Kefalonia Travel Guide: Tips, places to visit, beaches

You are certainly familiar with the Greek islands such as Rhodes, Corfu and Co., but do you already know Kefalonia? / Kefalonia Travel Guide

The largest of the Ionian Islands is currently still a little insider tip among Greece lovers and attracts with fantastic beaches, bays, rough landscapes, impressive places and other Kefalonia sights.

If you want to enjoy the Greek flair far away from mass tourism, you can experience a relaxing holiday by the sea on the island and discover caves, lagoons and much more on discovery tours. A direct flight from Germany takes you to Kefalonia in no time at all.

In this article you will find out which highlights you should not miss when you visit the beautiful island. You can read more about how to get here, the landscape, the best time to travel and other information in our Kefalonia tips.

1. Melissani Cave

The first Kefalonia sights looks really magical and beautiful. This is the Melissani cave, in which there is an underground lake and provides a unique natural spectacle.

This lake is around 36 meters deep at its deepest point, but only 160 meters long and 45 meters wide and therefore not particularly large. With one of the rowing boats you can drift across the lake on a short tour and admire the spectacular scenery of the lake and the stalactite cave from up close.

A visit at lunchtime is particularly worthwhile, because when the sun is at its highest point here, the turquoise and crystal-clear water glitters beautifully and provides a unique experience. Including the boat trip, entry to the cave costs €7 for adults.

Due to the high walls of the cave, which only allow a glimpse of the sky, one feels cut off from the rest of the world on the lake. However, this attraction is now very popular, so you will most likely not be alone here.

In ancient times, the grotto is said to have been a place of worship for the god Pan, as indicated by some archaeological finds exhibited in the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli. Today the Melissani Cave is one of the most popular destinations on Kefalonia.

2. Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is definitely at the top of my list of things to do in Kefalonia. Beach lovers will get their money’s worth here.

The bay enchants with high cliffs that are overgrown with greenery, as well as crystal clear water and a white pebble beach. No wonder the beach is so popular and well frequented. Due to its length of almost one kilometer, this is usually not a problem at all, everyone should find their place here.

Myrtos Beach can be reached both by bus and by car, and there is a parking lot for visitors not far away. You will also find sanitary facilities, loungers and parasols on site.

The blue flag waving on the beach indicates the good water quality. Those who are in Kefalonia in August should not miss the concert on the beach, which takes place here once a year under the full moon.

Myrtos Beach is not only the most beautiful on the island, but is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and has already received several awards.

3. Drogarati Stalactite Cave

Just a few kilometers away from Lake Melissani there is another well-known cave, namely the Drogarati stalactite cave. It is the largest of the many caves on the island and should definitely be on your Kefalonia must-see list.

The cave was only discovered 300 years ago after an earthquake collapsed and exposed the entrance. According to estimates, however, it is already over 150 million years old.

You go down a staircase and first come to a large room or the hall of the cave and can then admire the impressive stalagmites and stalactites from the top. Afterwards you can explore the corridors of the cave on your own in the long labyrinth.

The cave attracts visitors not only because of its appearance, but also because of the fantastic acoustics. Concerts are therefore occasionally given here, for example by Greek opera singers.

If the weather is bad, you can explore the stalactite cave almost 60 meters below ground, but a visit is also highly recommended. Children in particular get their money’s worth here and will be amazed by the magical sight of the cool cave.

4. Village of Assos

Not to be missed among the Kefalonia sights is the small and charming fishing village of Assos, named after Asos. In the northwest of Kefalonia lies the beautiful village on a narrow strip of land that connects the island with the peninsula of Erisos and is considered by many to be the most beautiful place on the island.

But the scenery is also really magical, at the small harbor there are colorful houses surrounded by a beautiful bay. It’s more quiet here, you can relax on the beach or have some delicious food in a tavern.

In a short time you can explore the small village. Besides the beautiful colorful houses, you will also come across a few dilapidated and abandoned houses that were destroyed in the 1953 earthquake.

However, a large part was rebuilt at that time, so that hardly any change is visible. Also worth seeing here is the Assos Castle, which is located on the Erisos Peninsula, on a mountain surrounded by trees.

The 16th-century Venetian fortress is one of the largest castles in Greece. Once at the top you get a great view over the village and the sea.

5. Mount Enos

A trip to Mount Enos is worthwhile for all active vacationers who would like to do some sport during their vacation. At 1628 meters, the highest mountain on the island invites you to go hiking and take a trip into nature.

The mountain is a national park and nature reserve because it is home to the rare Kefalonian fir tree, found only in Greece. The fir trees are very dark, which is why the mountain is also nicknamed Monte Nero (black mountain).

On the way up, it goes through dense pine forests and varied landscapes, until you are finally rewarded with a fantastic view over the island at the top of the mountain. In good weather you can even see the neighboring islands of Ithaca, Zakynthos and Lefkada.

Ambitious hikers manage the ascent and descent from the entrance of the national park to the summit in about 4 hours. However, if you prefer to be on the road a little shorter, you can drive to the old radio station, from there you can get there in just under 1.5 hours.

But beware! According to legend, a man-eating winged dragon once lived here. However, this one is said to have been killed in front of Agios Nikolaos Church on St. Nicholas Day, so you are unlikely to come across this beast.

However, it is a little more likely that with a bit of luck you will be able to discover the beautiful wild horses of Kefalonia on your ascent in the Enos National Park.

6. Argostoli

As on every Greek island, a visit to the beautiful capital of Kefalonia is also worthwhile. Argostoli has a lot to offer and is a great day trip if you haven’t already stayed the night.

The Lithostroto street, for example, invites you to stroll and stroll, on the Hafenstraße and on the Platia Vallianou there are some great restaurants and cafés for the evening. There is also a lot to see for culture lovers.

In addition to imposing churches such as the Agios Spiridon Church, there are also interesting museums such as the Archaeological Museum, and the Korgialenios Library is also worth a visit.

If you’re strolling along the Argostoli waterfront, keep your eyes peeled, because if you’re lucky you might spot cute sea turtles here. The ferries also stop here at the port, and the island’s airport is not far away either. Perfect to start your holiday straight away.

The De Bosset Bridge is also particularly well-known here. The almost 700 meter long stone bridge is the longest sea bridge made of stone and has also made it into the Guinness Book of Records.

It connects the capital with Drapano via the Bay of Argostoli and is open to pedestrians. Here you can stroll relaxedly over the bridge by the sea, enjoy the view and take beautiful photos of the city.

Another attraction in Argostoli is the lighthouse Agios Theodoros. This is located north of the center of the capital and was built in 1829. A walk along the coast takes you to the popular photo motif.

7. Fiscardo

The small fishing village of Fiskardo is surrounded by forests in the north of Kefalonia and, with its almost 200 inhabitants, is quite manageable. Nevertheless, the port has long been one of the sights of Kefalonia.

The village is one of the few Kefalonias that was spared from the 1953 earthquake. As a result, the original houses are still standing here. The beautiful architecture with the charming colorful houses now attracts numerous visitors.

The small town invites you to drift through the alleys of the colorful houses, browse in one of the shops or watch what’s going on in one of the restaurants at the harbor. And who knows, maybe one or the other celebrity will show up, because they like to dock here with their yachts.

Also worth seeing are the lighthouse of Fiskardo, the sea museum and the church. Beautiful beaches are also waiting to be discovered. Here in Fiskardo you can spend a relaxing time in very idyllic surroundings.

8. Monastery of Agios Gerasimos

Monasteries can be found on every corner and on every island in Greece, including Kefalonia, due to the beliefs that are important to the Greeks. The monastery of Agios Gerasimos is one of the most famous and important on the island.

It is named after the patron saint of Kefalonia, Saint Gerasimos, who founded the monastery in the mid-16th century. To this day there is a tomb with his remains.

The monastery is located at the foot of Mount Aenos surrounded by vineyards 11 km from the island’s capital, Argostoli. Annually, many believers make a pilgrimage to the site to honor the saint.

This happens especially on August 16th and October 20th, when there is a procession where the relics are carried to a plane tree near the church, which he is said to have planted himself.

But as befits a Greek island, there are of course numerous other monasteries. Other beautiful ones on Kefalonia are, for example, the monastery of Agios Andreas Milapidios, the monastery of Kipouria, the monastery of Sissia or the monastery of Agrillion.

9. Beaches on Kefalonia

In addition to Myrtos Beach, there are of course many other fantastic beaches on Kefalonia that are waiting for your visit. At the top of the list here is Petani Beach on the Paliki Peninsula.

The “little brother of Myrtos Beach” invites you to relax in the sun with its white rocks, the green landscape and the crystal-clear water. Assos Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches on Kefalonia.

This is located in the picturesque village of the same name and offers a great view of the charming colorful houses while bathing in the beautiful water. Afterwards, the surrounding restaurants invite you for a refreshment with a view of the sea.

Saint Friday Beach is a little hidden gem, the bay offers a quiet place to relax. The beautiful Antisamos Beach, which scores with its cleanliness and shallow water, is suitable for families and water sports enthusiasts.

Xi Beach is also very special, because the beach on the Paliki peninsula is known for its red sand. Last but not least, a visit to the Skala Beach in the town of the same name is also worthwhile.

10. Neighboring island of Ithaca

Would you like a bit of island hopping? The islands of Ithaca, Zakynthos and Lefkada, for example, are ideal for this near Kefalonia.

The small neighboring island of Ithaca is particularly suitable for a day trip, as it is very close to Kefalonia and you can be there in no time at all. Ithaca, also called Ithaki in Greek, is located northeast of Kefalonia and is only around 96 km² in size.

The island attracts with untouched nature and its dreamlike, quiet beaches and bays. Some of these bays can only be visited from the water, which is why the island is particularly popular with sailors.

In addition, one has mostly peace and quiet here, one looks in vain for crowds of tourists. Perfect for a little break.

The island is also known as the home island of Odysseus, who was immortalized here in the form of a bust on the square in the center of the main town of Ithaki.