Explore Kefalonia – Discover the Island by Car

Sights

Top areas of our Kefalonia island, worth visiting

Argostoli, Lixouri, Fiskardo, Assos, Lake Melissani… The largest of the Ionian Islands, with its sparkling turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and verdant mountains, has been a popular holiday spot for decades.

Kefalonians have a reputation for being the wittiest Greeks – always ready with a joke, a smile and a helping hand. Their relaxed attitude towards life is contagious and within hours of your arrival, you’ll feel as carefree as they do.

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Argostoli: the capital on the bay

Adjacent to a deep bay, Argostoli has a distinct charm as you sit in the bustling central square with locals, the majority of whom are night owls. Browse the market, stroll its beautiful streets and drink the famous Robola wine in the cozy cafes and bars.

Explore a bit and you’ll find monuments left over from the 19th century British protectorate period. And for an in-depth introduction to island culture from the 15th to the 20th century, visit the excellent Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum, one of the best in Greece, and the extensive Corgialenios library. The capital of Kefalonia will add a cultural feel to your vacation.

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Ainos: “dressed” with fir trees

The highest mountain of the Ionian, Ainos takes its name from the black pine (Abies Cephalonica) that once covered it completely and does not grow anywhere else. It has been a national park since 1962, known for its wealth of wildflowers. It is also home to a special breed of pony, the Equus cabalus.

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Beaches famous in the world

You have probably seen these beaches before on posters and postcards or in movie scenes, because they are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Their waters cover the whole range of blues and greens, spread over clean white sand or smooth round pebbles.

Myrtos, perhaps the most impressive destination, is located at the bottom of towering limestone cliffs. But don’t miss Petani and Skala. Or Poros, where the forest is reflected in the sea, intensifying the color. Makris Gialos, whose blue-green waters sway to the music of the beach bars, gives a cosmopolitan touch. And Xi, where pale green waves meet fine red sand, offers an unforgettable change of pace. The beaches of Kefalonia are waiting for you to discover them.

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Assos: perfection in miniature

Many consider it the most beautiful settlement of the island. Admire her first from above. Built on a narrow strip of land, it retains its traditional color and has Venetian mansions, plane trees, palm trees, poplars and the old olive tree in the Paris square. Head up the peninsula to visit the 16th century Venetian Castle, one of Kefalonia’s most important sights.

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Fiskardo, sailor’s paradise

Favorite destination of celebrities from all over the world. But also the special hometown of the poet Nikos Kavadias. It stands out for its port, but mainly for its traditional architecture, which offers a unique feel from the 18th century. Despite its current crowd, it maintains an indescribable peace.

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Hidden gems of Kefalonia

It rises in the depths of a cave

The 50 shades of turquoise in the underground Melissani lake are mesmerizing. Step into the boat for a tour and you’ll think you’re floating somewhere in space. With sunlight filtering in from above, the cave reminds you of a cathedral. And when your boatman starts singing, the first notes of an Italian cantata echoing around the walls, you will realize that this is a truly heavenly experience.

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The “mysterious” sinkholes in Fanari

Once upon a time, seawater disappeared into “mysterious fissures,” rock fissures with such a flow rate that it was used to power two flour mills. No one knew where it went until scientists put a dye in the water that ended up in Lake Melissani on the other side of the island. Kefalonia is full of such strange geological phenomena.

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