Things to Do
Cave Melissani
The Cave Lake of Melissani is located just 3 km away from Sami, close to Karavomilos village. Visitors enter the cave through an underground path, and they can step into a boat to tour the cave. Archaeological excavations have found exhibits from the 4th and the 3rd century BC.
Drogarati Cave
About 5 km to the south of Sami, there is this large stalagmitic cavern of rare beauty, estimated to be 150 million years old. It is also known as the Concert Cave, due to its large chamber found 150 feet below ground level that has exceptionally good acoustics and room for 500 people.
Swim Swim Swim
One of the strongest assets of Kefalonia is its azure waters, with golden sand or white pebble beaches. No matter how many days you will stay in Kefalonia, every day you have the option to visit a different beach. We suggest only a few of the many.
Myrtos Beach. One of the most photographed beaches in all of Greece is in Kefalonia. On the island’s northwest coast, near Assos, Myrtos is beautiful. The two-kilometer-long beach is backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and fringes an amazing turquoise-blue sea. It’s made of smooth white pebbles that, from afar, resemble sand. The view from the road above is stunning.
Antisamos Beach. In a deep, curving bay on the east coast, three kilometers from the port town of Sami, Antisamos is one of the most popular beaches on Kefalonia. Like Myrtos Beach, it is made up of white pebbles and backed by hills planted with pine woods. It has limited facilities with just a taverna plus sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire. The sea is warm and clear and ideal for snorkeling, and the beach scenes in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin were filmed here.
Petani Beach. To get down to this beach on the eastern Paliki Peninsula you have to brave a white-knuckle ride of eight hairpin turns. But you’ll know you made the right choice as soon as you step onto the beach and witness the epic limestone cliffs encircling it. These are coated with dark green garrigue, which descends to the beach in columns creating a spectacular stripe effect. The surface of the beach is white sand and gravel, giving the sea a luminescent quality by the shore.
Makris & Platis Gialos Beach. It’s the kind of place where you won’t have to lift a finger to get drinks and food at your sun lounger, but there’s also space to the west for people who prefer to lie on their towels. It is located 3 km south of Argostoli, and it is popular for its shiny golden sand, azure, and clean waters. And despite being a touristy beach, there are only a few isolated buildings on the shore between the rocks and pine trees. Makris Gialos has a designated area for beach games, as well as a watersports centre to get the adrenaline pumping.
Ai Helis Beach. Ai Helis is located in the southwest part of Kefalonia, 11 km from Argostoli and close to the village of Svoronata. The beach consists of nice sand, crystalline and shallow waters which makes an ideal environment for children. It is surrounded on both sides by towering rocks and enchanting, lush greenery that create a beautiful atmosphere. It is considered quite suitable for water sports activities. The beach offers two volley courts and is much preferred by the beach volley fans.
Lourdas Beach. Lourdas is a quaint coastal settlement located 16.7 km southeast of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. The settlement stands on the hillside overlooking the blue sea. It is quite popular for its well-organized beach where many visitors enjoy a refreshing swim, right after their arrival to the village. The beach is surrounded by a green landscape with thick vegetation and beautiful waterfalls running through the mountains. The combination of the crystalline waters and stunning mountain backdrop of Mount Aenos provides a dream scenery that captivates all visitors. The beach is covered with white sand and two rows of sunbeds and colorful umbrellas.
A day at the Museum
Kefalonia is also rich in culture and history and with its many museums, it can satisfy every wish.
Archaeological Museum. This museum houses various findings from the prehistoric, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. The best part of the collection is from the Mycenaean period and consists of coins, swords, sculptures, ceramics, and tools.
Natural History Museum. Established by the Society for the Protection of the Environment of the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca, the Natural History Museum is in the village of Davgata, north of Argostoli. This museum was founded to introduce the natural environment of Kefalonia and Ithaca to the people and to protect it.
Nautical Museum. The Nautical and Environmental Museum of Fiscardo is run by a non-profit organization and aims to promote public sensitivity for marine life and environmental protection. The museum is housed in the former primary school of Fiscardo.
Historical & Folk-Art Museum. This interesting museum is housed on the ground floor of the Corgialenion Library, in the capital of Kefalonia. It has been founded to preserve the memories of Kefalonia before the earthquake of 1953.
Municipal Theatre. The Municipal Theatre of Kefalonia is one of the largest and oldest in Greece. It distinguishes for its Neoclassical architecture and the big yard in front. Inaugurated in 1858, this theatre is located just opposite the archaeological museum in Argostoli.
Iakovatios Library. The Iakovatios Museum and Library is housed in the remarkable Neoclassical house of Iakovatios-Typaldos in Lixouri. It houses many rare books and manuscripts, while the decoration is impressive.
Hiking, Biking, & Birdwatching in Aenos National Park
In the south of the island, the summit of Mount Aenos is the highest point in Kefalonia and rises 1,628 meters in elevation inside a national park. The upper altitudes are covered in dense pine forests of the species Abies cephalonica (Kefallonian fir), which is endemic to Greece and has remained exceptionally pure here due to the isolation of the island. The national park is ideal for hiking and mountain biking, and birdwatchers might spot woodpeckers, eagles, vultures, and hawks.
Boat Excursions
One of the favorite things to do in Kefalonia is to book a boat tour around the island for a half or full day. From deserted beaches to hidden coves, the island is filled with beautiful spots that will take your breath away. There are numerous companies offering tour options, from glass-bottom boat excursions and full-day beach and village tours to snorkeling or scuba diving adventures. For diving, popular spots include Temple Cave, the Blue Lagoon, and the WWII shipwreck dive to see the Ardenia, which hailed from Italy.
