Top 10 things to do in Kefalonia, Greece (the perfect 2024 holiday destination!)

Assos Village with a small horse-shoe shaped harbour and colourful buildings dotted along the coast with flowers in the foreground with the text: "Top 10 things to do in Kefalonia, Greece (the perfect 2024 holiday destination!)" over the top pinterest image

Top 10 things to do in Kefalonia (the perfect 2024 holiday destination!)

The Greek island of Kefalonia offers travellers true paradise with an array of breathtaking beaches set against the bluest seas in Europe. Its dramatic mountain landscapes and pine forests serving as a backdrop to fishing villages with traditional taverns and candy-coloured Venetian buildings. It’s a truly special place with plenty to see and do in-between relaxing on its beautiful beaches and bathing in its clear blue seas. Here are the top 10 things to do in Kefalonia!

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1) See wild Loggerhead Turtles in Argostoli Bay

Kefalonia’s capital, Argostoli has lots to offer, including: restaurants, bars and knick knack shops galore. But most notably of all, Argostoli Bay is home to a troupe of wild Loggerhead Turtles!

Between 9am and 11am every morning, the turtles patrol Argostoli Bay waiting for fishermen to discard any fish they can’t sell.

Being feet away from these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is well-worth the early start and will quickly become one of your favourite things to do in Kefalonia!

Turtle poking his nose out of the water in Argostoli Bay in Kefalonia

2) Take a gondola ride over Melissani Lake

The beautiful Melissani Lake was only discovered in 1951 after an earthquake shook the cave it was in and collapsed the roof, leaving a massive hole in the ceiling!

Thanks to the earthquake, we’re now able to see the cave in all its glory! So hop on a boat and let a guide steer you through the electric blue waters and serenade you with a song. We got, “Just one Cornetto” – it was brilliant!

I recommend visiting Melissani Lake as part of a Kefalonia Highlights Day Tour. You’ll be able to see other key sites such as Myrtos Beach, Fiscardo Village and Drogarati Cave within the same day without having to rent a car.

The day tour also includes a hotel transfer, which makes it even more convenient!

Melissani Lake in Kefalonia, a cave with a collapsed top with sunlight shining into the bright blue water

3) Explore Drogarati Cave

Drogarati Cave is only 40 minutes drive away from Argostoli and is an absolutely fascinating place to visit!

Situated 394 feet above sea level at a depth of 312 feet, these caverns are more than 150 million (yes – million!) years old.

Just think – the dinosaurs were extinct 65 million years ago so the cave’s longevity is pretty impressive!

As part of the Kefalonia Highlights Day Tour, you’ll arrive at the caves first thing to avoid the crowds, giving you plenty of time to explore!

Make your way down the stone steps into the chilly, floodlit cavern filled with twisting stalagmites and stalactites that were formed over thousands of years and just enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in this incredible space!

Inside Dorgarati Caves in Kefalonia, an orange cave with a spiked roof with stalagmites and stalactites

4) Go on a traditional greek boat trip

One of the best things to do in Kefalonia in order to get a bird’s eye view of the island is to take a boat trip. It’s also great fun to get out to sea whilst on holiday!

There are many varieties of boat trips you can take in Kefalonia, however this full day cruise on a traditional wooden Greek boat gets top marks!

Enjoy cruising alongside the coastline of Kefalonia, swimming and snorkeling at the secluded beaches of White Rockas and Xi and explore the mysterious Vardiani Island’s old shipwreck!

A traditional homemade Greek lunch is also provided as part of the trip as well as local wine throughout the day.

There is also a romantic sunset version of the boat trip which departs from Argostoli Bay at 6.30pm.

Boats in Kefalonia with trees and mountains in the background

5) Go wine tasting

Kefalonia is famous for its wine and it would simply be rude not to try their wonderful local blends. 😉

Greece has been cultivating their own grapes for over 12,000 years. Which makes learning all about their organic winemaking secrets with a Kefalonian Wine Tasting Experience even more special!

Taste four different wines from the vineyard. All paired with traditional Greek nibbles, set against the backdrop of a stunning terrace view.

The family owned winery will also guide you through local variations and their efforts to continue the winemaking tradition.

It’s a unmissable authentic Kefalonian experience!

Hands holding up wine glasses filled with rose wine

6) Sunbathe on Myrtos Beach

You’ll probably recognise Myrtos Beach as soon as you see it. It’s one of the most photographed beaches in Europe after starring in the hit film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin!

The beach is made up of smooth white pebbles and crystal clear waters backed by beautiful limestone cliffs.

It’s honestly one of the most stunning beaches I have ever visited. It actually looks like a photoshopped picture in real life, believe it or not!

If you don’t fancy a full day at Myrtos Beach, you’ll make a short pit stop as part of the Kefalonia Highlights Day Tour with a fantastic view of the whole cove from the top of the cliffs.

But whether you have a fly-by visit or decide to spend a full day here, it’s the best beach on the island so visiting is a MUST.

If it’s good enough for Hollywood it’s good enough for us travellers, right?

Myrtos Beach set against mountains, trees and a bright blue sea with white fluffy clouds

7) Spend an afternoon in Fiskardo

Known as the St Tropez of Greece, Fiskardo was once a booming fishing town. However, as the fishing industry diminished in the area, Fiskardo reinvented itself as an A-lister’s playground. With even the likes of Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Madonna being spotted here!

The rich and famous aside though, it’s Fiskardo’s beauty and history that attracts visitors.

Holiday-goers come to admire the port’s original candy-coloured Venetian taverns and houses, draped in bougainvillea – all of which miraculously survived the 1953 earthquake!

It’s a great place to relax and get something to eat and drink with beaches nearby you can visit and lovely coves to take a dip in.

Fun Fact: In 2006 a Roman-era grave complex was found in Fiskardo filled with gold jewellery, glass, clay pots and bronze artifacts. It is so well preserved the 2000 year old door still swings open on its stone pivots!

Fiskardo village in Kefalonia with boats and orange shaded buildings on the edge of the blue water

8) Go sea kayaking around the coast

Kayaking in Kefalonia is a fantastic opportunity to get some exercise on holiday whilst still experiencing sun, sea and sand. Especially for those of you that are cautious of losing valuable beach time!

The calm waters of the Ionian Islands are the perfect place for sea kayaking and give you a unique view of the island through a series of caves and remote beaches accessible only by sea.

If you’re not keen on paddling, make sure you get yourself into a double kayak and get your fellow traveller to help you along/ do most of the work. *Turns to boyfriend* “That’s alright isn’t babe?” 😉

Book sea kayaking in Kefalonia.

Photo taken from a red kayak of white a rock face from the sea with other kayakers in the background

9) Spend an afternoon in Assos Village (and explore its Venetian fortress!)

Assos Village is a colourful and secluded village overlooking a small, horseshoe-shaped harbour on the West coast of Kefalonia.

This charming little village also has a very colourful past as the administrative capital of North Kefalonia.

Founded under Venetian rule in 1593, it has a cool Venetian fortress you can explore, which was originally intended to protect the area from pirates and invading Turks!

Although less popular than Fiskcardo, the people here are much more laid back. You also won’t need to worry about about bus loads of tourists invading your relaxing afternoon! You can enjoy a nice quiet afternoon drinking in a traditional tavern and strolling down the harbour.

It’s a stunning time-capsule which will really give you a feel of the old country.

Book a Assos and Fiscardo sightseeing tour.

Assos Village with a small horse-shoe shaped harbour and colourful buildings dotted along the coast with flowers in the foreground

10) Go island hopping

One of the joys of holidaying in Kefalonia is its accessibility to neighbouring islands – all of which are well-worth a cheeky day trip!

Island hopping is one of my favourite things to do in Kefalonia because it’s not only quick, but cheap too! A return ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri costs less than €3 per person and runs every half an hour.

But it’s not just Lixouri you can go to, there is also Ithaca, Lefkas and Zakynthos to name just a few places!

Mel smiling on a boat headed out of Kefalonia next to a Greek flag blowing in the wind

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What top things to do in Kefalonia are you going to add to your holiday itinerary? 😊

Quick FYI guys – this post contains affiliate links to various tours I recommend. I will receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for your support!

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