefalonia is nice – and likely exceptionally more than you would expect.

Why do I love Kefalonia so much? Here’s are my top three reasons:

• Stunning beaches: In my opinion, Kefalonia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. This includes the famous Myrtos Beach, Antisamos Beach and many more. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and a wide range of water activites such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving! I mean seriously , have you ever seen water so blue?!
• Unspoiled nature: Kefalonia is a nature lover’s paradise that hasn’t been fully discovered by the masses yet. It has a diverse landscape including mountains, forests, and lakes. You can explore the island’s natural wonders by hiking in Mount Ainos National Park, taking a boat through Melissani Cave, or visiting the picturesque village of Assos.
• Budget traveler friendly: While there are some luxury options, it’s otherwise pretty difficult to spend a lot on Kefalonia island. Perfect for travelers on a budget!

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate summer Europe vacation filled with sun and the sea at an affordable price, then a Kefalonia holiday is for you!

Kefalonia Travel Guide: When to Visit Kefalonia

When planning a trip to Kefalonia, there are a few key things to bear in mind about the climate first. That’s why I’ve included a little bit of information on this Kefalonia travel guide about the climate, the best time to visit, and what it’s like in the off-season, below.

Kefalonia is overall dry, sunny, and hot in the summer. Conversely, the winters are mild, but see a lot of rain.

Since Kefalonia is also home to the highest peak in the Ionian Sea, Mount Ainos, sometimes there’s even snow in the winter on the peak!

Daily average temperatures during peak summer in Kefalonia range from highs of 84°F (29°C) during the day to lows of 64°F (18°C) at night. If you’re visiting during shoulder season, lows are likely to reach closer to 54°F (12°C). So if you visit during shoulder season, be prepared with a light jacket and sweater!

For more detailed information during the particular month you’re visiting, I like this website.

Interested in more travel tips I don’t share on the blog? Follow me on Instagram and don’t miss a thing!

Thefearlesswanderess.

🇺🇸 Neuro in Oxford 🇬🇧 for my PhD ✈️ Mindfulness | Solo female travel | Expat life 🌍 40+ countries traveled | 7 lived 👇 Germany eSIM guide

The best time to visit Kefalonia is from May to mid-September. This, unsurprisingly, is also peak season in Kefalonia.

So, to get the best balance between great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, I always recommend visiting during shoulder season during the European summer.

This means May and September will be the best months to visit Kefalonia overall!

However, I visited in July and while the beaches could get busy in the middle of the day, I was still able to enjoy the fact that Kefalonia is still a hidden gem.

So rest assured if you visit in peak season, you’ll probably still be able to avoid massive crowds. But maybe not for long – more people are bound to discover this magical Greek island every year! 😉

Outside of May-September (and maybe October), many hotels and restaurants on the island of Kefalonia will be shut down.

This is especially true of resort towns like Lassi, Skala, and Sami. Lixouri and Fiskardo are still open to some extent.

Remember, Kefalonia is still relatively undiscovered by foreigners, so outside of the high season, a lot of facilities that cater to tourists will be closed! 🙂

Be strategic and visit in May or September to experience the best of Kefalonia “off-season.” There will be lower prices and no crowds while still being relatively sunny and warm. However, you’ll also avoid everything being shut down.

Read more: How to visit Santorini on a budget

Kefalonia travel guide: how to get to kefalonia.

Flying to Kefalonia is by far the easiest way to get to Kefalonia. However, you can of course always take a ferry, too. It is Greece, after all!

The island of Kefalonia, Greece has its own airport, “Anna Pollatou” (abbreviated with IATA airport code EFL).

Many flights go in and out daily on large carriers and budget airlines alike. This is great news for budget travelers – you can probably get a flight out of your airport of choice with easyJet, Jet2, Vueling, or TUI!

If you’re flying from the United States, you’ll probably need to catch a connecting flight to Kefalonia. Luckily, there are direct flights to Kefalonia from most major airports around Europe, including London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Athens!

Kefalonia airport is modern and comfortable with air conditioning. I had to wait inside for a delayed flight back home and was generally comfortable. (Or, at least as comfortable as waiting for a delayed flight can really be. 🙂 )

Have I convinced you to book your flight to Kefalonia yet? 🙂 I’ve made it easy for you to start your search with Skyscanner below, my go-to flight search engine for the best deals!

Since Kefalonia is ideally located in the Ionian sea, you can also take a ferry to Kefalonia from either mainland Greece or other islands like Lefkada or Zakynthos.

From mainland Greece

You can take a ferry from Killini in mainland Peloponnese to Poros on Kefalonia island that operates 3-4 times daily. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

During high season, you can also take a daily ferry from Killini to Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry to the port town of Sami, Kefalonia from Patras in the northern Peloponnese. This ferry continues to the neighboring island of Ithaca.

Looking for an Athens to Kefalonia ferry? Unfortunately, there aren’t any currently. You’re better off flying if you’re looking to take this route!

From other islands

It’s also possible to get to Kefalonia by ferry from the neighboring islands of Ithaca, Zakynthos, and Lefkada.

If you’re wondering how to get from Corfu to Kefalonia, you’d have to take a ferry from Corfu to Lefkada first. Then, another ferry from Lefkada to Corfu.

PRO TIP: Book your ferry tickets ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about them selling out!

Kefalonia Travel Guide: Recommended Timeframe

How long do you need in Kefalonia?

Next up on this complete Kefalonia travel guide is a very important question: how long do you really need in Kefalonia?

The amount of time you need in Kefalonia largely depends on your travel style and interests.

If you want to explore the island thoroughly and take part in various activities, I recommend spending at least five to seven days on the island.

This will give you enough time to visit the top attractions, like Myrtos Beach, Melisanni Cave, and Mount Ainos National Park. It will also allow you to explore some of the lesser-known villages and beaches.

However, if you’re short on time, you can still get a taste of Kefalonia in as little as three to four days.

During this time, you can choose to visit some of the island’s highlights. This could include beautiful Antisamos Beach or the charming fishing village of Fiskardo.

But it’s worth noting that the amount of time you spend in Kefalonia also depends on your budget and schedule.

If you have a limited budget or a tight schedule, you may have to prioritize which places to visit and which activities to do. Luckily, my guide can help you with that! 🙂

But if you have more time and resources, you can take your time and fully experience all that Kefalonia has to offer at a more relaxed pace.

Personally, I spent five full days on Kefalonia and felt it was enough for a short little holiday – that is, if you arrive armed with the knowledge of the best things to do in Kefalonia!

Keep reading if you’re interested in that. 😉

Kefalonia Travel Guide: Kefalonia Tourist Map

Kefalonia Travel Guide: What to Do in Kefalonia

1. Myrtos Beach + viewpoinT

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CLAIRE ❁ Europe Travel Tips & Destinations (@thefearlesswanderess)

Myrtos Beach is a stunning, crescent-shaped beach located on the northwest coast of Kefalonia.

It’s widely regarded not only as one of the best beaches in Greece, but also as one of the most picturesque beaches in the world – and for good reason.

Its turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pristine white pebble beach make Myrtos a Kefalonia must-see on this Kefalonia travel guide.

In addition to its natural beauty, Myrtos Beach itself also offers a variety of activities that you can enjoy!

Sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling are popular activities here, and the surrounding cliffs provide an excellent backdrop for adventurous cliff jumping too!

Visitors can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas or grab a refreshing drink at the nearby beach bar.

While of course the beach is best enjoyed during the heat of the day, I recommend visiting the viewpoint just north of the beach in the hours leading to sunset for the best lighting.

You can find this viewpoint on Google maps by searching “Myrtos Beach Viewpoint.”

I promise you the view will not disappoint!

Read more: My top 10 tips for flying internationally after 8+ years of independent international travel

2. explore the melissani cave.

Melissani Cave is actually a partially-collapsed underground cave that’s also home to a beautiful underground lake.

Visitors can take a boat ride through this unique geological formation and marvel at the clear, bright blue water and the natural beauty of the surrounding rock formations.

The sun shines through the partially-collapsed roof and into the water, giving off an almost mystical feeling!

Your boat captain will even bring you a bit inside the cave for a look around at the stalactites and stalagmites. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a captain who sings for you too so that you can hear the amazing acoustics the rock formations offer! 🙂

How much does it cost to visit Melissani cave?

Entry to the cave is €7 (reduced for children), which you purchase at the entrance. This includes the boat ride. To get to the edge of the lake, you’ll go down a series of stairs and a walkway which descends about 20 meters into the cave. There, you’ll get in the next boat that’s available. And then away you go!

When is the best time to visit Melissani cave?

It’s best to visit Melissani cave between 11:30 am and 2 pm. This is when the sun shines through the cave opening and illuminates the water inside, giving it a magical, blue glow! To avoid the crowds at noon and 1 pm, arrive right at 11:30 am or closer to 2 pm.

Did you know? The water that feeds Melissani Lake comes from a freshwater stream that runs underground for approximately 12 ½ miles (20 kilometers)! It then mixes with seawater due to its proximity to the eastern coast of Kefalonia, creating a brackish mix that is unique only to Melissani Cave.

Short on time? I recommend booking a private tour with transportation that will bring you to Kefalonia’s highlights, including Melissani Cave! (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 18 reviews)

3. hike in mount ainos national park.

Mount Ainos is the highest peak not only on Kefalonia, but also of the Ionian islands. It offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea.

It’s located within Mount Ainos National Park, the only national park situated on a Greek island!

The hike to the top of Mount Ainos isn’t too challenging if you have the right shoes , and it’s worth it for the stunning views.

I recommend you drive as far as you can up to the parking lot with a big radio tower. This is labelled as “Ainos National Park Parking” on Google Maps.

From there, walk down the gravel road until you find a sign directing you up and to the right. That’s your summit hike to the peak of Mount Ainos!

You can also hike elsewhere around the national park to discover the wide variety of flora and fauna, like the iconic fir trees that cover the area.

Want to know more about hiking in Ainos National Park? Check out the trails guide on AllTrails.com.

4. Rent a boat for the day

One of the best things to do in Kefalonia is rent a boat.

Here’s why: since so many gorgeous beaches on Kefalonia aren’t accessible on land, a boat is the only way you’ll be able to see them and enjoy them!

(Plus, you’ll have these beaches almost completely to yourself!)

You might be wondering: do I need a boat license to drive a boat in Kefalonia?

In Kefalonia, you can get a boat rental of up to 30 horsepower without a boat license! This is plenty of power to explore the beaches around Argostoli bay, for example.

I rented a boat through Viator from Argostoli for the day and loved it. It was only $200 for the entire day, could hold up to 5 people, and was super easy to pick up and drop off the boat in the harbor.

I highly recommend it for anyone visiting Kefalonia, as it was a highlight of my trip and I think the best Viator tour in Kefalonia!

Just don’t forget to pack your own beach umbrella for the harsh midday sun if you plan to camp out at one of these wild beaches for the day!

5. Visit Assos Village

Assos (sometimes spelled ‘Asos’) is a picturesque village located on a narrow peninsula on the west coast of Kefalonia.

It’s home to a charming harbor, narrow streets, and traditional houses that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Assos is also another great place to rent a boat in Kefalonia so that you can access stunning, wild beaches between Assos and Myrtos Beach that aren’t accessible by land.

There are a few boat rental companies in the center of Assos on the harbor that you can go into and ask about these beaches. They’re well-kept secrets of the locals that I don’t want to give away here! 🙂

Read more: Check out more of the best things to do and where to eat and stay in Assos with my ultimate Asos, Kefalonia guide!

6. explore the venetian castle in assos.

Assos is also the starting point to explore Assos Castle, a well-preserved historic Venetian castle perched on a small peninsula connected to Assos village.

It was built under Venetian rule from 1593-1595 to protect against invading attacks from Turks or pirates, and is one of the largest castles in Greece!

You can take a tour, climb to the top, and have a panoramic view of the village and surrounding sea.

Read more: 7 safest places for women to travel alone in Europe

7. relax on antisamos beach.

Almost as famous as Myrtos Beach, Antisamos Beach is located on the eastern coast of Kefalonia and offers crystalline waters and stunning views.

It’s located just a short distance from the town of Sami and is easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot.

Antisamos Beach is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of beach bars and restaurants so you have all you need for the day, right there.

There are also showers, changing rooms, and other amenities, making it a comfortable and convenient place to spend the day.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a short hike around the surrounding hilltops to enjoy stunning views of the area!

8. Visit Fiskardo Village

Fiskardo is a charming village with a lively atmosphere located on the northernmost tip of Kefalonia.

It’s known for its picturesque harbor, traditional houses, and stunning sea views.

If you want to enjoy some fine dining in Kefalonia, I recommend you visit Fiskardo. The scenic waterfront is lined with tavernas, cafes, and boutiques that are sure to satisfy your tastebuds with authentic Greek cuisine.

Fiskardo also serves as a jumping-off point for boat rentals in Kefalonia as well as sailing tours to explore the surrounding bays and coves.

Did you know? Fiskardo is one of the few places on Kefalonia that wasn’t destroyed by the 1953 earthquake. So, the town is filled with traditional Venetian architecture, stone-paved streets, and pastel-colored houses.

9. Take a Day Trip to Ithaca

If you’re looking for a day trip from Kefalonia, Ithaca is a great option.

This small island is located just off the northeast coast of Kefalonia and offers an unspoiled, laid-back atmosphere.

To get to Ithaca, you can take a ferry from the town of Sami, which is located on the east coast of Kefalonia. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea along the way.

Once you arrive in Ithaca, you can explore the island’s charming villages, scenic beaches, and historic landmarks.

If you’d like to DIY your day trip, Steph from The Mediterranean Traveler has a great guide to taking a day trip from Kefalonia to Ithaca!

Alternatively, you can save time and headache by doing a guided tour to Ithaca so all of the logistics are taken care of for you.

One of the top things to do in Ithaca is to visit the village of Frikes, a quiet and peaceful village surrounded by hills topped with old windmills.

You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca to learn more about the island’s rich history and culture, or soak up the sun and relax on some of the top beaches, like Gidaki Beach or Filiatro Beach.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect day trip on this Kefalonia travel guide, make sure to add Ithaca to your itinerary!

If you’d like the logistics taken care of for you, below are the top tours I recommend for a day trip to Ithaca from Kefalonia.

10. stroll around the koutavos lagoon in argostoli.

The Koutavos Lagoon is a beautiful natural lagoon located in the heart of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lagoon and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

It’s also a great jumping-off point for a day boat rental , topped off with some fine dining in the city for dinner!

While Kefalonia isn’t particularly known for its nightlife scene, you’ll also find a little bit of nightlife in Argostoli. Lithostroto, the town’s main square, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with a variety of bars and cafes to choose from.

11. Enjoy a drink at a beach bar in Lassi

Lassi is a popular tourist resort town on the western coast of Kefalonia.

It’s known for its beautiful beaches and also its unique selection of beach bars.

These beach bars are scattered along the coastline and offer a great spot for you to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a refreshing drink.

One of the most popular beach bars in Lassi is the Gradakia Beach Bar, which is located on Gradakia Beach and offers amazing views of the coastline.

The bar serves a range of drinks, including local wines and cocktails, and has a selection of light bites and snacks on the menu, too.

If you’re looking for some nightlife in Kefalonia, Lassi will be a good bet too with its variety of bars as well as restaurants and nightclubs.

12. Go wine tasting at a local vineyard

Of course, this Kefalonia travel guide wouldn’t be complete without an opportunity to taste some of the delicious wines made right here on the island!

While Kefalonian wines aren’t as well-known as those from other Greek islands, they are definitely worth tasting.

One of the best wineries to visit in Kefalonia is Orealios Gaea , located in the village of Omala.

The winery is one of the most famous in Kefalonia and produces a unique wine called Robola. Robola is a white wine that is considered one of the best in Greece!

While there you can take a tour of the winery and learn about the production process of Robola.

After the tour, you can then taste other wines produced at the vineyard and purchase your favorite bottles to take home – a perfect gift for your friends or family!

(Or to keep for yourself. 😉 )

Alternatively, you could opt for a more intimate wine tour that includes hotel pickup and dropoff, tasting fees, and complimentary snacks! ( This one has 231 5-star reviews! )

If you want to experience wine tasting in a more relaxed and casual setting, there are also several wine bars and restaurants in Kefalonia that offer a great selection of Kefalonian wines.

One of the most popular places to visit for this is Oenops Wine Bar in Argostoli.

This cozy bar offers a wide range of local wines, as well as cheeses, cured meats, and other local delicacies that perfectly complement the wines.

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Kefalonia travel guide: the best beaches in kefalonia.

The first thing I will always say about Kefalonia is – OH MY GOD THE BEACHES.

As I’ve said already, if you’re looking for a beach paradise, then Kefalonia should definitely be on your list.

But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which beaches to visit!

That’s why I’ve put together this convenient list to help you plan your perfect Kefalonia holiday.

1. myrtos beach

As mentioned above, Myrtos Beach is arguably one of the most famous beaches on the island.

It’s truly a breathtaking sight with its translucent ocean water and white pebble beach.

You can easily spend an entire day at Myrtos sunbathing, snorkeling, and playing in the waves.

There are also a few basic facilities available like some snack bars and beachside tavernas along the shore. Some offer lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent.

There are some outdoor showers to rinse off sand, but no designated changing rooms at Myrtos Beach. You should plan to change in your car or behind a towel for privacy.

I personally loved that Myrtos Beach only has the basics to offer – I think it makes it a little less crowded and commercial!

I also found it a little less crowded than the other beaches because it’s pretty far north from where most people stay, and you need a car to access it.

2. antisamos beach

Also mentioned above, Antisamos beach is one of the best-known beaches in Kefalonia besides Myrtos. Antisamos beach is close to the town of Sami on the east coast of Kefalonia.

This long strip of fine pebbles and clear, calm waters is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a relaxing backdrop for a day of fun in the sun.

No car? Short on time? No problem! I recommend taking one of the tours below so that you can still experience the best of all the glorious beaches in Kefalonia.

3. petani beach.

Situated on the northwest coast of the island, Petani Beach is a secluded and picturesque spot with those fine turquoise waters and a stunning sunset view.

It’s located about 9 miles (14 km) from Lixouri, the second-largest town on the island, and is accessible by car or motorbike via a scenic road that winds through the hills.

The beach itself is a long, pebbly stretch of shoreline, with sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent. The calm and shallow waters make it a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling, and the surrounding cliffs offer excellent opportunities for rock climbing and hiking, too!

If you’re looking for a beach with excellent tavernas serving traditional Greek food as well as a famous sunset view, then Petani Beach is your spot.

It was easily one of the top beaches in Kefalonia that I visited!

4. Lourdas Beach

Lourdas Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia, and it’s not hard to see why!

Located in the southern part of the island, Lourdas Beach changes it up from the typical pebble beaches with a stunning stretch of white sand! This is backed by a dramatic mountain range.

It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and other water activities.

Lourdas Beach has plenty of amenities, including sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as beachside cafes and tavernas serving traditional Greek cuisine.

There’s also a watersports center where you can rent equipment for activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

There’s a large parking lot nearby as well as regular buses running from the nearby town of Lourdata, so it’s easily accessible.

5. Xi Beach

Xi beach is another must-visit beach on the island of Kefalonia and on this Kefalonia Greece travel guide.

Located on the southern coast near Lixouri, Xi beach stands out from other Kefalonian beaches because of its striking red sand and clay cliffs, which provide an impressive backdrop for a day spent lounging on the beach.

Though Xi beach is accessible from land, I accessed it from the water when I rented a boat for the day from Argostoli.

If you don’t have time or the transportation to head all the way over and down the Paliki peninsula, then a boat rental is definitely the best way to access Xi beach.

It was nothing short of unforgettable approaching the red sand and cliffs from the sea – they are truly red; pictures you’ll find on the internet aren’t exaggerating about that!

Xi beach is a bit more commercial than some others, with some trendy beach bars looking out over the sea. Restaurants, bars, changing rooms, and showers are all available here, so you’ve got all of the amenities you could need for a day in the sun.

6. Makris Gialos Beach

Another sandy beach in this Kefalonia travel guide is Makris Gialos beach.

Makris Gialos beach is a long, wide stretch of golden sand located in Lassi, Kefalonia.

It’s a Blue Flag beach that’s one of the most popular in the area, offering crystalline waters and plenty of amenities for visitors to enjoy.

Families frequent Makris Gialos beach often, as the shallow and calm water is ideal for kids.

It’s also a great place to visit for water sports, with plenty of opportunities for jet skiing, paragliding, and windsurfing!

Makris Gialos beach is particularly notable for its accessibility – it’s conveniently located near many of the area’s other top spots, including Argostoli.

If you’re interested in seeing more of the best beaches in the area, these top-rated tours from GetYourGuide will allow you to see it all in the least amount of time!

7. skala beach.

Skala beach is one of the longest beaches on the island of Kefalonia, stretching for over 1.5 miles (3 km) along the southern coast.

It’s best known for its soft golden sand and for being one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Delicious meals, beach bars, watersports, and sunbathing are all on offer at Skala beach too, making it a great all-rounder to visit for the day.

Read more: 13 travel essentials that will change your life

8. white rocks beach.

Last but not least of the best beaches in Kefalonia on this Kefalonia travel guide is White Rocks beach.

White Rocks beach is only accessible from the water. And it just might be your first stop in the morning if you depart from Argostoli with your boat rental .

I can only sum up this beach in one word:

Breathtaking.

In my opinion, it is one of the absolute best beaches in Kefalonia.

The sheer limestone cliffs are almost engulfed in water that’s too blue to believe, and you can even try landing on shore for a private beach with major Robinson Crusoe vibes!

Just to give you an idea of the beauty of this beach, some people were setting up for an intimate wedding ceremony on one part of it. Talk about a destination wedding to remember!

I do suggest arriving earlier in the day at White Rocks beach if you want some tranquility and super peaceful vibes. Within half an hour of arriving as one of the first boats in the morning, we were joined by some larger (and noisier) tour boats!

Kefalonia Travel Guide: Getting Around Kefalonia

To make the most of your visit to Kefalonia, it’s important to have a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. There are several options for getting around Kefalonia, including car rental, public transportation, and taxis.

Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to explore Kefalonia. It’s easy to arrange a car rental at Kefalonia airport or in one of the island’s main towns.

The important thing with a rental car is that you can explore the island at your own pace and access more remote areas that may not be easily accessible by public transportation.

Since Kefalonia is all about nature and remoteness, I feel this makes a rental car essential.

Driving in Kefalonia is generally easy and safe, with well-maintained roads and stunning views.

(Just don’t go trying to drive off-road on paths riddled with boulders – we tried this and had to use my drone to survey the area and get us unstuck! Peep the image above for what that looked like 🙂 )

I rented with JoyRide Kefalonia through Rentalcars.com and the experience was seamless, cheaper than larger providers, and they were super friendly! However, I do recommend searching Rentalcars.com first in case there’s a cheaper or better option more suitable for you. Because Rentalcars.com has a price match guarantee. 🙂

Pro tip: Especially when you book your car rental with a smaller local company like I did, use a travel rewards credit card with rental car insurance like the CapitalOne Venture Rewards card (one of my favorite travel rewards credit cards and biggest travel hacks for saving lots of money traveling!). This will give you ultimate rental car insurance coverage so you don’t have to add it on from the rental company!

public transportation

For those who prefer not to drive or are looking to save even more money, public transportation is available in Kefalonia.

Kefalonia has a public bus system that connects many of the island’s villages and towns, as well as the airport and the main port of Sami.

The buses are operated by KTEL Kefalonias and generally run regularly – theoretically. Do keep in mind it is the Mediterranean, so things might be a bit slower or behind schedule.

Especially in more remote areas, it is important to note that public transportation on Kefalonia can be limited. This is why I really suggest renting a car as the best way to explore Kefalonia.

If you do take public transportation, planning ahead is key to make the most of your time on the island.

As such, if you plan to rely on public transportation to get around, it’s a good idea to check the KTEL Kefalonias website for the latest schedules and routes. But tickets can be purchased on board or at ticket offices in larger towns.

Another option for getting around without a car in Kefalonia is to use taxis.

Taxis are widely available on the island and are a convenient way to get around, especially if money isn’t as much of a concern for you. They can be hailed on the street or called from your hotel or accommodation.

You should be aware that taxis in Kefalonia operate on a meter system with fares that are regulated by the government. As such, make sure your taxi driver is running his meter before he takes off!

The base fare for a taxi ride on Kefalonia is 3 euros, and there is an additional charge of 0.74 euros per kilometer. Overall, it’s best to stick to the metered fare to ensure a fair price.

Some taxis may also offer fixed prices for certain routes or destinations, but these are typically negotiated in advance. While this isn’t always possible or advisable, if you do want to do this, it’s always a good idea to make sure the fare is agreed upon before you start the journey.

Some examples of fixed prices include a trip from Kefalonia airport to Argostoli, which typically costs around 20-25 euros. A ride from Argostoli to Lassi, a popular resort area, costs about 10-15 euros.

If you don’t want to have to worry about arranging transportation to your hotel when you land, I suggest booking your transfer beforehand (like this one to Assos ).

Of course, prices may vary depending on the time of day, season, and distance of the ride.

Taxis can be found at designated taxi stands or can be called to pick up passengers. You can also ask your hotel or accommodation to arrange for a taxi for you.

Kefalonia Travel Guide: Where to Eat and Drink in Kefalonia

For most of the restaurants below, I recommend booking well in advance, especially in the summer. I kind of tried to wing it for dinner on a night-by-night basis in July, and it didn’t really turn out very well.

Not fun to try to find another restaurant when you’re starving after a day in the sun!

1. Votsalo ( Emelisse nature resort )

Votsalo was by far the best restaurant I dined at while in Kefalonia.

If you like open-air fine dining with attention to detail and a stunning sunset view overlooking the sea, I can’t recommend Votsalo enough.

It’s not standard for visitors who aren’t staying at the resort to dine at this restaurant, but you can call the hotel and they will most often arrange for you to be let in the main gate by staff.

This is what I did and it worked like a charm!

2. Alati all day bar & restaurant

This is the top-rated restaurant on Kefalonia on TripAdvisor and for good reason!

They offer an extensive menu of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, including fresh seafood and grilled meats. And all over a beautiful view of the ocean to boot!

3. kastro cafe

Kastro Café is another top restaurant in Kefalonia and one of the most highly rated!

They’re known for their local Greek cuisine with a healthy assortment of Mediterranean and general European options, too.

Kastro Café is also vegetarian friendly, in case you’re veggie!

Highlights of recent visitors to Kastro Café have included the homemade pita and dips, as well as their lime cheesecake and pecan ice cream cake.

Kastro Café is also situated right next to St. George’s Castle in Peratata, so it’s easy to pair with a historical/cultural visit, too!

4. milos taverna

You’re lucky if you stumble upon this little gem of a restaurant while you’re in Kefalonia, but now you already know with this Kefalonia travel guide!

Milos Taverna is a traditional taverna with the husband part of the team cooking and the wife part of the team waiting tables.

People rant and rave about how amazing the food is here, and you can even get an amazing sunset view from the outside seating, too!

Read more: The ultimate packing list for summer in Europe

5. captain nikolas family tavern.

Captain Nikolas Family Tavern is located in the Paliki peninsula of Kefalonia and is a must-visit for those seeking traditional Greek cuisine in Kefalonia.

The restaurant boasts a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of seafood and meat dishes, as well as delicious vegetarian options.

You can also enjoy a variety of refreshing beverages and traditional Greek desserts while taking in the beautiful views of the wild surrounding area from the hillside terrace.

6. Il Borgo Restaurant

I ate at Il Borgo on the day I left Kefalonia, and let me tell you – it has one of the most amazing views you can find from the lovely outdoor terrace on a cliffside.

Il Borgo is another restaurant besides Votsalo that ventures a little closer into fine dining, and away from a more rustic traditional taverna experience.

You’ll enjoy your food and wine on a stone terrace blanketed with grapevines and a sunset view over the sea.

Since it can get really busy in the evenings during the summer, I would recommend calling ahead and reserving a table here.

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7. Lorraine’s magic hill

Lorraine’s Magic Hill in Lourdas is owned by Lorraine and Peter, who have made their home in Kefalonia with this restaurant since 1999. It’s downright charming, to say the least!

Lorraine offers some mainstay traditional Greek favorites as well as some interesting combinations on the menu, like beetroot tzatziki. You can’t find her specials on her website, as they change daily and are sure to intrigue and delight!

Lorraine’s Magic Hill was picked for a Traveler’s Choice award in 2022 from TripAdvisor and we saw multiple diners who have clearly been coming back year after year, greeted by Lorraine with a warm smile and hug.

Make sure to call ahead for a reservation and enjoy a stunning sunset view over some local wine, cocktails, and Lorraine and Peter’s delicious bites for dinner.

8. Akri Seaside Bar

Akri Seaside Bar is the #1 bar on Kefalonia on TripAdvisor, with 328 5-star reviews. Take one look at the stunning atmosphere and outdoor deck, and you’ll quickly see why!

They arguably have the best cocktails in Skala and are also a great place to visit for some dinner.

It can get busy so make sure to get a table early!

Kefalonia Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Kefalonia

Remember, hotels can jump up in price and sometimes sell out quickly during the high season! As such, make sure to book in advance to get the best hotels and the best deals possible.

best Kefalonia hotels

Suites minetos – 9.9/10.

I stayed at Suites Minetos while visiting Kefalonia and it was situated perfectly on the south coast to explore the rest of the island.

It’s a one-bedroom apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room with TV, and maybe most importantly – a stunning outdoor deck looking out over the sea, with Zakynthos in the distance!

The design is clean and modern and had everything I needed (including air conditioning!).

They’re also building a restaurant downstairs that I’m sure will be a delicious and convenient place to grab drinks and dinner once it’s finished!

Check availability now on Booking.com and Agoda .

Canale Hotel & Suites – 9.9/10

Canale Hotel & Suites is a luxurious, adults-only 4-star hotel located in the heart of Argostoli, Kefalonia.

It features modern and stylish rooms with a private balcony, some with sea views. Provided amenities include an infinity pool, a bar, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Canale Hotel & Suites is ideally located near popular attractions like the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli, the Korgialenio Historic and Folklore Museum, and the Koutavos Lagoon. This makes it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the area!

A few top beaches like Kalamia Beach and Limanaki Beach are also located nearby, overall making this one of the best places to stay in Kefalonia without a car.

Speaking from experience, prices can go up and rooms can sell out quickly in Kefalonia, especially during the summer months. Book now so that you don’t miss out!

Casa montzo boutique hotel – 9.7/10.

Casa Montzo Boutique Hotel is a charming, family-run hotel located in the peaceful village of Ketlios, Kefalonia. It’s also one of the highest rated hotels you can book on Kefalonia!

The hotel boasts a fantastic location, just a short walk from the beach, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

There are eight spacious and comfortable rooms at Casa Montzo, all uniquely decorated with traditional Kefalonian elements and modern amenities and each with a private balcony or terrace.

Guests can relax in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, soak up the sun on the terrace, or indulge in a refreshing drink at the bar.

Besides its excellent location and comfortable rooms, Casa Montzo Boutique Hotel is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality. The owners, Montzo and Tony, will go out of their way to make sure you have a memorable stay, offering personalized service and insider tips on the best local restaurants, beaches, and activities.

Check availability on Booking.com or Agoda .

Minies Beach Villas – 9.7/10

Minies Beach Villas is a complex of modern villas located in the village of Minies in Kefalonia.

The villas are surrounded by a beautiful garden, and each one has a private pool and a fully equipped kitchen.

These villas are literally right on the beach and the capital city of Argostoli is only a 10-minute drive away.

Guests praise the friendly staff and the peaceful location, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet retreat in Kefalonia.

It’s also surprisingly affordable!

best Kefalonia resorts

F zeen retreat – 9.3/10.

F Zeen Retreat is well-known on Kefalonia island for being one of the most luxurious resorts available.

The 5-star adults-only resort is located in Lourdata and features stylish rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces, infinity pools, a spa, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Emelisse Nature Resort – 9/10

You could have this sunset view if you stay at Emelisse Nature Resort!

Already mentioned above for its restaurant, Emelisse is perfectly summed up in one word:

Emelisse Nature Resort is a 4-star boutique hotel and resort located in the north near Fiskardo and offers elegant accommodations with sea or garden views. It also had two outdoor pools (one is an i nfinity pool looking out over the sea with stunning sunset views), a spa, and two restaurants serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Ionian Emerald Resort – 8.6/10

This 5-star resort is located in Karavomylos and offers modern rooms and suites with sea or garden views and multiple pools with easy access to a private beach.

They also have a spa and a restaurant that serves both Mediterranean and international cuisine.

Not only does Ionian Emerald Resort offer beautiful sea views, but they also boast views of Mount Ainos. The extensive gardens are a highlight of the property, full of trees and colorful flowers that provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Apostolata Island Resort & Spa – 7.6/10

Apostolata Island Resort & Spa is a luxurious accommodation option on the beautiful island of Kefalonia.

With stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the resort offers an indulgent spa and wellness center.

You can enjoy a range of dining options as a guest, including a bar and a traditional Greek taverna.

Spacious rooms and suites feature modern amenities and private balconies with breathtaking sea views.

best Kefalonia Hostels

Unfortunately, Kefalonia isn’t the best place for hostels yet. They currently don’t have any!

(Sorry, my backpacker friends.)

If you’re on a budget and/or backpacking island hopping in Greece , I recommend checking out the vast array of budget accommodations instead.

Other Kefalonia Travel Tips

1. Plan out your days (roughly) beforehand

Maybe this is just travel 1-0-1, but I didn’t use to be much of a planner when it came to travel because I had more time and enjoyed just wandering about.

However, now that I’m not just an undergrad student anymore, my vacation time is precious and I’m sure yours is, too!

So based off of this Kefalonia travel guide, sketch out a rough itinerary for yourself that you might like to follow.

Of course, be flexible and open to changes if and when things come up on your vacation. But a rough plan will help you make sure you maximize your Kefalonia holiday and don’t miss any of its many gems!

Read more: The step-by-step guide to traveling alone for the first time

2. start your days early(ish).

Ok, confession – I am not naturally an early riser, and getting up early is pretty much the last thing I want to do when I’m on vacation.

However, the Greek summers are H-O-T. That midday sun will sizzle you if you’re not careful!

To make sure you start your days refreshed and not melting in the heat, I recommend you hit the road by 10 am each day for your sightseeing, hiking, swimming, and sunbathing.

This can be especially true for the best beaches in Kefalonia. I recommend getting there in the morning so you can have a bit more of a peaceful experience away from so many crowds!

3. Remember – you’re on island time

What does this mean? Everything’s a bit slower-paced in southern Europe on the Mediterranean.

This can be owed a lot to the fact that it’s just so hot!

So remember when waiting for food at a restaurant or a bus or taxi that things just run on “island time” in Greece, including Kefalonia.

I recommend you just lean into it and enjoy the slower pace – you’re on vacation, after all!

Kefalonia Travel Guide: Plan Your Kefalonia Trip

Now that you’ve read through this Kefalonia travel guide, it’s time for you to start planning your trip!

First, don’t forget to book your accommodation with enough time to spare before rooms sell out or prices go up. This is especially true in June through August, during peak season!

Also make sure you check out all the great activities and attractions the island has to offer that I’ve mentioned above! Then pick your favorites and book them in advance, also to secure the best price and ensure availability.

Ready to start packing? Check out my ultimate Europe backpacking packing list for summer to make sure you’ve got everything you need to make your trip to Kefalonia a great one!

No time pin it for later.

Enjoyed this post?

Share it with your friends, reader interactions.

February 26, 2023 at 2:32 am

Great recs – good to know there are still some not so touristy options!

October 2, 2023 at 8:52 am

The article is fantastic! Kefalonia looks like an amazing place. I’d love to visit this island, even just from the pictures. If your writing is encouraging me to learn more about this magnificent place, then it’s definitely a successful article. Thank you! 🌴🌞😊

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12 Best Things to do in Kefalonia, Greece

Nestled in the Ionian Sea, just off the coast of Greece, lies one of the best summertime treats – the island of Kefalonia. This small paradise offers many incredible things to do, from discovering breathtaking turquoise waters and serene beaches to exploring mysterious sea caves. Away from the coast, discover the isle’s tapestry of lush forests, rugged mountains, and crystalline springs. Combine all this with delicious cuisine and captivating historic villages, and you have an extraordinary destination to visit. Here are all the best things to do in Kefalonia, Greece .

Things to do in Kefalonia, Greece

Kefalonia is one of the hidden gems of Greece, with a diverse landscape, vibrant villages, and a tranquil atmosphere unlike any other in the country. In contrast to the iconic white houses you find in places like Santorini or Milos , Kefalonia is adorned with beautiful Mediterranean-style houses, adding to its distinct charm. 

From navigating the jaw-dropping cliff roads with panoramic views to lounging on one of the countless beaches (some of which can only be accessed by boat), there’s so much to discover. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and although it’s slowly growing in popularity, Kefalonia remains somewhat of a secret paradise still. 

1. Asos Village

Asos (or Assos) is a picturesque village that lies nestled in the lush, towering hills on the northern peninsula of Kefalonia, Greece. As you approach the village, colorful streets unfold before you, perched along the waters full of fishing boats and lush palms.

Explore the lively town and walk along the charming quay lined with cute tavernas and cafes, only pausing to indulge in a delicious frappe. Continue on, and you’ll eventually meet the village’s tranquil pebbled beach.

Hotels in Asos 😴

Above the bay across from town stands a Venetian castle (the town began under Venetian rule in 1593 when it was the administrative capital of northern Cephalonia). Because of this, you’ll find various ruins from this time perched between the town’s colorful houses. Though it’s a bit of a climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas over the beautiful village of Asos below.

Assos is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia, as it’s one of the most colorful villages in Greece. However, due to its size, parking is minimal. If you’re traveling by car, try to arrive as early as possible and park along the road (which is often shared with free-roaming goats!). Here’s the location .

We recommend to rent a car in Greece through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

2. Myrtos Beach – Top Thing to do in Kefalonia

About 15 minutes from Assos lies the most beautiful viewpoint of the island. Perched 320 meters high, it offers breathtaking views over the entire island of Kefalonia. It’s similar to the renowned Zakynthos shipwreck beach viewpoint on the neighboring island, where you’re treated to a great vantage point.

From here, explore the nearby sea cave, watch the azure blue waters and white pebbles of Myrtos Beach, or soak up the warm Mediterranean sun. Myrtos Beach is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia, Greece (You’ll also find our sticker here!).

Did you know? To get to the beach itself, you’ll have to drive down a winding asphalt road. During the high season, there’s also a beach club that offers daybeds, drinks, and snacks.

3. Melissani Cave  

Known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful scenery, the Melissani Lake Cave is one of the most popular things to do in Kefalonia. Embark on a boat trip with a knowledgeable guide to navigate through the cave’s waters, admiring the many stalactites.

A short walk through a tunnel leads you to the main highlight: a lake with an open ceiling, where natural light beams through onto the crystal-clear water. Here, hop on a boat for a 10-15 minute adventure and witness how the light rays shimmer onto the cave walls.

Entrance to the blue underground lake costs 10 EUR (10.70 USD) and includes the boat ride and admission to the captivating Drogarati Cave. If you’re just visiting the Melissani Cave, a single ticket costs 8 EUR (8.55 USD).

The best time to visit the cave is between 11 AM and 2 PM when the sunshine pierces the water from above. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time to visit, and you might have to wait in line. 

Book an organized tour of the Melissani and Drogarati Cave online

4. Ghost Town 

After an earthquake in 1953 shook the island, many people fled the beautiful towns of Kefalonia. Though some people did return, a few villages remain abandoned. These ghost towns now stand frozen in time as a testament to the island’s history and resilience. Perhaps one of the most interesting experiences is to roam through one of these villages and take in the quiet atmosphere.

Old Vlachata

Old Vlachata is one of the ghost towns in Kefalonia, previously inhabited by over 800 people. From the facades of buildings, streets, wells, old stone ovens, and many tools and objects left behind by settlers, there’s a lot to see on a quick visit. Witness the silent passage of time within the remains of the village as it’s slowly being reclaimed by nature, with trees and greenery interwoven amidst the crumbling structures.

How to get to Old Vlachata

To get to the town of Vlachata, you can hike, bike, or drive the 5-kilometer journey from Sami-Karavomylos. The village also lies close to other island highlights, like the Melissani Cave, making Vlachata an interesting thing to do in Kefalonia. 

Here are all your hotel options in Kefalonia.

5. Mt. Ainos National Park 

Mount Ainos reigns as the tallest mountain in Kefalonia, reaching an impressive height of 1.628 meters. This grand mountain is part of the National Park, with a picturesque landscape full of pines and fir trees. However, what really makes Mount Ainos unique is that it’s the only national park on the island — spanning over 3000 hectares.

Between the lusciousness, many hiking trails take you through the park and past breathtaking viewpoints where you can admire the landscape from above. If you have the time, hike the popular Megas Soros trail, which takes you all the way to the summit of Mt. Ainos (4.5 hours). Up here, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the hills, limestone outcrops, and shimmering Ionian Sea.

Also read: The best things to do in Athens, Greece

6. Drogarati Cave

Drogarati Cave is an impressive natural wonder and one of the best things to do in Kefalonia, Greece. It’s often combined with the other cave on the island, Melissani Lake, known as one of the most captivating underground treasures. 

Rich in geological history, the Drogarati Cave has an interesting backstory. It was discovered in the 18th century after an earthquake opened up the entrance. These days, to enter the cave, you’ll descend a short flight of stairs, which will lead you to a beautiful chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is nicely illuminated, allowing you to fully take in the colorful sights.

Did you know? The cave’s largest room spans an extraordinary 900 square meters and has even housed concerts and other events because of its incredible acoustics.

Visiting the Drogarati Cave

A visit to the Drogarati cave typically takes no more than 10 minutes but is really worth a visit! It’s also a welcome escape from the hot summer sun with a cool temperature of 18 degrees. 

Entrance to the cave costs 5 EUR (5.35 USD) or 10 EUR (10.70 USD) for a combined ticket with Melissani Cave.

Tip: Keep in mind that the cave can be slippery due to water drops, so be careful as you walk. 

7. Argostoli City

Welcome to Argostoli, the bustling capital and largest town of Kefalonia. Located on one of the western peninsulas of the island and connected by a pedestrian bridge that spans the water, it offers a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly blends the charm of a town with the conveniences of a city. 

Hotels in Argostoli 😴

Stroll along the lovely boulevard and square, stop at the different restaurants, bars, and shops, and visit the Archeological Museum. The picturesque harbor makes a beautiful setting, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles lazily swimming in the bay.

Argostoli serves as the island’s beating heart, making it a great base for day trips to nearby highlights and beaches. 

8. Go Beach-Hopping 

Stunning turquoise waters, soft yellow sand, and sky-high rocky cliffs are what you can expect from the beaches in Kefalonia, Greece. Nothing tops soaking up the warm summer sun while you laze on your beach towel and listen to the gentle waves of the Ionian Sea. Some of our favorites are:

• Kako Lagadi Beach (Asprogerakas) – a tiny bay with crystal clear waters and light pebbles, best visited early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Fteri Beach – turquoise waters, dramatic coastline, and unique scenery make Fteri Beach one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. To get there, you’ll either have to arrange a boat, join a cruise, or hike one of the two trails that start in Atheras village and Zola.

• Antisamos Beach – best for swimming and sunbathing. This east coast beach is famous as the location of the Hollywood movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’.
• Makris Gialos Beach – a beautiful golden bay surrounded by rock formations and pine trees, located close to the island’s capital city Argostoli. There are sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar here.
• Emplisi Beach – partially covered by trees, Emplisi Beach lies in the north of Kefalonia. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling or SUP surfing.

• Pessada Beach – home to shallow and clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a wild and rugged area with no amenities, which adds to its private charm. There’s a tiny parking area (just for a few cars), so get here early. 
• Skala Beach – a long sandy beach situated in the small fishing village of Skala on the southern point of Kefalonia. Just above the beach, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and mini-markets.

Also read: The complete Greek island hopping guide

9. Fiskardo

Fiskardo is undoubtedly one of the most charming and picturesque villages in Kefalonia, Greece. Surrounded by beautiful bays of crystal-clear water on the island’s northern tip, this maritime town offers many things to do.

Soak up the quaint atmosphere as you wander through the town, admiring the vibrant colors of the flowers and shutters on the houses. Or, rent a bike and tour along the unpaved roads, watching as the locals tend to their boats in the port. 

Nearby you’ll find the Venetian Lighthouse and Emplisi and Foki Beach, where you get to bask in the beautiful waters. From here, embark on one of the many hiking trails, or head out onto the Ionian Sea with a SUP or boat to discover hidden gems in the area.

Alternatively, history lovers will enjoy the Roman Cemetery, revealing an interesting glimpse into the past with numerous sites dating back to the first Christian Era (2nd century A.D.!).

Hotels in Fiskardo 😴

The village is also home to many charming tavernas, cafes, bakeries, and boutiques, making it the perfect place to delve into delicious Greek cuisine (a must-try cafe for breakfast is Melina). A trip to Fiskardo is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. 

10. Visit a Winery

Besides olive oil and honey, Greece is famously known for its delicious wine production. Kefalonia, in particular, boasts a unique grape variety called Robola, which is exclusively grown in this area, thriving on Kefalonia’s steep and rocky slopes.

Beautiful wineries across the island showcase the quality and character of this delicious product, like the renowned Orealios Gaea Winery and Haritatos Estate. The winemaking here is done with minimal interaction, letting nature run its course.

Explore the distinctive flavor of Kefalonia’s Robola wines by joining a tour – perfect for wine enthusiasts!

11. Monastery of Agios Gerasimos

Nestled next to the Orealios Gaea Winery, under the majestic Mount Ainos, lies the monastery of Agios Gerasimos in Kefalonia. This sacred pilgrimage site is dedicated to the island’s patron saint, St. Gerasimos, who lived during the 16th century. With its radiant frescoes, a courtyard full of plane trees, and gleaming silver reliquary, the pinkish building makes a must-visit on the island.  

Inside, you’ll find a trap door that leads to a cave. This is believed to be the hermitage where Gerasimos lived before the monastery’s construction. The saint’s body remains on the location, preserved inside the neighboring church. Both buildings are free to visit.  

12. Castle of Agios Georgios

Perched high atop a hill stands the Castle of Agios Georgios in all its grandeur and history. The impressive remains of this great fortress lie only 15 minutes outside the capital Argostoli, making it the perfect location to visit on a day trip out of town. As you explore the romantic Byzantine ruins surrounded by the beautiful Mount Ainos and the Ionian Sea, immerse yourself in the fascinating legacies of this ancient stronghold.

Nowadays, the captivating old walls lay intertwined with overgrown greenery, offering a little glimpse into the island’s rich history.

Tip: After your visit, we recommend heading to Il Borgo Restaurant for a delicious lunch. 

Entrance Fee & Opening Times: The entrance fee to the castle ruins of St. George is 3 EUR (3.20 USD) per person. The grounds are open daily from 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM except on Tuesdays.

The Best Restaurants and Cafes in Kefalonia

Kefalonia boasts a wide variety of traditional dishes that, just like the Robola wine, are unique to the Greek island. Whether it’s the famous appetizer Riganada, Strapatsada (scrambled eggs) for breakfast, or Ladokouloura cookies (made with olive oil) – there’s a lot to try. Some of our favorite food spots on the island are:

• Alexandros Restaurant Grill
• Il Borgo Restaurant
• 3 Wise Monkeys
• Makis Restaurant
• Kefall-oinia
• Melina (Breakfast & Lunch)
• Sea-Rock-ws

Tip: In Greece, you always get dessert, whether it’s a drink or a proper Greek yogurt treat! 

Where to Stay

With so many beautiful locations on the island, there’s no wrong area you can stay in. Especially if you’re traveling through Kefalonia by car, it’s easy to get to all the island’s highlights. However, we recommend basing yourself in Argostoli or North in Assos or Fiskardo. From here, you can make easy day trips, and you’re also close to the airport. We stayed a few days at this hotel in Argostoli .

If you’re traveling the island with multiple people, it’s a lot of fun to rent a villa together. We stayed with a friend in late April at this villa , and it was the best place ever! 

If a resort holiday is more your thing, then it’s best to stay in the south/southeast near Skala. Here you’ll find more beach clubs and restaurants, but you’re further away from all the things to do in Kefalonia.

How Many Days in Kefalonia?

To see most of the beautiful Kefalonia, Greece, we recommend staying at least 4 days on the island. Start in Argostoli and visit the surrounding sites like the wineries, monastery, and castle.

From there, make your way to the stunning Myrtos beach and the bustling town of Assos. After soaking up the tranquil atmosphere, head over to the quaint fisherman’s town of Fiskardo. Here, explore the caves, Antisamos Beach, and Old Vlachata (if you’ve got the time). 

Island hopping is very popular in Greece, as there are so many to visit. Read our complete Greece Island Hopping travel guide.

How to Visit Kefalonia, Greece

As the island is slowly becoming a more popular travel destination in Greece, there’s now an international airport with connections to other destinations in Europe and daily flights from Athens.

Getting Around

The best way to get around the stunning island is either by rental car or motorbike, as buses aren’t common. With your own transportation, it only takes 1.5 hours to get from one side of the island to the other. There are a few motorbike rentals on the island. 

Though far less crowded than the neighboring island Zakynthos, it can get very busy on the road during the peak months (July – August). You’ll find some narrow roads, especially around the mountains, but there are also some great highways. We highly recommend renting a car or driver to get around Kefalonia, Greece.

How Much Does Kefalonia Cost?

Compared to popular Greek destinations like Santorini or Mykonos, Kefalonia offers a much more affordable experience. While prices depend on the season, accommodation, food, and activities remain quite reasonable. 

Costs of Traveling in Kefalonia

Travel on a budget in Kefalonia, from $290 − $390 USD weekly per person, mid-range $710 − $1320 USD, and high-end from $1270 − $1810 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $50 − $150 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $30 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $3 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $50 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $30 USD
• Activities: $5 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel to Kefalonia, Greece, is outside the main travel season (July – August). During these summer months, there is a high volume of traffic. Because of this, visiting in May- June or September is much better. The weather is warm, the island is green, and there are fewer vehicles and people on the island.

Outside the peak months, the island gets really quiet as not many people live here (most only visit in the summer). If you’re visiting during the low season, April – May or October, it’s best to call a restaurant beforehand to see if it’s open. 

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11 Best Things to do in Athens, Greece

Milos, greece: 12 best things to do, renting a car in greece in 2024: all you need to know.

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Kefalonia, Greece: Travel Guide and itinerary

Kefalonia is our favorite Greek island. It’s the biggest and most diverse island in Ionian Archipelago . A place where you can enjoy different activities, from swimming on gorgeous beaches to visiting caves and charming villages. Not to mention hiking the mountains and joining a local wine-tasting. The options are plenty, and if you’re planning for a holiday in this magical islands, you’ve come to the right place.

Here you’ll find the most comprehensive travel guide to Kefalonia . Filled with curated travel tips and itinerary suggestions. If you’re curious about the best things to do in Kefalonia please head to this inspirational post before scrolling down. Use the index below to navigate through this guide and let me introduce you to Kefalonia!

Where is Kefalonia in Greece

Kefalonia is located on the west coast of Greece and represents one of the 7 main Ionian Islands . It’s tucked between mainland Greece and Italy and often regarded as one of the most beautiful island in the country. If not in the whole world. Kefalonia is famous for with turquoise waters. Also for their local wine varieties Robola, Mavrodafni, and Kefalonian Moschato.

The coastline is characterized by dramatic landscapes and jaw-dropping beaches. The center of the island is comprised of small villages and a mountain chain featuring Mount Ainos with an impressive elevation of 1628 meters. And the east coast is known for its caves, hot springs, and smaller beaches.

This variety of landscapes and attractions is what makes Kefalonia such an eclectic and unique island. As each region is different, it’s hard to pick a single best area of Kefalonia. So, my recommendation is that you take the time to explore the whole island and its wonderful landscapes. But, if you’re in a rush, I’d recommend focusing on the north and west coasts of the island, which are the most beautiful!

As of now, most travelers overlook Kefalonia, as well as the other beautiful Ionian Islands , and head straight to Zakynthos. Still largely untouched by social media trends Kefalonia remains a secret haven. That’s how it has managed to preserved its authentic charm. Remaining as one of the last hidden gems not just in Greece , but in all of Europe.

Kefalonia has been gaining traction on social media and we believe it will become the next “it island” in Greece soon. Visit this island as soon as possible, before it becomes a target to mass tourism.

Best time to visit Kefalonia

Unlike most Greek Islands, the weather in Kefalonia varies quite drastically between seasons. Falls and winters can be surprisingly cold and even snowy some years. So, if your goal is to enjoy the beaches and sunny weather, you will need to visit Kefalonia during spring and summer, when the temperatures are warmer and inviting for swimming!

The   end of spring (May to June) and late summer (September to early October) are particularly great periods to trave to Kefalonia. The crowds are fewer and the rates lower compared to the ones during peak summer. In May and early October, rainfall tends to be a bit higher, but definitely not a problem. However, the temperatures in these months may be too cold for a swim.

Between June and August, it’s possible to enjoy the best of Greek summer with very long and warm days. And so, these are the most popular months to travel to Kefalonia. And a period in which you can expect heftier costs and more crowded beaches. Especially in August, when most European families go on vacation and flee to the Greek islands.

If you plan to visit Kefalonia during summer months, book your accommodation as soon as possible. That’s the best way to guarantee availability and good deals!

How long to stay in Kefalonia

If you want to explore Kefalonia well, you will need 7 to 10 days in the island . This will give you enough time to visit highlights and wander through the diverse regions of the island. If you’re short on time, I’d say 5 to 7 days should do the trick . You’ll be able to visit some of the most popular sites and get a sense of the island. It’ll certainly inspire you to come back!

Having more than a week to explore the island is ideal. But if you have less days and need to prioritize, I’d recommend focusing on the north and west coast of Kefalonia . You can spend 4-5 days there checking the most astonishing beaches and villages on the island. Check this in-depth guide of the best attractions and beaches in Kefalonia . Now let’s talk about how to better plan your days on the island!

What to do in Kefalonia in 3, 5 and 7 days

Kefalonia’s got it all – from mountains to caves, jaw-dropping beaches and even vineyards. It’s an island you can easily spend a month exploring and still find new landscapes and secluded beaches. But let’s be honest, very few of us can afford the luxury of exploring Kefalonia for that long, right? So, I have crafted itinerary suggestions for 3, 5, and 7 days . Hope they will be useful to you!

I’ve talked about each one of the attractions featured below on this post. I would recommend reading this inspirational piece before continuing scrolling here!

Kefalonia in 3 days

If you have only 3 days in Kefalonia, I would suggest picking Assos as your home base. From there, you can explore the best nearby attractions, such as:

• Day 1:  Melissani Cave, Fiskardo and nearby beaches such as Emblisi, Kimila, Dafnoudi e Foki
• Day 2 : Myrtos Beach and Assos
• Day 3:  Fteri, Amidi and Vouti Beaches

Kefalonia in 5 days

With 5 days in Kefalonia, you’ll be able to visit the island’s best attractions and go beyond the obvious. That’s how you can best plan your days:

• Day 1:  Fiskardo and nearby beaches such as Emblisi, Kimila, Dafnoudi e Foki
• Day 2:  Myrtos Beach and Assos
• Day 3:  Petani Beach, Platia Ammos viewpoint, Xi Beach or late afternoon winetasting
• Day 4:  Fteri, Amidi and Vouti Beaches
• Day 5: Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, Antisamos Beach and Sami

To make the most of your time on the island, I recommend staying in Fiskardo or Assos for the first 2 nights. After that, you can book a stay in the Lixouri peninsula for the upcoming 2 nights. Add 1 night in Sami on your last day on the island.

Kefalonia in 7 days

With 7 full days in Kefalonia, you’ll be able to explore the northern, western, and eastern coasts. And enjoy their best beaches, attractions, and villages!

That’s how you can best plan your days on the island:

• Day 1: Fiskardo and nearby beaches such as Emblisi, Kimila, Dafnoudi e Foki
• Day 2:  Myrtos Beach and Assos (if you have the time, add a beach in Fiskardo)
• Day 4:  Petani Beach, Platia Ammos viewpoint, Xi Beach or late afternoon winetasting
• Day 5:  Argostoli, wine-tasting at Gentilini Winery , Mount Ainos and evening in Sami
• Day 6: Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, Antisamos Beach and Sami
• Day 7: Day trip to Ithaca . If you’re heading to Ithaca anyways, add a day on the north or west of Kefalonia. Or, just plan for 6 days in Kefalonia and move on with your Ionian Island itinerary!

I recommend staying in Fiskardo or Assos for the first 2 to 3 nights. After that, book a stay in the Lixouri peninsula for the upcoming 2 nights. Add 1 night in Sami for the last day on the island.

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Where to stay in Kefalonia

I got positively surprised by the incredibly charming and affordable accommodation options in Kefalonia. The island is one of those places you can splurge on a great hotel without it costing an arm and a leg. There is no shortage of amazing accommodation options in Kefalonia, but here’s the list with the best options:

NORTH KEFALONIA

Fiscardo Bay Hotel

Emelisse Nature Resort

Almyra Hotel

Agnantia Bed & Breakfast

Pension Gerania

WEST KEFALONIA

Petani Bay Hotel

Petani Resort

Hotel Summery

Phaedra Suites

Terra Mare Hotel

EAST KEFALONIA

Green Bay Hotel

Stalaktites Studios

Sami Beach Hotel

Remezzo Apartments

Ourania Studios

Our absolute favorite stay in Kefalonia was Agnantia Bed & Breakfast . This charming accommodation in Fiskardo boasts a great location and spacious rooms. As well as amazing ocean views and top service for less than 100€ a night. I must admit we’ve stayed in quite a few 5-star hotels around the world. Yet, in very few of them we’ve seen the quality of service shown by this simple B&B in Kefalonia.

Please note we paid for our stay and never communicated with the management team. This is a completely honest review and it’s so refreshing to find hidden gems around the world to share them with you. If you prefer to look for other options besides the ones above, you can check with Booking.com . When book through our links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay extra for this, so it’s a win-win! 🙂

When it comes to the areas, I’d recommend avoiding the most touristy villages, such as Skala, Argostoli, and Lassi. Instead, book your stay at a charming and calm village on the island and explore its best attractions on your own. Fiskardo, Assos, Lixouri, Petani, and Sami are great options!

Where to eat in Kefalonia

The allure of Greece isn’t just its azure waters or golden sunsets. It’s also the mouthwatering aroma of its kitchens and the contented sigh after a satisfying meal. The local cuisine, with its fresh and vibrant ingredients, is a delightful aspect of any trip to Greece. And a perfect pairing for summer days under the Mediterranean sun.

Throughout our journey across the Ionian Islands, we indulged in the delicious and fresh meals served by local restaurants, paired with fantastic (and cheap!). It’s no exaggeration to say that the traditional gastronomy of Greece had us utterly enchanted. And it’s one of reasons why we keep coming back. We’ve been to Greece 3 times now and counting!

We ate very well in Kefalonia and enjoyed the taverna experience quite a lot. From this trip, we bring memories of evenings spent at tavernas overlooking the ocean and the most beautiful sunsets. While enjoying great local wines and great food. We really want you to have the best possible gastronomical experiences. So, I curated a list of the best restaurants in Kefalonia.

Northern Kefalonia

• Irida Cafe Bar restaurant for great gluten-free Moussaka
• Le Passage for affordable and delicious meals in Fiskardo
• Odysseas Taverna
• Nicolas’ Taverna
• Roulas Grill
• Emelisse Hotel  open to non-guests
• Alati All day bar for the best sunset of all times!

Western Kefalonia

• Ladokolla Stin Plagia for reasonably priced meals and great sunset views. We liked it so much we returned twice!
• Taverna Ksouras for the best views of Petani and great drinks. The menu is reasonably priced and the restaunt has a great sunset view!
• Taverna Faros
• Captain Nicolas

Eastern Kefalonia

• Il Familia was the best restaurant we visited in Sami. Great food, fantastic wine and great atmosphere!
• Deco Art Cuisine for great ambience and sunset views. The food was great but the experience was a bit uncomfortable. They pushed too much the catch of the day even when we said we were not interested
• Afrala for great drinks and night-life attractions
• Faros Taverna

You will also like: A complete guide to the Ionian Islands of Greece

Our favorite restaurants in Kefalonia

The Irida Cafe Bar restaurant was one of our favorite restaurants in Kefalonia. They serve gluten-free Moussaka, which is very hard thing to find. As well as various other delicious dishes. The shrimp risotto was delicious and the atmosphere was on-point. Picture candlelight, tables by the sea, and fantastic service. The lady who runs the kitchen even came to our table to check if we’d enjoyed the meal. Which we definitely confirmed, so sweet of her!

Another favorite restaurant in Kefalonia was Ladokolla Stin Plagia , located on the west coast of the island. The menu has reasonably priced and delicious dishes. And the house wine is sold on the liter for less than 10€. The outdoor seating space boasts an authentic taverna vibe and offers the most beautiful sunset views in Kefalonia. We liked it so much we returned twice and had a fantastic experience each time we were there. I would definitely recommend visiting for dinner to enjoy the fantastic views!

Lastly, one my favorite restaurant not only in Kefalonia but also in the whole of Greece was Alati All Day bar . Not so much for the food, but for the experience of watching the sun setting right into the ocean. Followed by the opportunity to watch the skies lit with the most beautiful orange and purple post-sunset colors. While enjoying the most relaxed and delightful atmosphere of their outdoor seating area. This was an evening for the books, and I definitely recommend checking this place for yourselves during your stay in Kefalonia.

All of these restaurants, as well as points of interest in Kefalonia are tagged on our personalized map. Get yours and have all pins listed on our guides + some secret ones seamlessly integrated to your Google Maps.

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How to get around Kefalonia

If you want to go beyond the resort experience and explore Kefalonia well, you’ll need a car, ATV, or motorcycle. Cars are, in my opinion, the best way to explore the island. Renting a car to explore the Kefalonia will not only allow you to explore villages and get to the best beaches on the island. it will also provide you a safe refugee from the extreme sun and heat typical of summer months – which is something an ATV or motorcycle can’t provide.

Another fantastic alternative to explore Kefalonia’s best beaches is with a self-skippered boat. You can rent these small boats even if you don’t have navigating experience or license. And it will cost you around 100 euros per day + the fuel you consume. We did not rent a boat in Kefalonia but we’ve done this in many islands including Ithaca , and absolutely love the experience of exploring the pristine coves by ourselves. Maybe something to consider?

You should also read: A highly curated guide to Ithaca, a gorgeous neighbor to Kefalonia

How to get to Kefalonia

Kefalonia is one of the most well-connected islands in Greece. It’s possible to get there by plane coming from Athens or other European capitals, especially in the UK. Alternatively, you can get to Kefalonia by car + ferry boat ride from Athenas or Thessaloniki. Or even by ferryboat coming from others Ionian islands . Let’s talk about each of these options in detail below:

How to get to Kefalonia by plane

Kefalonia’s airport is called Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou . It’s located in the island’s capital, Argostoli and gets daily  Aegean Airlines ,  Olympic Airlines  e  Sky Express  flights coming from Athens or other destinations in Europe.

For the Athens-Kefalonia flight, expect to pay around 80€ for the seat and an extra fee of 30€ per checked-in bag. This is a very popular route during summer, so make sure to book in advance. There are also direct flights to Kefalonia departing from London or Venice during the summer months. You can check prices and schedules using Skyscanner before taking a decision.

You’ll need a vehicle to leave the airport of Kefalonia, so make sure to book in advance . As previously stated, I consider cars as the best options to explore Kefalonia comfortably. But you can also rent a scooter or ATV for your days on the island!

How to get to Kefalonia from mainland Greece

From Athens or other places in mainland Greece, such as Thessaloniki, you can drive (or take a bus) to the ports of Patras, Kylline, or Astakos. From the ports, you can hop on a ferry-boat to Kefalonia that will take you to Kefalonia. The most common routes are:

From Athens to

Patra – Kefalonia: You’ll need to drive for about 2 hours to the Port of Patras and from there hop on a ferry boat to Kefalonia. The trip will take less than 3 hours and cost around 15€ per person and 50€ per car. You can compare prices and routes, as well as book in advance, here!

Kyllini – Kefalonia: The car ride from Athens to Kyllini will take 3,5 hours, which is longer than driving to Patra. On the other hand, the ferry boat ride to Kefalonia will be quicker from Kyllini – about 2 houts. Expect to pay 12€ per person and 45€ per car and clicking here you will be able to compare prices and routes, as well as book in advance!

Astakos – Kefalonia: It only makes sense to use the port o Astakos if you are coming by car from the north of the country. If this is the case, expect to pay 12€ per person and 50€ per car and to spend around 3 hours en route to Kefalonia.

Ferry tickets can be purchased directly on the company’s websites or by using the established ferry booking platform Ferry Hopper Alternatively, you can buy the tickets at one of their ticket offices on the islands, but I recommend booking in advance.

How to get to Kefalonia from other Ionian Islands

Most people choose to island-hop around the 7 main Ionian Islands instead of visiting only one. Makes sense, right? And that’s where ferryboats come in handy. They’re the go-to way for traveling between the western coast islands.

It’s possible to get to Kefalonia departing from the neighboring islands Zakynthos, Lefkada, or Ithaca. The companies Ionionpelagos , West Ferry , and  Levante Ferries  have frequent routes between these islands and transports passengers and cars in their boats.

You can purchase the tickets directly with FerryHopper , with the exception of the West Ferry routes. If this is your preferred company, make sure to check their website for updated schedules and send an email to  [email protected]  to book your tickets in advance. This is something I highly recommend doing if you are traveling in the high season, but it’s not necessary if you are traveling in the low or shoulder seasons. I booked the ticket through email and it worked out very smoothly!

If you are island-hopping without a car, you can travel between Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Paxos, and Corfu with the ferry Azimut . It’s not possible to buy tickets for this route online, so you will need to contact tourist agencies to book in advance if you’re traveling in the high season.

How expensive is Kefalonia

Kefalonia is one of the most cost-effective Greek Islands and caters well to different types of budgets. Prices can vary according to the month of visit and the level of comfort of the stay. But in general, you should budget for:

Accommodation in Kefalonia

• Around 80€ per night at a simple, but comfortable accommodation like  Hotel Summery
• Around 250€ per night at a luxury/boutique hotel like  Emelisse Nature Resort

Food in Kefalonia

Food in Kefalononia is very reasonably priced. So even if you’re on a tight budget you’ll be able to indulge in delicious and fresh sea-food meals paired with fantastic local wine without the fear of steep bills at the end of the evening!

To get the most of your meals in Kefalonia, I recommend visiting local tavernas, ordering various small dishes to share pairing with house local wine. You can budget considering the following:

• Starters at a local taverna vary between 3€ to 12€
• Main meals at a local taverna vary between 8€ to 20€
• Local house wine won’t cost you more than 7€ per 500 ml

Most of our meals were comprised of a few starters, two mains, wine, and beers, and the bills varied between 50€ to 70€. If that sounds too much for you, fear not, my friend: it’s totally possible to eat well in Greece for less than 30€ a day if you make conscious choices.

• A car rental will cost you around 45€ per day  and you can book in advance here . A motorcycle won’t cost more than 25€ per day and you can book upon arrival.
• A private and self-skippered boat will cost you around 100€ per day + the fuel you consume.

You’ll also like: A complete travel guide to Lefkada, another amazing Ionian Island

What to pack for Kefalonia

As you will most probably be visiting Kefalonia during spring or summer in Greece, you should be prepared for very sunny and warm days. Hence, my suggestion is that you pack light and fresh clothes, beachwear, and casual shoes. Aim for beach attire and bring a light jacket just in case – chances are that you are not going to need it!

For women:  pack summer and fresh dresses in various styles, from flouncy to long ones. Skirts, linen pants, fresh tops, and shorts are also great items to bring to Kefalonia. Flat and comfortable shoes should be your way to go and you absolutely won’t need high heels or heavy makeup, so don’t overpack.

For men:  pack linen and fresh fabric shirts, as well as t-shirts, shorts, and fresh pants. Shoes should be casual and comfortable, with no need for fancy items or accessories.

You will also need:

• Beach shoes for pebble beaches
• Sun screen with maximun UV protection
• A beach bag
• Bea ch towel or blanket
• Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection Shirt
• Beach tent or a beach umbrella

Other items to pack to Kefalonia are beach floats , board games, books, a beach tennis kit , and a cooler bag to bring beverages and snacks to the beaches. You should also be aware that there are many bees and insects in the Ionian Islands. So, if you have allergic, make sure to bring along your preferred medication and keep it with you at all times. Better safe than sorry, right?

I sincerely hope this guide inspired you to visit Kefalonia, our favorite island in Greece . If you’re considering an island-hopping adventure across the Ionian Islands check our complete post including itinerary suggestions. Also, take a look at the travel guide to Ithaca , a neighbor island to Kefalonia. Should you need further insights or have any queries about Kefalonia, drop a comment below.

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Home > Your Guide To Visiting Kefalonia Island, Greece

Your Guide To Visiting Kefalonia Island, Greece

Written by our local expert Guru

Written by a local specialist we know and trust to bring you the most up-to-date travel information.

Welcome to the enchanting island of Kefalonia, Greece, where turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea glisten under the sun, and the beauty of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin comes to life. If you’re seeking travel advice and wondering about the top things to do on Kefalonia Island, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the must-visit sites of Kefalonia, sharing practical tips and recommendations along the way. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, indulging in local cuisine, or simply basking in the island’s natural wonders, we’ve got you covered.

Discover where to stay on Kefalonia Island for a comfortable and memorable getaway. From hidden gems to well-known attractions, Kefalonia promises an unforgettable experience. So, let’s dive into this captivating Greek paradise and make your Kefalonia adventure truly remarkable.

Kefalonia is one of Europe’s most undervalued islands. If you’re curious about what else to enjoy in Kefalonia besides touring its stunning beaches, keep reading and prepare to be impressed.

Kefalonia, also called Cephalonia, is the biggest Ionian island, located around 1 hour from Zante, another of the stunning travel destinations in Greece . Kefalonia’s geography is distinctive; it has several of Greece’s most pristine beaches and verdant mountainous terrain.

If you want to explore one of Greece’s scenic and lesser-known parts, Kefalonia is the best gateway and is well worth a stop, particularly if you’re on the hunt for the best travel destinations in Europe . This is your complete guide to Kefalonia Island, Greece.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Months To Visit Kefalonia

The best period to visit Kefalonia Island, Greece, is during the summer, in June, July, and August. The weather gets hot in July and August, and you will also see more crowds on the island.

Alternatively, you can plan a visit to Kefalonia in May or September when hotels are slightly cheaper and the weather is still pleasant.

If you’ve been to other Southern European destinations like Spain , the best period to go for a vacation to Greece.

Best Place To Stay On Kefalonia Island, Greece

The island’s coast is 237 kilometers long, so going from one end to another requires some time. But if you choose the right location to stay, your vacation to Kefalonia will be more convenient.

The best areas to stay in Kefalonia are Argostoli, Lassi, and Sami – let’s go through them and see which is the best for you.

Argostoli – Capital Of The Island

The capital of Alonissos is Argostoli, a bustling village that comes alive at night with locals and visitors. The plaza is packed with bars, restaurants, and cafés where people enjoy life on the laid-back island.

Staying in Argostoli offers all the conveniences you’ll need, including banks, pharmacies, and lovely boutique stores.

Lassi is a beautiful location to visit if you want a conventional beach vacation with a personal touch. Hotels are all within walking distance, and the main things happening here like lovely bars and authentic restaurants.

While Lassi is the perfect area in Kefalonia to stay with kids, you’ll find many resorts with pools and babysitting services to cater to families .

Sami is a prosperous port town with two functioning and commercial harbors. Locals are out fishing for the day, and tourists are relaxing in cafés to enjoy the moment.

Note that you won’t find a beach in Sami; however, Antisamos Beach is close for those willing to go on an adventure for the day.

That being said, the seafood restaurants here are among the best on the island, making it ideal for foodies to stay.

Find a full accommodation guide to Kefalonia here.

Brands we use and trust, best things to do on kefalonia island, greece.

You’ll find a plethora of things to do in Kefalonia, including beaches with Caribbean-like waves, highlands with breathtaking views, and delectable typical Greek cuisine. You can’t miss out! Let’s cover the absolute best activities in Kefalonia.

Get Amazed At Melissani Cave

When visiting Kefalonia Island, Greece, a visit to Melissani Cave near Sami is mandatory. The lake is located within a cavern with an aperture at the summit. The sunlight enters the cave during various day periods, turning the water a brilliant teal!

A free parking lot is located at the entry to Karavomylos. When you arrive at the cavern with your passes, you will be met by a squadron of beautiful ancient rowboats drifting on the sea.

Expect to wait to ride a sailboat with others during peak tourist season. It is a real treat that lasts approximately an hour.

Visit Assos Village

Assos is a charming tiny town on the island’s west side. There aren’t many activities, but wander around the lanes and enjoy the gorgeous harbor and hillside houses.

Although Assos does not have many eateries, it is a pleasant area to enjoy a drink by the sea. You can find inner peace while strolling around Assos.

Discover Petani Beach

As you approach the beach from the top, prepare to come to a halt. The beach is beautiful, with plenty of sunbeds, not enough people to fill them all, and a lovely restaurant serving excellent food. You enter the parking lot and pay 5 EUR when you descend down.

There are some quite stunning cliffs on the island’s northernmost tip. With its azure ocean and beachfront restaurants, Petani Beach is particularly notable. It’s a lovely pebbly coastline with crystal-clear seas and rough settings. It’s also a fantastic place to try some of the fresh seafood.

Work On Your Tan At Myrtos Beach

Near Mount Agia Dynati & Mount Kalon Oros is Myrtos Beach, another scenic location. These two hills create the most stunning scenery. It makes a spectacular combination of foliage with the brilliant turquoise lake, with a landscape of green, pines, cedar, and orchards.

The coastline at Myrtos is famous for its breathtakingly gorgeous blue sea. The tides on this shoreline collect tiny marble fragments, lighting the water and producing a magnificent effect. This effect turns the water into a lovely hue of aquamarine that will inspire you to take the plunge.

There is a fantastic sea cavern and abundant boulders to jump out of once you arrive at Myrtos beach. You could spend an entire day literally on the sand, lapping in the sun.

Explore The St. Gerasimos Monastery

Saint Gerasimos is Kefalonia’s saint, and he is said to guard the island and treat illnesses. The church is elegant and gorgeous, and the monastery is where Saint Gerasimos’ remains are kept . Remember to dress a certain way; for women, we suggest having a long dress or skirt that wraps your legs.

Climb Mount Ainos

Mount Ainos (1,628 m) is the highest point in Kefalonia and the Greek Islands . And the majority of it is contained within a National Park.

You can see Zakynthos , Ithaka, and Lefkada, all from the mountaintop. Moreover, you can travel a long way up the mountains to find a car park.

I propose climbing to Mount Ainos’ top from that. It’s a 30-minute climb with beautiful vistas that take about half an hour.

Spot The Turtles At De Bosset Bridge Argostoli

This is a magnificent bridge and the world’s biggest stone bridge across the sea. It’s an excellent spot for a stroll and a fascinating piece of construction.

Turtles are well-known in this area of the islands and appear commonly. The coast of Kefalonia is inhabited by two distinctive types of tortoises: Green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles.

When fishermen return from nighttime fishing, turtles frequently accompany them to the dock. To upsurge your chances of spotting them, come in early.

See Where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Was Filmed

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, a novel by Louis de Bernières, brought fame to the picturesque Kefalonia island, where the story is set. While the book’s fictional narrative unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, Kefalonia’s real charm lies in its serene beauty and warm hospitality.

The novel has led many travelers to Kefalonia in search of the island’s enchanting landscapes and its connection to the story. You can visit the idyllic town of Sami, where parts of the film adaptation were shot, or explore the vibrant streets of Argostoli, the island’s capital, which inspired the book’s setting. Kefalonia offers a unique blend of history and natural wonders, with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.

While Captain Corelli’s Mandolin may have put Kefalonia on the cinematic map, it’s the island’s own beauty and character that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler who ventures here.

How Long To Stay In Kefalonia

Kefalonia is significantly bigger than other Greek islands and has much to offer. For this reason, I recommend spending four full days to a week on the island. You’ll find several day trips from neighboring islands to Kefalonia but staying for a few days will allow you to explore it fully.

Is Kefalonia Safe

Kefalonia, just like most other Greek travel destinations, is very safe. There’s just no crime happening here, and you can roam around during the day and night, even as a solo female traveler .

The locals you’ll meet here are the friendliest and most welcoming you’ve ever seen. Honestly, all the Greek islands you visit will give you a similar feel, but Kefalonia has something unique.

How To Get to Kefalonia

There are several ways to get there, but not all of them are equally convenient or affordable. Let’s elaborate on the different ways to get to Kefalonia Island, Greece.

Some Greek cities have direct flights to Kefalonia Airport. But if you stay in Athens, you will always have a direct flight available. It’s a direct flight, and it will only take an hour to reach Kefalonia Island.

Apart from that, you’ll also be able to reach Kefalonia from Corfu and Zakynthos , which is very convenient.

A few ferries go from the mainland to Kefalonia and other surrounding islands, such as Zakynthos, Corfu, and Lefkada . Ferry boats are available from Peloponnese Poros, Fiscardo, Sami, and Lixouri.

There are several ports in Kefalonia Island, Greece, so it’s good to check before you leave and book your hotel:

• Poros – With ferries from from Ithaca , Lefkada, Killini, and Zakynthos
• Fiscardo – With ferries from Ithaca and Lefkada
• Sami – With ferries from Patra , Ithaca, Paxi, and Brindisi
• Lixouri – With ferries from Killini

The average cost per person for the ferry to Kefalonia is about $15. While prices vary slightly depending on the port of departure, they’re all within the same price range.

Driving A Rental Car

If you’re willing to explore the Greek countryside on your way to Kefalonia Island, then renting a car in Athens and driving there is possible. From Athens , make your way to Killini, and once you get there, you can take a car ferry to Kefalonia.

This is arguably the best option to reach Kefalonia as you’ll be able to fully explore the island by car, which is a lifetime opportunity.

Join A Day Trip

If you want to stress-free walk through Kefalonia, then pre-arrange your tour with an agency – you’ll find many on the neighboring islands, especially Zante.

A day tour will take you to all the best places on the island and give you an excellent overview of what Kefalonia has to offer. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other travelers and make new friends from around the world.

There are a variety of day tours to choose from , so you’re sure to find one that fits your interests and budget. Some popular day tours include visits to the capital city of Argostoli, the stunning Myrtos Beach, and being astonished at the Melissani Cave.

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Is Kefalonia Expensive

Being such a big island, Kefalonia has luxury hotels , cheaper properties, fine dining options, and local restaurants. But as a whole, Kefalonia is affordable, especially when compared to big European cities, and you can expect to spend about $100 per day as a solo traveler .

According to a report by Numbeo , you can eat a full meal at a local restaurant for about $15 per person or $50 for more exclusive options.

In addition, a hotel room in a 3-star hotel will set you back between $60 and $100 per night. While staying on Kefalonia Island isn’t very pricey, it’s worth considering the transportation, which is a big part of the budget – and this takes us to our following point.

Final Thoughts On Kefalonia, Greece

We’re confident you will quickly fall in love with isand of Kefalonia’s beautiful scenery, fantastic coastlines, and raw beauty.

While there are many Kefalonia activities, you won’t be judged if you spend your days lounging on the beaches, admiring the scenery, and dining across the island!

We sincerely hope you love this Kefalonia travel guide to discover more of what this beautiful paradise has to give.

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Kefalonia Things to Do

The roofless cave of Melissani

The beautiful sandy beach of Myrtos

The seaside fishing village of Assos

We have compiled a list of the Best Things to Do in Kefalonia , which includes the absolute must-sees and must-dos during your stay on the heavenly Ionian island: places to visit, attractions, where to swim, activities, tours, where to eat, and more.

In brief, the best things to do include swimming in the waters of the ravishing Myrtos and other dazzling beaches, visiting the one-of-a-kind Drogarati and Melissani caves and exploring the island’s quaint villages, like Fiscardo and Assos.

Open the table of contents to see our suggestions for the 15+ best things to do once on Kefalonia Island.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Click on a section below to be directed there. 1. Swim at Myrtos and other stunning beaches 2. Stroll around the cosmopolitan Fiscardo 3. Stay at a charming hotel 4. Explore Melissani and Drogarati caves 5. Visit the picturesque Assos 6. Taste palatable meals at the best restaurants 7. Explore the town of Argostoli 8. Try paragliding over Myrtos 9. Visit Katavothres 10. Admire the underwater scenery by scuba diving 11. Head to Haritatos Vineyard for wine tasting 12. Attend the Saristra Festival at the abandoned Palia Vlahata village 13. Hike Mount Ainos National Park 14. Explore the castles 15. Go on a day trip to Ithaca 16. Visit the monasteries 17. See the lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi 18. Explore Karavomilos Lake 19. Go on a day trip to Zakynthos

1. Swim at some of the best beaches in Greece

Kefalonia is praised across the world for the magnificent scenery of its beaches and visiting as many of them as possible is the best thing to do during your stay! Despite the thousands of annual visitors, the azure and turquoise waters remain more than clean while the lush vegetation surrounding them is the element that tops the setting off!

The most renowned beach is none other than Myrtos . Its crystal clear and bright blue waters make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! It is a very long beach located in a crescent-shaped bay and surrounded by mountains and cliffs covered with lush vegetation and trees.

•  Antisamos Beach  is also situated in a bay and encompassed by all kinds of flourishing greenery. The dense vegetation around the beach is mirrored into the water, giving it a distinctive blue-greenish hue. • The same effect can be seen in Petani , a sandy beach with crystal clear waters. There, you will find many facilities, such as umbrellas, showers and traditional taverns. • Skala  combines mountain and sea, thanks to the dense pine tree forest right by the coast. Skala has earned a Blue Flag award for its crystal clear waters that remain unspoiled. Moreover, Xi is a rather uncommon sight, as it is covered with rare, brownish-orange sand. Near the beach stand enormous white clay cliffs, where many visitors take the opportunity for a free self-spa treatment, covering their body and face with clay mud, which is considered to be very therapeutic and skin-nourishing.

Explore the Beaches

2. Stroll around the cosmopolitan Fiscardo

Fiscardo and its lovely marina have been a meeting place for the glitterati for years. This small village has colorful seafront houses that will surely steal your heart! It is one of the island's oldest Venetian settlements, with listed buildings of great historic value that survived several catastrophic earthquakes.

Even though Fiscardo’s picturesque architecture will take you back to the past, the village does not lack modern facilities. On the contrary, it has taverns, restaurants, cafes and shops, all constructed to fit the image and local architectural standards. Tile roofs and vivid colors, green forests and turquoise waters, this little village has all it takes to form one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area!

Explore Fiscardo

3. Stay at a charming hotel

Are you looking for a place to stay in Kefalonia? The island offers countless options that correspond to various styles. Booking the ideal hotel is among the best things to do if you want to enjoy your vacation to the fullest! We have listed some of the best hotels on the island below in order to help you find the one that suits you the most.

North Point Houses and North Point Rooms are stone-built, creating a cozy atmosphere with traditional elements. They feature a lovely garden and an outdoor pool and constitute an excellent choice for anyone who wants a peaceful place to unwind and enjoy the natural landscape of Kefalonia. Museum Hotel George Molfetas makes it possible to stay in a historic building! It was initially constructed in 1895, and it has been carefully renovated. The fancy antiques and the authentic 19th-century decor will make you feel like you’re time-traveling back to another era! FZeen is located just a few meters away from Lourdas Beach. The lush green gardens, outdoor pools and gym facilities are designed to help you reconnect with nature. This is a peaceful sanctuary where you can treat yourself, get active and enjoy the healing effects of nature while enjoying luxurious comforts.

Explore More Hotels

4. Explore Melissani and Drogarati caves

The natural beauty of Kefalonia is undreamed of! Its landscape and geomorphology are like they have come out of heaven, with two caverns comprising the top attractions and visiting them is an unparalleled thing to do.

The first is Melissani Cave , a unique natural phenomenon and a must-see for anyone visiting Kefalonia. The B-shaped cave consists of two halls and is accessible by boat, as a lake lies inside! The natural ceiling of the cave collapsed years ago in one of its halls, with the hole allowing sunlight into the cavern and tinting the entire area blue! A few kilometers away, Drogarati is an equally impressive cave. It is a rare geological phenomenon, with sharp stalactites and stalagmites that count millions of years old! Dim artificial lighting has been added to enhance the atmosphere and the look of the extraordinary rock formations. Are you ready to explore the astonishing cave halls and witness the sculptures created by nature?

Discover more Sights

5. Visit the picturesque Assos

This area should become a part of the to-do list of all fans of serenity and quaintness. The village of Assos was built on a small peninsula right by the sea and is surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation. This remote area is a true gem, as the lovely picturesque houses have been painted in vivid colors, creating a friendly atmosphere that invites you to stroll around the village. It attracts many visitors during the summer, which is why you will find many restaurants, taverns, cafes and other facilities. Don’t forget to visit the ruins of the old Venetian castle; by the time you reach the arched gate of the fort, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the seafront village, the wilderness around it and the bright blue sea waters of Kefalonia.

Explore Assos

6. Taste palatable meals at the best restaurants

During your stay in Kefalonia, the best thing to do in terms of gastronomy is to not skip tasting the local cuisine as well as the tasty Robola wine . Plentiful restaurants of all kinds are situated across the island. Fish taverns serving the fresh catch of the day are mainly located in seaside areas like Fiscardo, while the regions of Lassi, Lourdas and Agia Efimia are home to many traditional restaurants.

Our recommendations for dining include Tassia in Fiscardo, Ampelaki in Argostoli, Flamingo in Skala and Ionio in Lassi.

See more restaurants

7. Explore the town of Argostoli

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and the most busy place on the island. Most of its buildings preserve elements of traditional Venetian architecture and its long paved promenade is great for evening walks. Some of the island’s most important things to see are located there -  De Bosset Bridge , the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Theatre on Georgiou Vergoti Street are among the most impressive sights travelers will encounter after a stroll around town.

In order to wander around the picturesque town and see all of these major landmarks and much more, we recommend booking a walking tour . During this excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit its most impressive buildings and discover the best local shops!

More info about Argostoli

8. Try paragliding over Myrtos

Do you enjoy extreme sports and are in the mood for something adventurous? If yes, the best thing to do is to paraglide over the beach of Myrtos and admire the beauty of the landscape from above ! The uniqueness of flying over the turquoise waters and lush green hillsides of Kefalonia and the sense of absolute freedom cannot be described by words but can only be experienced! 

Discover more sports centers

9. Visit Katavothres

At the tip of the peninsula of Argostoli, the sea waters meet the land to flow beneath it and disappear mysteriously, as if they’re swallowed by the earth! Geologists have conducted many experiments to find out why this happens, only to discover traces of paint on the opposite side of the island and in Melissani Cave! Visit Katavothres for the opportunity to observe this strange phenomenon in person and leave all questions regarding the uncharted underground passages of the island aside!

Discover Katavothres

10. Admire the underwater scenery by scuba diving

If you love exploring the depths of the sea, whether you are already an experienced scuba diver or just started, Kefalonia is the perfect destination for you! Scuba diving is the best thing to do if you are a water fanatic, as the island is very popular for its magical sea bottom and transparent and safe waters . There are scuba diving clubs that offer diving sessions and courses, and depending on your experience level you may be able to discover the local sea life, underwater caves, rocky bottoms and the shipwreck of Perseus!

See where to try scuba diving

11. Head to Haritatos Vineyard for wine tasting

The winery of Haritatos made Kefalonia famous thanks to the fine wine it produces. The vineyard is a museum that represents the wine production of the island throughout the years.

Besides the boutique winery , you will discover vast vineyards and olive groves, as well as the family’s 19th-century farmhouse and chapel. Don’t miss the chance to get a taste of their cellar-aged wine ! Grab a glass of mavrodaphne and let it introduce you to the traditional way of life in the rural side of Kefalonia.

Discover more wineries

12. Attend the Saristra Festival at the abandoned Palia Vlahata village

Palia Vlachata is an old small settlement with abandoned houses, characterized by a gloomy atmosphere of decadence that will have you wondering about the life stories of long-forgotten people. Once a year, during the Saristra festival, the old ruins temporarily come back to life and the shadows of the past are replaced by the dazzling lights and melodies of today.

Attending the festival is a different thing to do on the island and a great opportunity to discover the vibrant underground music scene of Kefalonia, meet new people and dance among the ruins.

Discover more festivals

13. Hike Mount Ainos National Park

Ainos is the highest mountain in Kefalonia. It is considered a National Park and it is covered with dense forests and flourishing nature.

There are numerous hiking paths you can take to explore the local flora and fauna, including unique fir trees that only grow on the island (Abies Cephalonica), foxes and wild horses. The refreshing atmosphere of the forest is an excellent getaway from the summer’s heat, and the experience will make you connect with nature. On Mount Ainos, you will also encounter the old monasteries of Agios Eleftherios and Zoodohos Pigi, located near a natural water fountain.

Learn more about Mount Ainos

14. Explore the castles

Castles are undoubtedly one of the most impressive categories of attractions. Kefalonia is endowed with two, both impressive and worth visiting!

Located near Argostoli, the Castle of Saint George is one of the most important historical points of interest to visit on the island. It was initially constructed during the 12th century, and its enclosing walls protected an entire town until the Middle Ages. The fortress was reconstructed during the Venetian Period, and its impressive ruins along with an old catholic church are still preserved, despite the damage caused by earthquakes throughout the years. Another notable landmark to see is the Venetian Castle of Assos , which was built in the 16th century to protect Assos from pirates. Apart from its imposing arched entrance gate, the inside of the castle consists mainly of ruins, wells and fragments of old Venetian buildings. Wandering around the castle, you may still be able to feel the remnants of the old world.

15. Go on a day trip to Ithaca

If you plan on visiting other places besides Kefalonia, selecting Ithaca as your destination is the best thing to do! A great boat trip option can take you to Ithaca, the closest island to Kefalonia, where you can spend an extra day.

By choosing one of the available cruises, you will have the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters of some of Ithaca’s best beaches and admire the lush green landscape, that the island is widely known for. Seizing the opportunity to see more than one island at a time is always a great idea!

Book a day trip to Ithaca

16. Pay a visit to the monasteries

The large number of churches and monasteries on the island makes Kefalonia a favorite destination for lovers of religious tourism.

Agios Gerasimos Monastery , the most sacred place on the island for Christians lies near Mount Ainos. The monastery was established in 1560 by the island’s patron saint Agios Gerasimos. Inside it, visitors will encounter the cave where he used to reside, a living plane tree planted by him centuries ago, his tomb and his relics. With an impressive location on the edge of a cliff, Kipoureon Monastery offers an amazing view of the scenery. The monastery was constructed in the 17th century and was named after its beautiful gardens that the monks who lived there used to cultivate. The church’s precious iconography and relics, as well as the stunning natural setting, make this monastery stand out. Individuals interested in religious buildings can also visit many more monasteries on the island, such as the Monastery of Lagouvarda , the Monastery of Sissia and the Monastery of Agios Andreas .

Discover more Monasteries

17. See the lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi

Not very far from Argostoli, you may notice a small circular structure surrounded by simple Doric columns. This is the lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi, which was built during the British occupation of the island. Unfortunately, the original structure of the lighthouse was destroyed due to a catastrophic earthquake in 1953, but a few years later, it was reconstructed with a design very similar to the original one. The lighthouse is situated in a secluded area and offers mesmerizing views of the bright blue sea waters.

More about Saint Theodoroi Lighthouse

18. Visit Karavomilos Lake

Visiting Karavomilos Lake is an excellent thing to do, especially if you are a nature lover. It was artificially created but constitutes an important natural habitat for numerous flora and fauna species. Additionally, it showcases a distinctive geology, as it is connected to the Katavothres by underground tunnels and caves. You can hike around the lake and even reach the Melissani cave or the beach of Sami, both fairly close to the site. When you want to take a break, you may visit the traditional tavern nearby and try homemade delicacies.

Discover Karavomilos Lake

19. Go on a day trip to Zakynthos

In case you have some spare time during your vacation in Kefalonia and are interested in seeing a bit more of the Ionian Sea, a wonderful thing to do is participate in a well-organized, full-day boat tour to the beautiful island of Zakynthos located nearby. With this cruise, you will have the opportunity to pass by the world-famous Shipwreck Beach Navagio in Zakynthos, swim around the unique natural arches formed at the Blue Caves, and explore the small seafront village of Alykanas. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!

Book a day trip to Zakynthos

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT KEFALONIA

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1 Week on Kefalonia (How to See The Best Bits in 7 Days or Less)

The Ionian island of Kefalonia is known for being one of the most beautiful islands in Greece – it’s craggy and mountains, very green, and home to striking beaches such as the iconic Myrtos with its electric blue water. But Kefalonia is also a large island and an awkward shape, so what’s the best way to see everything?

Despite having an international airport, Kefalonia isn’t as developed as the more popular Ionian islands Corfu and Zakynthos. The beaches are mostly pebbly (although there are some great sandy beaches in the south and east), and the rugged terrain has kept building – and roads – to a minimum.

If you’ve seen Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (and I unashamedly love that film, Nicholas Cage isn’t as bad as everyone says…) then you’ll have an idea of just how picturesque Kefalonia can be.

Kefalonia is an island of incredible beauty spots that aren’t well connected by bus or road and don’t lend themselves to an obvious itinerary. For practical purposes, you can divide it into north and south.

It really makes life a lot easier to hire a car on Kefalonia. If you do, then it doesn’t matter where you stay and it’s possible to see the highlights in as little as 3 days. But there’s plenty to see if you longer – particularly as some of the best bits of Kefalonia can only be seen by boat. I recommend you spend at least a week there.

If you enjoy walking then I recommend picking up a copy of Walk & Eat Kefalonia .

WITH A RENTAL CAR

Here’s what 7 days in Kefalonia with a hire car might look like:

• Day 1 – North Kefalonia
• Day 2 – Antisamos and Melissani
• Day 3 – Argostoli and the south
• Day 4 –  Day trip to Ithaca
• Day 5 – Lixouri, Xi and the Paliki Peninsula
• Day 6 – Beach day at Skala
• Day 7 – Inland or boat trip

For car rental check out well-regarded local firms Pefanis and Greekstones .

WITHOUT A RENTAL CAR

If you don’t have a car but want to see as much of the island as possible then I recommend staying Argostoli or Lassi for at least 1 week. It’s very difficult to visit most of Kefalonia’s highlights by public transport (trust me, I tried and failed). Kefalonia’s tourist industry is geared towards the schedule of package holidays and most excursions run on a weekly rota so you’ll need some flexibility in your plans. 

To give you a starting point, 7 days in Kefalonia (based in Argostoli/Lassi) without a car might look like this:

• Day 1 – Highlights of Kefalonia excursion
• Day 2 – Beach day at Lassi
• Day 4 – Day trip to Ithaca
• Day 5 – Boat trip to Paliki Peninsula
• Day 7 – Boat trip

The main tour companies offering excursions are:

• From Argostoli/Lassi : see KCG Travel
• From Argostoli/Skala : see Kefalonia Excursions
• From Lassi/Skala/Katelios : see Panem Tours
• From Agia Efimia/Sami/Karavomilos : see Avgerinos Travel Experience

Check the KTEL website for bus timetables.

Some boat trips  are:

• Lady O  
• Fishing Tourism ‘Michalis’

If you’re a total beach hound and just want to fly and flop then stay on the south coast which has sandier beaches and just take one or two excursions. The most beautiful part of Kefalonia is the north but it’s difficult to see the rest of the island from here. For more information on towns and villages see Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide .

NORTH KEFALONIA

The northern tip of Kefalonia is the most attractive part of the island, with pretty villages and jaw-dropping beaches.

• The beautiful village of Assos
• Myrtos beach
• The harbour village of Fiskardo

They are all relatively close together and easily combined into a day trip by car or on an excursion. However, they are not connected by public transport so it’s impossible to see all of them in one day by bus, although you can visit them individually for the day.

Don’t leave Kefalonia without seeing this part of the island. The villages are two remaining examples of Kefalonia’s original architecture with its Venetian influence. Assos is tiny and you probably couldn’t imagine a prettier place if you tried. I like it best at the end of the day when the tour groups have gone – swimming at Assos is a blissful treat, especially when followed by a late afternoon ‘strawbecco’ at Nefeli in the sun.

Fiskardo is handsome and cosmopolitan. It’s the buzziest part of the island, with posh bars and restaurants to match. If you’re driving, it’s worth aiming for Fiskardo before the lunchtime tour groups arrive at 1 pm.

Myrtos beach is just as stunning as all the photos – no wonder it’s generally considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece , with electric blue water and bright white pebbles. It’s busier from midday onwards when the beach is out of shadow and sunbathers decamp here for the day. Myrtos is also west-facing so has spectacular sunsets.

These are some of the main attractions on the island so expect crowds.

ANTISAMOS, MELISSANI AND DROGARATI

Antisamos is the famous ‘Captain Corelli’ beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s a pebble beach though, not sand – and it’s also not quite the untouched paradise from the film though. Expect a beach bar, sunloungers, and watersports in the high summer. It’s still worth a visit if you’re a fan of the film, or of beaches, and you can also walk up to the Acropolis of Ancient Sami if you’re feeling active.

The beach is 10 minutes in the car from the town of Sami, and an hour on foot. There are two other attractions close by – the shimmering Melissani blue cave, and ancient Drogerati Caves, Unfortunately, buses to and from Sami are infrequent, even in high summer. You’re more likely to find a bus excursion or boat trip that includes Melissani as part of its itinerary.

If you’re determined to do this by public transport then it’s better to stay in Sami overnight and budget for a few taxis.

A rental car allows you to also take in the watermills at nearby Karavomilos and dinner at Aghia Efimia.

ARGOSTOLI AND THE SOUTH

The south of Kefalonia has a significantly different landscape and feel. Highlights include:

• Argostoli and its turtles
• Fanari Lighthouse
• Beaches at Lassi, Svoronata, and Pessada

If you can, get to Argostoli before 9 am to see the turtles follow fishermen into the harbour. There are usually conservation volunteers around, happy to chat with the general public and educate about these magnificent creatures. Just opposite the harbour are several great bakeries.

You can take a stroll around the Fanari Peninsula to the lighthouse – it takes around 1 hour and there are a few small pebble coves for a dip if it gets too hot. The end of the walk brings you to the Lassi area where there are plenty of tavernas. Do yourself a favour and have lunch at Kamaroules Stamatelatos near Gradakia beach, a taverna tucked away underneath pines by the shore. There is a lot of mediocre tourist fare in Lassi but this was some of the best food I ate on Kefalonia.

From here Lassi is nearby for a lazy afternoon on the beach – they get sandier the further along you go. If you have a car you can continue past Lassi to quieter beaches at Ammes or Pessada. Gentilini Winery is on the way and offers tasting flights of local Kefalonian varieties as well as bottles to buy for later (bagsy not the designated driver). 

Argostoli is not the most handsome town in Greece. Most of the buildings are modern, having been rebuilt after the devastation of the 1953 earthquake. It’s a town better seen at night than day. During the day it feels sleepy and dusty, but from 8 pm onwards it begins to come alive. There’s a long street of tourist shops and souvenirs, bars and restaurants, and the presence of a superyacht marina nearby ensures a decent calibre of cocktail bars near the waterfront.

DAY TRIP TO ITHACA

Ithaca is Kefalonia’s smaller sister island off its northern coast. As you drive along the coastal road opposite Ithaca it’s clear that they were once part of the same land-mass of green-tipped mountain tops.

It’s definitely worth making the journey over to Ithaca for the day if you have time. It has a similar feel to north Kefalonia with its picturesque villages and dramatic coastline, but minus most of the crowds. It’s not entirely untouristy though – the yachties love it.

For more information see How to Day Trip from Kefalonia to Ithaca .

BEACH HOPPING AROUND SKALA

No trip to a Greek island is complete without some dedicated beach time, so I’m sure you want to know where to find the best beaches. The most dramatic and beautiful are the steep cliff beaches like Myrtos on the north-west coast, however the sandiest beaches are on the east coast around Skala.

Skala is a popular (though laid-back) beach resort town and has a long stretch of rough sand beach. Behind the beach is the main road lined with hotels, beach bars, tavernas, and everything else you need, as well as many tall pines which provide some welcome shade and add a pleasant vibe. You can reach Skala by bus from Argostoli which also stops at some of the smaller resorts. 

There are a few scenic bays along the road to Poros. South of Skala is Kaminia Beach which is quieter, wilder, and less developed thanks to the presence of Caretta Caretta turtles who favour it as a nesting zone.

Back on the road west to Argostoli, you will pass the small beach villages of Katelios and Lourdata and the rocky beach at Pessada. Lourdata is especially worth a beach/swim/eat stop.

LIXOURI AND THE PALIKI PENINSULA

From Argostoli, you can hop on a very frequent ferry across the water to Lixouri, the main town of the Paliki Peninsula. It feels like a mirror image of Argostoli but smaller and less touristy. The crossing is just a couple of euros and the boats leave every 15 minutes or so from the main harbour in Argostoli.

Paliki feels geologically different to the rest of the island and it has some intriguing beaches, the most well-known of which is Xi (pictured below) with its orange clay sand.

Drivers can explore some of the wilder beaches such as Petani, which is similar to Myrtos but less busy, and Platia Ammos (the beach itself is currently closed so you’ll have to make do with the viewpoint).

In high season buses run from Argostoli to Xi. Sometimes you can also find bus tours around the Paliki Peninsula or boat trips from Argostoli which stop at some of the beaches and include a BBQ lunch.

10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Kefalonia

Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Fiskardo, Kefalonia’s Venetian Harbour Village

How to Day Trip from Kefalonia to Ithaca

Kefalonia – 10 Tips from a Local

Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide 

Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Ionian Islands

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 Antisamos © miladavidovic / Adobe Stock

Xi © kwasny221 / Adobe Stock

All other images © The Mediterranean Traveller

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Make memories that last a lifetime

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands with breath-taking views, idyllic beaches and quaint little villages to explore. We fell in love with Kefalonia on our very first visit many years ago and are now extremely fortunate to call the island home. Here at Visit Kefalonia we want you to make the most of your holiday time, so we have created this website with the help of our Facebook group members to ensure you have a memorable stay.

Sheila ”I love Kefalonia for so many reasons. The warmth and hospitality of the Kefalonian people fills my heart with joy. The sheer beauty of the island is breath-taking at times. The food is the best I’ve ever tasted, so fresh and healthy. The lovely warm clean air makes me feel 10 years younger. There’s a laid back friendly atmosphere, wherever you go. The only thing I don’t like, is when I have to leave, I cry every time, heart breaking’ ‘

Joan ”My love for Kefalonia has evolved over the last 5 years, it grew more and more during each holiday. I fell in love with the relaxing, safe, beautiful surroundings and the ambience. I also fell in love with the lovely hospitality of which I/we received, from everyone, everywhere. My health and feeling of wellness whilst there is enhanced by the clean air, beautiful colours, crystal blue sea and the wonderful organic food” 

From tree-lined mountains and undulating valleys, to crystal blue water lapping onto golden sandy beaches, there is always something new to discover on Kefalonia. You will find something to suit all tastes, from energetic & exhilarating adventure activities to hilly walking trails and guided tours by bus, private taxi or boat. You could be adventurous and hire a boat for the day, explore the amazing coastline and discover some of the most beautiful beaches and hidden coves which are only accessible by sea. Should you prefer to explore on land you can hire a car, moped or quad bike; there are some fabulous tavernas and café bars to be found, lose yourselves in paradise.

If you have an interest in historical buildings and old ruins, you will not be disappointed. There are some beautiful monasteries and churches here, far too many to mention but Saint Gerasimos Monastery in the Omala valley is the perhaps the most well known. Close to the monastery is the Robola winery where they produce this famous Kefalonian tipple; pop in to see how everything works and sample this locally produced wine, it goes nicely with a Kefalonia sunset from your balcony. Nearby are what remains of the original village of Valsamata, now known as Palia Valsamata . It was the main settlement in the area at the time of the 1953 earthquake and was all but destroyed, however many of the buildings are remarkably well preserved. The new village of Valsamata was established shortly after and today it thrives with a population in excess of 700.

Patricia ”I fell in love with Kefalonia 15 years ago when I went with a friend. I just had that really strong feeling to go there and it certainly paid off. I love the island, the food and the friendly homely people. I have been back most years with my husband and fortunately he’s hooked on the island too. We personally love Lourdas and have made several Greek friends, and can’t wait to go again”

Elaine ”It had been my dream to visit Kefalonia since watching Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and had the pleasure of visiting 3 years ago, I absolutely fell in love”    Sue   ”My friend and I are hoping to visit sometime this year (2021) because it looks amazing”  

Over the years, like ourselves, more and more couples have followed their dream of getting married abroad. Kefalonia is a very popular wedding location and is one of the most idyllic places to hold your dream wedding. You will be spoiled for choice of planners and venues but whether you choose to have a romantic day for two or a bigger celebration, your wedding planner will ensure that you have the most perfect day ever. If you need help organising any kind of celebration or event, take a look at our list of wedding and event planners , you may well find exactly who you are looking for.

To help you find everything you will need throughout your stay, we have created a FREE to use local business directory . If you own a tourism related business here and would like to be added, please contact us with your details and we will happily include you. We don’t pretend to know everything, so if you have information to share, any suggestions for additional pages or would like to contribute to this website with comments and photos, please contact us on this site or via Facebook messenger .

Eamonn ”we stayed at San Giorgio Hotel in 2019 for the 3rd time. It’s a great hotel, it’s a long way from the main village, but the free bus is great. The food is great, rooms are lovely and staff very helpful. The hotel is set up on a hill so great for views. Make sure that you have one or more meals in the village,  Old Times and Ta Pitharia are excellent. Make sure you call into the bakery opposite the church on the main street, Nikos will look after you. 

Kefalonia has many beautiful beaches, from golden sands to pure white cobblestones and many have been awarded the blue flag for cleanliness. One of the most famous is of course Antisamos beach , Sami. It was the setting of the Hollywood movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Many scenes for this movie were filmed in Sami , on Antisamos beach and the surrounding countryside. Antisamos attracts thousands of visitors each year, it’s white pebbly shoreline, the iridescent blues of the ocean & surrounding greenery are absolutely stunning. Myrtos beach is also famous around the world, it sits at the foot of two mountains. With its 700 metre long arc of dazzling white pebbles it has been described as one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece.

And finally – a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this website so far. The positive response we have received has been overwhelming. It’s been hard work but your genuine positivity regarding what we are trying to achieve makes it all worthwhile. We have been made to feel very welcome since moving here and after such a lousy year, we hope to help local businesses get back to doing what they do best. Of course, after having many holidays here ourselves in the past, we have our own memories and photos to share, but we want the site to be mainly about you, the people who have visited and are still visiting the island and would like to share their experiences with everyone.

“I thought the website would be good. It isn’t, it’s amazing. So well laid out, easy to follow. The text and pictures are all very clear. There is so much information too. I’ve been sitting with a smile on my face looking through the pages, it’s just beautiful to look at. I’ve seen and learned at lot in my first 10 minutes review”. Well done, very very VERY impressed. Congratulations – by  Eamonn Harvey

“What a great site!! Lots of hard work, ideas and perseverance gone into this and it's still expanding. Everyone, businesses, tourists and local people, can most definitely benefit from it. Thankyou for your time and tireless care and dedication in promoting Kefalonia - by Joan Marfleet

“A fantastic web directory of Kefalonia for those who are looking for several services on the island such as restaurants, transportation, activities.... !"– by Dimo Fanis

"Great website focusing on the whole of Kefalonia, the go-to site for visitors to the island. Well done to all concerned... Your format is spot on.... Its a refreshing change to know that members of this site actually explore the island, and if asked, can comment on their own experiences! Thank you" - by Neil Threadgold

"Just checked the website, very informative, nice work. I'll definitely save it on my browser for my next trip in July" - by Manuel Deimudder

"So excited for this launch. It really is the one stop shop for anything you need to know about this amazing Island" - by Angie Mass

"Bravo, lots of hard work which has paid off ....all the very best to you both xx" - by Donna Palimeri

"Indeed it’s a great job and it will be very good for Kefalonia in general ...thank you" - by Antonia Vassiliou

"Wowie, looks beautiful. I have something to do this Easter weekend!! Discovering Kefalonia but in a different way" - by Marian Abel Krootjes

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Moscow metro to be more tourist-friendly

A new floor sign system at the Moscow metro's Pushkinskaya station. Source: Vladimir Pesnya / RIA Novosti

For many years now, Moscow has lagged behind St. Petersburg when it comes to making life easy for tourists, especially where getting around the city is concerned. Whereas the northern capital installed English-language maps, signs and information points throughout its subway system in the late 2000s, the Russian capital’s metro remained a serious challenge for foreign visitors to navigate.

Recent visitors to Moscow may have noticed some signs that change is afoot, however. In many stations of the Moscow subway, signs have appeared on the floor – with large lettering in Russian and English – indicating the direction to follow in order to change lines. Previously, foreign visitors using the Moscow metro had to rely solely upon deciphering the Russian-language signs hanging from the ceilings.

Student volunteers help tourists find their way in Moscow

However, this new solution has a significant drawback. “The floor navigation is visible only to a small stream of people – fewer than three people per meter. During peak hours, this navigation will simply not be noticed,” said Konstantin Trofimenko, Director of the Center for Urban Transportation Studies.

One of the biggest problems for tourists in the Russian capital remains the absence of English translations of the names of subway stations in the station vestibules and on platforms. The Department of Transportation in Moscow has not commented yet as to when this problem will be solved. However, Latin transliterations of station names can already be found in the subway cars themselves.

Finding the right exit

At four of the central stations – Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii, Lubyanka and Kuznetsky Most – the city authorities have now installed colorful stands at the exits with schematic diagrams of the station’s concourse and surrounding area, which provide information about the main attractions and infrastructural facilities.

The schematic diagrams are the work of British specialists from the City ID and Billings Jackson Design firms, who have already implemented successful projects in New York and London.

According to Alexei Novichkov, expert at the Design Laboratory at the Higher School of Economics, the design of these information booths raises no objections: The color solutions, font, layout and icons are consistent with international standards.

However, the stands do have some shortcomings. “Many questions are raised about the fact that the developers of these maps did not apply orientation to the north, and have provided layouts of the surrounding areas with respect to the exits,” says Novichkov. “A system like that is used for road navigators, but most of the ‘paper’ guides and maps are oriented strictly to north. The subway map is also oriented to north, so people may become confused.”

Muscovites and foreign visitors are generally positive about these navigation elements, with most of them citing the numbered exits from the subway as the most useful feature.

The fact is that many Moscow subway stations have several exits. One of the busiest central stations of the Moscow subway in particular, Kitay-Gorod, has more than a dozen exits. Previously, these exits were differentiated from each other only with signs in Russian referring to the names of streets and places of interest to which they led – making it easy for tourists and those with poor navigation skills to get confused.

Now, when making an appointment to meet a friend, instead of struggling to find the right spot when they tell you: “I'll meet you at the exit to Solyanka Street,” you can just propose to meet under a specific exit number.

“I’ve lived in Moscow for seven years,” says Angelika, a designer from Voronezh, “but I still don’t always know where to go to find the place I need, so the new schematic diagrams will be very useful. Previously, some subway stations had maps, but not with so much detail.”

Teething problems

Foreigners, meanwhile, focus their attention on other elements. “It is good that the new information boards have QR-codes, which can be ‘read’ by smartphones,” says Florentina, a writer from Vienna. But there are also shortcomings. “The English font of the information on posters and in the captions to theaters and museums is too small – you have to come very close to see it well,” she says.

Pleasant encounters on the streets of Moscow

Florentina was also dissatisfied with the fact that such posters are not provided at all subway stations: “When I was trying to find Tsaritsyno Park (a museum and reserve in the south of Moscow) at a subway station with the same name, it turned out to be quite difficult,” she says.

“There are no maps with landmarks for other areas, such as those already in the city center. There were no clear pointers in the English language, and the passers-by I met did not speak in English, so they could not help me,” she adds.

Officials say that the navigation system is gradually being redeveloped and improved. According to Darya Chuvasheva, a press representative for the Department of Transport of Moscow, the introduction of a unified navigation system will take place in stages.

“By the end of 2014, the system will first appear on the first subway stations on the Circle Line. By the end of 2015, we plan to install the system at all major stopping points, subway stations and transport interchange hubs,” says Chuvasheva.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Tourist Information Center Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Orekhovo-Zuevo

Hotels near tourist information center orekhovo-zuyevo, property types, distance from, traveler rating.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
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1. Pokrovskiy Medved

2. Busel Club-Hotel

3. Apelsin Hotel

4. yesenin hotel, 5. hotel berezhki hall, 6. kalipso hotel, 7. areal congress hotel, 8. shaturaholl, 9. apart hotel yantar, 10. wesendorf hotel in ramenskoye, 11. continent hotel, 12. yakor hotel, 13. country club zolotye karasi, 14. park hotel bogorodsk, 15. hotel edem, 16. artiland, 17. piccadilly, 18. yakhonty noginsk, 19. park hotel rayki, 20. business-hotel voskresensk, 21. vorkug sveta hotel, 23. hotel a108 voskresensk, 24. 3a balashikha, 25. kupavna hotel, 26. voskresensk hotel, 27. hotel kornilov, 28. novokosino hotel, 29. sosnovy bor park hotel, 30. kamelot, hotels near tourist information center orekhovo-zuyevo information.