The largest island of the Ionian Islands: not only beaches to relax, but also countries to visit and excursions to plan. In the post all the tips!
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian and, perhaps, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
Once certainly less traveled, today it begins to be a little more touristy, especially in summer, thanks to the many direct flights from Italy, a postcard sea, picturesque villages, trekking and good food.
Most of the tourists are concentrated in the capital Argostoli, lively and full of life, also famous for Caretta caretta turtles that every morning reach the fishing boats at the port, the quieter and more relaxing promenade of Sami and the beaches of Lixouri.
What to see in Kefalonia
In the part north of Kefalonia are Fiskardo, a splendid town and a high-level tourist destination, a landing place for many beautiful yachts but also an interesting cultural site, with the ruins of the Venetian Lighthouse, Norman ruins and Nautical and environmental museum, located in a Neoclassical style villa.
Another noteworthy country is definitely the tiny port of Assos, immersed in the green of the Mediterranean scrub and reachable through a pine forest.
Here you will find one small square surrounded by colorful houses, which house many studios and restaurants.
The final peninsula of the village extends to connect the mainland with the ancient castle, a fortress built in the late 1500s to protect this area of Kefalonia from attacks by Mediterranean pirates.
The beaches of Kefalonia
The coast, generally sandy in the south and rocky in the north, offers many beautiful beaches, sometimes very different from each other; here are some noteworthy ones.
1. Antisamos beach
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Kefalonia, this beach is located on the coast of Sami and is one of the most popular and equipped.
You get to Antisamos only from a road along the coast and, immediately after the last bend, you will be enchanted by the view of this bay, thanks to the very bright colors of the sea and the vegetation around the beach.
2. Skala Beach
This beach is located in south of the island and it is over 3km long, where fine sand alternates with white pebbles.
One part is equipped with deck chairs and umbrellas, while the other is free, with a beautiful pine forest where you can cool off in the hottest hours.
3. The coves between Sami and Agia Effimia
On the road along the coast that from Sami goes to Agia Effimia, you will find many hidden coves.
Take the car and start exploring, they are truly enchanting and offer moments of peace and relaxation even in the busiest months.
4. Emplisi Beach
This beach is located in north of the island and it is truly a gem.
Crowded in August, it still offers a breathtaking view, thanks to the vegetation that surrounds it and the shades of the sea.
Not far away is the little one Kimilia beach, reachable after a walk in the woods: a small pearl.
5. Myrtos Beach
The most famous of all the beaches of Kefalonia, is also considered the most beautiful not only on the island but in all of Greece.
To reach it, you have to take a road with a few bends and, from above, the view will leave you speechless: a large bay with a long white beach overlooking a sea that doesn't even seem real.
Obviously in summer it is very crowded, but there is space.
6. Agios Thomas
Small but very pretty, with rocks behind it and a crystal clear sea in front.
7. Petani Beach
Located on the west coast of the island, it looks a lot like Myrtos but is smaller.
Here too, the contrast between the color of the water and the surrounding landscape is truly spectacular.
The seabed immediately becomes deep and, very often, there are high waves to have fun.
8. Pessada Beach
Not far from Argostoli, we find the little one Pessada beach, reachable through the rocks.
As soon as you arrive, you will find a sign inviting travelers to leave their slippers to be caressed by the soft and warm sand.
Despite the difficulty, in August, it is very popular; I recommend that you go early in the morning.
9. Fieri Beach
This beach is reachable or on foot, via a path of about an hour, or comfortably by sea, through renting a boat or Taxi Boat departing from the port of Zola.
The pebbles are white and the water is blue: a beauty of nature.
If you rent one of the small boats that do not require a boat license, do not miss the other coves around, even more wild.
Excursions to Kefalonia
Kefalonia is not just beaches.
In addition to the villages described above, you cannot miss the beautiful ones caves of Melissani and Dhrogarati and, for lovers of trekking, there are the itineraries crossing the Livatho peninsula and Mount Aenos National Park.
Another country to see is certainly that of Scale, pleasant even out of season; in the surroundings you can also discover the nesting places for Caretta caretta turtles (to know more WildLifeSense), the archaeological excavations of the Mycenaean period and monasteries of Sissia and Agios Gerasimos.
Rich in history, Kefalonia, recalls its past through various museums in the capital, such as the Archaeological Museum or Museum of history and folklore, where you will find the original photographs of the strong earthquake occurred in 1953.
Da Kefalonia, you can also reach Zakynthos e Ithaca, which are the two closest islands; ferries depart every day or excursions are organized.
