29 Nov 8 Things to do in Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea which you can feel the cosmopolitan air! It has some of the most impressive beaches we have encountered in addition to the fact that “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” was filmed there with Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz. Nikos Kavvadias, a Greek poet and novelist also grew up there. Below we give you as always our insights for the best 8 things to do in Kefalonia and more specifically in the northern and eastern part. This is a big island, so we decided to focus on one side so that we have a reason for another visit to the wonderful island of Kefalonia!
Travel to Kefalonia! |
LOCATION
Myrtos Beach
One of the most famous beaches not only in Greece but worldwide is the beach of Myrtos. This is for sure the highlight of the 8 things to do in Kefalonia! It’s likely that you won’t stop taking photos of the beach as you descend towards the shore, as the scenery is simply breathtaking. This spot is one of the most photogenic beaches on the island! The waters have an incredible light crystal clear blue color, which is “highlighted” by the off-white pebbles. When the wind blows the beach has big waves, which can make swimming almost impossible. In any case, it is worth visiting even if you do not swim. If you feel a little adventurous, on the beach of Myrtos you can also do paragliding! We tried it and it was an awesome experience because the landscape is simply wonderful!
Cosmopolitan Fiskardo Village
Fiskardo is the most cosmopolitan village of Kefalonia. A pole of attraction for celebrities but also for those who travel by sailboat, which drops anchor in its small port. If you are looking for a dose of cosmopolitan air, this is the place to be! It’s the only village on Kefalonia that has so many of the original Venetian buildings intact. Walk in the beautiful port of Fiskardo, try some local delights with the view of, sailing boats and yachts. A beautiful settlement that has been preserved over time, is worth your visit. Fiskardo is in fact the nearest point of Kefalonia – Ithaca!
(The photo is from the backside of the village, where is the hotel we stayed in).
Check in at Emelisse Nature Resort
Since we talked about the cosmopolitan Fiskardo above, there is no other place to make you feel this vibe than the Emelisse Nature Resort in Fiskardo. Built on an amazing spot overlooking the sea and a wonderful sunset is ideal for a high-end experience in Kefalonia. The most impressive part of the hotel is the outdoor areas and especially its swimming pools with unobstructed views of Lefkada and Ithaca. Bonus point has an adults-only pool, while it has the most beautiful breakfast balcony ever!
The picturesque Assos Village
The most picturesque village of Kefalonia is Assos! If you have already visit Sicily you will get the same feeling. Just opposite Assos, built at the top of the peninsula is the fortress of Assos. Venetian castle which is famous for its view. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late in the village and we did not manage to climb. In Assos, there is a small beach where you can swim and then enjoy a coffee or some local delights in the taverns. The sunset of this village is breathtaking and this is the reason why Assos has included in the list of 8 Things to do in Kefalonia.
Melissani Lake Cave.
The truth is that some things are not accidental. One of them is that the lagoon of Melissani is famous worldwide for its beauty. It is a lagoon cave, from which the roof has fallen and an impressive spectacle has formed. The waters have a depth of 10 to 30 meters, while it is 160 meters long. The lake’s bottom is covered with stones with plants growing at the opening of the cave. Forests surround the cave and the mountain slope is to the west. The entrance costs 6 euros and this price includes boating in the cave that lasts about 15-20 minutes. Bathing is not allowed. Also, in the Covid era, it is mandatory to use a mask for your entrance. The most suitable time to see the sunbeams penetrate the roof and “emphasize” the turquoise colors of the water is 12-2 at noon.
Dafnoudi Beach, Emblisi & Foki.
8 Things to do in Kefalonia, especially if you are near Fiskardo? Visit one or all of the above beaches! They are quite close to each other and each has its own beauty. Dafnoudi is accessible via a forest trail. After leaving the car and walking for about 10 minutes you will see a beach drowned in the green! Right next to the beach there is a cave which you have access to! Emblisi Beach is located just below the Emelisse Nature Resort. It is a relatively small beach with wonderful waters and tamarisk trees! If you go early you can find a place under a tamarisk tree! Another beach with a similar setting is Foki.
Sami & Antisamos Beach.
If you visit the cave lake of Melissani on the same road you can also visit the Cave of Drogarati and then you can go to Sami, which is located in the eastern part of Kefalonia. It is a town and one of the most important ports on the island. From there you can go to Ithaca and Patras! You will find many taverns and shops for coffee drinks, but also a small hidden beach just outside Sami. A very nice beach with greenery is Antisamos, which is very close to Sami. There are beach bars and sunbeds where you can eat something and enjoy your bath in comfort. If you do not want organized beaches, you can move a little to the right where there is space to sit freely.
(In the photo is Antisamos beach).
What about Food
Lust but not least on the list of 8 Things to do in Kefalonia is the Greek Food. When you go to the beach of Myrtos before (or even after) you take the final road that leads to the beach, make a stop at “Myrtilo”! Excellent shop, with young and cheerful owners. It has a yard for brunch and not only, for until late in the afternoon. There you will also find excellent local products, such as honey with honeycomb! In Fiskardo we had dinner at “Iris” and “Apagio”, which were both very good, while also suggested restaurants are “Vasso” and the famous “Tassia”. For dessert, especially banoffee and a cocktail, go to “Melina”! For traditional flavors and delicious braised goat with potatoes go to the tavern “Makis” in the village of Vasilikades.
See more about our trip on Instagram (highlights stories #Kefalonia).
