10 Best Things To Do In Kefalonia, Greece (Hidden Gems, Quiant Towns & Beaches)

Perched just off the coast of mainland Greece, Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) is one of the best Greek islands to visit in the Ionian Sea. It’s a truly beautiful island that’s totally steeped in natural beauty and a shedload of history. Honestly, you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for the best things to do in Kefalonia when you visit, it’s gorgeous.

After our trip last month, I just knew I had to share some of the best things we experienced on the island. You see, unlike some of the other Greek Islands, Kefalonia is a little less well-known. Islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Corfu seem to get lots of attention, but there’s something to be said about exploring one of the quieter Greek islands.

10 Best Things To Do In Kefalonia, Greece

With that in mind, I’ve popped a few of the best things to do in Kefalonia on your next trip. Some are based around the beautiful shores, others in the historic towns, but whatever they are, I hope there’ll be a few that will strike a chord with you.

Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Kefalonia on your trip. Also, as with all our posts, if you need any other tips, just pop us a message. Have the best time on the island. Greece is stunning.

1.) Melissani Lake

Okay, so Melissani Lake is probably one of the coolest and best things to do in Kefalonia, even if it is for only a short trip. You see, Melissani Lake has actually been hidden underground for many hundreds of years, and over time, the roof collapsed and created this incredible spot to see.

Not too far from the town of Sami, it’s actually easy to get to Melissani Lake from any part of Kefalonia. Just make sure to buy a ticket or book this private tour around the lake and nearby Antisamos Beach in advance.

Once inside, you’ll get to hop on one of the boats (with a few other people) and talk a ride across the lake itself. The water is so beautiful and crystal clear, it’s stunning to see.

Now, it does get busy at certain times, so try to avoid peak season. Though, don’t worry if you can’t, as they always try to fill the little boats up anyway. It might be only a 10-15-minute experience, but it’s well worth it when on the island.

2.) Myrtos Beach

If you love beaches, then Myrtos Beach (Google Maps pin) has to be one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. Honestly, the waters are just so blue and beautiful. I’d go as far as saying that they’re some of the bluest waters I’ve ever seen, even beating the Maldives.

Once here, take a look at the beach from the viewpoints (on the road) and head on down to the beach itself.

Just make sure to take some comfy shoes as the beach has a few pebbles. Plus, don’t forget, you can book a private or shared tour to visit some of Kefalonia’s best spots. Just be sure to book before you arrive. This way, you’ll be guaranteed to be on the best tour for you. We chose these tours below.

3.) Assos (Asos)

Okay, so Assos (Asos) (Google Maps pin) is one of the most picturesque little villages on the island of Kefalonia. Better still, it’s easy to pair up a visit to Asos after spending the morning or afternoon on Myrtos Beach. After all, it’s only about a 15-minute drive away.

Once here, take a little wander around the little streets, see the colourful houses and stop by one of the seaside cafes for a frappe. It’s a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. Alternatively, take a little ramble to the top of Asos, on the spit of land itself. It really is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia if you love pretty villages.

Oh yeah, and if you’re still hankering for a swim, head out for a little dip in the harbour area too. Lots of people swim here, and the water is beautiful. Now, you can park your car in Asos, but it’s very limited. There are only about 20 spaces in total, so plan ahead in peak-season.

4.) Fiskardo

Nestled on the north coast of the island, Fiskardo (Google Maps pin) is a historic fishing village that dates back to Roman times. Here, you’ll find the most picturesque little harbour that’s filled with independent Greek restaurants that are too good to miss. We loved Vasso’s Restaurant for its fresh seafood. Plus, it’s right on the waterfront of Kiskardo.

Alternatively, head to the Panormos Tavern (Google Maps pin), which is a few minutes’ walk away. Again, right on the waterfront, just shy of the harbour of Fiskardo. This traditional Greek taverna is amazing for its spicy shrimp.

Take a little wander through the town and have a little browse in all the little stores, too. Oh yeah, and for a sunset meal, head around the bay (on foot) to Nicolas Taverna. This place is one of the best tavernas for seafood on the island of Kefalonia. Their homemade Tzatziki and fresh seafood, which is brought in every day, are so tasty. We had the most delicate seabream on the island. Now, don’t expect some fancy affair – the restaurant itself does look a little simple, but the food is some of the best. Oh, and bag a table on the terrace for the views!

5.) Ithaca

The nearby island of Ithaca is pretty easy to visit if you’re fancying a day trip from Kefalonia itself. Most of the boats go from Sami (on Kefalonia), but you might be lucky to catch another private charter or smaller boats from other areas, too.

Once here, take a little wander around the historic harbour area, ramble around the coast and honestly just chill. It’s a really laid-back island and beautiful to explore for a day trip.

Also, if you’re looking for a gorgeous hotel, check into F Zeen (on Kefalonia), which is on the south coast. We stayed here for 5 nights on our last trip to Kefalonia and loved it so much. You can even choose the rooms with the private pools (which we did), and they are so beautiful.

Plus, just down the beach, you have one of our favourite traditional tavernas in Kefalonia. It’s called Lithero (Google Maps pin) and is the best spot for traditional Greek food, especially at sunset. It’s beautiful, welcoming and very Greek. So perfect.

6.) Sami

Perched on the east coast of Kefalonia, Sami is one of the larger towns on the island. That being said, it’s still pretty small as towns go! Though it’s still one of the best things to do in Kefalonia, and shouldn’t be missed.

Once you arrive, take a wander around the historic port with all the little eateries to gorge on. Afterwards, you can head to the Sami Acropolis or Melissani Lake. It’s a great little place to go for lunch.

Oh yeah, just away from the main harbour is Agia Paraskevi Beach Restaurant, which is totally yummy. Make sure to try their spanakopita, it’s delicious.

7.) Drogarati Caves

Not too far from Melissani Lake, Drogarati Caves can easily be seen straight after (or before) visiting the lake itself. So, if you love geological history, you’ll probably find this to be one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. That being said, it’s still a great little spot if you want a break from that intense summer sun.

Once inside, you’ll get to see a heap of stalactites and stalagmites and the enormous cave itself.

8.) Argostoli

Argostoli is probably the biggest town on the island. Situated about a 20-minute car ride from the airport, it’s a great town to visit if you want to find some good restaurants and take a stroll across the harbour.

Now, one spot we loved for lunch was Tzivras Restaurant 1933, just off the main harbour. It’s a proper local joint with not many tourists at all. It’s a pretty informal affair, but the food is incredible and well worth it. You’ll leave stuffed. Honestly, this alone makes Argostoli one of the best things to do in Kefalonia.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to look out into the harbour itself. Turtles call this area home, and we spotted one floating around by the shore. They’re huge. Also, if you want to stay in Argostoli itself, the Kefalonia Grand is beautiful. It’s right within the heart of the action and perfect if you want easy access to restaurants, cafes and more on foot.

9.) Petani Beach

Situated on the west coast of Kefalonia, Petani Beach is another gem you definitely shouldn’t miss on the island. If you’re staying near Lixouri, it’s about a 25-minute drive. That being said, you can also take the car ferry from Argostoli over to Lixouri instead of driving across the whole bay.

To be honest, I think the drive is much more scenic, and actually, you don’t end up saving too much time at all. If you’re a beach bum, you’ll easily find Petani Beach as one of the best things to do in Kefalonia… just pack that sunblock!

10.) Fteri Beach

Situated between Petani Beach and Myrtos Beach, Fteri Beach is another little haven to visit if you want a relaxing afternoon. It’s the perfect place for a little swim, and the waters are just so clear and beautiful. You’ll have the best time.