Kefalonia
From hiking to cycling, make this Ionian jewel your natural playground...
Used as the location for one of the most romantic novels of recent years, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Kefalonia is home to heart-pulsing landscapes which encompass dramatic chalky cliffs, rolling cypress hills and olive groves, sandy coves and long golden beaches, all overlooked by the imposing mountain of Aenos. The largest island in the Ionian Sea, and the sixth largest in Greece, it boasts a rich cultural heritage, plentiful opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment beyond its many beautiful beaches, and delicious culinary traditions. You’ll find everything from picturesque fishing villages to breathtaking underground caves, and Venetian castles to abundant vineyards. This is an island where it is easy to relax, to soak up the nature and let the worries of everyday life melt away. In short, you’ll want to stay forever...
Hit the hiking trails
Whether you want a gentle stroll or something a little more challenging, Kefalonia offers a variety of hiking trails which take you through some spectacular scenery. You can view them on the map or scroll down for more information.
Fteri beach
This hike will take you down a somewhat steep and rocky path to the dazzling white sand and iridescent turquoise water of Fteri beach, which can only be accessed on foot (or by boat). Enjoy the well-earned reward of a dip in the cool, refreshing waters, which, with any luck, you’ll have largely to yourself.
Antisamos beach – Koutsoupia beach
A very popular route with walkers, this takes you from one utterly beautiful beach to another. A moderately challenging route, it takes a couple of hours, through wild forest and shrubland, before you emerge onto a jewel of a beach far from the tourist trail.
Ainos national park
If you fancy a more challenging hike, you’ll find many walks within the national park that take you around, or up, Mt Ainos itself. You can do a circular trail to the summit, traverse its ridges, wander through valleys or head for slightly lower peaks, all while rewarded with sweeping views over the coastline and beyond.
Emplisi beach to Kimilia beach
This lovely walk from Emplisi, not far from Fiscardo village, takes you through ancient woodland, and among wild oak, cypress, wild olive and carob trees. Depending on the time of year, you might also see a variety of different migratory birds, from herons to cormorants. Kimilia is a beautiful hidden cove, though no longer the hidden secret it once was.
Fiskardo to Dafnoudi beach
Combine a day trip to this colourful little fishing village with a walk to this tiny, untouched, white pebbled bay. The trail is peaceful and shaded, through cypress forest, rewarding you with views towards the island of Lefkada. If you’re lucky, you may also spot a basking monk seal, who use this beach as shelter.
Explore nature
In Kefalonia, nature is easy to escape into. Beyond the capital, Argostoli, the island’s towns and villages are scattered over 300 square miles, most of which encompasses rugged, fertile terrain, or shimmering golden coastline, giving rise to a range of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Caving
Kefalonia’s unique topography includes a jaw-dropping series of caves, some of which are open to visitors. The lake cave of Melissani is one of the island’s landmarks, located near the town of Sami; located 20m underground, and hung with stalactites, it has mythological connections - archaeologists discovered remnants of a sanctuary of the Greek god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi at the bottom of the lake. Part of the cave’s roof collapsed a few thousand years ago during an earthquake and today daylight falls through the opening, highlighting the intense turquoise colour of the crystal-clear water. A boat trip here, therefore, is best at noon, when the sun magnifies the effect. Nearby Drogarati cave is another popular attraction; studded with stalagmites, stalactites and small cavities, it feels almost cathedral-like, and its acoustics are such that concerts are regularly held inside. Zervati Cave is popular with divers while Agioi Theodoroi Cave in the area of Sami is also open to the public and its lush vegetation will make you feel like you are in the middle of a rainforest.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking is very popular on the island, and the ideal way to take in the beauty, diversity and magnificence of Kefalonia’s coastline. A relaxing, low-stress activity, suitable for beginners and people of all ages, you’ll be led by an experienced guide who will ensure you see some of the most beautiful parts of the island.
Diving
Thanks to the combination of the island’s rocky coastline and safe, calm waters, scuba diving is easy to enjoy here. Diving centres are available in main tourist areas, from Fiscardo and Agia Efimia on the north side, to Lassi and Lixouri on the southern side. Interesting dive sites include the Temple Cave in Fiscardo, which has two entrances, the Blue Canyon in Lassi, the Secret of Venus - a long, narrow canyon which leads to a beautiful coral garden - and, for advanced divers, the shipwreck of WWII’s Ardena.
Cycling
A great way to see more at your own pace, there are dozens of cycling routes which traverse the island, offering amazing views, peaceful trails, an abundance of nature and an insight into village life. More experienced cyclists will enjoy the challenge of the steep terrain and rugged hills at the island’s centre, with breathtaking climbs and panoramic vistas, the most exciting being Kefalonia’s highest peak - Mount Ainos, which stands at 1628m. Situated in a natural park, it’s covered with black pines and Greek fir trees, and you might even spot pine martens and semi-wild ponies as you cycle through.
Coasteering
This unique sport, where you explore a rocky coastline by climbing, jumping and swimming, could not be better done than in Kefalonia, with its caves, rock formations and crystal clear waters. You’ll be fully equipped with a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, sturdy footwear and helmet, and scramble between rocks, jump off them, and swim through the sea.
Discover a fascinating culture and history
Kefalonia has spent centuries under the rule of different countries, from Byzantine to British, Venetian and French. Each culture has left its mark, from a variety of architecture to fascinating artefacts; these are the top sites to visit.
St. George Castle and the village of Kastro
Sitting on a hill a few miles from the capital, Argostoli, this castle was originally built by the Byzantines in the 12th century, but was given its present form by the Venetians, 400 years later. In its heyday, the castle complex featured prisons, hospitals, residencies and churches, but only a few buildings survive today. Until 1757, the village of Kastro, built close to the castle’s entrance gate, was Kefalonia’s capital. It fell into decline when the Venetians moved to the more strategic port of Argostoli, but you can still see remnants of that time, including the beautiful church of Evangelistria.
The Vaulted tomb in Tzannata
This prehistoric Mycenaean tomb was used for royal burials between 1350-1100BC, but was only discovered in 1991. The largest vaulted tomb to be found in northwestern Greece, it was found to contain several treasures, including gold jewellery, clay vessels and glass paste plates, which are now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli.
Mycenaean Cemetery of Mazarakata
Like the vaulted tomb, this cluster of graves is also located south of Argostoli, and consists of approximately 16 tomb chambers and 83 tombs. You can wander the labryinthine lanes between them and marvel at how well preserved they are. Discovered during a road construction around 1810, they make up the biggest graveyard on the island.
De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli
This stone bridge was constructed in 1813 over the bay of Argostoli and, at 689.9m, is the longest bridge over the sea in the world. It connects Argostoli to the town of Drapano, shortening the way to the north of the island, and was the brainchild of Swiss engineer Charles de Bosset, who became governor of Kefalonia in 1810.
Archaeological collection of Sami
Only inaugurated in 2021, this collection charts the habitation of the town of Sami from the early Bronze Age to early Byzantine times. It includes finds from the ancient territory of Sami as a city-state, and from Fiscardo, or the ancient city of Panormos. There is an impressive display of Roman mosaic flooring, which features techniques and patterns depicting the Roman way of life here at the time.
Venetian Castle in Assos
Built in the 16th century by the Venetians to ward off attacks on the village of Assos by pirates, today not many of the fortifications remain. You’ll see two of the original four entrance gates, which have carvings of the Lion of Saint Mark above them, and parts of the thick walls. There’s also a small church, the former house of the Venetian High Commissioner, and a chapel which contains some beautiful wooden icons.
Roman Villa in Skala
This 3rd century villa located on the edge of the village contains some remarkably well-preserved, and rather interesting, mosaics. One depicts an altar with a man about to kill a sacrificial bull, while another shows the god, Envy, being attacked an eaten by a lion, tiger, panther and leopard. The villa was discovered in 1957, and today you can still see the remains of six rooms.
Roman Cemetery in Fiskardo
Discovered by accident in 2006, this sizeable cemetery comprises of five burial sites with 27 graves dating from between 146BC and 330 AD. Many artefacts were found inside, from pottery to jewellery and glass vases. Other important Roman structures were found nearby, including a theatre, a house, and a bathing complex.
The “ghost village” in old Vlachata Sami
Abandoned by its inhabitants after being badly damaged by an earthquake in 1953, what remains of Vlachata gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. You’ll see the facades of buildings, old cisterns, wells, and different tools and objects that were left behind by the locals, now covered, eerily, in moss and greenery. There are a lot of other abandoned villages throughout Kefalonia that showcase the islands architectural style, such as Farsa.
Pyrgi Village
Pyrgi Village
Kaligata Village
Kaligata Village
Assos village
Assos village
Eat your fill
Kefalonia’s rich, fertile soil grows vegetables and fruit in abundance, while the plethora of olive trees throughout the island allows many locals to produce their own oil. Cattle, goats, sheep and pig graze throughout, and of course being an island means proximity to the freshest fish and seafood. Here are some of Kefalonia’s must-try dishes:
Kreatopita
Made from a crumbly, thick-crusted pastry case, these are stuffed with tender meat –lamb, beef and pork being the most popular options – rice, and vegetables.
Kouneli lagoto
This one pot rabbit stew is soaked in vinegar for several hours before being sizzled in oil, smothered in garlic and topped with tomatoes.
Strapatsada
Essentially Greek-style scrambled eggs, this blends tomatoes – either grated or pureed – olive oil and whisked eggs, scrambled together in a pan. You can add feta for a tasty breakfast dish that goes perfectly served on toast.
Skordalia
This garlic in potato dip is usually served with salted cod and is a popular dish on Greek Independence Day. The velvety smooth dip is made with mashed potato and lots of garlic paste mixed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Honey
Kefalonia is a real paradise for bees and as a result, the island’s honey is divine. Be sure to try thyme honey.
Mandoles
This sweet treat of caramel coated roasted almonds can be found in almost every bakery and grocery store in Kefalonia.
Robola
This is the island’s famous wine - a dry, white variety with a fruity flavour and crisp, citrus notes. You can pair it with most food, as it’s quite light, but it goes best with a substantial fish such as tuna fillet or swordfish steak.
Cheese
While feta is omnipresent throughout Greece, here they make their own, while you’ll also find its byproducts mizithra - a cottage cheese - and prenza, made up from the crumbs of feta which remain when the barrels used to store it are emptied.
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