The Greek island of Kefalonia is the larger sibling of the popular Zakynthos, but we can confirm that it does not fall short in any aspect, quite the opposite. You will visit stunning beaches with jagged cliffs, breathtaking viewpoints, beautiful churches, and a majestic castle. Add to that the excellent Greek hospitality, and the perfect holiday is guaranteed. Make sure to rent a car to explore the whole island, as some beaches are otherwise inaccessible.
Detailed Google map with attractions
1. Viewpoint and Myrtos Beach
The iconic landmark of Kefalonia is undoubtedly Myrtos Beach. It is similar to the pride of the island as Zakynthos has its Navagio Beach. You can first enjoy its perfect blue color from two viewpoints (the more northern one is better) and then take a closer look. The beach is covered with snow-white pebbles and washed by the beautifully colored Ionian Sea. It is surrounded by white limestone cliffs covered with lush vegetation. Amazing sunsets are a must-see. The beach has a large free off-road parking lot.
2. The Highest Peak, Mount Ainos
The highest peak of Mount Ainos (1628m) has been part of Ainos National Park since 1962. An interesting fact is that the only species of fir, Abies Cephalonica, grows at altitudes of 600 – 1,600 meters and covers 2/3 of the park area. You will also be amazed by encounters with small semi-wild horses Equus caballus, which we were lucky enough to see from a distance as well. As for the difficulty of the hike, you can drive up to 1600m and then walk less than 2 km to the summit. The views of the entire island and beaches are magnificent.
GPS route: https://www.strava.com/activities/9861884065
3. Antisamos Beach
Antisamos Beach offers a wild scenery in a beautiful bay lined with green forests. It is a pebble beach with small white pebbles similar to Myrtos. It even charmed Hollywood filmmakers who shot the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin with Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz here. Apart from the calm waters, snorkeling with plenty of fish right by the shore is a highlight of this beach. The parking was free, as well as the sunbeds; the only condition was that you had to order a drink or coffee afterwards.
4. Xi Beach
Xi Beach, with its short name, is exceptional for its red sand with brick tones, sharply contrasting with the white rocky cliffs surrounding the beach.It is suitable for families with children, as it has incredibly fine sand and a very shallow and gradual entry into the sea for several meters. Take off your shoes, start walking along the coast, and you won’t want to stop.
5. Melissani Cave
The famous Melissani Cave consists of an underground lake, which was revealed in 1953 by the collapse of the ceiling. The cave is only accessible by boat and appears mysterious due to the water where saltwater from the sea mixes with freshwater from an underground source. The best time to observe the light reflections is between 12-2 PM. In this area, there is also the second cave Drogarati, which is nicknamed the cave of concerts due to its acoustics.
TIP: A combined ticket for both Melissani and Drogarati caves costs 10€.
6. Emplisi Beach
Emplisi Beach is a beautiful azure pebble beach located in the north of the island. It is lined with white, flat rocks on both sides where you can also sunbathe. Behind them, there is a dense pine forest. Snorkeling here is rated as average, but it’s worth a try, you may get luckier. From the beach, you can also enjoy a view of the nearby islands of Ithaca and Lefkada.
7. Town of Assos
In the town of Assos in the north of the island, you will find pebble beaches with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxation far from crowded beaches. Along the coast, there are picturesque small houses, creating a very photogenic environment. Moreover, the town is connected to a green hilly peninsula where various archaeological excavations, churches, and the ruins of a Venetian citadel from the 16th century can be found.
8. Agia Eleni Beach
Agia Eleni belongs to the category of hidden and non-commercial beaches. There is only one asphalt road leading to it, so if Google navigation tries to take you down a dirt road, it’s better to turn back. The final stretch to the beach involves narrow serpentines, but luckily we didn’t have to maneuver around anyone. Then you will be greeted by a charming cove under white rocky cliffs. And, of course, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. A short distance from this beach, you can also visit the larger and more commercial Petani Beach.
9. Castle of Agios Georgios
The Castle of Agios Georgios, also known as Kefalonia Castle, was built 800 years ago and served as the main town of Kefalonia for centuries. Thanks to its excellent strategic position, the castle could spot pirate ships up to 20 miles away on a clear day. Today, the castle has been partially reconstructed and stands as a major attraction on the island. With panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and the main town of Argostoli, it offers a magnificent outlook of the surroundings.
10. Byron’s Rock
You may remember the romantic poet George Gordon Byron, also known as Lord Byron, from literature. This English poet wrote works such as “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” and the novel “Don Juan.” It was Kefalonia that captivated him, to the extent that he spent part of his life here. On the grounds of the house where he lived, there is now a small park with a view of the airport runway and a rock with his grateful quote – “If I am a poet, the Greek air made me one.”
If you love the unique flavors of Greek cuisine, never-ending views of turquoise beaches with white sand, and most of all exploring the beautiful Greek islands, be sure to add Kefalonia to your wishlist.
