Welcome to the island of Kefalonia — the largest of the Ionian Islands and the sixth largest island in Greece.
Spanning an area of approximately 781 square kilometers and home to around 36,000 residents, Kefalonia is a place of striking contrasts and breathtaking beauty.
From dramatic cliffs and underground lakes to golden beaches and lush mountains, its diverse landscapes make it one of the most captivating destinations in Greece.
In this section, you’ll find a curated list of points of interest, tips, and local insights to help you explore and enjoy the best that Kefalonia has to offer during your stay.
Aliki’s Home
Rodamos Villa
De Bosset Bridge
The longest stone bridge over the sea in Europe, built in 1813 by Swiss engineer Charles De Bosset. It connects Argostoli to the opposite shore and offers beautiful views of the Koutavos Lagoon – a perfect spot for a scenic walk.
Avithos Beach
A sandy beach with golden hues and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and unwinding. Avithos combines natural beauty, tranquility, and stunning views of Zakynthos.
Ai Helis Beach
A quiet, sheltered beach with fine sand and shallow turquoise waters. Ai Helis is perfect for relaxation, families, and nature lovers, just a short drive from Svoronata.
Mount Ainos
Mount Ainos, the island’s highest peak and a protected National Park, is covered in rare black fir trees. With scenic trails and sweeping island views, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers seeking elevation and serenity.
Sami Acropolis
The Acropolis of Sami, perched on a strategic hilltop with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea, is one of Kefalonia’s most important archaeological sites. The ruins of the ancient city, which flourished during the Hellenistic period, reflect Sami’s past as a powerful and independent city-state. Walking among its ancient walls, gates, and building foundations, history comes vividly to life. A must-visit for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers alike — with breathtaking views to reward every step.
Ammes Beach
Ammes Beach is one of the most popular and easily accessible swimming spots in southern Kefalonia, just minutes from the airport and the village of Svoronata. With its golden sand, shallow waters perfect for families, and the unique sight of planes flying low overhead, Ammes offers a memorable beach experience. Well-organized with sunbeds, a beach bar, and convenient parking, it’s the ideal choice for a relaxing seaside escape close to town
Antisamos
Antisamos is one of Kefalonia’s most stunning beaches, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white pebbles, and lush green hillsides. Located just a short drive from Sami, it offers organized amenities such as sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports. Its breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a top choice for visitors seeking a memorable beach experience. It’s no surprise that it was featured in the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.”
The Archaeological Museum of Sami
Showcases unique artifacts from the ancient city of Sami and the wider region of Kefalonia. Through exhibits such as pottery, inscriptions, statues, and coins, the rich history of one of the Ionian’s most important ancient settlements unfolds. The museum offers visitors an engaging insight into the culture, daily life, and religious practices of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. A cultural landmark that bridges the past with the present — a must-visit for history lovers.
Drogarati Cave
Over 100 million years old, Drogarati Cave is a natural masterpiece filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Its impressive main chamber is known for its remarkable acoustics and has even hosted musical performances. A place where nature and time have created underground magic.
Zervati Cave
Zervati Cave is a small, secluded cove on the southern side of Kefalonia, near the village of Vlachata. Untamed and untouched, with fine pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it offers a raw connection with nature far from the crowds. Ideal for those seeking peace, privacy, and moments of true relaxation. The beach is unorganized, so be sure to bring your essentials — and of course, leave nothing behind but footprints.
Karavomylos
Makris Gialos
Melissani Cave
Minies
Platis Gialos
Spasmata Beach
Lighthouse of Agioi Theodoroi
Agia Paraskevi
Agia Paraskevi Beach is a spacious, pebble-covered shore located midway between Agia Efimia and Sami on Kefalonia’s eastern coast. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
This semi-organized beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and pay-per-use showers. You can relax on the shore, in a nearby patio garden, or under the natural shade of olive trees.
Enjoy stunning views of Ithaca and grab a bite at one of the beachside snack bars or tavernas by the sea.
Petani
Petani Beach is a breathtaking spot on the Paliki peninsula near Lixouri, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea. The water gets deep quickly, and waves are often part of the experience.
Stretching nearly a kilometer, the beach is mostly sandy with some pebbles along the shoreline. It’s partly organized, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and toilet facilities.
Nearby, you’ll find a few tavernas and cafés, perfect for a meal or refreshment. Limited parking is available close to the beach.
Platia Ammos
Platia Ammos is a remote, pebbly beach located about 40 km west of Argostoli, near the Monastery of Kipoureon on the Paliki peninsula. Surrounded by towering cliffs, it offers a wild, unspoiled beauty similar to Myrtos and Petani but in a much more peaceful setting.
The beach has no facilities—no sunbeds, umbrellas, or nearby taverns—making it perfect for those seeking solitude. Access was once possible via 280 cliffside steps, now mostly damaged by a 2014 earthquake, so it’s currently reachable only by boat.
The crystal-clear waters are stunning but very deep, so extra care is needed when swimming.
Assos
A pastel-painted village wrapped around a sheltered cove, Assos sits on a narrow isthmus beneath a pine-clad Venetian fortress.
Wander its flower-lined lanes, swim off the tiny pebbled beach, and linger for golden-hour views across the bay. Parking is limited in high season, so aim for an early visit or late afternoon.
Fiskardo Village
Fiskardo, once known as Panormos, has a rich history dating back to antiquity and was a prominent commercial port during Roman times. It later took its modern name from Robert Guiscard, the Norman conqueror of Southern Italy and Sicily.
This charming fishing village is one of the few in Kefalonia that survived the 1953 earthquake intact, preserving its traditional architecture. Today, Fiskardo is known for its cosmopolitan yet welcoming atmosphere, attracting many visitors while retaining its unique charm.
Despite its small size, the village offers a wide range of amenities, including upscale restaurants, stylish bars, tavernas, boutiques, shops, and supermarkets—catering to every taste and need.
Koutsoupia
A true escape: Koutsoupia is a secluded, turquoise cove framed by cliffs and pines, with glass-clear water and white pebbles.
Reach it by boat from the east-coast ports or via a long, scenic coastal hike—rewarded by absolute tranquility. There are no facilities here, so bring water, sun protection, and your sense of adventure.
Sami
Kefalonia’s verdant east-coast port blends laid-back seafront life with easy access to marquee sights. Stroll the promenade, choose a waterfront taverna, and use Sami as a gateway to nearby Antisamos Beach as well as the famous caves of Melissani and Drogarati.
Ferries and boat trips make it a convenient base for exploring Ithaca and the surrounding coastline.
St Gerasimos
Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia, is deeply revered by the island’s people. His relics are kept in a glass case above his tomb at the monastery that bears his name—a major pilgrimage site near Valsamata.
Born in 1506 into the noble Notaras family, he became a monk at Mount Athos and later lived in Jerusalem, Crete, and Zakynthos before arriving in Kefalonia in 1555. He spent five years in a cave near Lassi before founding the Monastery, where he dedicated his life to helping the poor and offering spiritual guidance.
Believed to heal the sick, Saint Gerasimos is honored on August 16, when his incorrupt body is carried over the ill. After the 1953 earthquake, many locals reported visions of him providing comfort and aid—further strengthening his legacy of compassion and care.