Kefalonia (Kefallinia or Cephallonia) is an idyllic Greek island situated within the Ionian Sea. Identified for its numerous magnificence and breathtaking seashores, a go to right here appears like dwelling in paradise. It’s really the most important islet within the space, marked by towering mountain peaks, cerulean waters, and historic cities.
It’s well-known each for its wine and laid-back pleasant really feel. With a lot to see and do right here, you’ll wish to learn up on all the perfect spots for any itinerary with this checklist of the greatest issues to do in Kefalonia, Greece.
The place is Kefalonia?
Earlier than we dig into the perfect issues to do in Kefalonia, let’s pinpoint location! Kefalonia, is a big Ionian Island and a preferred vacation spot for summer season vacationers to Greece. It’s near different islands like Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca. Like the opposite Ionian Islands Kefalonia is blessed with lush forests, dizzying mountains, and dramatic cliff drops that lead straight into the fantastic blue sea.
The principle airport, Kefalonia Worldwide Airport is situated close to Argostoli and Lassi, and is a small island airport. There are flights to Italy, Athens, the UK, and loads of locations round Europe.
Finest Issues to do in Kefalonia
1. Mount Aenos
Mount Aenos is the tallest mountain on the entire island at over 5,000 toes excessive. There’s a nationwide park round it that provides a number of totally different hikes on round trails all with totally different ranges of issue.
The sweeping panoramas from the highest stretch over the island uninterrupted so far as the attention can see and are nicely price any climb. Black pine and Greek fir forests cowl the aspect.
The summit is known as Mega Soros and it’s simply the preferred viewpoint to take pleasure in right here. We like to pack a picnic and spend the day right here absorbing all of the surroundings and sunshine.
2. Antisamos Seaside
One in every of Kefalonia’s greatest attracts is its assortment of pristine shores to discover. Antisamos Seaside is definitely a favourite cove on the island, and top-of-the-line seashores in Greece. It’s surrounded by excessive forested hills and as an alternative of sand it’s coated in small white pebbles.
The water right here is crystal clear, making it the proper candidate for some snorkeling. It’s well-known for showing within the acclaimed movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. There are a number of bars the place you may seize a drink and a chunk in addition to a few loungers to lease for final consolation whereas sunbathing.
3. Melissani Cave
Melissani Cave will be the islands best pure marvel and top-of-the-line issues to do in Kefalonia. Right here you’ll discover a putting azure lake beneath tall cavern partitions. There’s a gap on the prime the place the solar can shine onto the glowing floor.
You possibly can take a guided boat tour to stand up near the numerous geological marvels inside like stalactites. It’s greatest to go at noon for the proper photograph ops, and it’s onerous to not wish to snap 1,000,000 pics right here. It might get busy with different vacationers however it’s nicely price a brief wait or full boat to expertise this magnificent gem.
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4. Makris Gialos Seaside
Makris Gialos seashore is most recognized for its luxurious consolation, cleanliness, and group. Whereas it lacks among the rugged fantastic thing about different Kefalonia seashores, it makes up for it with handy facilities.
It has a vacationer resort type of vibe and is well accessible. You’ll be capable to take pleasure in scrumptious meals and drinks delivered proper to your solar lounger from any of the refined seashore bars on the golden sandy shore right here.
There’s additionally a variety of water sports activities that you may check out on the crystal-clear seas reminiscent of kayaking. The calm and heat waves make it superb for swimming as nicely.
5. Agios Georgios Fort
Set simply Southeast of Argostoli, is the spectacular property referred to as Agios Georgios Fort. These romantic ruins had been based by the Byzantines manner again within the twelfth century. A lot of the remaining structure is from when it was a Venetian stronghold within the sixteenth century.
It was even the capital of Kefalonia till the mid-1700s. You possibly can discover historical citadels and Medieval church buildings all whereas having fun with gorgeous vistas of each the distant mountains and huge ocean.
6. Drogarati Cave
The Drogarati Cave was first found within the early 1700s after an earthquake made it seen for the primary time. It’s recognized for the unusual rock formations yow will discover deep down throughout the cavern, reminiscent of each stalactites and stalagmites, that are fashioned over the course of thousands and thousands of years.
The Chamber of Exaltation is the declare to fame of this pure marvel each for its sheer measurement and its spectacular acoustics. It’s additionally an effective way to flee the Greek warmth and funky down a little bit, particularly in the summertime months.
7. Petani Seaside
Petani is an undisturbed slice of paradise alongside the west coast of the island. It affords a extra rugged and actual seashore expertise, full with clear turquoise waters and a pebbly shore. It’s additionally encircled by dramatic limestone cliffs, giving it a distant and secluded setting.
Verify how uneven the surf is earlier than leaping in, the waves can get tremendous huge right here. Although on a relaxed day, it’s superb for a refreshing dip. There are a number of solar decks and umbrellas to calm down below right here, in addition to parking areas and restroom amenities.
8. Myrtos Seaside
One other scenic stretch of shoreline in Kefalonia is Myrtos Seaside. Heading right here is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Kefalonia. It might look acquainted because it’s one of the photographed spots in all of Greece, although photos can’t absolutely seize the putting fantastic thing about this seashore.
It’s set between two towering mountain sides and the shimmering blue of the ocean is mesmerizing. It’s about half a mile lengthy and as an alternative of sand you’ll see marbled pebbles. There are solar loungers to lease and relaxation on.
Be sure you cease on the viewpoint up prime earlier than heading all the way down to the precise seashore for jaw dropping vistas.
9. Assos
Assos is probably going probably the most charming little village on the island. It’s situated on the hillsides of a pure harbor and surrounded by vibrant greenery. There are solely about 100 inhabitants dwelling on this tiny borough.
Pastel coloured homes line the waterfront, together with a smattering of cute bars, taverns, and cafes. The views from the highest of the city are beautiful and wandering the winding streets here’s a pretty method to spend a day in Kefalonia.
10. Day Journey to Ithaca
Ithaca is one other small island that’s solely a brief distance away from the coasts of Kefalonia. It’s simple to get an inexpensive ferry from Sami to take you up near this sea surrounded treasure, making it the proper day journey. Right here there are two peninsulas related solely by an isthmus.
The principle port, known as Vathy, has smaller boats that you may lease to discover the cove-filled shoreline. Onshore, you may hike to the highest of a number of of the peaks right here, reminiscent of Pernarakia or Kathara, and take pleasure in breathtaking panoramas searching over Kefalonia and past. Our favourite city in Ithaka is Kioni, and we extremely advocate visiting because it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Ithaca.
Ithaca can also be legendary for being the legendary residence of Odysseus as nicely. Speak about epic!
11. Sami
Talking of Sami, this city is price a go to whether or not you’re in want of a ferry or not. It’s situated on the Jap aspect of the island and is pretty giant in measurement in comparison with among the different villages in Kefalonia.
We like to wander the historic port right here and luxuriate in a leisurely lunch at one of many charming eating places or taverns. The Venetian structure alongside the scenic oceanfront is just marvelous. You possibly can even go to the acropolis set simply behind Sami and be taught extra concerning the wealthy historical past of the area.
12. Argostoli
Argostoli is the most important city in and the capital of Kefalonia. The harbor is all the time a bustling and picturesque scene, particularly at dawn when the fishing boats are all coming in with their contemporary catch. The promenade is a phenomenal method to take pleasure in a waterfront stroll at any time of day as nicely.
Typically you may even spot sea turtles within the waves right here! Cine Anny can also be on this metropolis, an open-air cinema that’s a lot enjoyable to catch a flick at. The Argostoli Archeology Museum all the time makes for an academic and fascinating expertise as nicely. It’s such an awesome place to buy regionally made merchandise too.
13. Fteri Seaside
Fteri is likely one of the extra wild and unique seashores on this Greek isle. It boasts all of the trademark fantastic thing about the Kefalonia shores: white pebbles, crystalline waters, lush greenery, and limestone peaks.
It’s one of the undisturbed areas on the island, and as such is taken into account probably the most idyllic. Since there’s no precise highway that may entry it, you’ll must stroll the scenic mountain path to reach or take a taxi boat from Agia Kyriaki. As a extra distant seashore, you’ll must deliver all your personal provides with you to this one too.
14. Fiscardo
Additionally known as Foki Seaside, Fiscardo is a picture-perfect cove and a historic fishing village in Kefalonia. It’s a small little bit of shoreline with loads of pure shade, which actually turns out to be useful for the reason that solar can get so sturdy.
It’s the northernmost port on the island and a pleasant spot to look at the boats go out and in. The glassy waterfront is lined with bakeries, cafes, taverns, and artwork outlets. It appears like a visit again in time with lots of the unique houses and impartial shops from even earlier than the notorious 1953 earthquake that nearly leveled the complete island.
15. De Bosset Bridge
De Bosset, often known as Deprano, is the longest stone bridge that’s been constructed over the ocean in the complete world! It’s nicely price seeing and having fun with a calming stroll alongside as nicely.
It was first constructed within the early 1800s to make villages across the bay extra accessible. Either side boast spectacular views out over the glowing lagoon waters. It’s an particularly common spot for sundown and there are sometimes sea creatures like turtles that you may see as nicely so maintain your eyes peeled.
16. Skala Seaside
Skala is likely one of the longer sandy seashores situated on the southern finish of the island. It’s recognized for having clear blue waters out in entrance and dense inexperienced hills behind. Snorkeling here’s a favourite pastime and there’s loads of fish to seek out.
Many additionally head out on the open waters to discover hidden ocean caves on a ship tour from this shore. It’s stuffed with seashore bars and wonderful eateries, so it’s simple to spend an entire day right here.
17. Vineyard Tour
Kefalonia is known for its wine! You gained’t wish to depart this island with out not less than attempting it. The custom of crafting this grape-based drink is claimed so far all the way in which again to the Neolithic period.
Robalo is a white wine with notes of fruit and honey that’s coveted all world wide and made completely on this island. There are a number of vineyards the place you may tour and style this native nectar. Try Orealios, Gentilini, Sclavos, or Haritatos wineries whereas right here.
18. Katavothres
The Katavothres, or sinkholes, of Kefalonia are a geological marvel that may’t even be absolutely defined to this present day! It’s a novel website not like every other. It’s thought that they’re an advanced collection of underground caves and passageways beneath the island.
The nice and cozy ocean waters rush onto shore by way of the rocks and easily disappear. They find yourself within the majestic Melissani Lake earlier than returning to again the ocean. The ability of the ocean right here was as soon as used as free electrical energy for mills and the enormous wheel constructed to harness it may possibly nonetheless be seen.
19. Karavomilos
Karavomilos is an astonishing and enchanting physique of water that can also be extraordinarily distinctive. It’s situated within the west a part of Sami and was initially just a bit fishing village.
At the moment, the lake is made up of 99% contemporary water, regardless of being solely fed by the katavothres. Inside native lore it’s shrouded in legend and thriller which makes it all of the extra alluring in the event you ask us. It’s also possible to see so many species of geese dwelling right here!
20. Xi Seaside
Xi Seaside is known as for its distinctive X form. Its purple coloured sand additionally helps it to face out and it’s one of the common coves on the island for locals and guests alike. The waters are extra shallow so usually households with youthful youngsters will go because it’s simpler for them to swim.
White clay cliffs are throughout this scenic shoreline. It’s even conventional to rub the clay in your physique after which rinse it within the sea. It’s mentioned to be good in your pores and skin and appears like such a enjoyable DIY spa expertise.
Finest Eating places in Kefalonia
- Captain Nikolas (Paliki): The most effective issues to do in Kefalonia is eat at a Conventional Greek Taverna. Captain Nikolas is likely one of the best-reviewed eating places on the island and for good purpose!
- Olive Lounge Bar & Restaurant: Superb view paired with tantalizing meals. A number of the greatest one can find on Kefalonia – reservations really useful.
- Esperides Restaurant: Stunning setting with an awesome wine checklist!
How one can Get Round Kefalonia
One of the best ways to get round Kefalonia is with a rental automotive. The island is fairly giant and if you wish to get to all these Kefalonia points of interest it’s best to have a automotive. We sometimes lease a automotive on each Greek island we go to.
Expertise driving in Greece is useful, as I can nearly assure the roads on the Ionian Islands are nothing like driving again the place you’re from. Roads are winding and infrequently dilapidated. You possibly can see our suggestions for renting a automotive in Greece right here.
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When is the Finest Time to Go to Kefalonia?
One of the best time to go to Kefalonia and the Greek Islands, usually, is in Might and September when the climate is sunny and gentle, however summer season tourism shouldn’t be at it’s peak. June, July, and August are the busiest months on the Ionian Islands and is when one can find larger costs and loads of individuals.
My favourite time to go to Greece is all the time September. Come October issues will begin to be winding down for the season and by November many eating places and companies will shut till April when it’s excessive season once more.
When is the Finest Time To Go to Greece?
How one can Get Across the Greek Islands
Kefalonia Worldwide Airport is one of the best ways to entry the island. It’s nicely related to many main locations round Europe like Vienna and Berlin. It’s additionally attainable to attach Kefalonia by way of ferry to different Ionian Islands like Corfu, Zakynthos, and Ithaki. There may be additionally semi-regular service to Bari (Italy). We advocate checking schedules on Ferry Hopper.
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