What is Kefalonia famous for? Of course, for Myrtos Beach! However, Kefalonia has much more to offer in terms of attractions – the beaches aren’t the only main attractions! Check out what wonderful places you can find on this Greek island!
The largest of the Ionian Islands is located in western Greece. The island is characterized by high mountain ranges, spacious bays, and lush green vegetation.
More and more people from our country are setting out to discover this island, with tourism growing in Kefalonia alongside Corfu and Zakynthos.
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Kefalonia attractions
Argostoli
Most of the Venetian-style buildings in the island’s capital were unfortunately destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, but it’s still worth visiting.
During walks in the downtown area, especially around the port, you’ll find numerous bars and tavernas. Its main pedestrian street is Lithostroto, the „stone road”.
The 700-meter-long De Bosset Bridge connects Argostoli with the Drapano area across the bay. The view is already good from the bridge, but the panorama is even more beautiful from the hillside on the other side.
Lassi
The town adjacent to Argostoli has a more vibrant life – those looking for entertainment should visit here.
Saint George Castle
Located 8 kilometers from the capital Argostoli, near the village of Peratata, where the road leads up to it.
The foundations of the castle were built by the Byzantines in the 12th century, but it only reached its final form four centuries later after several reconstructions. It stands on top of a high, cone-shaped hill, providing protection to the surrounding area from 320 meters high. The thick walls remained impenetrable for a long time.
It offers fantastic views and entry is free!
Drogarati Cave
The island’s only visitable stalactite cave is located 45 meters below the surface.
Many say it’s not more spectacular than Aggtelek Cave, but it’s definitely worth including if you’re in the area.
It has excellent acoustics, and performances are even held in one section, taking advantage of the great sound.
Melissani Cave
This lake cave is located not far from Drogarati Cave. The lake water is salty, mixing fresh water from the mainland with seawater.
During excavations in 1962, oil lamps and plates from the Minoan culture were found, and figures featuring Pan and the nymphs were discovered. That’s why it’s also called the Cave of the Nymphs. Its specific name comes from a particular nymph, Melissanthi.
In the early afternoon, when the sun shines into the cave through the opening above and reflects on the water’s surface, it looks like boats are floating in the air. It’s a magnificent sight!
Assos
This Venetian-style settlement is located in the northern part.
Half an hour’s walk away, on a peninsula, is one of the largest Greek fortifications. The fortress once protected the western coastline.
A steep 2-kilometer footpath leads up to the ruins. The path is stone-paved and continuously rises to the castle ruins at the end. Entry is free. The panorama from the top is extremely spectacular, making it worth the climb.
The beach at the peninsula’s entrance is noteworthy. This wind-protected bay is considered very good, with beautiful views of the fortress from below. The water deepens slowly, and the shore is pebbly.
Fiskardo
This port town is located even further north and survived the 1953 earthquake. Because of this, the old style has been preserved here – it’s worth admiring the buildings and their colors.
Make sure to walk along the seafront promenade lined with houses in various colors! Here you can view boats and yachts from the terraces of numerous restaurants and cafes.
The town’s two lighthouses can be reached by a roughly 1 km walk. From here, there’s a beautiful view of the sea and the opposite island of Ithaca.
Lourdas
A quiet southern settlement of Kefalonia, with a long, fully developed beach nearby.
The island’s highest mountain is nearby, at the foot of which this quiet town lies.
The beach, covered with light-colored pebbles, has water that deepens at a moderate rate and is usually pleasantly warm from early summer.
There are no nightclubs in Lourdas, just a few tavernas and shops – otherwise, it’s just peaceful. This makes it ideal for those seeking a quiet holiday.
Best beaches in Kefalonia
Myrtos Beach
Of course, this is number one among Kefalonia’s attractions! It has been voted the most beautiful Greek beach multiple times. The beach at the foot of two mountains has fantastic panoramic views.
Its special color comes from the limestone making up the cliff face being washed into the sea by rain and waves. That’s why the sea is such a beautiful blue.
The long, wide, white sandy-rocky beach has sunbeds, toilets, changing rooms, and a buffet serving visitors’ needs, yet the landscape still maintains its natural, untouched atmosphere.
Several viewpoints have been built along the main road at the top of the cliff, offering excellent views of the white beach.
Platia Ammos Beach
Located on the western part of the Paliki peninsula, this beach is similar to Myrtos. The water deepens quickly at the beach at the foot of the mountain, and the shore is pebbly.
As this area is quite undeveloped, there are few people, and it’s quite difficult to access. A steep staircase leads from the parking lot to the beach, which often gets damaged due to minor earth movements. Therefore, caution is needed!
Petani Beach
Many consider this Kefalonia’s most beautiful beach. It has a somewhat Caribbean atmosphere, with crystal-clear water shimmering in all shades of blue.
It’s quite off the main tourist route, so it’s less crowded than Myrtos.
It has a pebbly shore, and you need to be careful as the water deepens quickly. Large waves can often disturb swimming!
Makris Gialos Beach
Located a few kilometers from Argostoli, at the edge of Lassi, this is the area’s most popular beach.
It has wonderful fine sand, gradually deepening water, and clear, transparent water.
It’s very well developed. An excellent choice for both water sports enthusiasts and families.
Gradakia Beach
Located on the shore of Lassi. It’s a very beautiful bathing spot, accessible via high stairs down to the water.
Small sandy beach section with very clear water. It has a gradually deepening shoreline where you can go snorkeling.
Paliostafida Beach
It’s worth visiting this beach, where you can enjoy a sandy, pebbly beach in a small area at the foot of a loess wall.
Emplisi Beach
A few kilometers from Fiskardo, we find this pebbly beach in a bay.
Due to the bay, it’s quite wind-protected, and can get quite crowded during high season. But if you’re in the area, definitely visit!
Skala
This small town in the southeastern tip of the island is known for its beach.
The pebbly beach stretching for several kilometers is well-developed, making relaxation trouble-free. The southern section becomes rocky, where you’ll encounter fewer tourists.
Xi Beach
Also on the Paliki peninsula, this beach lies on its southern part. What makes it popular is the view provided by the red sand and white cliff face. Many compare it to a tennis court color. 🙂
The sand is said to have healing properties, so it’s a common sight to see bathers coating themselves with water-soluble soft clay.
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