If you like beaches, you’re in for a treat - this island off the west coast of Greece is basically an open-air factory for sandy strips. Its circumference is like a stagnant conveyer belt of luscious strands and rugged coastline (it's far prettier than the factory analogy). Loggerhead turtles crawl at a leisurely pace, beside the caves and historic harbours of this ancient Greek island. In this guide, we’ll take you on a ride up the mountains of a national park, and back down to a monastery, a war monument, and other highlights in the towns. And as if all of that weren’t enough, some of our most deluxe and impressive homes can be found hanging out in the oasis of beaches that is Kefalonia. Oh, and did we mention the wine? The island is renowned for its local grape varieties, Robola and Mavrodaphne. We will be asking you to spell them once you’ve had a few bottles, so do pay attention. And pay attention to this guide, because here at Plum Guide, we've gone above and beyond to provide the ultimate list just for you. Sit back and read on to discover how to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Kefalonia.
Start with some wine at the Sarris Winery
Explore the Mount Ainos National Park
Sunbathe on Myrtos Beach
Visit the old-world sights of Kefalonia
Treat yourself to traditional Greek cuisine
Meet the wildlife at Odysseus Zoo Land
Pop down to Kefalonia's ports
Start with some wine at the Sarris Winery
A bottle of locally-made Greek wine in a field of yellow flowers, Kefalonia, Greece
We may have left the wine until the end of the introduction, but we don’t intend to make that mistake again. The Kefalonian Moschato joins the Robola and the Mavrodaphne wine varieties as some of the most admired in Greece. If you’re into your wine, then a trip to one of the wineries is a must, whether it be the Sarris Winery, the Robola Winery, or the Gentilini Winery & Vineyards - among others on the landmass. Let’s make this island spin.
Olive Orchard, Plum Guide home in Kefalonia, Greece
Explore the Mount Ainos National Park
A bench on the top of Mount Ainos overlooking clouds over Kefalonia, Greece
We’ll get to the beaches, hold your horses. The Mount Ainos National Park is one of the top highlights on the island. Clamber up the trails that meander around its central peak (or just drive up there, as we’d do). At the top, you’ll be greeted by a truly spectacular view of the entire island (well, a large portion of it). Back down at ground level, you can get hiking around the Melissani Cave, taking a boat ride inside and shouting to see how your voice echoes. That’ll be fun for your guide.
Olive Valley, Plum Guide home in Kefalonia, Greece
Sunbathe on Myrtos Beach
A close up view of blue water rolling onto sand at a beach in Kefalonia, Greece
Even though there are many other things to do in Kefalonia, we could have devoted an entire journal post to these stretches of sand, such is the abundance of beaches on the island. We didn’t do that, but we could have. Among the highlights is Myrtos Beach, with its turquoise water and secluded bay between mossy mountains. Other top beaches include Antisamos Beach, Skalas Beach (with its giant chess), and Petani Beach. Wherever you decide to work on your tan, you're in for a real treat of a day.
Amphitrite, Plum Guide home in Greece
Visit the old-world sights of Kefalonia
An aerial view of the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos in Kefalonia, Greece
This is Greece after all, so don’t think for a minute you’re going to get away with just lying on the beach all day. People are going to ask you upon your return about ruins and historical attractions and what-not. Hit up the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, with its impressive dome and eerie crypt. Or, visit the Memorial Acqui Division, which makes for a poignant Second World War monument. Phew, now you will actually have something to shout about.
Helios At The Gate, Plum Guide home in Kefalonia, Greece
Treat yourself to traditional Greek cuisine
A plate of moussaka in a Greek restaurant, Kefalonia, Greece
Time for some succulent Greek cuisine (don’t go smashing plates, the restaurants won’t appreciate it). The Katavothres Club-Restaurant is one of the most exclusive culinary hubs (which is just a fancy synonym for a restaurant) on the island. You’ll also get great seafood in upscale surroundings at the Tratamento Sea Food Restaurant. It may be a small island, but it has its own unique cuisine, with artichoke pie, hake pie, and cheese pie (they like pie) among the top dishes. Feeling carnivorous? Try the rabbit with red sauce.
Meet the wildlife at Odysseus Zoo Land
A young white deer at Odysseus Zoo Land, Kefalonia, Greece
Menus aren't the only place you can find animals in this part of the world (slightly gory, we know), with a selection of unforgettable day trips to really get to know Kefalonia’s wildlife. Try your hand at beekeeping in Svoronata, getting up close and personal with the hives before leaving with a jar (or three) of the country’s finest honey. Alternatively, make your way to Odysseus Zoo Land with the family, to say hello to ducks, deer, pigs, tortoises, and plenty more intriguing creatures. You can even stop off for a sit down and a coffee at the cafe - they must’ve known you were coming.
Pop down to Kefalonia's ports
Harbour with boats in Kefalonia, Greece
Rounding off our list of the best things to do in Kefalonia, we recommend visiting the ports. Ports in these parts played a huge role in the development and history of the Greek Islands. See the Loggerhead turtles crawling around the Argostoli Harbour, where you’ll encounter the many local fishermen and fishing boats that decorate the bay. The Port of Sami is another impressive spot from which to watch the sunset, while picking out your favourites from the rows of boats. Take a trip out onto the water, and consider never returning from your holiday. (Not in a morose way, just like…remaining in beautiful Greece).
