The largest Greek island within the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia (generally spelled Cephalonia) is a paradise full of gorgeous Mediterranean seashores, historic websites, and seaside villages. Although Kefalonia has lots to do, this island tends to be much less standard than its extra well-known counterparts.
Since most vacationers are reserving tickets to Santorini or Mykonos, or equally iconic locations on the Aegean Sea facet of Greece, you gained’t face almost as many crowds in Kefalonia, which lies on the west of the mainland, within the Ionian Sea.
Make no mistake: you’ll nonetheless be blessed with mesmerizing ocean views, crumbling ruins, and native hospitality that the Greek islands are well-known for, however you possibly can anticipate slightly extra space and fewer vacationer traps to depart your pockets hurting.
Greatest Issues to Do in Kefalonia, Greece
1. Tour the island
Kefalonia is considerably larger than different Greek islands, so top-of-the-line methods to see nearly all of its wonders is with an organized tour. There are a number of boat and bus excursions in operation that take company to numerous factors of the island.
This Kefalonia: Island Bus Tour With Wine Tasting travels to the Melissani and Drogarati Caves, Fiscardo Village, Robola Vineyard, and Myrtos Seashore, nonetheless, you may also discover different excursions that go to different hotspots. Equally, this Island Highlights bus tour visits a number of prime locations on the island throughout the area of a day.
2. Take a photograph on the Lighthouse of St. Theodoroi
Let’s face it: Most of us can’t go to a brand new vacation spot with out snapping a photograph for social media. Kefalonia presents a number of the finest Instagram-worthy spots, one of many best being the Lighthouse of St. Theodoroi.
The historic landmark is positioned within the village of Argostoli, in direction of the west of the island. The round white construction is sort of 200 years outdated, however the white columns are paying homage to the traditional structure for which Greece is thought.
3. Go to Castles
The historical past of Kefalonia dates again to antiquity, with some historians positing that the island may very well be the true location of Ithaca, the well-known residence of Homer’s hero Odysseus. After taking part in a outstanding position in Greek mythology, Kefalonia was a part of the late Roman Empire within the Center Ages earlier than happening to be dominated by the Ottomans, the Venetians, the French, and the British. So naturally, it’s a historical past lover’s dream, and should you’re interested by attending to know the island’s historical past, a go to to the castles is a should.
Assos Citadel, which as soon as served as a Venetian fortification, is the island’s most outstanding fortress, overlooking the bay of Agia Kyriaki. It’s open daily without spending a dime, so it’s additionally an awesome attraction to go to should you’re touring on a funds.
The Citadel of St. George in Peratata village can be nicely value a go to. Archeologists have traced its origins again to the 12th century when it was constructed throughout the Byzantine rule earlier than serving the Venetians.
4. Stroll down Lithostroto Road
Buying is one other nice exercise to do in Kefalonia, and top-of-the-line and most scenic locations to do it’s Lithostroto Road in Argostoli. Forming the central space of the city, the road is residence to an array of eating places and outlets, providing the proper alternative to choose up a memento or two and seize a chew of genuine native fare.
On the finish of the road, you’ll discover Kampanas Sq., residence to the island’s most iconic bell tower. The sq. marks the positioning the place the course of historical past was modified in Kefalonia; it was right here that democratic French troops marched onto the island and took the island from the Venetians, propelling society from aristocratic to democratic.
5. Uncover the caves
Kefalonia can be well-known for its geographical wonders. Essentially the most circulated images of the island present the chic Melissani and Drogarati Caves, which ought to undoubtedly be in your bucket checklist. There are a number of excursions working on the island which embody visits to at least one or each of the caves, however you may also go to by yourself.
Melissani is positioned to the northwest of Sami village, and is well recognizable for its turquoise lake and plush greenery (which exist contained in the cave), whereas the Drogarati Cave close by options other-worldly stalactites and stalagmites. You may go to each for 10 EUR.
6. Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park
Nationwide parks may not be what you’re imagining whenever you consider the Greek islands, however this one is unquestionably value allocating a while to. The park options the best level on the island, plus three different mountains, and is residence to fascinating native natural world.
Look out for the semi-wild Ainos ponies, which roam the park amongst foxes, hedgehogs, weasels, badgers, and bats. There are additionally a number of species of picturesque wildflowers, together with uncommon orchid species which can be native to the Ionian islands.
7. Benefit from the Seashores
It’s straightforward to see why Greece is legendary for its seashores. The Kefalonia shoreline is characterised by clear blue water, white rocky sand, and sunsets to die for. There are over 40 seashores on the island in complete, however top-of-the-line ones to go to is Myrtos within the island’s north, which is nestled in a bay under hovering cliffs.
Different seashores to contemplate visiting embody Foki and Emblisi, that are positioned near the fishing village of Fiscardo.
8. Partake in water sports activities
When you’re on the island to chill out, simply mendacity within the solar on the seaside will probably be sufficient (the views are definitely satisfying all on their very own!). However should you’re up for a little bit of journey, there are numerous water sports activities to get pleasure from in Kefalonia.
Take your decide from sea canoeing, crusing and boating, scuba diving, waterboarding, and jet snowboarding. The calm, clear waters additionally imply that Kefalonia is a superb vacation spot for snorkeling. Myrtos is an excellent snorkeling seaside, however you possibly can additionally strive Lagadakia within the Paliki area, which is thought to be residence to numerous species of marine life.
FAQs
Why is Kefalonia so standard?
Kefalonia is steadily rising in recognition, partly, as a result of vacationers have gotten extra acutely aware of the “second metropolis journey” mindset and avoiding the vacationer hotspots. Extra individuals want to uncover far-flung locations off the overwhelmed monitor, and Kefalonia isn’t on the worldwide stage the way in which that Santorini or Ios are. Vacationers are realizing that they’ll take in the identical gorgeous views and enthralling island tradition with out having to take care of crowds and over-the-top costs.
How do you get to Kefalonia?
In true Greek island fashion, essentially the most iconic method to get to Kefalonia is by ferry. Ferries depart for Kefalonia from the mainland Greek ports of Kyllini and Patras, within the nation’s west. You too can catch a ferry from the Italian port of Bari within the Apulian area, in addition to from different Greek islands, together with Ithaka and Corfu.
You too can fly to Kefalonia, touchdown at Kefalonia Worldwide Airport, from Athens and quite a lot of different European cities.
It’s typically higher to take a ferry if in case you have sufficient time, as you’ll get the true expertise of Mediterranean sea journey. Nonetheless, flying is faster should you don’t have numerous time.
Is Kefalonia pleasant?
The Greeks are recognized for his or her hospitality, and Kefalonia is without doubt one of the finest locations to expertise this. Mediterranean tradition is heat, welcoming, and pleasant by nature, however Kefalonia tends to be friendlier than different Greek locations as a result of locals aren’t fully overwhelmed by plenty of vacationers.
What’s Kefalonia finest recognized for?
Kefalonia is finest recognized for the Melissani Cave, which options its personal crystalline lake and even permits daylight by means of a gap within the pure roof. The cave is a must-visit whereas on the island! You may enter the cave through strolling an underground path, after which hop in a ship to take a tour of the realm.
What number of days in Kefalonia is sufficient?
As a result of Kefalonia is without doubt one of the largest Greek islands and is residence to an abundance of issues to see and do, three days is an effective period of time to remain. You may, in fact, keep for longer and observe a extra relaxed itinerary, notably if you wish to think about just a few days of lounging on the seaside and splashing within the ocean.
What’s the finest time to go to Kefalonia?
The very best time to go to Kefalonia is between April and June, ideally nearer to June, and in September and October. These shoulder intervals are usually much less busy than the summer season excessive season, however nonetheless typically provide nice and delicate climate.
When you don’t thoughts touring throughout peak season, then July and August are usually sizzling and best for seaside days, nevertheless it would possibly get slightly too balmy for sightseeing and exploring the island.
What’s there to do in Kefalonia at night time?
Together with its cultural and pure points of interest, Kefalonia can be residence to quite a lot of bars and eating places. Usually discovered within the villages and close to the shoreline, these usually include spectacular views of the ocean.
The nightlife institutions are typically relaxed and laid-back, so that you gained’t discover as a lot of a celebration vibe as you’ll in Corfu or Paros. As an alternative, there’s a combination of seaside golf equipment, cocktail bars, and eating places with terraces the place you possibly can idle the night time away sipping wine and basking within the sea breeze.
Is Kefalonia costly to go to?
Kefalonia has each costly and inexpensive choices on the subject of lodging and meals, so it’s attainable to go to the island on a funds. Usually, it’s cheaper total than the extra standard Greek islands as a result of there isn’t relentless demand pushing up the costs. Nonetheless, it’s additionally not your typical “low-cost” trip vacation spot.
Mid-range lodging will set you again round $100 USD per night time, however there are extra lavish choices obtainable for these seeking to splurge on resort-style institutions.
Is the Melissani Cave free?
Sadly, the Melissani Cave isn’t free to go to, as you will have to take a ship to completely entry the cave. Nonetheless, entrance to the cave solely prices €7 euro (on the time of writing) and kids can enter at a reduced worth. The entry payment contains the boat journey, which lasts for round quarter-hour.
Remaining Ideas
Kefalonia is a superb different to extra well-known Greek islands, providing the entire Mediterranean splendor and scenic magnificence with out the crowds and clichés. Remember to add the above points of interest and issues to do to your Kefalonia bucket checklist!
Visitor Creator: Lewis Ogden is a UK-based entrepreneur, journey fanatic, dad, husband, and the founder and proprietor of WayToStay.com. Lewis began WayToStay to share his personal journey experiences and supply epic free journey guides. He caught the journey bug again in 2009 on a visit to Italy together with his spouse and has visited many alternative nations annually since.
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