Deciding which are the best excursions in Kefalonia is not easy, because it is an island full of wonders and beautiful and evocative places , where you can relive its ancient history suspended between myth and reality .
Among characteristic villages, dreamlike landscapes and pristine beaches, spending a few days in Kefalonia means discovering one of the most important islands in Greece.
Its architectural and natural beauty are evidence of a place where various cultures have blended together , making Kefalonia hospitable and welcoming, but above all ideal for any kind of holiday.
The island offers tourists opportunities for entertainment, culture, and relaxation, in an ideal blend of nature and modernity. An excursion to Kefalonia allows you to truly travel back in time, discovering places with a magical atmosphere.
Boat trips to Ithaca
Among the best excursions in Kefalonia , Ithaca occupies a place of honour , one of the most evocative islands which offers tourists extraordinary natural beauty and evidence of a history rich in charm and mystery .
Known as the homeland of Ulysses, today Ithaca is a modern and welcoming island, despite its small size (just 18 miles). With lush landscapes, tree-lined coves, and pristine beaches, it is perfect for a boat excursion.
Moving around the island, you can admire its architectural and naturalistic beauties which harmonize in an ideal way, giving life to breathtaking scenarios and landscapes.
Visiting Ithaca by boat is a pleasant and exciting, because in addition to the crystal clear sea, the island offers hidden places and corners perfect for taking some time for yourself or enjoying direct contact with nature.
A one-day boat trip is enough to enjoy a privileged perspective on a fascinating island, where reality continually blends with myth . You can experience the thrill of a ride on a Kaiki , traditional Greek boats , and dive into the crystal-clear waters .
Day cruise from Argostoli
One of the most visited places in Kefalonia is its capital, Argostoli, which, with its port and main street, represents the very heart of the island. Visitors arriving here find themselves in a veritable treasure chest, reborn after the terrible earthquake of 1953 that brought death and destruction to all the Ionian islands.
Today, the best way to discover the beauties of Argostoli and the whole of Kefalonia is to take a day cruise, during which you can visit all the most beautiful attractions that this small town has to offer, from the Drogarati cave to Myrtos beach, up to the villages of Assos and Fiskardo.
As soon as the ship arrives inside the small gulf of the town, you will feel projected into a place outside of reality, where it is very common to find yourself face to face with a Caretta Caretta.
Strolling along Argostoli's main street , the so-called "Lithostroto ," you'll find yourself between the fabulous waterfront and the residential area with bars, restaurants, and traditional shops. Not far away is the Cathedral , rebuilt after the earthquake and now a major tourist attraction
There are also many historic buildings to visit, starting with the Archaeological Museum, which houses precious historical artifacts dating from the Paleolithic to the Roman era. Another must-see museum is the History and Folklore, where you'll find historical documents and artifacts such as porcelain, utensils, and brass.
However, one of the main attractions that draw thousands of tourists to Argostoli every year is Fanari Beach , near which stands the Lighthouse of Agios Theodoros , built in 1828 and offering a unique view . Finally, a few kilometers from here are the Cyclopean walls , another much-loved site for those visiting Kefalonia.
A day cruise from Argostoli is a truly exciting and evocative, because you will be able to discover the true essence of Kefalonia, immersing yourself in its history and traditions.
Visit to Zakynthos and the Blue Caves
Among the islands near Kefalonia, Zakynthos is one of the most beloved and well-known. It is a place that exudes charm and magic from every corner, thanks to its natural and architectural attractions.
Among these, Shipwreck Beach is certainly a constant destination for those visiting Zakynthos. It consists of the remains of a ship that sank here on October 2, 1980.This place is made even more mysterious and fascinating by the fact that it can only be reached by sea.
Zakynthos is also home to a spectacular Marine Park that extends for 89 km² and offers tourists other splendid spots to visit, starting with another beach, Xigia. Its main feature is the presence of sulphurous waters that make the sea a color halfway between blue and white.
However, the true jewel of Zakynthos is the so-called "Blue Caves ," among the most famous natural attractions in the world. They are the result of particular geological formations that, over the decades, have given rise to a series of caves extending in a northwest direction .
As you might guess, their name comes from the color of the water and the splendid reflections that form inside the caves, especially at night . Today, they are a true paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts . Furthermore, from here, you can perform truly spectacular dives .
Island Tour
An ideal tour of Kefalonia cannot ignore a sailing cruise through the island's splendid beaches. Among these, the best-known is Myrtos , named the most beautiful in Greece twelve times . Here, you can swim in a sea of incredible , almost blinding blue.
Other beaches where you can spend a few hours relaxing are Antisamos , with its white sand, turquoise sea and the surrounding vegetation, used as a location for the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”; Skala with its pine forest in front of the beach and Poros , one of the most popular seaside resorts for tourists visiting Kefalonia.
Among the villages , Fiskardo is one of the most characteristic and a quintessential example of a fishing village . Its main street is lined with bars and restaurants where you can sample local food and wine specialties and soak up the magical atmosphere .
Assos is another charming village, characterized by colorful houses and, above all, the ruins of a 16th-century castle, built by the Venetians and used as a lookout and defense. Finally, Sami is port . It's another charming seaside village, perfect for a dinner and evening stroll.
To round off your island tour , a visit to Mount Ainos is a must. From its summit, over 1,600 meters above sea level , you can enjoy extraordinary views and landscapes . The mountain is part of the Kefalonia National Park and offers a diverse flora and fauna , including wild horses and tortoises.
Myrtos Beach
Among Kefalonia's beaches, Myrtos is one of the most beautiful and beloved by tourists and residents. Located in the northwest of the island, it owes its extraordinary charm to its location between the high cliffs of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros.
This is a very scenic beach, awarded several times as the most beautiful in Greece , and offers sparkling and over a kilometre of white pebbles which, when illuminated by the sun, create suggestive plays of colour.
It's the ideal place for a relaxing day at the beach , thanks in part to the many on-site amenities , from beach clubs to restaurants . Hiking enthusiasts can also visit a cave that offers truly unique experiences , while diving enthusiasts can practice their skills on the cliffs .
The beach can be reached both by car and public transport. For the latter, there's a bus that departs from the port of Agia Efimia and drops you off just a few hundred meters from Myrtos. However, the most picturesque way to enjoy this paradise is aboard a boat, which allows you to explore the surroundings and enjoy the sea in complete tranquility.
The cave and lake of Melissani
Among the best excursions in Kefalonia , a visit to Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave is a must . These are truly magical and evocative places , made even more beautiful by the collapse of the roof during the 1953 earthquake , which created an opening through which the sun creates incredible plays of color
Discovered in 1951, Lake Melissani is a true natural wonder. It is located a few kilometers from the village of Sami and about 10 from Argostoli. Also known as the “Cave of the Nymphs,” it is composed of both salt and fresh water and lies 20 meters deep.
It can only be reached by sea , and on board a boat you can visit the two internal "rooms" : the first is illuminated by external light , creating a magical atmosphere; the second is filled with clusters of stalactites and stalagmites that, when properly lit, create an incredible spectacle
Not far from Lake Melissani is the Drogarati Cave, located about a hundred meters deep and also composed of two "rooms" divided by stone blocks. The upper one, known as the "royal balcony," offers other compositions of stalactites and stalagmites, while the lower one, called the "Apotheosis Room," is semicircular and is characterized by a sort of vaulted ceiling dotted with other natural concretions.
Given the natural acoustics it offers, the cave is often used as a location for concerts and musical performances, so much so that it has been nicknamed the “Concert Cave”.
To discover the best excursions in Kefalonia, contact a tour operator, or pack your backpack and set off to discover unique wonders .
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you.
If you're still unsure where to stay, we recommend Magic Kefalonia Villa, our brand new property designed specifically to help you experience a dream holiday in Kefalonia.
