Must-see Kefalonia

From natural wonders on our doorstep to castles, monasteries and the island's loveliest towns and villages.

Melissani Lake, Kefalonia

Melissani Lake

The subterranean lake of Melissani was discovered in 1951 by the speleologist Giannis Petrocheilos. Part of the roof has collapsed, revealing a marvellous view: crystal-clear waters and unique geological sculptures, seen from a small boat that glides you across the entire lake. An unforgettable experience — 4 minutes from Sami View.

Drogarati Cave, Kefalonia

Drogarati Cave

Discovered 300 years ago when an earthquake opened its entrance, Drogarati lies 60m below ground and has been open to the public since 1963. It is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and its great 900m² hall — the “Sala of Apotheosis” — has such perfect acoustics that concerts are held inside.

Mount Aenos, Kefalonia

Mount Aenos

A majestic national park cloaked in Kefalonia's unique black fir (Abies cephalonica) — so dark from afar that Aenos was once called the Monte Negro of Greece. The park shelters rich flora and fauna, from hawks and woodpeckers to the rare semi-wild Aenos horses of the Pindos breed.

Venetian Castle of Agios Georgios, Kefalonia

Venetian Castle of Agios Georgios

Built around the 12th century on a 300m hill at Peratata, this 16,000m² fortress with 600m of walls once held churches, barracks, hospitals and water tanks — and served as the island's capital until 1757, when Argostoli took over. An escape tunnel once led all the way to the Koutavos lagoon.

Saint Gerasimos Monastery, Kefalonia

Saint Gerasimos Monastery

The beautiful monastery of Kefalonia's patron saint is a must-see. The old church nearby is built above the tomb and the cave where the Saint lived, and holds his relics. On the 16th of August, commemorating a great miracle, a huge festival and bazaar takes place.

Argostoli, Kefalonia

Argostoli

The island's capital since 1797, built amphitheatrically around the deep gulf of Koutavos. Wander the Lithostroto pedestrian street and the waterfront, visit the Archaeological and Folk Museums, and settle into the cafés and restaurants around the central square, open from morning until late.

Lixouri, Kefalonia

Lixouri

The island's second town faces Argostoli across the gulf, linked by a short ferry ride. A small river divides it in two — earning it the nickname “piccolo Parigi”, little Paris — a name it lives up to with its lively cultural scene, watched over by the statue of poet Andreas Laskaratos.

Sami Village, Kefalonia

Sami Village

Your home base, a 10-minute stroll downhill. Shops, ATMs, supermarkets and harbour-front tavernas serving local wine and fresh fish — everything you need minutes away, plus a 24-hour Health Center and the ferries to Ithaca.

Agia Efimia, Kefalonia

Agia Efimia

One of Kefalonia's most traditional and picturesque villages, 10km along the coast road. A collection of tranquil bays with beautiful pebble beaches and an attractive little port opposite Ithaca, where sailing boats gather all summer.

Assos Village, Kefalonia

Assos Village

A tiny, picture-perfect fishing village beneath an imposing 16th-century Venetian fortress, built in 1585 when Assos was capital of the island's north. The ruined walls, the Venetian governor's house and St Marco's church still crown the peninsula.

Fiskardo, Kefalonia

Fiskardo

The famous harbour village at Kefalonia's northern tip — left almost untouched by the great 1953 earthquake, so its historic Venetian buildings survive. Traditional fishing boats moor beside summer yachts, and by night the lights, old facades and waterside restaurants are pure Mediterranean magic.

Skala, Kefalonia

Skala

At the island's south-east corner, Skala pairs beautiful scenery with a long, sandy, fully organised beach — plus banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants for everything a day trip needs.

Poros, Kefalonia

Poros

A picturesque harbour town at the foot of mounts Pachi and Atros, and a key ferry link to mainland Greece. Its 2km indented coastline hides sandy beaches and sheltered coves — some reachable only by 4x4 for the adventurous.

Kefalonia Beaches

The north coast hides small, clean pebble coves; the south stretches out in long sandy beaches. These are the ones not to miss.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach

Voted the most beautiful beach in Greece year after year, and a filming location for Captain Corelli's Mandolin. White pebbles against impossible shades of blue, framed by dark green cliffs — the view from the road above is one of the island's iconic sights. Blue Flag, with a small bar-taverna on the sand.

Antisamos Beach, Kefalonia

Antisamos Beach

Just over the headland from Sami — emerald waters, small white pebbles, and green hills that run right down to the waterline. Another Captain Corelli filming location, fully organised with restaurants, sunbeds and water sports, and reachable by beautiful shaded walking trails through the hills.

Makris & Platis Gialos, Kefalonia

Makris & Platis Gialos

Twin golden, sandy Blue Flag beaches just outside Argostoli in the Lassi area — an excellent day-trip combination of swimming, sea activities and local tastes.

Xi Beach, Kefalonia

Xi Beach

South of Lixouri, famous for its striking red sand. The water stays shallow for many metres over a fine sandy seabed — ideal for children — with a canteen, café, umbrellas and water sports from jet ski to parasailing.

Skala Beach, Kefalonia

Skala Beach

Three kilometres of beach to explore, alternating fine sand with small, beautifully coloured pebbles, plus scuba diving and water sports to fill a day.

Assos Beach, Kefalonia

Assos Beach

A family beach in the heart of Assos village, facing the castle peninsula like a protected lake. Pebbles, shallow white-sand seabed, and a row of picturesque cafés a few steps behind — very safe for children.

Petani Beach, Kefalonia

Petani Beach

Spectacular crystal waters on the Paliki peninsula — and, from here, the most beautiful sunset on the island. Also worth seeking out: Dafnoudi, Foki and Emblisi near Fiskardo, Lourdas and Trapezaki on the south coast, and the little coves along the Sami and Agia Efimia coastline.

Explore it all from Sami View

Melissani and Drogarati are 4–5 minutes from your balcony; Antisamos is 10. Make us your base.

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