Kefalonia

At the top of most visitors’ wish list in Kefalonia is to enjoy the dozens of beaches and a boat trip in Melissani Cave. But that’s just the start of what this island has to offer. Argostoli is Kefalonia’s beating heart, bursting with life day and night. You can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and soak up the atmosphere of its shops and cafes. And just across the bay, Lixouri also feels like a world of its own, with welcoming square and relaxed vibe. Around Lixouri are vineyards that you can visit and Kipoureon Monastery, which has wonderful views over the Ionian – as well as more fantastic beaches.

Charming villages include Fiskardo, whose preserved Venetian architecture and colourful harbour give it a cosmopolitan air. And around Fiskardo, in northeastern Kefalonia, are mountain villages (Antipata, Vasilikiades, Mesovounia, Magganos…) with houses and churches that survived the catastrophic 1953 earthquake that destroyed many buildings. The traditional tavernas and cafes in these settlements are perfect escapes from the summer crowds and heat. Meanwhile, Assos enchants with its pastel-coloured houses and the ruins of a hilltop Venetian castle. Other picturesque villages like Sami, Agia Efimia and Poros, each adding their unique touch of charm. From Sami, you can also enjoy hiking and horse-riding excursions through the Kefalonian countryside and into abandoned villages.

For a change of scenery, head inland to Mount Ainos, crisscrossed with paths for hiking and mountain biking. You can learn all about the national park at the Mount Ainos Environmental Centre. And on the lower slopes, you can visit the wineries of the Robola Zone, where you can enjoy wine tasting and vineyard tours. Other cultural highlights include the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos (a spiritual landmark dedicated to the island’s patron saint), the Castle of Agios Giorgos and the Memas Kalogiratos Sculpture Exhibition – all no more than a short drive from Argostoli.

There are dozens of fantastic beaches in Kefalonia, including some of the most famous in Greece. Myrtos rightly takes the prize because of its towering cliffs, turquoise water and occasional paraglider, but the likes of Antisamos and Horgota (made famous by a scene in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin) and the red-sanded Xi beach have their own way of staying with you long after you’ve gone.

Some beaches in Kefalonia are long and sandy, while others are covered in fine pebbles. You can choose between remote, untouched shores and beaches equipped with facilities to keep you happy all day long. Makris Gialos (just outside Argostoli) and Skala are a hit with families, while Emplisi beach (near Fiskardo) is perfect for snorkelling. And beyond Kefalonia’s iconic beaches are lesser-known gems like Fteri and Dafnoudi, accessible only by boat or a short walk. Whatever your beach style, Kefalonia has the answer.

Discover the best beaches of Kefalonia

As a popular holiday destination in Greece, Kefalonia does get busy in July and August, especially at iconic spots like Myrtos beach and Argostoli, Lixouri and Fiskardo. The best months to visit Kefalonia are May-June or September-October, when the weather is warm, the sea is perfect for swimming, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking on Mount Ainos or exploring traditional villages. And for wine lovers, the Robola grape harvest takes place in autumn.

Kefalonia is easily accessible by both air and ferry.

By Air: Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) is located about 8km from Argostoli. It operates year-round domestic flights from Athens (around 1 hour) and seasonal direct flights from many European cities during the summer months.

By Ferry: There are regular ferries (more in the summer months) to Kefalonia from the mainland and neighbouring Ionian Islands. The most popular route is from Kyllini in the western Peloponnese, with ferries arriving at Poros or Sami in Kefalonia. The drive from Athens to Kyllini is approximately 280km and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours by car. The ferry crossing to Kefalonia takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

There are also ferries from Patras (215 km from Athens by car and then 3.5 hours by boat) to Sami and you can reach Kefalonia from nearby islands like Zakynthos and Ithaca, or from Bari in Italy the port of Sami.
 

⛴ Ferry Schedules to Kefalonia

Kefalonia, one of the largest Ionian islands, is mainly connected to mainland Greece through Patras and Kyllini ports.

From Kyllini:

• Conventional ferry: ~1 hr 30 min to Poros Port (Kefalonia)

From Patras (seasonal, summer months only):

• Conventional ferry: ~3 hr to Sami Port (Kefalonia)

Ferries usually offer vehicle decks, numbered seats, and basic onboard services.

Luggage is typically included in the ticket, with storage spaces available on board.

In summer, you can also find direct ferry routes between Kefalonia and nearby islands like Zakynthos and Ithaca.