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8 Best Things to Do in Kefalonia, Greece

ByJess Inions

Kefalonia is the largest of Greece’s Ionian Islands, so there’s plenty there to keep you entertained. It has some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen in my life, so of course, hopping around all of the beautiful beaches is a must do.

But beyond the beaches, there’s charming fishing villages, ancient caves, and delicious local delicacies to try.

After spending five days exploring the island, I’ve put together my list of the very best things to do in Kefalonia.

Aerial view of a colorful coastal village with pastel buildings clustered along the shoreline, nestled between clear blue waters and rugged mountain cliffs. Boats float in the turquoise sea, and a small sandy beach is visible near the village center.

Planning your trip to Kefalonia

✈️ Getting there: You can fly into Kefalonia airport, or if you’re coming from another Greek island, you can find cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper.

🚗 Getting around: It’s much easier to get around Kefalonia with a rental car as it’s quite a big island, so having one will give you more flexibility with your plans. I’d recommend collecting it from the airport.

⛵ Things to do in Kefalonia: I loved the Melissani & Drogarati Cave Tour, it’s such a unique activity and the best thing I did on my trip by far. You could take a cooking class and learn how to make an authentic Greek meal on a local farm, and a traditional boat cruise is the perfect way to discover the island, it includes lunch and snorkelling.

🏨 Where to stay: I stayed at Eliamos Villas Hotel and Spa which was a beautiful hotel, Avithos Resort and F ZEEN Kefalonia are also great options. If you prefer having your own kitchen and a bit more space, I’ve put together a collection of my favourite Airbnbs.

1. Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia, and it definitely deserves to be.

I’m often left disappointed by the colour of water in real life because so many photos we see now are heavily edited, but the water at Myrtos Beach is actually brighter in person, it almost looks radioactive it’s that blue.

The best place to see the beach from is the Myrtos Beach viewpoint. From this perspective you get a view over the water and the towering cliffs that surround the bay. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Once you’ve snapped some photos from the top, make your way down to the beach. The roads are quite windy and narrow in some parts, so make sure you take it slowly.

There’s parking at the bottom but it does get busy as the day goes on, so I’d recommend getting there early especially in the summer months.

The beach itself is large, with plenty of space to sunbathe, as well as a few sunbeds, and it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing. The waves here can get pretty hectic though, so make sure you check the conditions before you swim.

Aerial view of Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, showing bright turquoise waters meeting a crescent-shaped white pebble shoreline backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush greenery. The winding road leading to the beach is visible on the left, emphasizing the remote and scenic setting.
A vivid sunset over a calm sea, with the orange and gold hues reflecting off the water. Silhouetted trees frame the foreground while distant islands and gentle hills fade into the horizon.

2. Assos

Assos is a small fishing village on the northwest coast of Kefalonia. It’s famous for all of its brightly coloured houses and it’s a gorgeous place to wander around.

There’s also a lovely bay where you can go swimming, as well as restaurants, tavernas and cafes lining the shore. It’s a twenty minute drive from Myrtos Beach so I’d recommend visiting them together.

Whilst you’re there, pay a visit to the Assos Castle, which was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and has great views over the village.

Assos has a really lovely atmosphere so it’s a great place to base yourself. This hotel is stunning – it’s adults-only, with a swimming pool, spacious modern rooms, and views over Assos town.

Coastal village of Assos in Kefalonia, Greece, featuring pastel-colored houses with terracotta roofs nestled along a calm, clear bay. Small boats float near the shore while vibrant bougainvillea adds a splash of color to the waterfront scene.87
Aerial view of Assos village in Kefalonia, Greece, showing colorful seaside houses surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs in the background. The peninsula layout and shallow emerald coves add to the village’s charm and secluded atmosphere.
She Knows Alt Text said: Front view of a small peach-colored church in Assos, Kefalonia, with arched red-trimmed windows and a wooden central door framed by white architectural details. A simple cross tops the triangular pediment, and the sun casts tree shadows across the facade, adding to the peaceful village setting.
Aerial view of Assos village in Kefalonia, Greece, showing colorful seaside houses surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs in the background. The peninsula layout and shallow emerald coves add to the village’s charm and secluded atmosphere.
She Knows Alt Text said: Front view of a small peach-colored church in Assos, Kefalonia, with arched red-trimmed windows and a wooden central door framed by white architectural details. A simple cross tops the triangular pediment, and the sun casts tree shadows across the facade, adding to the peaceful village setting.

3. Fiskardo

Fiskardo is a fishing village located on the most northern point of the island. It’s not the easiest place to get to as it’s around a one hour drive from Kefalonia’s capital, Argostoli, and a thirty minute drive from Assos.

But it’s well worth making the time to visit in my opinion, it was my favourite place in Kefalonia and when I visit the island again it’s definitely where I’ll base myself, even if it is a little impractical.

These apartments are a great option if you want to stay in Fiskardo. There’s a swimming pool and stunning sea views, and you’re a 6-minute walk from the nearest beach.

Fiskardo has a stunning harbour filled with yachts and fishing boats, and restaurants, bars, shops and tavernas line the waterfront.

There’s a really nice atmosphere there, and it’s a lovely little village to wander around. I can imagine it only gets better at night, I had my eye on a few bars looking over the water.

Waterfront view of Fiskardo village in Kefalonia, Greece, featuring colorful Venetian-style buildings with balconies and shuttered windows lining the calm, clear shoreline. The shallow turquoise waters meet a small sandy beach on the right, with lush greenery and hillside homes in the background.
Aerial view of a serene coastal village with clear turquoise waters, several anchored sailboats, and charming stone houses with terracotta roofs nestled among lush greenery. Mountains rise in the distant background under a clear blue sky.
Cobblestone street lined with umbrella-shaded café tables and pastel-colored buildings in a quiet coastal village. The golden hour light bathes the scene, highlighting flowering vines and calm marina vibes.
Aerial view of a serene coastal village with clear turquoise waters, several anchored sailboats, and charming stone houses with terracotta roofs nestled among lush greenery. Mountains rise in the distant background under a clear blue sky.
Cobblestone street lined with umbrella-shaded café tables and pastel-colored buildings in a quiet coastal village. The golden hour light bathes the scene, highlighting flowering vines and calm marina vibes.

Outdoor seating area of a quaint Mediterranean café, with round tables draped in white cloths beneath vibrant pink and yellow bougainvillea. The sunlit building features green shutters, potted plants, and a rustic charm.
Outdoor dining tables under a large yellow umbrella labeled "Irida’s restaurant," set on a stone terrace by a marina. Small boats and sailboats float in the background, framed by tree-covered hills and warm afternoon light.
Outdoor seating area of a quaint Mediterranean café, with round tables draped in white cloths beneath vibrant pink and yellow bougainvillea. The sunlit building features green shutters, potted plants, and a rustic charm.
Outdoor dining tables under a large yellow umbrella labeled "Irida’s restaurant," set on a stone terrace by a marina. Small boats and sailboats float in the background, framed by tree-covered hills and warm afternoon light.
Docked boats with canvas canopies line the waterfront in Fiskardo, Kefalonia, with pastel-colored buildings and vibrant autumn vines visible in the background. A person stands in a doorway, adding a sense of daily village life to the serene harbor scene.
Outdoor café seating with white tables and blue chairs set under large cream umbrellas on the edge of Fiskardo’s harbor. The calm water reflects golden light and a white and blue building sits across the bay, framed by hillside greenery.
Docked boats with canvas canopies line the waterfront in Fiskardo, Kefalonia, with pastel-colored buildings and vibrant autumn vines visible in the background. A person stands in a doorway, adding a sense of daily village life to the serene harbor scene.
Outdoor café seating with white tables and blue chairs set under large cream umbrellas on the edge of Fiskardo’s harbor. The calm water reflects golden light and a white and blue building sits across the bay, framed by hillside greenery.

4. Eat delicious Greek food

One of the reasons I love visiting Greece so much is because of all the incredible food.

As well as all of the classics like Tzatziki, Souvlaki, Greek salad and Moussaka, Kefalonia is known for their Kreatopita, a meat pie usually made from a mix of beef, pork and lamb, rice, tomato, onion, garlic and herbs.

You can try these pies in most restaurants around the island, but I stumbled upon Eleni’s Olive Garden when I was driving one day, a place known for its pies! It’s a family run cafe set amongst olive trees, and everything is homemade.

It’s a beautiful setting and my meal was delicious, so I’d really recommend this place if you’re wanting to try local Greek food.

A Mediterranean seafood dish featuring grilled fish fillets served over a bed of pearl couscous with yellow spices, accompanied by a lemon wedge and creamy dipping sauce. The plate rests on a blue-striped tablecloth, enhancing the relaxed coastal dining vibe.
A rustic outdoor meal setting with three traditional Greek dishes: baked tomato stuffed with rice and topped with feta, a fresh village salad with bread and tzatziki, and a side of yogurt with a single olive. The food is served on a wooden table with a lace cloth beside a cushioned wooden chair.
A Mediterranean seafood dish featuring grilled fish fillets served over a bed of pearl couscous with yellow spices, accompanied by a lemon wedge and creamy dipping sauce. The plate rests on a blue-striped tablecloth, enhancing the relaxed coastal dining vibe.
A rustic outdoor meal setting with three traditional Greek dishes: baked tomato stuffed with rice and topped with feta, a fresh village salad with bread and tzatziki, and a side of yogurt with a single olive. The food is served on a wooden table with a lace cloth beside a cushioned wooden chair.

Rustic outdoor seating area in Kefalonia, Greece, featuring wooden pallet furniture, a hanging egg chair, and a rope hammock nestled among greenery. The peaceful garden overlooks a lush valley and forested mountain under soft golden hour light.

5. Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave was the highlight of my trip to Kefalonia. It’s an underground lake inside a natural cave and the water is the most incredible shade of blue.

A short boat ride takes you into the cave, and tickets cost €10.00. The boat ride only lasts about fifteen minutes, where your guide will tell you some facts about the cave and give you time to take photographs.

There’s two sections to the cave, the open air part and a covered area where you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites.

The best time to visit is around midday, when the sun is directly above the cave making the water look an incredible shade of blue.

View from inside Melissani Cave in Kefalonia, Greece, showing sunlight pouring through a collapsed cave roof onto vivid turquoise water. Rowboats glide through the cave's crystal-clear lake, framed by dramatic limestone walls.
Wide-angle shot of Melissani Cave’s open ceiling, revealing the sky and trees above while sunlight beams down onto the deep blue water below. Small boats drift in the cave’s interior, highlighting its surreal, natural beauty.
Close-up view of the sunlit limestone walls inside Melissani Cave in Kefalonia, Greece, with turquoise water at the base and trees growing above the cliff edge. The texture of the rock glows in warm tones under the daylight filtering through the cave’s open ceiling.
Interior of Melissani Cave showcasing the dramatic contrast between shadowed rock formations and the glowing aqua-blue lake below. Sunlight streams through the cave’s opening, illuminating patches of moss and greenery clinging to the stone walls.
Close-up view of the sunlit limestone walls inside Melissani Cave in Kefalonia, Greece, with turquoise water at the base and trees growing above the cliff edge. The texture of the rock glows in warm tones under the daylight filtering through the cave’s open ceiling.
Interior of Melissani Cave showcasing the dramatic contrast between shadowed rock formations and the glowing aqua-blue lake below. Sunlight streams through the cave’s opening, illuminating patches of moss and greenery clinging to the stone walls.

6. Drogarati Cave

Drogarati Cave is a limestone cave that’s thought to be over one hundred million years old.

This is one of the coolest things to do in Kefalonia, my jaw actually dropped when I stepped inside, I was not prepared for how incredible this place is.

The cave is covered in stalactites and stalagmites and you can walk around at your own pace and explore. Entrance to the cave is €6.00 and it’s a ten minute drive from Melissani Cave, so I’d recommend visiting them together.

Interior of Drogarati Cave in Kefalonia, Greece, showcasing dramatic stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the rocky cave floor. Warm lighting highlights the rich orange and brown tones of the limestone formations, creating a striking underground landscape.
Vertical view inside Drogarati Cave in Kefalonia, Greece, highlighting sharp, elongated stalactites hanging from the ceiling in rich amber and ochre tones. The dramatic lighting emphasizes the intricate texture of the cave’s limestone formations.
Wide-angle interior of Drogarati Cave featuring a rugged ceiling covered in dense stalactites and visitors exploring along a dirt path and stone steps. The massive scale of the cave is emphasized by the small human figures beneath its textured roof.
Vertical view inside Drogarati Cave in Kefalonia, Greece, highlighting sharp, elongated stalactites hanging from the ceiling in rich amber and ochre tones. The dramatic lighting emphasizes the intricate texture of the cave’s limestone formations.
Wide-angle interior of Drogarati Cave featuring a rugged ceiling covered in dense stalactites and visitors exploring along a dirt path and stone steps. The massive scale of the cave is emphasized by the small human figures beneath its textured roof.

If you want to visit Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave, this tour is brilliant. You’ll visit both of them, stop off at Myrtos Beach, and finish with a wine tasting.

7. Fteri Beach

Fteri Beach is a secluded beach in Kefalonia that’s only accessible by boat, or a pretty challenging hike (which I wouldn’t recommend attempting from the reviews I’ve seen online).

This was my favourite beach on the island, the water is an incredible colour and the dramatic cliffs surrounding it add to its feeling of remoteness.

You get the boat to Fteri beach from the town of Zola.

A return ticket costs €20.00 and you’ll need to choose your return time when you book your ticket. There’s no facilities on this beach so make sure you bring everything you need with you.

Aerial view of a secluded beach with turquoise waters, white pebble shoreline, and dramatic limestone cliffs covered in dense greenery. Sunbathers and umbrellas are scattered along the beach, adding scale to the natural landscape.

Fteri beach is very remote, so if you’d prefer to visit it with a guide, this private tour is a great option. You’ll go to Melissani Cave, Myrtos Beach, Assos, and then Fteri beach, so in one day you can tick off a lot of the main things to do in Kefalonia.

8. Petani Beach

Petani Beach is located on the Paliki peninsula in the northwest of Kefalonia. The drive down to the beach is pretty windy – with a series of switchbacks towards the bottom.

Unlike some of the wilder beaches in Kefalonia, Petani Beach has good facilities, with sunbeds, restaurants and tavernas on the shore.

If you prefer a more untouched beach, head right when you reach the bottom and you’ll find a section with nothing on it (this is where I spent the afternoon when I went).

Getting around Kefalonia

I’d recommend hiring a car for your trip to Kefalonia, to give you flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.

There is a bus that runs between the main towns, but it can be harder to reach more remote villages by public transport. Its run by KTEL and you can find the current routes here.

I used Discover Cars to book my hire car for Kefalonia. I always use this website when I travel as it compares loads of different providers to find the best price for my dates and destination.

A coastal road curves gently along a sunlit cliffside, bordered by a dry, rocky slope with scattered trees on the left and a wooden guardrail overlooking the sea on the right. The scene captures the late afternoon light casting long shadows, with a distant town visible across the water.

Where to stay in Kefalonia

On my trip to Kefalonia I stayed at Eliamos Villas Hotel and Spa. It’s a 5* hotel made up of 12 villas rather than hotel rooms. The villas range from one to three bedrooms, and each one has its own private pool.

I stayed in a two bedroom villa with a sea view and it was absolutely beautiful. It was very modern, with a kitchenette, large dining table, huge seating area, television, and two bedrooms each with a large en-suite, as well as outdoor showers.

Outside on the terrace was another dining table, large corner sofa, as well as sun loungers and comfy cushions around the spacious pool.

The restaurant serves fresh, local food with great cocktails, and there’s also a gym and yoga and pilates sessions. Basically, it has everything you need!

The only downside of this hotel is that you’re located on the south coast of Kefalonia, so you do have longer drives. For example, it’s fifty minutes to Myrtos Beach, and over one hour to Assos.

But I didn’t mind these longer drives to have this hotel as my base, it’s a really special place to stay (backed up by the fact that its been awarded two Michelin Keys).

Shaded outdoor dining area of a Mediterranean-style villa or restaurant in Kefalonia, Greece, featuring natural wood beams, wicker chairs, and stone walls. Tables are neatly set, and cozy cushioned seating lines the back wall, surrounded by lush garden greenery and soft golden sunlight.
Warmly lit interior of a modern Mediterranean villa with natural tones, featuring wicker furniture, a textured rug, and an open sliding door leading to a sun-drenched patio with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Outdoor breakfast setup on a wooden table with dishes including a cappuccino, fresh juice, yogurt with berries, savory pancakes with cheese, and a plate of mini pancakes topped with fruit. A woven basket food cover adds a rustic touch under the morning sunlight.
Warmly lit interior of a modern Mediterranean villa with natural tones, featuring wicker furniture, a textured rug, and an open sliding door leading to a sun-drenched patio with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Outdoor breakfast setup on a wooden table with dishes including a cappuccino, fresh juice, yogurt with berries, savory pancakes with cheese, and a plate of mini pancakes topped with fruit. A woven basket food cover adds a rustic touch under the morning sunlight.
Serene outdoor area of a luxury villa featuring cushioned lounge chairs and white umbrellas beside an infinity pool. The scene is surrounded by lush greenery and modern outdoor seating, evoking a peaceful, upscale retreat.
She Knows Alt Text said: Aerial view of a luxury villa complex nestled in the green hills of Kefalonia, Greece, featuring terracotta-roofed buildings, private pools, and landscaped gardens. The layout is surrounded by dense vegetation and olive trees, blending seamlessly into the natural Mediterranean landscape.

Read my other Greece travel guides

Hi, I'm Jess, a full time travel blogger from the UK. I've visited 36 countries and I love sharing my experiences with you to help you plan your trips.

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