Perfect 7-Day Kefalonia Itinerary: Your Complete Week-Long Adventure

A week in Kefalonia offers the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary guides you through the island's most spectacular beaches, charming villages, mystical caves, and hidden gems while allowing time to truly absorb the magic of the Ionian Sea's largest island.

Planning Your Perfect Week in Kefalonia

Seven days provides ideal timing to explore Kefalonia's diverse landscapes without the exhaustion of constant movement. Unlike shorter visits that require choosing between beaches or cultural sites, a full week allows you to experience both the island's natural wonders and its authentic Greek character.

This itinerary focuses on the northern and central regions for the first six days, with accommodation recommendations that minimize driving time while maximizing experiences. The final day explores the southeast, perfect for those departing from Kefalonia Airport.

When to Visit Kefalonia

Peak Season (July-August): Hottest weather, busiest beaches, highest prices, but guaranteed sunshine and warmest water temperatures (24-26°C).

Shoulder Season (May-June, September): Ideal weather (22-28°C), fewer crowds, reasonable prices, perfect water temperature for swimming. September offers the best balance.

Off-Season (October-April): Many restaurants and accommodations close, unpredictable weather, but dramatic landscapes and significant savings for those who don't mind limitations.

Day 1: Arrival & Southern Coast Introduction

Base for Tonight: Near Argostoli or Airport Area

Start your Kefalonia adventure gently with easily accessible southern beaches that showcase the island's natural beauty without requiring extensive driving on unfamiliar roads.

Morning: Arrival & Settling In

Most flights arrive at Kefalonia Airport (EFL) in the morning or early afternoon. Collect your rental car and drive to your accommodation near Argostoli—the island's capital and largest town.

Recommended Stay: Evita Studios, Svoronata
📍 Near airport (10 minutes)
💰 Budget-friendly with pool
🅿️ Free parking
✨ Welcoming hosts with local knowledge

Afternoon: Platys Gialos & Makris Gialos Beaches

These adjacent sandy beaches near Argostoli provide the perfect gentle introduction to Kefalonia's coastal beauty. Both offer organized facilities while maintaining natural charm.

Platys Gialos Beach features golden sand and calm, shallow waters ideal for families. The surrounding olive groves create natural shade, and the taverna serves fresh seafood with mountain views.

Makris Gialos Beach extends the coastline with similar characteristics but includes beach bars and water sports facilities. The contrast between dramatic mountains and turquoise waters provides excellent photography opportunities.

Practical Tips:

• Free parking available (limited spaces, arrive early)
• Sunbed/umbrella rental: €10-15 per day
• Beach bars open 10:00-sunset
• Calm waters perfect for swimming

Evening: Argostoli Exploration

Kefalonia's capital offers authentic Greek atmosphere without tourist crowds. Walk along the harbor promenade, browse local shops, and dine at family-run tavernas.

Must-Do: Visit the iconic stone bridge (Drapano Bridge) and watch for sea turtles in Koutavos Lagoon—hundreds of loggerheads feed here year-round.

Day 2: Central Kefalonia Base & Cultural Immersion

Base for Next 5 Nights: Agia Efimia or Sami Area

Relocate to central Kefalonia for optimal access to the island's most spectacular attractions. This strategic move eliminates excessive daily driving while positioning you perfectly for the next five days of exploration.

Morning: Honey Farm & Local Culture

Begin with an authentic cultural experience at a traditional Kefalonian honey farm. Greek honey ranks among the world's finest, and Kefalonia's unique flora creates distinctive flavors impossible to find elsewhere.

Kefalonian Honey Michalatos, Vlachata
🐝 Free tours (no reservation needed)
🌸 Beautiful garden walkthrough
🍯 Three honey tastings included
🛒 Purchase local honey and products

The welcoming owner explains traditional beekeeping methods, showcases active hives, and guides visitors through aromatic herb gardens where bees collect nectar. The tasting includes wildflower, thyme, and pine honey—each reflecting different seasons and locations.

Afternoon: Old Valsamata Ghost Village

Experience Kefalonia's poignant history at Old Valsamata, an abandoned village that tells the story of the devastating 1953 earthquake that reshaped the island forever.

Well-preserved stone ruins scattered through olive groves create a haunting yet beautiful landscape. The remains include house foundations, a church, and defensive structures, all slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Visiting Tips:

• Park near the pink Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
• Walk carefully—uneven stone surfaces
• Bring water—no facilities available
• Allow 1-2 hours for exploration and photography

Evening: Agia Efimia Settlement

Recommended Stay: Nerea, Agia Efimia
📍 Charming port village
🏠 Modern house with sea views
⭐ Rated 9.9/10 by guests
🚗 Walking distance to restaurants/harbor

Agia Efimia epitomizes Greek island charm—a picturesque harbor village where fishing boats bob alongside waterfront tavernas. The compact size makes evening strolls delightful, and the authentic atmosphere provides perfect immersion into local life.

Evening Dining Recommendations:

• Amalia Restaurant: Most authentic, family-run atmosphere
• Sea-Rock-ws: Fresh seafood, harbor views
• Fior D'Amore: Coffee, cakes, relaxed evening drinks

Day 3: Assos Village & World-Famous Myrtos Beach

Today combines two of Kefalonia's most photographed destinations—the impossibly picturesque village of Assos and the internationally renowned Myrtos Beach.

Morning: Assos Village

Assos represents everything romantic about Greek islands—pastel-colored houses cascading down to a perfect harbor, Venetian castle ruins overlooking crystal waters, and narrow streets where time seems suspended.

The village sits on a narrow isthmus, creating the illusion of houses floating on water. Multiple viewpoints along the approach road offer increasingly dramatic perspectives—stop frequently for photographs.

Assos Highlights:

• Venetian Castle of Assos: 16th-century fortification with panoramic views
• Harbor Promenade: Waterfront tavernas and fishing boats
• Assos Beach: Two small pebble beaches with calm water
• Traditional Architecture: Colorful houses rebuilt after 1953 earthquake

Local Tip: Visit Rotsis Family Bakery for traditional Greek pastries—their spinach and cheese pie (spanakopita) is legendary among locals.

Afternoon: Myrtos Beach

Consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, Myrtos delivers a visual experience that photographs cannot capture. The dramatic setting between towering limestone cliffs creates an amphitheater of natural beauty.

The famous viewpoint from the access road reveals the beach's impossible blue waters and white pebble crescent. The color intensity results from the depth and clarity of water, particularly striking between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when sunlight penetrates directly.

Myrtos Beach Experience:

• Viewpoint Photography: Multiple stopping points on descent road
• Beach Facilities: Restrooms, beach bar, sunbed rental (€15)
• Swimming: Deep water close to shore, strong swimmers recommended
• Staying Time: Allow 3-4 hours for full experience

Safety Considerations:

• Check for falling rocks warnings—occasional closures occur
• Steep, winding access road—drive slowly and carefully
• Strong undertows possible—supervise children closely
• Limited shade—bring umbrellas during peak sun hours

Day 4: Underground Wonders & Emerald Waters

Experience Kefalonia's geological marvels with visits to famous Melissani Cave and hidden Zervati Cave, followed by the Brazil-like beauty of Antisamos Beach.

Morning: Melissani Cave & Lake

The legendary "Cave of the Nymphs" offers one of Greece's most magical experiences—a boat ride on an underground lake where sunlight creates ethereal turquoise illumination.

The cave's partially collapsed roof allows natural light to penetrate, creating constantly changing colors as the sun moves overhead. The phenomenon peaks between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM when direct sunlight transforms the water into liquid sapphire.

Visit Information:

• Entry Fee: €10 individual, €13 combo with Drogarati Cave
• Duration: 10-minute boat ride with guide
• Best Time: Late morning for optimal lighting
• No Reservations: First-come, first-served (expect queues in summer)

Photography Tips:

• No flash allowed—bring camera with good low-light performance
• Boat sways constantly—use fast shutter speeds
• Guide may sing during tour—request quiet moments for photography

Hidden Gem: Zervati Cave

Just minutes from Melissani, Zervati Cave offers a completely different experience—a free, self-guided exploration of natural pools and rock formations.

This smaller cave features two tiny lakes with impossibly clear blue water. The intimate setting and absence of crowds create a peaceful contrast to Melissani's tour-bus atmosphere.

Access Details:

• Free entry through small gate
• Careful descent required—wear proper shoes
• No facilities—bring water and snacks
• Photography allowed without restrictions

Afternoon: Antisamos Beach

Often compared to Caribbean destinations, Antisamos features impossibly turquoise water surrounded by dense forest—a combination that creates one of the Mediterranean's most exotic beach experiences.

The approach road climbs to a spectacular viewpoint before descending to the expansive beach. The surrounding pine forest provides natural shade and creates a microclimate that often feels cooler than other beaches.

Beach Amenities:

• Multiple Beach Bars: Free sunbeds with drink purchase
• Large Parking Area: Free parking with ample spaces
• Water Sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding available
• Natural Shade: Pine trees provide relief from sun

Movie Connection: Antisamos served as a filming location for "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," adding Hollywood glamour to its natural beauty.

Day 5: Remote Beaches & Pristine Waters

Today targets Kefalonia's most spectacular and challenging-to-reach beaches. Fteri Beach requires boat access, while hidden coves offer complete solitude.

Morning: Fteri Beach (Boat Access)

Fteri Beach represents paradise found—accessible only by boat or demanding hike, this unspoiled crescent offers some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.

The complete absence of development creates an otherworldly experience. Crystal-clear water reveals every pebble on the seabed, while dramatic cliffs provide spectacular backdrop for swimming and photography.

Access Information:

• Fteri Water Taxi: €20 round-trip from Zola harbor
• Season: Mid-May to end of September only
• Schedule: Frequency depends on passenger numbers
• No Facilities: Bring water, snacks, and sun protection

Alternative Access:

• Rent boat from Zola (no license required for certain boats)
• Book full-day boat tour including multiple beaches
• Hike from Assos (challenging, 2-3 hours each way)

Afternoon: Agia Kiriaki or Vouti Beach

After Fteri's perfection, nearby beaches offer more accessible beauty with similar pristine character.

Agia Kiriaki Beach provides complete tranquility without boat access requirements. The small pebble beach sits in a protected cove with calm water ideal for extended swimming sessions.

Vouti Beach offers slightly larger dimensions with equally clear water and minimal development. Both beaches typically have very few visitors, even during peak season.

Day 6: Fiscardo Village & Beach Relaxation

Explore Kefalonia's most famous preserved village and enjoy the relaxed pace of island life with beach time at hidden locations.

Morning: Fiscardo Village

Fiscardo stands as living proof of Kefalonia's pre-earthquake architecture—one of the few villages that survived the 1953 disaster intact. The result is a perfectly preserved Venetian port town that transports visitors to another era.

Colorful 18th and 19th-century houses line the harbor, now housing boutique shops, art galleries, and upscale restaurants. Despite tourist popularity, Fiscardo maintains authentic charm through strict architectural preservation.

Fiscardo Highlights:

• Harbor Promenade: Venetian houses and luxury yachts
• Roman Cemetery: Ancient burial site with visible tombs
• Lighthouse Trail: Coastal walk with panoramic views
• Zavalata Beach: Small beach within walking distance

Shopping & Dining:

• Local art galleries featuring Greek artists
• Traditional products: olive oil, honey, herbs
• Upscale restaurants with international cuisine
• Waterfront cafes perfect for people-watching

Afternoon: Hidden Beach Discovery

Emplisi Beach offers pristine swimming away from Fiscardo's crowds. This small pebble beach requires short walk from parking but rewards visitors with crystal-clear water and peaceful atmosphere.

Alternative: Lithovatis Beach near Agia Efimia provides intimate setting accessed by stairs below Paradise Beach Restaurant. Tiny size means complete privacy, perfect for quiet afternoon relaxation.

Evening: Traditional Dining

For authentic Greek cuisine away from Fiscardo's tourist prices, try Alia's Yard Restaurant & Bar (10 minutes from Fiscardo) for exceptional local dishes with panoramic views.

Day 7: Southeast Exploration & Departure Preparation

Explore Kefalonia's less-visited southeast region with spectacular mountain scenery and authentic port towns, perfectly positioned for afternoon departure.

Morning: Agia Paraskevi Beach

This hidden gem between Agia Efimia and Karavomilos offers peaceful morning swimming without tourist infrastructure—exactly what makes it special.

The undeveloped beach provides crystal-clear water and pebble coastline with minimal facilities. Limited roadside parking means few visitors discover this pristine location.

Scenic Drive to Southeast

The route from central to southeast Kefalonia ranks among Greece's most spectacular drives. Dramatic mountain landscapes transition to coastal panoramas with viewpoints overlooking multiple islands.

Stop frequently at roadside viewpoints—the landscape constantly changes from lush green valleys to dramatic clifftop perspectives of the Ionian Sea.

Afternoon: Poros & Departure Preparation

Poros represents authentic Kefalonia—a working port town where ferries connect to the Peloponnese. While lacking obvious tourist attractions, the genuine Greek atmosphere and spectacular surrounding beaches make it worthwhile.

Alternative Day 7 Options:

• Drogarati Cave + Castle of Agios Georgios: Underground chambers and Venetian fortifications
• Ithaca Day Trip: All-inclusive sailing tour to neighboring island
• Robola Wine Region: Mountain winery visits and tastings

Essential Planning Information

Transportation & Car Rental

Car rental is absolutely essential for this itinerary—public transportation cannot access most destinations. International companies are available, but local operators often provide better value and personal service.

Driving Considerations:

• Mountainous roads with hairpin turns
• Narrow village streets require careful navigation
• GPS essential—road signs often inadequate
• Automatic transmission recommended for mountain driving

Fuel & Parking:

• Gas stations concentrated near major towns
• Fill tank before remote beach excursions
• Free parking at most beaches and attractions
• Village parking extremely limited

Accommodation Strategy

Two-Base System Works Best:

• Night 1: Near airport/Argostoli for arrival day
• Nights 2-6: Central location (Agia Efimia/Sami area)
• Night 7: Optional southeast base or return to central base

Booking Recommendations:

• Reserve accommodations 3-6 months advance for peak season
• Verify air conditioning availability
• Confirm free parking if renting car
• Choose sea view rooms when available—worth the premium

Packing Essentials

Beach Equipment:

• Water shoes for pebble beaches
• Beach umbrella for remote beaches without facilities
• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ minimum)
• Waterproof phone case for swimming

Hiking & Exploration:

• Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
• Daypack for water and snacks
• Power bank for phone charging
• Cash for small businesses and parking

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (April-May):

• Wildflowers in bloom, perfect hiking weather
• Some restaurants/hotels still closed
• Cooler water temperatures (18-20°C)
• Possible rain but generally stable conditions

Summer (June-August):

• Guaranteed sunshine, warmest water (24-26°C)
• Crowds at popular beaches and attractions
• Higher accommodation prices
• Extreme heat may limit midday activities

Autumn (September-October):

• Ideal weather with fewer crowds
• Warm water temperature perfect for swimming
• Stable weather patterns
• Some services begin closing by late October

Budget Planning Guide

Daily Budget Estimates (per person)

Budget Travel (€40-60/day):

• Accommodation: €25-35/night (shared rooms, basic hotels)
• Meals: €15-20/day (tavernas, local markets)
• Transportation: €15-20/day (car rental share, fuel)
• Activities: €5-10/day (mostly free beaches, some paid attractions)

Mid-Range Travel (€70-120/day):

• Accommodation: €40-70/night (private room, good location)
• Meals: €25-35/day (mix of tavernas and restaurants)
• Transportation: €20-30/day (private car rental)
• Activities: €10-20/day (cave entrances, boat trips)

Luxury Travel (€150+/day):

• Accommodation: €100+/night (sea view, resort amenities)
• Meals: €40+/day (upscale restaurants, wine)
• Transportation: €30+/day (premium car, private transfers)
• Activities: €30+/day (private boat tours, guided experiences)

Money-Saving Tips

• Accommodation: Book direct with properties for possible discounts
• Car Rental: Compare local vs international companies
• Dining: Lunch is typically cheaper than dinner at same restaurants
• Activities: Many best experiences (beaches, hiking, villages) are free

Cultural Insights & Local Etiquette

Greek Island Life

Kefalonia maintains authentic Greek island culture despite tourism development. Understanding local customs enhances experiences and shows respect for residents who welcome visitors to their home.

Daily Rhythms:

• Early morning (6:00-9:00): Beach cleaning, fishing boats return
• Midday (12:00-16:00): Siesta time, reduced activity
• Evening (18:00-late): Social time, dining, promenade walks

Dining Culture:

• Lunch typically served 13:00-16:00
• Dinner rarely before 20:00, often much later
• Portions are generous—sharing is common and expected
• Coffee culture important—never rush cafe visits

Environmental Responsibility

Kefalonia's natural beauty requires conscious protection from visitors. Simple actions preserve the island's environment for future generations.

Beach Conservation:

• Remove all trash, including cigarette butts
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
• Respect turtle nesting areas (southern beaches May-October)
• Stay on marked paths to prevent erosion

Water Conservation:

• Greek islands face water scarcity—take short showers
• Reuse towels when possible
• Turn off taps while brushing teeth
• Report leaks to accommodation owners

Emergency Contacts & Practical Information

Essential Phone Numbers

• Emergency Services: 112 (EU standard emergency number)
• Tourist Police: 26710 22200
• Kefalonia Airport: 26710 41511
• Port Authority: 26710 22224
• Medical Center Argostoli: 26713 60500

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities:

• General Hospital in Argostoli for serious issues
• Pharmacies in major towns (green cross signs)
• Private clinics in tourist areas
• EU citizens: bring European Health Insurance Card

Common Safety Considerations:

• Strong sun requires constant protection
• Some beaches have strong currents
• Mountain roads can be challenging
• Falling rocks warning signs should be heeded

Making the Most of Your Week

Seven days in Kefalonia provides sufficient time to experience the island's diverse character without the exhaustion of constant movement. This itinerary balances must-see attractions with hidden discoveries, active exploration with relaxation, and cultural immersion with natural beauty.

The key to a successful week lies in embracing Greek island pace—rushing diminishes experiences while patience reveals unexpected delights. Allow extra time for spontaneous discoveries, weather flexibility, and those perfect moments when Mediterranean magic takes hold.

Your week in Kefalonia will likely inspire return visits. The island's layers of beauty, from world-famous beaches to intimate village moments, create lasting memories that extend far beyond the seven-day timeframe. Pack light on expectations and heavy on curiosity—Kefalonia rewards both with generosity.

Ready to start planning your perfect week? Begin with our Melissani Cave guide and responsible tourism information to make your visit both memorable and meaningful.