You know what? It's such a shame that Kefalonia isn't as popular as the other Greek islands. This isn't to say that no one goes here, in fact, the island's tourism was doing well pre-pandemic. But because it has to go head-to-head with the likes of Mykonos, Santorini, and the like, Kefalonia is often ignored. Because of this, many travelers might miss all of what this island can offer. Although Kefalonia may seem like your typical Greek island, there's actually a lot you can do here. Even if you only have a day to spend here, you won't get bored at all!
Explore The Coastal Towns
As with any other Greek island out there,
Kefalonia's towns are all worth exploring. In fact, you can spend an entire day at each one and you won't be bored at all. Take Argostoli, the island's capital, for instance, which is a bustling metropolis unlike any other. With so many to see and do here, you'd easily forget that you're technically in a rural part of Greece. Then there's the picturesque town of Assos, a goldmine of Instagrammable spots. From the pastel-hued homes to its famous isthmus, the place is a feast for the eyes and a photographer's dream.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sail Away
As far as getting to Kefalonia and
the island's public transport go, the ferries and sea buses here are both convenient and accommodating. But don't just think of them as the means to get to where you need to be. Instead of just public transport, why not rent a boat and sail across the Ionian Sea? Won't this be a great way to spend your entire day here? From your own sailboat, you can bask in Kefalonia's natural glory and see things you'd ordinarily miss when you're on the island yourself. And, of course, you can swim to the depths of the Ionian Sea and see the underwater life here too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Sea Turtles
You probably didn't know this yet but Kefalonia is home to a lot of sea turtles. There are so many places on the island where you can see them, be that along a busy harbor or on one of the stunning coasts. For the former, Agostoli's popular harbor is where you can see them, particularly during the wee hours of the early morning. Meanwhile, if you want to see them up close and on land, go to the beaches of Lefkes, Skala, and Koroni. These are the nesting beaches of the sea turtles in Kefalonia.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Take a Hike
You probably thought that the only things to do in Kefalonia are to go town-hopping or swimming in the sea, didn't you? It's not your fault. Most Greek islands are known for these sorts of activities. However, Kefalonia is actually a great place for a hike too! There are many great trails on the island, be they in the more mountainous areas or along the coasts. Some of them even lead to stunning and historic sites, such as the Assos Castle or the famous St.Theodore's Lantern lighthouse in Argostoli. So not only will you get your legs moving and maintain your fitness along the way, you also get to reach some of the best sights to see on the island!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Venture Into A Cave
More than just hiking, another more unique way to spend your day in Kefalonia is to venture into a cave. On this island, there are two that you really shouldn't miss. Firstly, there's the popular Melissani Cave Lake, located northwest of Sami village. This natural wonder of an underground lake is a sight to behold, especially when the sunlight lets the aqua waters glow unlike any other. The second cave is the Drogarati Cave, a darker and admittedly more sinister-looking site. This 150 million-year-old cave, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, has a hellish look to it that's equal parts scary and equal parts fascinating.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy A Beach Day
You expected this, didn't you? Of course, on a Greek island like Kefalonia, one of the best ways to spend an entire day here is to go to the beach. Fortunately, the island has
a treasure trove of them, each more beautiful than the next. There's the famous Myrtos beach, for example, which is a scenic coast that looks more like a real-life painting. Its natural beauty is incomparable, to say the least. The more crowded but equally fascinating Xi beach, on the other hand, is known for its glowing orange sand that makes it look like you're walking on lava. Well, the place is just as hot anyways!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go On A Wine or Beer Tour
Finally, if your stomach is up for it, why not go on a winter or brewery tour in Kefalonia. Unbeknownst to many, the island is actually home to a number of beautiful vineyards and old-school breweries. Great for pairing with
local dishes, the liquor they all produce are second to none. See how they're made, learn what makes them so good, and be the first to try their freshest supply. Who knows? At first sip, you might even consider them as your new favorites! Overall, these sorts of tours are great for a romantic date with your significant other!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
To say that Kefalonia is not like all the other Greek Islands is an understatement. Although the place may seem like a dime a dozen at first, once you discover how much you can do even for just a single day here, you'll change your perception of the island!
Finally, a great way to end your day in Kefalonia is to go back to and relax in your
luxury home here!
