🇬🇷 KEFALONIA
If you're in search of exotic beaches with turquoise waters, photogenic and colorful villages, mysterious caves and vivid nature – this is the only guide you need to follow! We’re revealing our circular tour through which you'll experience every side of the island and be guided through stunning landscapes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Seaand also the highest. Each of its sides offers a different landscape, and if this sounds familiar, perhaps you've seen the movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".
The island is rich with attractive locations and diverse scenery that won't let you go home without a ton of experiences and impressions. September is the last month of summer and marks the end of the season, making it ideal for visiting and exploring such places. The days are sunny and warm, the nights pleasant and fresh, and the number of tourists is significantly lower than in previous months. As travelers who avoid mass tourism, our decision to travel during this time of year was especially important and met all our needs.
ARRIVAL/FERRY
We accessed the island via Lefkadaas the fastest route. We boarded a ferry from the village of Vasilikiin the south, although there's an option from Nidri (which was not available at the time). The trip takes 1 hour, after which you arrive on the northern part of Kefalonia, specifically in Fiskardo. A ferry ticket (two people + vehicle > 4.25m) costs €63 one way.
FISKARDO
A charming fishing village, hidden in the embrace of rocky hills dotted with countless olive trees, will greet you on the island and impress with традиционална архитектура, its traditional architecture, colorful houses, and narrow, picturesque streets. It's known for its harbor – a paradise for sailors – and the long row of taverns and bars that attract everyone who happens to walk by.
To complete the picture, we must mention the surrounding beaches, which are a must-visit. These are small, mysterious spots, isolated from the constant tourist traffic, accessible by foot through short forest trails.
– Foki beach; Dafnoudi Beach, Kimilia beach
Although we saw all three, we chose to stay at Kimilia Beach – our first encounter with the Ionian Sea and turquoise water.
CAMP 1
After some time enjoying the beach, it was time to find our first camping spot. A huge help during those days was the park4nightapp, which contains camper-submitted info and experiences regarding overnight locations, particularly if you're traveling by vehicle.
We chose the area near Alaties Beachand parked our vehicle on the edge of enormously high cliffs overlooking the sea. Our first impression of Kefalonia was complete when we woke up at 6 AM to a red sunrise pierced with the colors of a rainbow.
ASOS
The next location in this guide is quiet and modest but striking in the overall panorama. Assos is a small village that’s a must-visit if you're on the island. Its uniqueness comes from a combination of colorful, pastel houses, calm beaches, uninterrupted views of the turquoise sea , and lush vegetation. Add it to your list if you’re a traveler who enjoys authentic Greek culture.
SAMI
Our adventure changed direction as we crossed the mountains and arrived on the eastern coast. The reason for coming to the town of Sami was the campsite where we stayed for the next two nights!
Sami is the perfect town for a summer vacation. Unlike the mountainous areas we had passed through, the terrain here was flat, the streets wide, and the Venetian buildings reflected the island’s rich heritage. The main coastal road separates the large, busy port from a string of restaurants and shops.
Nearby are some of the most famous tourist spots, and we highly recommend visiting them if you plan to spend time here.
CAMP 2
Our second camping location was Karavomilos Campgroundin the town of Sami – a 10/10 recommendation if you want to stay in one place and explore from there.
The campground is quite large and fully equipped, with spacious lots, plenty of shade, and multiple kitchens and toilet facilities.
It’s about 1 km from the center of Sami - it's easy to walk to, or you can enjoy the beach with the same name right outside the entrance.
MELISSANI CAVE
Melissani Cave is located 1 km from Sami and is considered one of the most unique places in all of Greece. Во нејзината внатрешност се крие езеро Inside, there's a lake with crystal-clear, turquoise water. The cave and lake are surrounded by dense forest, which for many years hid this natural wonder from tourists.
It was discovered in the 1950s when the cave’s ceiling collapsed, letting sunlight reveal the vibrant turquoise color of the water inside. The lake is also known as the Lake of the Nymphs, and according to locals, the name Melissani comes from one of them. It reaches depths of up to 5m and the cave itself is about 30 meters tall, with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites adding to its mysterious appearance.
Entry costs 8€and includes a short boat tourduring which the guide shares the site’s history.
ANTISAMOS BEACH
Relatively close to Sami is a famous beach known for its white pebbles and turquoise water – the reason it attracts many visitors. Easy access by both land and sea makes it even more popular.
The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, several bars and restaurants, pleasant music, and free parking. If you’re the type of tourist who prefers solitude, enjoying the sound of waves and the scent of the sea, walk to the end of the beach to find a hidden spot under the trees where you can spend your day.
POROS и SKALA
Heading toward the southwestern coast, we made a stop in the town of Poros, surrounded by hidden beaches. Poros is a well-known tourist resort, and its traditional look, beautiful nature, and blue sea may tempt you to stay longer than planned!
Just past Poros, the road leads to Skala. There’s a lot to say about this town – reviews by travelers worldwide confirm it. After the 1952 earthquake, the town began rebuilding, and many architectural remains can still be found if you walk through its narrow streets.
It has the largest town beach on the island and is a place for relaxation and enjoyment. Expect charming corners, cozy bars and taverns, small shops, and countless handmade souvenirs you'll want to take home.
KORONI BEACH / CAMP 3
We left Skala and continued along the main road, which hugs the coastline with endless views of the Ionian Sea. Not knowing our next camping destination, we decided to give the unknown a chance. Although we had noted down several places we wanted to visit on Kefalonia, this beach definitely wasn’t on the list!
Its name is Koroni, accessible by a steep winding road, but absolutely worth visiting. Just before descending to the beach, there’s a natural spring by the roadside– don’t forget to bring a thermos to fill up!
This was the first sandy beach we stepped on, and if you follow the same route, this is where you'll find peace and tranquility – quite literally. The water is crystal-clear, the area sparsely populated, and nearly unknown to tourists, making it a perfect picnic spot, camping location, or quiet piece of land to watch the magical sunset.
ARGOSTOLI
Driving along the coast, we approached the island’s capital called Argostoli. It was time to urbanize our tour a bit, since we had been immersed in nature since our arrival. The city is a real experience , and without a doubt, it’ll make you feel like you belong there! It's large, with several parallel streets running along its length, including the one by the harbor.
Over time, some streets became pedestrian-only zones and are now urban centers where many locals and tourists regularly pass through. Mornings in Argostoli are marked by two specific scents: the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through every corner, and the scent of fresh fishcaught early in the morning, ready for sale at the harbor.
But the most fascinating part of the morning is a special recurring moment. As the fishing boats return to the port, large sea turtles arrive behind them – a major attraction for both locals and tourists.
Kefalonia is home to two types of sea turtles. The first is the Loggerhead sea turtle, further known as Caretta caretta , commonly seen along the southern coast and in Argostoli harbor. The second is Chelonia mydas or the green sea turtle, which hides in underwater seagrass meadows and is spotted only by a lucky few.
If you're an early riser (and even if you're not), go for a walk around 8–9 AM and don’t miss the chance to see these rare creatures swimming around the boats, waiting for fishermen to throw them a piece of fish before they return to the depths of the Ionian Sea.
CAMP 4
Near the city, right by the sea, we found a spacious spot perfect for campers. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset, watch the city lights at night, and wake up to the sound of waves in the morning.
FTERI BEACH
Without hesitation, we award first place for the most beautiful beach on the island to Fteri. Mysterious and perfectly hidden among towering cliffs, with white pebbles, dense greenery, and turquoise milky water like a natural pool. It’ll make you wonder if you're on another planet or maybe in paradise. This natural wonder rivals all exotic destinations worldwide.
There are two ways to get there:
-by water taxi from the port of Zola. A round-trip ticket costs 20€ and the experience is unforgettable.
-by a hiking trail, that takes around 40 minutes to reach the beach.
Don’t forget to bring everything you need for the day: food, water, sunscreen, games, etc. Fteri will win you over, and you won’t want to leave anytime soon.
P.S. Bring a trash bag, as the beach is not urbanized and there are no designated waste bins.
MYRTOS BEACH
Second place on the list of Kefalonia’s most beautiful spots goes to Myrtos Beach. Grand, impeccably beautiful, and unique, it’s easily accessible by car and features several bars with rows of sunbeds. Expect fifty shades of blue, an unparalleled view of the open sea, and towering rocky cliffs.
On your way down, you’ll come across a viewpoint perfect for taking photos and capturing the entire beach in one frame.
*Note: The road down is steep and winding, and parts of it are damaged. Drive carefully and slowly. There’s free parking at the beach itself, so your belongings will be within reach.
*Sunbed rental prices are relatively high due to the location’s popularity, so a towel and umbrella are always a good idea!
LIXOURI
We believe you’ll also want to explore the western part of Kefalonia, and with good reason – it’s incredibly diverse. What will capture your heart are the soft sandy beaches and the unique views you'll encounter.
First must-see: Lixouri. A small fishing town with low, colorful houses, ideal for a walk or traditional lunch, and often chosen by tourists from around the world for a longer stay.
Its value is even greater thanks to its proximity to the so-called red beach, Xi Beach.
XI BEACH
A contrast of dominant red sand and white-gray cliffs where natural textures intertwine beautifully.
The beach gets its name from the Greek letter Xi, as it resembles the letter from a bird’s-eye view. It’s divided into two parts– one well-organized for tourists, with cafes, sunbeds, and water activities, and the other peaceful and quiet, perfect for soaking in the stunning surroundings.
Those who want to take advantage of a natural beauty mask— hidden here are clay rocks that visitors can use for free to create a completely natural clay mud treatment! According to many scientists, clay is believed to have healing and purifying properties, and it also works as a detox from various factors!
This is an unlimited treatment if you have your own self-care routine! For everyone else, we promise a soothing effect for both the mind and body on this beach!
PETANI BEACH
Lastly, we chose Petani Beach before leaving the magical Kefalonia. It’s tucked away on the westernmost part of the island, specifically on the Paliki peninsula - and it left a strong impression on us. At first glance, it might not seem as attractive as Fteri or Myrtos, but it had a special charm that made our stay truly pleasant.
It’s surrounded by rocks, and it’s said to be known for the divers who come to explore. There are two tavernas and a row of sunbeds, so the enjoyment and service are complete. We recommend not skipping it—it will be the cherry on top of your adventure!
CONCLUSION
Kefalonia is a destination that offered us different perspectivescompared to other locations in Greece. To be on an island and tirelessly explore for 10 days is, for us, a treasure you rarely find elsewhere.
Each of its sides is home to unique nature, completely different beaches, views, and sensations. With this tour, you’ll be able to cross Kefalonia off your bucket listbecause you’ll truly experience every corner of it.
*The information related to prices, working hours/seasons, directions, etc., is for informational purposes only and was accurate at the time of our visit. For up-to-date details, please do your own online research.
Until the next adventure,
Ana and Mane