March 2, 2025, 9:23 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Crete is and remains one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations — and you can feel it on every corner. Although the island attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches and fascinating mix of culture and nature, this popularity also means that Crete is increasingly suffering from overtourism. However, if you don’t want to miss out on emerald green bays, dramatic limestone cliffs, and fragrant pine forests, Kefalonia may be just the right alternative for you. The Greek dream island is still considered a hidden gem, but it is becoming increasingly popular. No wonder, as it is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, if not the world. But that is by no means the only highlight that the largest of the Ionian Islands has to offer.
Even the Neanderthals knew that Kefalonia was a place worth living on: they were the first to inhabit the Greek island more than 100,000 years ago. Later, it was sometimes Greek, sometimes Roman. It was mentioned in Homer’s works, and it is said that the apostle Paul was shipwrecked off Kefalonia and brought Christianity to the island after being rescued. The church of St. Paul the Apostle in Pessada still bears witness to this today. Incidentally, today, it is mainly tourists who land on Kefalonia, as only around 40,000 people live on the island. With its size of 786 square kilometers, it is much smaller than Crete (8450 square kilometers), but it offers just as much to discover — TRAVELBOOK shares the best tips for a vacation on Kefalonia.
Overview
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Kefalonia
Most people are immediately drawn to the beaches on Kefalonia — and there are many of them on the Greek island. One of them is Myrtos Beach, which has been named the most beautiful beach in Greece several times. Some even consider it to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The snow-white pebble sand, the turquoise water, and the rugged rock faces that line the beach make for a breathtaking sight. In summer, however, Myrtos Beach, which is located near the island’s capital Argostoli, gets crowded. This doesn’t change in the evening either, as the sun sets there spectacularly.
There are no hotels on the beach — this is because the landscape is protected. If it gets too crowded in Myrtos, there are beautiful beaches all along the coast. Antisamos and Agia Efimia near Sami or Lassi, Lourdas and Ammes Beach in Svoronata are also popular destinations.
The Most Popular Beaches on Kefalonia at a Glance:
- Myrtos Beach
- Antisamos
- Agia Efimia
- Lassi
- Lourdas
- Ammes Beach
- Fteri Beach
- Petani Beach
Rare Plants and Animals
Nature enthusiasts will find Kefalonia to be a treasure trove of natural beauty. Seven species of orchids grow on the island, and there is also a rare species of fir tree, which is mainly found on the highest mountain on the island, the 1628-meter-high Aenos. The fir forests have been protected since 1824. The endangered hawksbill turtle and the Mediterranean monk seal find sanctuary on Kefalonia’s shores.
Places of Interest on Kefalonia
Be sure to carve out time to explore Kefalonia’s most captivating attractions during your stay. The most spectacular is the cave lake Melissani, which is located near Sami. It’s partially open to the sky above, revealing a hidden world. This is because part of the roof collapsed during an earthquake in 1953. The lake’s turquoise blue waters are a mesmerizing sight to behold. No wonder the lake used to be a place of worship. This serene spot was once a sacred site where the shepherd god Pan was venerated. You can even sail on the lake in rowing boats.
There is another special (stalactite) cave nearby, Drogarati. It has been open to the public since 1963. The 100 square meter hall, in which you can see countless stalactites and stalagmites, is particularly worth seeing. The acoustics are so impressive that concerts are even held in the cave.
Visitors won’t want to miss the serene monastery of Agios Gerasimos near Fragata, dedicated to Kefalonia’s patron saint, or the iconic Agios Theodoros lighthouse, erected in 1829. Its round shape and columns give it the appearance of a temple, making it a favorite subject for photographers.
The Most Important Sights on Kefalonia at a Glance:
- Melissani cave lake
- Drogarati stalactite cave
- Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
- Agios Theodoros lighthouse
- Roman villa of Skala
Hidden gem Paros This Greek Island Is as Beautiful as Santorini, but Cheaper
Insider Tips 5 Charming Villages on Crete That Are Worth a Visit
Overview Bahamas: The Most Beautiful Destinations and Best Tips
Getting to Kefalonia
The island, which can be reached by plane from some European cities directly or via Athens Airport, is located in the Gulf of Patras, north of Zakynthos, and is only separated from Ithaca by a narrow strip of water. There are direct flights from Berlin to Kefalonia International Airport, for example. There are also ferry connections from Patras to Sami and from Patras via Kyllini (Peloppones) to Kefalonia.