KefaloniaIonian Islands · Greece

All About Kefalonia

Next to Ithaca and a short distance from the western coast of Mainland Greece, Kefalonia is the biggest island in the Ionian archipelago. A much-desired landmass, it was ruled by the Romans, Normans, Turks, Venetians, French, and the British until given to Greece in 1864. Taking a ferry to Kefalonia is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Known as Cephalonia, the island suffered mass devastation during an earthquake in 1953. Today, a diverse collection of ancient ruins speaks of its glorious past. From Mycenaean tombs to a Venetian castle and British-made buildings, there is much to see in Kefalonia for the archeological inclined.

Packed with spellbinding features and landscapes, the island gained international fame after the release of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, a blockbuster movie filmed here. Occupying an area of 781 square kilometers, Kefalonia is a hot travel destination, luring passionate travelers with its legendary beaches, underground caves, culinary offerings, pulsating nightlife, and pretty fishing villages.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kefalonia

Reaching Kefalonia via the sea is a spectacular start to an island vacation. You can purchase ferry tickets to Kefalonia from several destinations. Bookable through Ferryscanner are vessels from Astakos that take 2 hours 20 minutes and sail once a day. The 30-minute journey from Ithaca to Kefalonia is another popular possibility, with tickets for the route always in demand.

Kyllini and Patras are port towns in the Peloponnese Peninsula, situated 3 hours from Athens. Ferry tickets to Kefalonia are available from either of the two locations. Ionian Pelagos cover the 3 hours 45-minute voyage from Kyllini to Kefalonia. The trip from Patras to Kefalonia is shorter at 3 hours, offered by Levante Ferries.

The flight from Athens to Kefalonia Airport takes one hour and is the fastest way to reach the island from Mainland Greece. Planes from Corfu and Zakynthos also arrive here around the year. Air connections increase during the summer season, with frequent flights from Rome, London, Munich, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and other European cities. Kefalonia Airport is a 15-minute taxi ride from Argostoli.
 

Ports of Kefalonia

If arriving with ferry tickets to Kefalonia, you should be aware that the island has five ports. Depending on your itinerary, you might disembark at one port and depart from another.

The Port of Sami in the northeast is the main harbor. Ferries from Patras, Corfu, Ithaca, and Astakos typically dock here. Upon disembarking, you’ll find accommodations, restaurants, banking facilities, and boat rentals within walking distance from the port. Poros in the southeast is the other major port, welcoming ferries from Kyllini.

Argostoli Port in the capital city is where cruises berth. The cruise terminal has limited docking facilities, so bigger ships anchor in the sea and transfer passengers using tenders. The port, from where you can also catch a boat to Lixouri, is a 10-minute walk from the city center. Pessada and Fiskardo are two harbors offering seasonal connections. If traveling with ferry tickets to Kefalonia from Zakynthos, Lefkada, or Ithika, you will probably arrive at either of these ports.
 

Best Beaches

The primary reason to visit Kefalonia is its 40+ stunning beaches dotting the coastline in every direction. Known around the world for their beauty, several beaches in Kefalonia are Blue Flag accredited and offer the very best amenities.

A few iconic, some hidden, and often family-friendly, every beach in Kefalonia oozes individuality, making it as exclusive as the one next to it.

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos is the most famous beach in Kefalonia. On the northwestern coast, this white sandy cove is 30km from Argostoli. The towering white cliffs in the background give the beach a dramatic disposition, best viewed from the sea or vantage points high up on the cliffs.

Having a similar vibe to the Shipwreck Beach of Zakynthos, Myrtos promises more in terms of amenities. Reachable by boat and car, there is ample parking nearby. The beach has a bar, straw umbrellas, and sunbeds on rent, as well as uncommercialized areas for sunbathers. Not favorable for kids, the sea near Myrtos is deep, and the winds can be extreme, resulting in big waves.

Xi Beach

An inimitable shoreline, Xi Beach is famous for its brownish-red sand that contrasts beautifully against the blueness of the Ionian Sea. Furthermore, as the sand turns into clay, many believe it has health benefits when applied to the body.

Situated 40km from Argostoli, you’re better off taking a boat to Xi even though it is reachable by bus and car. Else, link it up with a visit to Lixouri, which is 10km away. The water at the beach is calm, clean, and safe for kids. Sunbed rentals cost €10, and refreshments are available from a lovely seaside café.

Platis Gialos Beach

Platis Gialos is a Blue Flag beach bordered by lush green hills that lies 10 minutes south of Argostoli. This kid-friendly stretch of sand has calm blue waters and an on-site bar that offers two loungers and an umbrella for €10.

Visited mostly by locals, the beach has limited parking and remains uncrowded on most days. When searching for a bit more activity, head to the adjoining Markis Gialos beach. Expansive and with plentiful facilities, it draws a much bigger crowd than Platis Gialos.

Antisamos Beach

Travelers staying in Sami will find Antisamos on the island’s northeastern coast, convenient to visit. From this pebble beach inside a sheltered bay, you can view Ithaca in the distance and wave at passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Kefalonia.

The high point of a day at Antisamos is the gorgeousness of the water, which changes its color from almost transparent blue to a deeper shade as one goes further into the sea. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, the seabed here gets deep relatively quickly, making it ideal for water sports like kayaking. Free parking, snorkeling possibilities, a beach bar, and €8 sunbed rentals make Antisamos one of the best beaches in Kefalonia.

To take a break from the sea, head up the hills to the 18th-century Monastery of Argilion and enjoy magnificent 360-degree panoramas.

Crocodile Beach

At a five-minute westerly drive from the center of Argostoli lies a tiny cove known as Crocodile Beach. Secluded and slightly off the beaten path, the beach typically fascinates tourists in search of unconventional spots. To reach the beach, you must climb down a rope or arrive by boat.

The sea is clean and ideal for snorkeling. This pebble and sand strand has several large boulders scattered around. Bring water shoes for a safe swim and a walkabout. There aren’t any amenities here, and parking is an issue, but the city is less than 2km away.
 

Places to Visit

History, wine, quaint villages, and stunning natural sights; you are spoilt with choices when seeking places to visit in Kefalonia. Unlike some of the other Ionian islands, Kefalonia is brimming with attractions that appeal to different senses and don’t necessarily include a day on the beach.

Fiskardo

Located in the north of the island, Fiskardo is one of the most charming villages in Kefalonia. As a popular harbor town, expect daily tourist traffic during the summers. People come here from inland as well as on day trips by taking a two-hour boat from Lefkada. Spared during the devastating 1953 earthquake, Fiskardo has several buildings and colorful houses dating back centuries.

The waterfront has a touristy yet authentic atmosphere with restaurants, shops, and bars open until late. Celebrity yacht spotting is another favorite pastime while walking around the marina. A lovely execution to take in Fiskardo is renting a small boat that does not require a license and exploring Kefalonia’s northern coastline.

Gentilini Winery and Vineyards

Kefalonia wine county is only a short drive from the capital city of Argostoli. Although there are several wineries in the neighborhood, head 5km south to Gentilini Winery for a truly memorable day. Among the most well-known establishments on the island, Gentilini produced its first bottle of wine back in 1984.

Spread over 10 hectares of land, it offers six varieties of red, rose, and white wines. Open to visitors from Easter till October; this family-run winery is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs. A typical wine tasting with an English-speaking staff includes six wines served with complimentary cheese and bread.

Melissani Cave

Several natural wonders compete for tourist attention in Kefalonia. The Melissani Cave is, without a doubt, among the top. Discovered in 1951, the cave has been open to the public since 1963. About 2km from Sami, the cave is 3.5km long with two main chambers. One of the chambers is dark with stalactites, while the other has a large hole in the ceiling that lets in sunlight, illuminating the lake in a magical blue color.

A boat ride into the cavern, around noon, is a visually captivating experience not easily forgotten. Tours inside Melissani operate from morning till evening, May to October, and cost €7, including the ride in a rowboat. The lake is 20-30 meters deep, and no swimming is allowed here. A viewing platform at the top enables visitors to admire the lake from a higher vantage point. For more cavernous adventures, plan a visit to the Drogarati Caves, about 3km from Sami.

De Bosset Bridge

De Bosset is a 689.9-meter-long stone bridge that connects the capital with the main island, removing the need to walk around the Bay of Argostoli. Built in 1813 by Charles Philippe De Bosset, the bridge is the idyllic location for a romantic evening walk. There are benches along the way, and you can spot fish in the clear water during day time.

As the longest stone bridge over the sea, it holds architectural significance on a world stage. Alongside De Bosset Bridge is a four-sided obelisk called Kolona, initially put up to thank the British. The Koutavos Lagoon, formed as a result of the bridge, is now a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles.

Romana Villa of Skala

At the southern tip of Kefalonia, an hour away from Argostoli, is the village of Skala. A 3rd-century Roman villa located near this town is an important place to visit. Among several prominent archeological findings dug up in 1956, what truly stands out is the villa’s mosaic flooring.

There are four main rooms in the mansion with mosaics that tell different stories. Entry into the estate is free. When planning a trip here, link it with a day at Skala and the village’s sandy beach.
 

Transportation Around Kefalonia

Traveling around Kefalonia is equally relaxed, be it with private or public transportation. The local bus service is quite extensive, covering the entire island, including remote areas. Most buses start from Argostoli however, schedules and timings change from season to season.

When taking the bus, inform the driver of your destination, so they can stop at your precise location. Taxis are aplenty but can be expensive if you require the driver to wait a few hours to take you back. Although metered, it is best to finalize the price of the trip before getting inside the cab.

If you arrive with ferry tickets to Kefalonia but no car of your own, rent one from any local and international agency on the island. Rental cars are in demand during peak tourist season and may cost up to €75 per day. Moped rentals are half that price and an excellent option for couples comfortable riding on winding hilly roads.

First-time tourists must explore the island by boat. Hourly, half-day, and full-day organized tours leave from Argostoli Port and other harbors frequently. Alternatively, you can hire a private boat with a captain. If wishing to visit a particular beach, ask for a sea taxi that will drop you off and then pick you at a designated time.