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Electra Kefalonia Hotel and Spa, Kefalonia

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Kefalonia

Updated 1 October 2026 · 13 things to do

Pictured: Electra Kefalonia Hotel and Spa

Kefalonia is the biggest of the Ionian islands and the most dramatic: a mountain-spined, cliff-fringed island where white pebble beaches meet deep blue water and the hillsides smell of thyme and pine. In 1953 an earthquake flattened most of its towns, but a few villages escaped, and rebuilt Argostoli is easy-going and pleasant. The real show is the scenery.

You can see most of it in a loop by car. Start at Argostoli, head to the caves near Sami, cross the island to the green north and its harbour villages, and come back via the vineyards. Pack swim shoes (many beaches are pebbly) and plan to arrive at the famous beaches early or late, when the light is best.

Don't miss

  1. 1Myrtos Beach
  2. 2Melissani Cave
  3. 3Fiskardo
  4. 4Assos
  5. 5Mount Ainos

Beaches

  1. Myrtos Beach

    Beach

    Myrtos Beach below its steep cliffs
    Photo: Matt Sims, CC BY 2.0

    A great crescent of white pebbles under steep, green-streaked cliffs, with water that shifts between turquoise and deep blue. Seen from the hairpin road above, it's one of the best-known views in Greece. The descent takes a few minutes and the swim is memorable.

    Tip: The sea can be rough and currents strong, so follow local advice and swim carefully. Arrive early for the best light.

  2. Antisamos

    Beach

    Antisamos beach on Kefalonia
    Photo: Piet Horden, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Near Sami on the east coast, a cove of pebbles and clear water backed by thickly wooded hills. It's more sheltered than Myrtos, with calmer water and a handful of tavernas, and it was used as a location in the 2001 film of Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

  3. Xi Beach

    Beach

    Xi Beach on the Paliki peninsula
    Photo: Splendid entry, CC BY 3.0

    On the Paliki peninsula in the south-west, a long, gently shelving beach of golden sand backed by ochre cliffs. The shallow water suits families, and there are loungers and tavernas close by.

  4. Petani

    Beach

    A long, quiet beach on the north-west coast of the Paliki peninsula, with pale shingle and clear water, a few tavernas and a feeling of space. It's an easy day out if you're staying near Lixouri.

Caves and mountains

  1. Melissani Cave

    Nature

    The lake inside Melissani Cave
    Photo: Matt Sims, CC BY 2.0

    Near Sami, a collapsed roof lets sunlight pour into a cave holding a lake. At midday the water glows an almost electric blue. You glide across it in a small rowing boat, steered by a guide, between rock walls and hanging stalactites.

    Tip: Visit around midday, when the sun is high and the colour is at its best.

  2. Drogarati Cave

    Nature

    The Drogarati Cave
    Photo: Lubomir Mihalik, CC BY 3.0

    A few minutes from Sami, you step down into a large chamber of stalactites and stalagmites. The hall is known for its acoustics, and concerts have been held there. It's cool, dramatic and a good option on a hot day.

  3. Mount Ainos

    Nature

    Mount Ainos in Kefalonia
    Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Christos Vittoratos assumed (based on copyr, CC BY-SA 2.5

    The highest peak in the Ionian islands rises to around 1,600 metres and is covered in a national park of black firs that give the mountain its dark colour. A road winds up to a viewpoint, and trails lead through the forest and up to the summit.

Villages and harbours

  1. Fiskardo

    Neighbourhood

    The harbour village of Fiskardo
    Photo: Christos Vittoratos, Public domain

    The pastel-coloured harbour village at the island's northern tip survived the 1953 earthquake, so it keeps its Venetian-era look. Yachts lie against the quay and tavernas fill the waterfront. It's easily the prettiest place on the island to sit with a glass of wine.

  2. Assos

    Neighbourhood

    The village of Assos beside the sea
    Photo: Tom Corser, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A small village of pastel houses draped around a bay on the north-west coast, joined by a narrow isthmus to a headland topped by a Venetian fortress. The walk up to the fort gives a sweeping view of the sea and the village below.

  3. Argostoli

    Neighbourhood

    The De Bosset Bridge at Argostoli
    Photo: The Only Kind Of love, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The island's capital sits on a wide bay, and a long stone causeway, the De Bosset bridge, crosses the lagoon beside the town. The waterfront and the main square have cafés and tavernas, and the town is a good base for shops, museums and the nearby beaches.

  4. Ithaca

    Day trip

    Ferries cross the narrow strait to Ithaca, the island legend links with Odysseus. It's greener, quieter and more rugged than Kefalonia, with a pretty main harbour at Vathy. A day trip or a boat excursion is easy from the east coast.

Eat and drink

  1. Kefalonian meat pie

    Food

    A slice of Kefalonian kreatopita
    Photo: Saintfevrier, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Kreatopita is the island's signature dish: a hearty pie of meat, rice and spices in a crisp pastry case, traditionally served for celebrations. You'll find it in village tavernas and bakeries, and it's an ideal lunch before an afternoon on the beach.

  2. Robola wine

    Food

    The village of Troianata in the Robola wine region
    Photo: Saintfevrier, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The island's own white grape grows on high limestone slopes, producing a crisp, mineral wine with citrus notes. Visit a winery in the hills above Argostoli for a tasting, or simply order a glass with grilled fish.

Where to stay in Kefalonia

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Kefalonia →

Getting around

Buses link the main towns but a hire car is the most practical way to reach beaches, caves and villages. Roads are mountainous and can be narrow, so allow extra time, and fill up with fuel in the main towns. Small ferries link the island with Ithaca and nearby islands.

When to go

May to early October is the season for swimming, and June and September give warm sea with fewer people. Spring is green and good for walking, and Mount Ainos can be cool even in summer. Many tavernas and boat trips close from November.

Questions about visiting Kefalonia

What is Kefalonia best known for?
Its white pebble beaches, especially Myrtos, the Melissani and Drogarati caves, harbour villages like Fiskardo and Assos, and the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
Is Kefalonia worth visiting?
Yes. It has some of the most spectacular beaches and scenery in the Ionian Sea, with a relaxed, authentic feel and plenty of room to explore.
What is there to do in Kefalonia with kids?
Melissani and Drogarati caves, shallow beaches such as Xi and Antisamos, and boat trips are all popular with children.
How many days do you need in Kefalonia?
A week lets you cover the main beaches, caves and villages at a relaxed pace. Four or five days is enough for the highlights.
Do you need a car in Kefalonia?
Almost certainly. The best sights are spread across the island, and buses are limited, so a hire car gives you the most freedom.

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