Kefalonia Uncovered: Ionian Beauty Off the Beaten Track
- Remo Bernardini
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
🌍 Why Visit Kefalonia?
It may not have the buzz of Mykonos or the drama of Santorini, but Kefalonia quietly steals your heart. This large, green island offers:
Epic beaches like Myrtos, Petani, and Antisamos
Underground lakes and mysterious caves
Hillside villages untouched by time
Friendly locals and hearty, regional cuisine
The setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Whether you're here to relax or explore, Kefalonia's diverse landscapes and calm energy make it one of the most rewarding Greek island escapes.
🏖️ Top Things to Do in Kefalonia
1. Marvel at Myrtos Beach
A sweeping arc of white pebbles and glowing blue water, backed by dramatic cliffs. Easily one of Greece’s most iconic beaches.
🕶️ Best seen from above at sunset—just pull over at the cliff viewpoint and prepare to be floored.
2. Explore Melissani Cave Lake
An underground lake with sunbeams piercing the cave roof, creating an electric-blue glow over the water. Ride a rowboat into the cave for the full magic.
Go around noon for the best light
Nearby Drogarati Cave is worth a stop too
3. Wander the Village of Assos
Tiny, colorful, and utterly charming, Assos is a pastel-hued village nestled between two hills with a 16th-century Venetian fortress above.
Stroll the harbor
Swim in the quiet bay
Hike up to the castle for stunning views
4. Visit Fiskardo – The Cosmopolitan North
Unlike most of the island, Fiskardo wasn’t destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, so it still shows off Venetian architecture, chic cafes, and a yachtie crowd.
🛥️ Great for lunch and a walk—but sleep elsewhere if you're after peace.
5. Relax at Petani & Antisamos Beaches
Petani Beach: Myrtos’ wild cousin with fewer crowds and golden sunsets
Antisamos: Lush backdrop, bright water, great for snorkeling
✅ TraveLab Experience: Kayak from Antisamos to hidden beaches with lunch on a remote cove
6. Drive Mount Ainos National Park
Home to wild horses and the rare Kefalonian fir tree, this is the island’s tallest peak (1,628m) and a beautiful contrast to the beaches.
4WD not required, but roads are steep
Cool, forested, and ideal for a break from the sun
🧭 Unique TraveLab Experiences on Kefalonia
✅ Robola Wine Trail Tour – Visit family-run vineyards and learn about this native Ionian grape
✅ Village Cooking Class – Make moussaka, pie, and kefalonitiki kreatopita with a local grandmother
✅ Underground Kefalonia – Explore Melissani & Drogarati with a geology guide
✅ Sunset Picnic at Myrtos Viewpoint – We handle the wine, you bring your heart
🍽️ What to Eat in Kefalonia
Local Specialties:
Meat pie (Kreatopita) – Spiced minced meat baked in a flaky crust
Cod pie with garlic sauce – A Lenten tradition
Mandoles – Candied almonds dyed red, sold in village squares
Feta in the oven – With herbs, olive oil, and a sprinkle of chili
🍷 Don’t skip the Robola white wine—crisp, citrusy, and made on the island.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kefalonia
🌅 For Views & Peace – Assos or near Myrtos
Braunis Horio Villas (Assos) – Stunning terraces overlooking the bay
Myrtos View Apartments – Budget-friendly and close to the beach
🏛️ Central for Exploring – Sami or Agia Efimia
Olive Bay Hotel – Beachfront with gorgeous sunrise views
Kefalonia Bay Palace – Great pool and mountain-meets-sea setting
🛥️ Chic & Social – Fiskardo
Fiscardonna Luxury Suites – Venetian glamour in the heart of town
Emelisse Nature Resort – Pool, spa, and insane Ionian views
🚗 Getting Around Kefalonia
Car rental is essential—the island’s size and hilly terrain make public transport too limited
Roads are curvy but scenic—drive slow, stop often
Some remote beaches need a bit of hiking or gravel driving—worth it
🧭 TraveLab Tip: Create a base in the middle (Sami or Agia Efimia) and day-trip outward.
🛍️ What to Buy in Kefalonia
Robola wine straight from the source
Herbal liqueurs like tentura and raki with island herbs
Handmade soaps with olive oil and sea salt
Honey with wild thyme from Mount Ainos
📅 Best Time to Visit Kefalonia
🌸 Spring (April–June): Flowers, mild temps, quiet villages
☀️ Summer (July–August): Hot and popular—book early
🍂 Fall (September–October): Sea stays warm, crowds ease, golden light everywhere
🎯 Best time? Mid-September—you get the sun without the madness.
❓FAQs About Kefalonia
Q: How do I get to Kefalonia?
By air: Direct flights from Athens (~1 hour) or seasonal flights from Europe
By ferry: From Patras or Kyllini (mainland), and to/from Ithaca or Zakynthos
Q: Is Kefalonia good for families?
Yes! Safe beaches, wide-open spaces, and friendly vibes make it ideal.
Q: Can I combine it with other Ionian islands?
Definitely—Ithaca, Zakynthos, and Lefkada are close and ferry-accessible.
Q: Is Kefalonia expensive?
It’s mid-range. You can splurge in Fiskardo or save in smaller towns like Lixouri or Sami.
🏁Kefalonia Is Pure, Wild, and Wonderfully Yours
Kefalonia doesn’t scream for your attention—it whispers to your soul. It’s the kind of island where you’ll drive a little too far, eat a little too much, and never want to leave.
It’s where cliffs meet calm, where beaches surprise you around every bend, and where time somehow stretches out in the best way.
📩 Let TraveLab Create Your Kefalonia Escape
From caves and coves to hilltop dinners and wine trails—we’ll design a tailored Ionian journey that matches your rhythm.
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