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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Greece

Nearby Destinations

Accessible locations from Argostoli include Sami (East Coast, 40-minute drive), Myrtos Beach (Northwest Coast, 45-minute drive), Assos (Northwest Coast, 1-hour drive), Fiscardo (Northern Tip, 1 hour 15-minute drive), and Lixouri (Paliki Peninsula, 20-minute ferry).

These destinations present a variety of experiences from historic sites to world-renowned beaches, each with its distinct appeal.

Transportation Options

  • Rental Car: The most flexible choice, it offers independence to explore at your own pace.
  • KTEL Buses: An economical option, though schedules for certain routes may be infrequent.
  • Organized Tours: Local operators handle arrangements, often including guided commentary.
  • Taxis: Offer direct transport, but costs can be higher for longer distances.

Planning Your Excursion

Choosing how to explore influences your overall journey.

Organized Tour

These tours offer convenient travel and guided information, often with tickets included, which benefits solo travelers or those preferring not to drive.

Considerations

  • Timing is less flexible with set departure and return times.
  • The itinerary is fixed, allowing less spontaneous exploration.
  • Groups can sometimes make attractions feel rushed.

Independent Travel Rental Car

This option offers maximum exploration freedom, allowing you to discover hidden gems at your own pace, often more cost-effective for groups.

Considerations

  • Navigation skills are useful, and roads can be winding.
  • Parking at popular sites sometimes presents a challenge.
  • Fuel costs factor into the overall travel expense.

Time Required for Itineraries

North Island Tour

  • Plan a full day, approximately 6-8 hours.
  • Start early to maximize your day's activities.
  • Myrtos, Assos, Fiscardo are best explored at a measured pace.
  • Scenic stops along the route add to travel time.

East Coast & Caves / Paliki Peninsula

  • East Coast & Caves: A half to full day, 4-6 hours.
  • Attractions are close to each other, making efficient exploration.
  • Paliki Peninsula: A half day, 3-5 hours.
  • This duration includes the ferry ride to Lixouri.

Multi-Day Extension Overview

  • Logical Next Destinations:Ithaca (tranquil, cultural)
  • Zakynthos (natural beauty, lively)
  • Transportation Connections:Ferries are the main inter-island transport
  • Book tickets in advance for high season
  • Suggested Routes:Ionian Island Hopping (Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos)
  • Island and Mainland Combination (Kefalonia, Peloponnese, Athens)
  • Regional Exploration:Options for 3-5 days on the mainland
  • Fly out from Athens after mainland visit

Explore Day Trip Options

Find various day trip options and book experiences at GetYourGuide to enhance your Kefalonia visit.

Natural Escapes

Kefalonia’s natural landscapes are breathtaking, presenting ample opportunities for outdoor relaxation and exploration.

Mount Ainos National Park

An area ideal for hiking and nature observation, featuring unique black fir trees and wild horses.

Myrtos Beach

Kefalonia’s most iconic beach, known for its dramatic white cliffs and turquoise waters.

Antisamos Beach

A beautiful setting for swimming and relaxation, with lush green hillsides meeting clear waters.

Diverse Landscapes

Explore Kefalonia’s varied coastline, from organized sandy beaches to secluded coves. Venture into the mountainous interior to discover traditional villages and commanding panoramic views.

Exploration Focus

  • Organize your coastal exploration, seeking out unique swimming spots.
  • Venture into the island's interior for a different perspective and cool retreat.
  • Discover lush forests and hidden paths away from the crowds.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Spotting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in Argostoli harbor in spring and summer mornings. This offers an unique and gentle wildlife experience.

Unique Wildlife

  • Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Best viewing times are during spring and summer mornings.
  • Observe the turtles near the fishing boats in the harbor.

Additional Island Natural Beauty

Petani Beach:Dramatic cliffs and clear waters
Offers a sense of seclusion
Coastal Exploration:Discover varied coastlines
Mountainous Interior:Traditional villages and panoramic views
Koutavos Lagoon:A wetland ecosystem, turtle habitat
Mount Ainos:Cool retreat from summer heat

Embrace Nature Responsibly

  • Explore Kefalonia's stunning landscapes and wildlife.
  • Stay on marked trails in protected areas like Mount Ainos.
  • Respect loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites by avoiding bright lights and disturbances.
  • Pack out everything you pack in to keep beaches clean.
  • Support local conservation efforts.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Argostoli’s town center, Kefalonia offers historical and cultural sites that deepen your insight into the island's past.

St. George's Castle

The former capital of Kefalonia, located about a 15-minute drive from Argostoli. Explore the ruins of the Venetian fortress and old churches.

Highlights

  • Walk among the historical Venetian fortress ruins.
  • Discover the remnants of ancient churches within the castle walls.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Argostoli bay and the island’s interior.

Roman Villa of Skala

Situated near the village of Skala in southern Kefalonia, these ruins showcase well-preserved mosaic floors.

Features

  • View intricate mosaic floors, offering a glimpse into Roman life.
  • Step back in time at this archaeological site.
  • Admire the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Roman design.

Rural Villages & Agricultural Areas

Drive through the Omala Valley, Kefalonia’s wine production heart, home to the Robola Cooperative winery. Visit traditional villages like Kourkoumelata, painstakingly rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake in a neoclassical style.

Insights

  • Discover the island’s viticultural heritage.
  • Gain insight into traditional village life and architectural styles.
  • Witness the island’s agricultural practices.

Pilgrimage Sites

Agios Gerasimos Monastery, in central Kefalonia, serves as the island's most revered monastery and a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the patron saint of Kefalonia.

Spiritual Experience

  • Visit this cherished spiritual landmark.
  • Experience the tranquil atmosphere of a significant religious site.
  • Admire the monastery's architecture set against the island landscape.

Cultural Experiences Await

Discover the island's heritage through historical sites, traditional villages, and spiritual locations, each telling a part of Kefalonia's story.

St. George's Castle

Explore the remnants of the Venetian capital with panoramic views.

Roman Villa of Skala

Admire well-preserved mosaic floors from ancient Roman times.

Agios Gerasimos Monastery

Visit the island's most revered spiritual center.

Historical Insights

Immerse yourself in Kefalonia’s rich history and traditions by visiting its compelling cultural sites.

Multi-Day Extensions

Kefalonia’s location in the Ionian Sea makes it a base for exploring neighboring islands or extending your trip to mainland Greece.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days

IT

Ithaca

A short ferry ride from Sami or Poros, Ithaca offers a quieter, authentic Greek island experience, mythical home of Odysseus.

ZA

Zakynthos Zante

South of Kefalonia, accessible by ferry from Pessada. A 1-2 night stay allows exploration of its famous sights.

MG

Mainland Greece Peloponnese

After a ferry to Killini or Patras, explore sites like Ancient Olympia, charming Nafplio, or Byzantine Mystras.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Pairing Kefalonia with Ithaca suits a tranquil, culturally rich trip.
  • Combining Kefalonia with Zakynthos functions well for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and lively tourism.
  • Ferries serve as the main mode of inter-island transport.
  • Purchase tickets in advance, especially during high season, for smooth travel.
  • Consider early bookings for popular routes.
  • Ferry schedules can vary seasonally.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

  • Ionian Island Hopping: Fly into Kefalonia (5-7 days), ferry to Ithaca (2-3 days), then ferry to Zakynthos (2-3 days), and fly out from Zakynthos.
  • Island and Mainland Combination: Fly into Kefalonia (5-7 days), ferry to Killini or Patras, rent a car or bus to explore the Peloponnese (3-5 days), then depart from Athens.
  • This route presents a comprehensive Ionian experience.
  • Mainland trips offer historical depths.
  • Consider logistics for seamless transitions.
  • Enjoy varied landscapes and cultures.

Extended Trip Planning

Seamless Transfers

Plan your connections carefully, especially during peak travel times, to avoid delays.

Regional Exploration

Each island and mainland region presents its distinct character and attractions.

Broader Horizons

Extend your journey to discover more of Greece, from tranquil islands to historical mainland sites.