Kefalonia is made for road trips. With winding coastal roads, dramatic mountain passes, and hidden beaches at every turn, this is an island that rewards those who explore it on four wheels. No bus schedule. No taxi waiting. Just you, an open road, and one of Greece's most beautiful islands.
Here is a complete 7-day road trip itinerary starting and ending at Kefalonia Airport, using a rental car from DS Auto.
Day 1 — Arrival & Argostoli
Pick up your DS Auto rental car at Kefalonia Airport and head straight to Argostoli, just 9 km north. Check in to your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the island's lively capital. Walk along the De Bosset Bridge, stroll the central square, and head to the lighthouse area in the late afternoon to watch loggerhead sea turtles feeding in the shallow water. Have dinner at one of the harbour-front restaurants and try a glass of local Robola white wine.
Day 2 — Myrtos Beach & Assos
Drive north along the spectacular west coast road. Stop first at the Myrtos Beach viewpoint — the panorama from the cliff edge is one of the most photographed scenes in all of Greece. Descend carefully to the beach for a swim before heading further north to the enchanting village of Assos. The walk up to the 16th-century Venetian Castle above the village offers sweeping views of the peninsula and the sea below.
Day 3 — Fiskardo & the Northern Peninsula
Today you head to the very tip of the island. Fiskardo is Kefalonia's most elegant village — the only settlement that survived the 1953 earthquake intact, preserving its beautiful Venetian architecture. Explore the harbour, have a long lunch at a waterfront taverna, and take a short drive to the secluded Emblisi Beach nearby. On the return journey, stop at the small coastal town of Agia Efimia for an evening swim and dinner by the port.
Day 4 — Sami, Melissani Lake & Drogarati Cave
Head to the eastern coast for a day of underground wonders. Begin at Melissani Lake — arrive before midday so the sunlight pours through the cave opening and turns the water an electric turquoise. Take the short boat ride around the underground lake. Then drive 4 km to Drogarati Cave, where extraordinary stalactite formations fill a vast underground chamber that doubles as a concert hall. Spend the evening in the port town of Sami.
Day 5 — Skala & the South
Drive south to Skala, one of Kefalonia's most relaxed resort towns. Stop along the way at the hilltop village of Pastra for panoramic views of the southern coastline. In Skala, visit the well-preserved Roman Villa ruins (2nd century AD), then spend the afternoon on the long sandy beach. Explore the quieter village of Katelios nearby — a favourite among those who prefer to avoid the crowds.
Day 6 — Lixouri & Xi Beach
Take the short ferry crossing from Argostoli to Lixouri (approximately 15 minutes, with regular daily departures). This takes you to the Paliki peninsula — a part of Kefalonia that many tourists skip entirely. Drive south to Xi Beach, famous for its remarkable red sand and the natural clay that washes ashore, which locals apply to their skin as a natural remedy. Continue to Petani Beach, often described as the most beautiful on the island, for a sunset swim.
Day 7 — Mount Ainos & Departure
On your final morning, make time for a drive up Mount Ainos, the highest peak in the Ionian Islands. The National Park is home to the Abies Cephalonica fir tree — a species found nowhere else on earth — and the rare Kefalonian wild horse (Equus caballus). The mountain road offers extraordinary views across the whole island. Return to the airport to drop off your car and depart with a full set of memories.
Plan Your Kefalonia Road Trip with DS Auto
Every stop on this itinerary is best experienced with your own car. DS Auto rental cars come with free offline GPS navigation, unlimited kilometres, full insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance — so you can drive with complete confidence. Prices start from €13/day with pickup at Kefalonia Airport.
