★ Top sights 20
The Cyclopean walls of Krani are an ancient fortification running approximately 1 kilometre in length and 4 metres in width, constructed from large polygonal and trapezoidal limestone blocks fitted without mortar. Built during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, they defended the city of Krani against its rival city-state Sami. The walls survive on a forested hillside in central Kefalonia and represent one of the best-preserved examples of ancient dry-stone military architecture on the island.
Chorgota is a small secluded cove on the northeastern coast of Kefalonia, reached via the Agia Efimia to Fiskardo road. The beach is composed of smooth white pebbles and is lapped by crystal-clear azure water. Natural shade is provided by cypress and olive trees growing close to the shoreline. The cove gained wider recognition as a filming location for the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, set on the island during the Second World War. Its position on this quieter northeastern stretch of coastline means it attracts fewer visitors than the better-known beaches.
Megas Lakos Beach occupies the western Paliki peninsula adjacent to the well-known Xi Beach, with views across to the small islet of Vardiani offshore. The sand is a distinctive reddish to deep red colour, produced by iron-rich mineral content in the local geology, a characteristic shared with the nearby Xi Beach. A very gentle slope leads into shallow water, and the beach forms a long open arc facing west toward the Ionian Sea, catching full afternoon sun and offering unobstructed sunset views across the water.
Minies Beach lies approximately 10 kilometres south of Argostoli on the Lassi peninsula, around 4.3 kilometres from Kefalonia Airport. Three small sandy beaches sit in a row along this sheltered section of coast, each offering fine golden sand. The first and largest of the three features a gently shelving seabed that makes it suitable for easy entry into calm, clear water. The location on the Lassi peninsula places it within easy reach of Argostoli, making it a convenient option for those staying in or near the island capital.
Gradakia Beach sits in the Lassi area approximately 2 kilometres southwest of Argostoli, adjacent to the popular Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos beaches. The beach is distinguished by its grey-toned sand, a natural blend of fine sand and crushed shell fragments. A very gentle slope leads into shallow, clear water, and the beach faces west across the bay, offering open afternoon and evening light. Its location between two well-known neighbours means it sees comparatively less traffic, while sharing the same calm, protected waters of the Argostoli Gulf.
A quiet pebble beach in a sheltered bay close to Fiskardo with olive trees providing natural shade and a tavern across the road - ideal for quiet swimming and snorkelling.
Crystalline clear water in a secluded bay accessible via the village of Zola in northern Paliki - a pebbly unorganized beach surrounded by olive groves, a true gem for adventurers.
Hidden bay with the beach of Atheras village in northern Paliki - pebbles, clear turquoise water and wild nature in the surroundings, accessible by car on a narrow road.
A charming fishing village on a neck connecting the mainland with a peninsula crowned by a Venetian fortress. Pastel houses, a quiet harbour and some of the most romantic scenery in the Ionian Islands.
A vast Venetian fortress from 1593 on top of a 170m high promontory - three kilometres of walls, gates and the remains of St Mark's Church overlooking the entire northern coast.
The longest stone bridge over the sea in the world (689.9 m), built by the British in 1813 over Argostoli Bay. The obelisk with British inscriptions stands in the middle, a favourite promenade for locals.
A natural phenomenon where seawater disappears in the coastal abysses and reappears after 14 days at Sami. Originally used to power mills, now a popular nighttime viewing spot.
The highest mountain of the Ionian Islands (1,628 m above sea level) covered with endemic Kefalonian fir trees (Abies cephalonica) and home to semi-wild ponies. Part of the UNESCO Geopark.
The charming capital of Ithaca set deep in the bay with the Lazaretto islet - Maritime Museum, Archaeological Museum and authentic island atmosphere without hotel complexes.
A less visited peninsula in the west of Kefalonia with dramatic landscapes, the Kipoureon Monastery, the beaches of Petani, Xi and Fteri and authentic villages without the tourist overload.
The entire island is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Kefalonia-Ithaka, which includes 33 geolocations - from caves to seismically active faults to unique geological formations.
The only fishing town in Kefalonia to survive the 1953 earthquake unscathed - preserved Venetian architecture and a colourful harbour full of yachts. A centre of gastronomy and sailing.
Pebble beach near Fiskard with clear water and a steep rock bottom - ideal for snorkelling.
Rival to Myrtos on the Paliki Peninsula - a dramatic arch of white pebbles with a dark blue-emerald sea clasped by cliffs, famous for magical sunsets.
A unique beach with brick red sand and clay cliffs on the Paliki peninsula - the clay cliffs can be used as a natural spa wrap, the water is calm and shallow.
Activities & local 13
A charming fishing village on the east coast with a small harbour and an excellent base for boat trips, diving and kayaking. Great views of Ithaca across Kefalon Bay.
The lively capital of the island with a bustling harbour where giant Caretta-Caretta turtles swim in the morning. A waterfront full of tavernas, cafes and fishing boats overlooking the bay.
A romantic spot to watch the sunset over the Ionian Sea at the British Fanari Lighthouse of 1829 - a circular structure with Doric columns on a rocky promontory.
Leading Kefalonia winery producing Robola PDO — crisp white wine unique to the island. Also Mavrodaphne dessert wine. Stunning mountain vineyard.
Neighbouring island of the Homeric hero Odysseus accessible by ferry from Sami or by cruise ship from Fiskardo - Vatha, the Caves of the Nymphs, the Odysseus Museum and an authentic Greek atmosphere without mass tourism.
Traditional dried figs, fig liqueur and fig preserves from Kefalonia's abundant fig trees. Local speciality sold at the Argostoli market.
The island's premier PADI dive centre (since 1997) offering trips to the underwater caves connected to Lake Melissani and to the sunken ship at Myrtos beach.
Climb to the highest point of the Ionian Islands (1,628 m) through dense stands of the endemic Abies cephalonica fir tree - in clear weather a view of the six neighbouring islands and mainland Greece.
Kayak rentals and private sailing trips from the port of Fiskardo along the wildly beautiful northern coast to hidden beaches, sea caves and islets.
A picturesque harbour in south-eastern Kefalonia surrounded by lush pine forests with a ferry service to the Peloponnese - authentic atmosphere and delicious fish in local tavernas.
Vineyard cooperative growing the endemic Robola variety at 410 m above sea level on the slopes of Ainos - tasting and tour of the cellars with great dry white wines PDO Robola.
Daily sailing trips from Agia Efimia to the adjacent bays, hidden beaches and neighbouring Ithaca - sailing, snorkelling and Greek hospitality on board.
Greece's first dark sky park, opening in 2023 at the foot of Mount Ainos - nighttime stargazing with specialised optics in the exceptionally clear mountain air.
Beaches & coast 24
The beach made famous by the movie Captain Corelli - white pebbles and turquoise water with rich underwater life.
A picturesque bay below the Venetian fortress with clear water and underwater rocks covered with seaweed.
A small pebble beach 5 km from Fiskard in a bay rich in marine fauna - excellent for snorkelling and diving thanks to the clear deep water and quiet location away from the tourist industry.
Rocky and pebbly beach just outside Fiskard accessible by car - quiet and less visited with clear turquoise water suitable for snorkelling.
The wilderness of nature charming beach surrounded by pine forests, famous from the movie Captain Corelli. Grey and white pebbles, clear emerald water and dramatic green hills in the background.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island near Svoronata - a long golden strip with clear water and quieter remote stretches without beach service, popular with families.
A small pebble beach with emerald water near Fiskardo, accessible by footpath from the parking lot of the village of Antipata. It is dominated by cypress and olive trees reaching down to the water.
The most popular beach in the Erissos area just outside Fiskardo - white pebbles, clear turquoise water, snack bar and a quiet atmosphere, also great for snorkelling.
An inaccessible paradise in northern Paliki accessible only by water taxi or a 45-minute climb - dazzling white pebbles, turquoise water and zero facilities for real adventurers.
A golden sandy beach 4 km from Skala, a popular nesting site of Caretta-Caretta sea turtles - a peaceful atmosphere off the main tourist route with a sea of crystal clarity.
A quiet and secluded pebble beach on the northernmost tip of the island with deep water great for diving - exceptional tranquillity and wild nature away from the tourist bustle.
Family sandy beach in a sheltered bay near Lixouri on the Paliki peninsula - shallow warm water suitable for children, quieter nature without significant tourist pressure.
A long popular beach in southern Kefalonia with turquoise water and fine sand, surrounded by olive groves. A less busy alternative to the beaches at Argostoli with free parking.
The most popular beach at Argostoli in Lassi - golden sand, organised beach with umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars and water sports.
Greece's most photogenic beach - dazzling white pebbles and turquoise water wedge between vertical cliffs in a semicircular bay. Accessed by serpentine paths, the view from above is iconic.
Dramatic beach on the Paliki peninsula, accessible by descending over 400 steps into a rock pass - turquoise water, white pebbles and a feeling of complete separation from the world.
Neighbouring beach next to Makris Gialos with fine sand and clear water, suitable for families with children. Full service, sunbeds and umbrellas available.
Two kilometres of sandy and pebble beach right in front of the village of Poros with a harbour, accessible by car and on foot. A quiet alternative for those staying overnight in the eastern part of the island.
The longest beach on the island, stretching 5 km on the southeast coast - fine golden sand, tavernas and beach bars, popular nesting place of Caretta-Caretta turtles.
A long, unorganised sandy beach near Moussata in southern Kefalonia with no beach service - clear water, pine groves and exceptional tranquillity for those seeking a retreat.
A peaceful pebble beach 15 minutes drive south of Lixouri with calm waters and a picturesque bay - a true Paliki gem for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.
A quiet bay surrounded by cypress trees with crystal clear water and underwater rocks full of marine life.
A sandy beach with interesting red sand at the geological phenomenon of Kounopetra (a wobbling rock destroyed by the 1953 earthquake) in the southwestern part of Paliki.
A remote small beach 15 km from Argostoli in the Livatho area with no facilities and minimal visitors - clear water and tranquility for those escaping the crowds.
Culture & history 10
Remains of one of the four ancient cities of Cephalonia - two citadels, traces of an aqueduct, a theatre and Roman buildings on a hill above modern Sami overlooking Ithaca.
A Byzantine citadel rebuilt by the Venetians in 1504, for two centuries the capital of Kefalonia. Polygonal walls with a circumference of 600 m with panoramic views of Argostoli and the bay.
Mythical cave mentioned in the 13th Canto of Homer's Odyssey as the place where Odysseus hid the gifts of the Phaeacians - a natural gem with stalactites and stalagmites near Vatha.
Remains of a Roman villa from the 2nd century AD with preserved mosaic floors with hunting scenes, adjacent to the remains of the Doric temple of Apollo from the 5th century BC.
Dramatically located on the edge of a cliff above the Ionian Sea on the Paliki peninsula, this is a place of profound tranquillity with one of the best sunset views on the island.
An interesting museum on two floors of the Korgialenios Library building, tracing traditional Kefalonian life of the 19th and early 20th centuries - costumes, furniture, icons and photographs.
A 13th century monastery containing Byzantine frescoes and rare post-Byzantine icons, rebuilt in 1639. The adjacent museum houses parts of the relic of St. Andrew the Apostle.
The remains of a private Roman bath with a hypocaust and a large burial site of the 2nd-4th century AD with 47 uncovered tombs (sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery) near the port of Fiskarda.
A village in northern Ithaca with an interesting local museum dedicated to Odysseus and the archaeological site of Pilikata from the Mycenaean period - a jumping off point for a boat trip from Fiskard.
The 16th-century cylindrical Venetian tower on Cape Fiskarda - the coastal path leads to two lighthouses and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the beautiful scenery of the northern tip of the island.
Getting there 2
Půjčení auta a letenky · Porovnej ceny od ověřených půjčoven · Vyhledej nejlevnější lety na Kefalonia
Trajektový přístav · Spojení s Ithaca, Patras, Astakos
Nature 4
In the morning in Argostoli harbour, large Caretta-Caretta sea turtles are abundant under the fishing boats, feeding on fishing trash - one of the most reliable places to see turtles in Greece.
A magnificent stalactite hall with perfect acoustics - occasionally used as a natural concert hall. Over 150 million years old, temperature inside a constant 18 °C.
A mystical underground lake with a sunken vaulted roof - at noon the sun's rays colour the water bright blue and turquoise. The boat ride is unforgettable.
The iconic viewpoint over the Myrtos Plain near the village of Agkonas - one of the most photographed views in Greece - offers a bird's eye view of the entire cliff-fringed beach.