Kefalonia in 5 Days
From the Venetian capital of Argostoli to the caves of Melissani, the cliffs above Myrtos and the hidden bays of the south.
Kefalonia in 5 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Argostoli and Sami. It assumes a hire car from day one.
Argostoli & the Peninsula
Argostoli
Capital of Kefalonia rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake in clean Ionian style. The waterfront is one of the best in the islands β walk the causeway bridge and watch the loggerhead turtles in the harbour.
Koutavos Lagoon
Protected lagoon behind the causeway β a habitat for loggerhead sea turtles and herons. Walk the perimeter path for views of the lagoon and the mountains.
Archaeological Museum Argostoli
Excellent collection of Mycenaean and Classical finds from across the island. The gold Mycenaean jewellery is outstanding.
Lassi Beaches
Series of sandy beaches on the Lassi peninsula near Argostoli. Calm, well organised, good for families. The best are Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos.
Dinner in Argostoli
Drive back to Argostoli (about 10 minutes from Lassi). Vallianos Square fills up after dark β it's the social heart of the town. Casa Grec is a favourite for dinner if you didn't lunch there.
Robola Wine Country & the South
Robola Wine Cooperative
Taste Kefalonia's famous Robola β a crisp, dry white wine made only on this island. The cooperative in Fragata is the best place to taste and buy. Free tasting.
Mount Ainos National Park
Dense forest of Abies cephalonica β a fir tree found only on this island. Drive through the park for views over the entire island and across to the mainland.
Lourdas Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Long, sandy, south-facing beach with Ionian views β one of the best on the island. Loggerhead sea turtles nest here. The tavernas above on the hill have the best view of any restaurant in Kefalonia.
Skala Beach
Sandy south-coast resort beach. Calm, shallow, family-friendly. Roman villa ruins just behind the beach are free to visit.
Coast road back to Argostoli
Long drive back from the southeast to Argostoli (about 1 hour). The road winds through Lourdas and Lakithra villages β late afternoon light makes the Ainos massif glow.
Myrtos, Assos & Fiscardo
Myrtos Beach Viewpoint π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Stop at the famous viewpoint above Myrtos before descending β the view of the white beach between sheer grey cliffs is one of the iconic images of Greece. Best light in the morning.
Myrtos Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
One of the most dramatic beaches in the world β white pebble and azure water between 300m cliffs. The water is cold, clear and deep. Gets busy by midday. The descent road is steep and narrow.
Assos Village
The most beautiful village in Kefalonia β a tiny isthmus village beneath a Venetian castle. Lunch at one of the harbour tavernas. Perfect swimming in the clear bay.
Assos Castle
16th-century Venetian castle on the headland above Assos. Walk up through the pine trees for extraordinary views over the village and the bay.
Fiscardo
The only village in Kefalonia that survived the 1953 earthquake intact β a perfect Venetian harbour with colourful houses and superyachts. Most expensive spot on the island. Coffee or an early dinner before the drive on to Sami.
Dinner in Sami
Drive back from Fiscardo to Sami (about 45 minutes). The waterfront tavernas in Sami are quieter than Argostoli β perfect after a full day on the road.
Melissani Cave & Sami
Melissani Cave
An underground lake in a partially open cave β when the sun hits the turquoise water through the roof opening at midday, the colour is extraordinary. Boat tour included. Go before 11am for the best light.
Drogarati Cave
Spectacular stalactite cave with a large chamber used as a concert hall. The acoustics are renowned β Yanni and Maria Callas have performed here.
Sami
Main ferry port of Kefalonia, used as a filming location for Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Pleasant waterfront, good lunch options.
Antisamos Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Gorgeous pebble beach near Sami, also filmed in Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Exceptionally clear, cold water. Surrounded by dense green hills β one of the most beautiful settings in the Ionian.
Dinner in Sami
Short drive back to Sami (about 10 minutes from Antisamos). The harbour walk and a sunset dinner at one of the seafront tavernas closes the day well.
Poros & the East Coast
Poros
Small ferry port on the east coast with ferry connections to Kyllini and Zakynthos. Attractive harbour with good tavernas.
Katelios Beach
Quiet sandy beach in a fishing village on the south coast. One of the main turtle nesting beaches on the island β look but don't disturb.
Tzanata
Mycenaean tholos tomb discovered in 1992 β one of the most important Bronze Age finds in the Ionian islands. Some scholars believe this area may be the true location of Odysseus's kingdom.
Argostoli β Departure
Return to Argostoli for ferry or flight departure. Final coffee on the waterfront watching the turtles.
Planning questions
Is 5 days enough for Kefalonia?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Kefalonia?
Yes. The beaches and villages are spread out and the bus does not reach the ones that matter; book ahead for July and August.
Where should I stay on Kefalonia?
The plan sleeps in Argostoli and Sami, so you are not crossing the island every morning.