Unmissable Kefalonia
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
ASSOS
The delightful village of Assos nestles around a small bay at the base of the Assos peninsula. It was partially destroyed in the earthquake, and while some of it has been lovingly restored, other magnificent old Venetian buildings have been left alone.
KERMEIES, SOUTH WEST
Fifteen minutes’ drive from Argostoli, this village has a lovely taverna and is well located for visiting St George’s Castle.
LOURDAS, SOUTH
This resort has a great selection of amenities. It is in a beautiful stretch of countryside and walkers will enjoy the local tracks which take you either to Karavados and the beach at Aghios Thomas, or along the road to the village of Lourdata.
AGIA EFFIMIA, NORTH EAST
A traditional east coast fishing village with a small harbour and some lovely restaurants. Archaeologists have identified traces of a villa and mosaics from the Roman period here, too.
FISKARDO
The northernmost port on Kefalonia, Fiskardo is a beautiful fishing village that has been described as the St Tropez of the Greek Islands. In the evening, the village lights reflect on the waterfront, providing a picturesque backdrop to fresh seafood suppers. The surrounding villages of Evreti, Tselentata, Manganos and Tzamarelata are also worth a visit.
SKALA, SOUTH WEST
This fishing village has a large, sandy beach within walking distance of its port, which has a variety of water sports (water ski, jet ski, kayaking, scuba diving etc). Organised and clean, the south eastern part is a lovely spot for the family.
Sami, East
Sami is a pleasant coastal village with various cafés and proximity to some interesting sights. Home to the second largest port on Kefalonia, from here there are boats to Ithaca.
Dining & Drinks
Platanos
Assos’s oldest dining venue, with friendly owners and tree shaded tables in the village’s flower filled square. The mouthwatering menu includes Kefalonian meat pies, local chicken sausage and wild rabbit tagato (cooked in tomato and garlic sauce).
Assos | +30 2674 051381
Elli’s Cafe
Located on the seafront with a view to Ithaca. Delicious fresh meat and seafood dishes are accompanied by a variety of traditional wines.
Fiskardo |+30 26740 41127 | fiskardo-ellis.gr
Tassia
The most famous taverna in Fiskardo port, serving salads, pasta, meat and seafood dishes since 1972.
Fiskardo | +30 26740 41205 | tassia.gr
Roula
A pretty, grey-painted restaurant over-looking the harbour. Lovely for lunch or supper, serving traditional Mediterranean food.
Fiskardo | (+30 2674 041161)
Vasso’s
A fabulous family run restaurant, where the food is absolutely delicious (and the recipes are a closely guarded family secret).
Fiskardo | +30 26740 41276
Paradise Restaurant
Excellent food, seating looking over Ithaca and an amazing little beach below. Set on the edge of the village, it’s worth finding if you are in the area.
Agia Effimia | 30 2674 061392 | paradisebeachtaverna.com
Mikelatos Restaurant
A good Greek restaurant for lunch or early dinner, plus they do a tempting breakfast and brunch menu. (Formerly named Scandinavia.)
+30 26710 83240 | mikelatos.restaurant
Taverna Elaionas
Excellent family run taverna in a lovely rural setting, with tasty meat and vegetable mezes.
Kermeies | +30 2671 069326 | Dinner only
Alexandros Myrtos Restaurant
A family run taverna with excellent food, just above the famous Myrtos Beach, in the village of Divarata.
+30 26740 61777 | alexandrosrestaurant-myrtos.gr
Denis Restaurant & Bar
Rustic chic open air restaurant on the beach. Beautiful setting, great cocktails and food a little different from the rest.
Trapezaki Beach | +30 698 299 9330 | deniskefalonia.gr
Avithos Preview
This is a traditional beach taverna that’s excellent for lunch and dinner. Fabulous for fresh fish, especially calamari, and a wide variety of local and French wines.
Avithos Beach | +30 26710 42135 | avithospreview.gr
Cova Cafe Beach Bar
One of the most chilled out places on the island. Toes in the sand, fabulous sunsets and bar snacks available. Try the Aperol Spritz or mojito! Dress down. Open from 10am until very late!
Avithos Beach | +30 693 724 7003
Ranzo Ionio
An open-air, family-run taverna here where they cook their own organically-grown vegetables in a wood-fired oven. Booking is necessary, as the menu is limited.
Tzamarelata | +30 267 4041478
Mirella’s Taverna
Stunning views over the water to Lefkada, Meganissi, Ithaka, and the mainland beyond.
Fiskardo | +30 2674 041298
Emelisse Art Hotel
Book a table in their open-air restaurant. A smaller restaurant hosts special evenings such as wood-fired pizza nights where you can watch a film from the comfort of luxurious sunbeds. Advance booking necessary.
Fiskardo | +30 26740 41200
To Petrino
A popular taverna, reasonably priced.
Antipata | +30 2674 041304
Picnic Cafe
Opposite To Petrino, great for breakfasts, brunches and light or take-away picnic lunches. It’s also worth hanging around for their live music nights.
‘Makis’ Restaurant
Well-known for it’s spit-roast suckling pork one night a week. Book in advance.
Vasilikades | +30 2674 051556
Veggera
Lovely sunset views from its terrace balcony.
Fiskardo | +30 2674 051140
Petragulos
Authentic, evening taverna. Sit inside by the small wood stove on chilly evenings, or out on the terrace across the road with views of Agia Efimia and the sea.
Makriotika
Odysseas Taverna
Great family-run taverna on the beach.
Agios Jerusalem | +30 2674 041133
Alati
Beach lounge bar come Italian restaurant. Fantastic food, well worth a visit. Book in advance for evenings.
Aliates Cove | +30 694 066 7251
Foki Bay Taverna
A traditional taverna using home grown produce, and within walking distance of Fiskardo. A favourite with the locals as well as tourists. Can get busy during high season.
Foki Bay
Takeaway
Many restaurants offer takeaway options, perfect for at home dining with no washing up. We would recommend Eleni at Kefall-Oinoa (+30 2674 041450) - Eleni makes wonderful, fresh moussaka for large groups. Or try Emilio at Elaia (+30 2674 041750) for takeaway pizzas. Both located in the village of Maganos in the North of the island.
Best Beaches
Aliates, North Coast
A fascinating little cove, named after the pools of saltwater that evaporate in the heat of the day, leaving behind beautifully formed crystals of sea salt which the locals take home to cook with. Park in the car park above, next to the beach bar.
Agia Jerusalem, North Coast
A family friendly bay with sunbeds and parasols for hire in high season. The second part of the beach to the left is usually quieter.
Agia Kyriaki
Near Zola, this is a good beach if it is windy on the east coast – there’s a small taverna, sunbeds and umbrellas available.
Emplisi Beach, North Coast
Just North of Fiskardo, this crescent moon-shaped bay has stunning views of Lefkada, Meganissi and Ithaca. Park along the road behind the beach. There is a small cafe serving drinks and snacks.
Kimilia Beach, North Coast
Off the beaten track, and perhaps not best suited for young children, Kimilia beach is well worth the effort for those looking for somewhere away from the crowds. Park in the clearing just off the main road and a path through the trees will take you to the beach. About 20 minutes on foot.
Myrtos, North Coast
Located near Assos, this is possibly the most famous and beautiful beach on the island. Before you descend to the long stretch of white pebble beach, stop to admire it from the cliffs above - this is your Instagram moment. Although absolutely beautiful, bear in mind the track down to Myrtos is twisty and steep, so walk slowly and carefully. Once you arrive, watch small children in the water as there’s a very steep shelf just out to sea. If you are swimming, stay close to the beach, as going too far out means you risk getting caught up in undercurrents. There is no shade so be sure to bring an umbrella. A small cafe offers snacks but we suggest having lunch at Alexandros Taverna in the nearby village of Divarata.
Dafnoudi Beach, North East Coast
A lovely, wild and rustic pebble beach with crystal clear waters (but no facilities). Just north of Fiskardo, park your car down the road from the Antipata Erissou junction, then walk 15 minutes through the gorgeous cypress forest until you find the beach.
Foki Beach, North East Coast
A very picturesque, small beach with large stones and crystal water, surrounded by greenery. Just south of Fiskardo.
Antisamos Beach, East Coast
One of the most gorgeous beaches on Kefalonia, where part of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed. There are three restaurants – the first one as you arrive is the best. Enjoy cocktails on the beach and low key music. Very popular with the jet set and families alike – get there early to secure a sunbed. Near Sami.
Mounda Beach, South East Coast
A beautiful unspoilt sandy beach near Skala, where loggerhead (caretta caretta) sea turtles come to nest.
Lourdata Beach, South Coast
This calm beach resort has white sand, umbrellas and sunbeds. You can water ski, jet ski and rent small boats. Go beach hopping to nearby Paradissi, Sissia, Lithero, Nissi, Lefka and Koroni.
Trapezaki Beach, South Coast
A relaxed sandy beach with trees behind and good swimming. The nearby hillside village has a few tavernas and a couple of mini markets.
Saint Thomas Beach, South Coast
A favourite with the locals and anyone who enjoys snorkelling - there are plenty of rocks to explore underwater. You’ll also find a couple of traditional tavernas for lunch. Just east of Spartia.
Spartia Beach, South Coast
A small sandy cove and peaceful traditional village (with a few tavernas). Great for small children, but no sunbeds.
Aavithos Beach, South West Coast
A long sandy stretch of beach with some secluded spots if you take a stroll (and sometimes nudists at the quieter end). There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, plus a couple of great tavernas.
Do & See
Monasteries
More notable among Kefalonia’s monasteries, is the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos (near Valsamata), a destination of a pilgrimage for many Orthodox Greeks. The monasteries of Saint Andreas, Saint Gerasimos and Saint George can be visited in one day. You may also like to visit the Sisia monastery, which is on the road towards Skala. Many of them feature unique frescoes and legends. Built on the edge of a steep west coast slope, The Monastery of Kipoureon has a gorgeous view of the sea and is a good place to watch the sunset. It has many rare post Byzantine icons.
Walking
The island is rich in diversity and blessed with some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. There are plenty of places that you can walk along shepherd’s tracks and narrow lanes which are off the beaten track and away from the touristy areas. What better way to enjoy the compelling beauty of the wild countryside, fertile valleys, 50 varieties of orchid, citrus fruits and grapes, picturesque Greek villages and the coastline with its endless number of beaches?
Outdoor Kefalonia, various locations
Fantastic for Jeep safaris covering Mountain Ainos National Park routes. Other activities include sea kayaking, coasteering, hiking and canyoning. They have offices in Agostoli, Fiskardo, Sami and various other island locations.
+30 69799 87611 | outdoorkefalonia.com
Olive Oil Museum, Makriotika, North East
With over a million olive trees on Kefalonia, olive oil production is very important to the island’s rural economy. Before the 1953 earthquake there were 200 oil presses, today there are 13. This fabulous museum shows both traditional and modern methods of olive oil production.
Bavarian Horse Riding Stables, East
They welcome all standards. Located near Sami.
+30 69775 33203 | cornelia@kef.forthnet.gr
Temple of Our Lady, South
Another special place of worship for Greek Orthodox Christians is the Temple of Our Lady at Markopoulo, located at the south eastern foot of Mount Ainos. Here swarms of harmless little snakes appear in August.
Mount Ainos, South
This national park dominates the island, and at 1,628m it is higher than Ben Nevis. It isn’t really a walking option, but the roads nearly reach the official summit. There are no facilities on or up to the mountain but the views from the highest point in the Ionian islands are wonderful.
Turtles Nesting Beaches, South
The coast to the south of Mt. Ainos is speckled with fine sand beaches which provide a favourite nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles. The nesting season is May to August, and while the most important nesting grounds are in the nearby island of Zakynthos, the loggerhead turtles do lay their eggs in the Kaminia and Skala beaches.
Mazarakata Tombs, West
Colonel De Bosset excavated this cemetery by accident while searching for limestone to build the island’s roads. Located 5km outside Argostoli, towards Pessada, it is the largest cemetery of the Mycenaean period.
St George’s Castle, West
Standing on a hill above Peratata village, about 7km from Argostoli, this castle was originally built by the Byzantines, but the Venetians gave it its final form in 1504. Over the following centuries it was destroyed by invasions and the severe earthquake of 1953. Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the garden of the Kastro Family Taverna, next door, before the midday sun gets too hot.
Sclavos Wines, Lixouri, West
The Sclavos family has a long history of wine making and you’ll find the wines in the good restaurants
Kounopetra, West
A natural paradox, a gigantic rock just emerging from the sea which moves constantly from east to west. The slow movement is visible from the coast. It’s close to Xi and Vatsa beaches.
Assos Castle
Take a short walk up the side of the peninsula, along a narrow dirt road, until you reach the old Venetian Fortress. Built in 1593, its towering walls were built to protect the area from pirates. Inside, you’ll find the deserted buildings of a prison farm used during the post war period. If you’re feeling fit, a climb to the top will reward you with stunning views.
The Nautical Museum
Aiming to promote public sensitivity for marine life and environmental protection, this museum is housed in Fiskardo’s former primary school just up from the harbour. Set up and run by volunteers, it offers some interesting facts about the island. There is a strong theme of ecology here and the same building also hosts a scuba diving office which organises trips to monitor the island’s sea life.
Ancient Acropolis of Sami, near Sami
This ancient fortified town dates back to the Palaeolithic times. Once a powerful stronghold, it was referenced in Homer’s poems, but lost its autonomy to the Romans. Today, you can visit the ruins and take in the stunning hilltop views. Walkers might like to arrive via the Ancient Sami Trail, an easy 2.5 hour walk: leave your car at Sami and look for the “Ancient Acropolis of Sami” sign. For a shorter walk start off at Antisamos Beach.
Drogarati Cave, near Sami
A large stalagmitic cavern of rare beauty, estimated to be 150 million years old. Also known as the Concert Cave, it has a large chamber 150 feet below ground level, with exceptionally good acoustics and space for 500 people. Located 5km south of Sami.
Melissani Cave, near Sami
Also known as Melissani Lake, it actually ceased being a cave in ancient times, when its roof collapsed. What remains looks like a lake at the bottom of a sink hole. You enter the cave via an underground path, then join one of the cave boat tours. Archaeological excavations have found exhibits from the 3rd and 4th century BC. It can get busy in summer, with queues at peak times.
Roman Villa, Skala
Constructed in the 3rd Century AD, this Roman villa has some remarkably well preserved mosaics.
On the Water
Scuba Diving
There are several diving centres in Fiskardo, Aghia Efimia, Skala and Lassi catering from novice to expert.
Sea Kayaking, Trapezaki
Run by Yvonne and Pavlos, an enthusiastic local young couple. Pavlos is the only Greek sea kayak instructor certified by BCU (British Canoe Union); he is a BCU 5 Star, Level 4 Coach.
+30 69329 04360 | +30 69340 10400
Boat Hire, Ayia Efimia
Yellow Boats provides self drive motor boats suitable for 4-8 people.
+30 6937571950 |+30 2674062005 | yellowboats-kefalonia.gr
Fiskardo Boat Hire, Fiskardo
Regina’s boats offers a wide range of boats for hire, all are equipped with 4 stroke or 2 stroke engines as well as an electric start engine and steering wheel.
+30 6938 984 647 | fiscardoboatrental.com
Sailing Excursions, Argostoli
Skippered sailing excursions for up to 8 people, run by Danny and Lisa Millard.
+30 2671031511 | iraklissailing.com
Ionian Discoveries
’Agia Kiriaki’ is a beautiful wooden caique (fishing or transport boat). On a day trip she crosses from Fiskardo to Ithaca and meanders her way around the beautiful coves and bays. A truly memorable day spent drifting through crysta clear waters watching the technicolour sea life with a delicious lunch on board.
Shopping
Supermarkets
For the North of the island, Fiskardo has two supermarkets, ‘Dimoulas’ in the main square and ‘Tofolos’ set back from the harbour. Most villages will also have a small shop - a particularly good one is ‘Maganaras’ in the village of Maganos.
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.