7 fun things to do in Kefalonia

Kefalonia: the green paradise of the Ionian Islands

Kefalonia is a beautiful, green island in Greece that is still relatively undiscovered and not overrun with tourists. The island is one of the famous Ionian Islands, which also include popular destinations such as Zakynthos, Lefkada and Corfu. Kefalonia is known for its breathtaking nature, hidden bays and charming villages. In this blog we share the most beautiful highlights of Kefalonia, so you can make the most of this unique holiday destination.

How to get to Kefalonia? Flights, ferries and getting around the island

From Amsterdam Schiphol you can fly direct to the Greek island of Kefalonia with airlines such as Transavia (every Tuesday and Friday) and easyJet (every Wednesday). Besides flying, you can also travel to Kefalonia by boat from nearby islands such as Zakynthos and Lefkada, or from the Greek mainland.

Once on Kefalonia, you can use the local bus services, which connect a few popular destinations on the island. For maximum freedom and flexibility, however, we recommend renting a car. That way you can discover all the hidden beaches, charming villages and sights of Kefalonia at your own pace. Rent your car through Sunny Cars or DiscoverCars, for example, so you are well insured straight away and can enjoy your holiday on this beautiful Greek island without worries.

What to see in Kefalonia?

#1 Visit the charming capital Argostoli

Argostoli, the lively capital of Kefalonia, is an ideal place to explore during your island trip. This compact town invites you to wander around at a leisurely pace and soak up the authentic atmosphere of Greek island life. One of the highlights of Argostoli is the characteristic footbridge that connects the town with the other side of the bay.

Every morning between 06:00 and 07:00 you can witness a special natural phenomenon in the harbour of Argostoli. The fishermen return from their night of fishing and clean the fish straight away, after which the fresh fish is sold immediately. The leftover fish scraps are thrown back into the sea, which creates a unique attraction: curious loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) come here to collect their breakfast. We could have watched this spectacle all day. It is truly special to see!

#2 Enjoy a breathtaking sunset at a pool bar in Lassi

Just a 5-minute drive from Argostoli lies the popular resort of Lassi, a tourist hotspot on Kefalonia. In Lassi you will find a wide range of pleasant accommodations, atmospheric restaurants, cosy cafés and charming little shops.

On top of a hill in Lassi is the lovely pool bar Logos Grand View, an absolute must during your visit to Kefalonia. You can hardly miss this bar thanks to the big letters L O G O S placed on the hill, a striking landmark that immediately sparks your curiosity. Here you can use the pool and the comfortable sunbeds for free. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a refreshing cocktail and watch a spectacular sunset with panoramic views over the azure Ionian Sea.

#3 Visit one of the unique wineries

In the fertile east of Kefalonia you will find several special wineries, thanks to the ideal soil and favourable climate. Kefalonia is known for the unique Robola grape, which grows nowhere else in the world. For wine lovers, tasting a local wine made from the Robola grape is an absolute must during your trip.

Not far from the resort of Lassi lies the atmospheric Gentilini Winery & Vineyards, one of the best places on Kefalonia to enjoy an authentic wine tasting. Here you can taste three different wines for €10, five wines for €15 and even seven wines for €20, accompanied by a plate of delicious local treats.

It is also well worth booking a tour of the vineyards and the wine cellar for just €5. You will learn all about the winemaking process and the history of this unique wine region on Kefalonia.

#4 Sail on the azure lake of Melissani Cave

Kefalonia keeps surprising you with its natural wonders, including a spectacular cave with a deep, azure lake no less than 20 to 30 metres deep. Melissani Cave. This cave is reminiscent of the famous cenotes in Mexico and is a unique sight on Kefalonia that you should not miss during your trip or holiday on this Greek island.

For a long time it was a mystery how the crystal-clear water got into this cave. It has since been discovered that the water is seawater that flows into the underground river through a sinkhole at Katavothres on the other side of the island, and ends up in this beautiful cave.

You can visit the cave on a short but impressive boat trip across the azure lake. A ticket costs about €7 per adult. Although the boat trip is fairly short, it is definitely worth it for the breathtaking views. Note: this tourist attraction can be busy. We queued for over an hour before it was our turn.

During the tour you sail through a dark tunnel to the glowing water. The sunlight shining through an opening in the cave and lighting up the clear blue water creates a magical and unforgettable spectacle.

#5 Relax on beautiful Myrtos Beach

The most beautiful beach on Kefalonia is without a doubt Myrtos Beach. This unspoilt and secluded beach is known for its dazzling white sand and crystal-clear, azure sea. The beach is surrounded by imposing, steep limestone cliffs that create a spectacular natural setting.

You reach Myrtos Beach via a picturesque winding road with hairpin bends, which makes the first sight of the beach all the more impressive. On the beach itself there is one pleasant beach bar where you can rent sunbeds and parasols for a relaxing day in the sun. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks while you look out over the enchanting landscape, and stay until the sun slowly sets for a magical experience.

Prefer a bit of action? From the viewpoint above Myrtos Beach you can also go parasailing. You can easily book this exciting activity with Parasailschool No Borders, and the view from the air is breathtaking.

#6 Be enchanted by beautiful Assos

In the north of Kefalonia lies the charming and picturesque village of Assos. Despite its small size, Assos is special because of its unique location: the village sits on a narrow isthmus, surrounded by the sea on both sides.

The best view of this spectacular spot is from the viewpoint by the chapel, just to the left of the village. It is easy to reach on foot. Along the way you will pass several benches where you can sit down for a moment to enjoy the breathtaking panorama and the peace of the moment.

We think this is truly one of the most beautiful places on the island.

#7 Wander through picturesque Fiskardo

A visit to the northernmost tip of Kefalonia is not complete without a stop in the beautiful village of Fiskardo. This charming village stands out for its explosion of colours: from the brightly blooming flowers to the beautifully painted, traditional houses.

Fiskardo is known for its atmospheric little harbour, surrounded by cosy shops and authentic restaurants. Enjoy an iced coffee and a tasty breakfast at popular hotspots such as Mylos All Day Bistrot or Melina, while you watch the boats slowly leave the harbour. A really lovely place to experience Greek life at a relaxed pace.

Conclusion: is Kefalonia worth it?

Kefalonia is a hidden gem in the Ionian Sea, where nature, culture and authentic Greek life come together. From the impressive azure beaches and hidden caves to the atmospheric villages and delicious local wines, this island surprises you time and time again. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go on adventurous walks or enjoy the best Greek dishes in cosy tavernas, Kefalonia has something for everyone.

Plan your next holiday to Kefalonia and experience for yourself why this green island is so popular with travellers looking for peace, nature and unique sights.

Practical tips for Kefalonia

Frequently asked questions about Kefalonia