Explore Kefalonia – Villages, Beaches & Day Trips

Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful Ionian islands, with colorful villages, spectacular beaches and relaxed Greek island life. Whether you stay in Lourdas, Skala, Argostoli, Fiskardo or Agia Efimia, each area has its own character and things to discover – a perfect base to explore Kefalonia at your own pace.

Top Areas in Kefalonia

Southern Kefalonia: Lourdas, Skala & Katelios

The south of Kefalonia is perfect if you love long sandy beaches and relaxed holidays. Lourdas is a popular village with sea-view villas and easy access to the beach, while Skala offers a long coast with hotels, bars and restaurants right by the water. Nearby Katelios is quieter and ideal for guests who prefer small tavernas and peaceful evenings by the sea.

Central Kefalonia: Argostoli, Lassi & Svoronata

Central Kefalonia is a good choice if you want everything close by. Argostoli, the island’s capital, has a lively harbour, shops and cafés, plus nice walks along the waterfront. Lassi is just a few minutes away, with famous beaches and many hotels, while Svoronata is close to the airport and offers a quieter base with easy access to the rest of the island.

Northern Kefalonia: Fiskardo, Assos & Agia Efimia

The north of Kefalonia feels more traditional and scenic. Fiskardo is known for its harbour, colourful houses and sailing boats, Assos is a tiny village under a Venetian castle with great sunset views, and Agia Efimia is a coastal village with small coves and a relaxed atmosphere. This part of Kefalonia is ideal for day trips, photo stops and exploring by car or with a private driver.

Nature Highlights: Myrtos Beach & Mount Ainos

Two of the most famous spots in Kefalonia are Myrtos Beach and Mount Ainos. Myrtos is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, with white pebbles and turquoise water, while Mount Ainos is a national park with forests, hiking paths and panoramic views over the island. Many visitors combine these places in one day trip, starting from their hotel in Argostoli, Lourdas, Skala or Agia Efimia.

Things to Do in Kefalonia

Beaches and Swimming

Kefalonia is famous for its beaches, from long sandy bays to small hidden coves. Myrtos Beach is the most iconic, with bright turquoise water and high cliffs, perfect for photos and sunset views. In the south, Skala, Lourdas and Trapezaki offer easier access, shallow waters and organised facilities, ideal for families and couples who want to relax by the sea.

Villages and Local Life

Beyond the beaches, Kefalonia has many charming villages where you can experience real Greek island life. Argostoli feels lively and modern, while places like Assos, Fiskardo and Agia Efimia are more traditional and slow-paced. Strolling through the narrow streets, stopping for a coffee at a local café or having dinner at a family-run taverna is one of the best ways to enjoy the island.

Caves, Lakes and Nature

The island also has impressive natural attractions. Melissani Cave, with its underground lake and crystal-clear water, is a must-see near Sami. Nearby Drogarati Cave has stalactites and stalagmites and a cool temperature, especially on hot summer days. If you love nature, a drive up to Mount Ainos offers fresh mountain air, panoramic views and, on clear days, the chance to see neighbouring islands.

Discover Food, Wine and Evenings Out Our Journey So Far

Kefalonia has a rich food and wine tradition. You can try local dishes such as meat pie (“kreatopita”), fresh fish and seafood, and of course local Robola wine. In the evenings, many visitors enjoy a relaxed dinner in Lourdas, Skala, Argostoli or Fiskardo, followed by a drink by the sea. It’s not a “party island”, but you will find enough bars and music for a pleasant night out.

local kefalonia meatpie

Private Day Tours in Kefalonia

If you want to explore Kefalonia beyond your resort, we also offer private day tours in Kefalonia starting from popular areas such as Lourdas, Skala, Argostoli and more. Combine villages, beaches and viewpoints in one relaxed day with a local driver.

See suggested itineraries and ideas on our dedicated page:

View Day Tours in Kefalonia

How to Get Around Kefalonia

Kefalonia is a large island with many beautiful areas to explore. Here are the main ways to travel between the airport, ports, resorts and villages during your stay.

From the Airport to Your Resort

Most visitors arrive at Kefalonia Airport (EFL) and then travel on to resorts such as Lourdas, Skala, Lassi, Argostoli or Katelios. You can choose between private transfers, taxis, car hire or local buses. Private airport transfers are usually the most comfortable and stress-free option, especially after a long flight or when travelling with family and luggage.

To see more details, you can also check our page Airport Transfers in Kefalonia .

Private Transfers and Day Trips

Many guests prefer to use private transfers during their stay instead of driving. This is ideal for day trips to Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, Melissani Cave or for evening meals in another village. With a private driver you can relax, enjoy the views and not worry about parking, narrow roads or driving after a glass of wine.

If you’d like a custom route, you can always request a tailor-made transfer or tour .

Car Hire and Driving

Renting a car is another popular way to explore Kefalonia. The roads are generally good, but some routes can be narrow and winding, especially in the north and in mountain areas. Parking can be limited in busy villages during high season, so it’s a good idea to plan your stops and allow extra time for the journey.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving, a mix of private transfers and short local taxi rides is often the easiest option.

Buses, Taxis and Boats

Public buses connect some main areas such as Argostoli, Lixouri, Skala and Sami, but schedules are limited and may not match flight times or evening plans. Local taxis are useful for short distances or when you haven’t booked a transfer in advance.

From ports like Sami and Poros you can also take ferries to other islands or the mainland, making Kefalonia a convenient base for island hopping.

Explore Kefalonia – Questions Visitors Ask

What are the must-see places in Kefalonia?

Popular highlights include Myrtos Beach, the village of Assos, Fiskardo, Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, Mount Ainos and the capital Argostoli. Many visitors combine a few of these in one day with a private tour.

How many days do I need to explore Kefalonia properly?

With 3–4 days you can see some of the main attractions and beaches. For a more relaxed holiday, 7 days or more is ideal so you can explore different areas of the island without rushing – for example the south (Lourdas, Skala), the east (Sami, Agia Efimia) and the north (Assos, Fiskardo).

Do I need a car to explore Kefalonia?

A car is convenient, but it’s not always necessary. Many guests choose a mix of private transfers and day trips so they don’t have to drive on mountain roads or worry about parking. You can also book a custom tour that starts from your resort and covers the main sights in one day.

Which areas are best to stay in Kefalonia?

For a lively atmosphere and shops, many visitors choose Argostoli or Lassi. For a relaxed beach holiday, Lourdas, Skala and Katelios are very popular. Agia Efimia and Fiskardo are ideal if you like small harbours and a traditional village feel.

Can I book tours and transfers before I arrive?

Yes, we recommend booking your airport transfers and any day tours in Kefalonia in advance, especially in high season. This guarantees availability and gives you a clear plan for your first days on the island. You can reserve online or contact us for a custom plan.

Can you help us design a custom itinerary?

Of course. Tell us where you are staying, what you like (beaches, villages, viewpoints, local food) and how many hours you have. We can suggest a route and provide private transfers and tours in Kefalonia that match your needs.

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