Kefalonia Travel Guide: Myrtos Beach, Caves & Where to Stay

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the most spectacular. Mountainous, green, and ringed by some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, it rose to fame as the setting for Captain Corelli's Mandolin and has been quietly winning over visitors ever since. It manages to feel relaxed and unspoilt while still offering everything you need for a comfortable holiday.

Here is how to plan a trip, from the famous beaches to the caves, harbours, and hill villages in between.

Why Visit Kefalonia?

Kefalonia is for travellers who want natural beauty without the crowds of the more famous Cyclades. The scenery is dramatic, with pine-clad mountains tumbling down to turquoise bays, and the island is large enough that it never feels overrun. It blends headline sights, like Myrtos Beach and the underground lake at Melissani, with sleepy fishing villages and excellent local wine, making it ideal for a slower, scenic break.

Best Things to Do in Kefalonia

Admire Myrtos Beach

Regularly named among the best beaches in Greece, Myrtos is a stunning curve of white pebbles and sand framed by towering cliffs and dazzling blue water. The view from the road above is unforgettable, and the beach itself is a wonderful place to swim, though the water deepens quickly.

Visit the Melissani Cave

Near Sami, the Melissani Cave is an underground lake where a collapsed ceiling lets sunlight pour in, turning the water a luminous blue. A short rowing-boat trip beneath the opening is one of the island's most magical experiences, best around midday when the light is strongest.

Explore Drogarati Cave

Close by, the Drogarati Cave is a vast, atmospheric cavern full of stalactites and stalagmites, with such fine acoustics that it has hosted concerts. It makes a great pairing with Melissani.

Wander Fiskardo and Assos

Fiskardo, on the northern tip, is a picture-perfect harbour village of pastel Venetian houses and waterfront tavernas, one of the few spots spared by a historic earthquake. Nearby Assos, a tiny village on a slim isthmus crowned by a ruined Venetian castle, is equally charming.

The Best Beaches in Kefalonia

Beyond Myrtos, Kefalonia is spoilt for beaches. Antisamos, near Sami, is a long green-backed bay with crystal-clear water. Petani, on the Paliki peninsula, rivals Myrtos for drama with far fewer visitors. Xi stands out for its unusual red-tinged sand and shallow, family-friendly water, while Skala in the south offers a long, organised sandy beach.

Where to Stay in Kefalonia

Argostoli, the capital, is lively and central with a pretty waterfront and the famous De Bosset Bridge. Lassi is close to the airport, beaches, and Argostoli, making it convenient for first-timers. Sami sits near the caves and east-coast beaches. For charm and tranquillity, the north around Fiskardo and Assos is hard to beat, while Skala suits those after a sandy southern base.

Food and Drink in Kefalonia

Kefalonia is known for its wine, especially the crisp white Robola grown on the island's limestone slopes, well worth a winery visit. On the plate, look out for kreatopita (a hearty Kefalonian meat pie), fresh seafood, and local thyme honey.

Best Time to Visit Kefalonia

May, June, September, and early October are the sweet spots, with warm weather, swimmable seas, and a relaxed pace. July and August are the busiest and hottest months. Spring brings wildflowers and lush green hills, ideal for walkers, while the island is very quiet over winter when many seasonal businesses close.

Getting to and Around Kefalonia

Kefalonia has an airport near Argostoli with seasonal European flights, plus ferry links to the mainland (Kyllini and Patras) and neighbouring Ionian islands like Ithaca and Lefkada. The island is large and mountainous with limited public transport, so a hire car is strongly recommended to reach the best beaches, caves, and villages at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Kefalonia is the perfect choice if you want classic Greek island beauty with a calmer, more natural feel. Spend your days drifting between dramatic beaches, cool caves, and harbour-side tavernas, glass of Robola in hand, and you will quickly understand why this Ionian gem inspires such devotion.