10 things to do in Kefalonia (From a local’s perspective)

Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian sea, and the 6^th largest of all Greek islands.  From award winning beaches like Petanoi and Myrtos, to the traditional culture, summer festivals and organic foods available, there is so much to see and appreciate on this unique island of Kefalonia.  Here, you will meet some of the most hospitable hosts, and you will get to experience culture as we locals know it.

Traveling to Kefalonia is truly a magical experience, especially if you know the right places to visit.  As you will need a car to get around, Caretta Car Rental has provided this list of favorite activities you can experience on the island.  When you rent with Caretta Car Rental, we will be glad to inform our customers with the best places to see in Kefalonia in person as well, because well, we want you to love it as much as we do!  So here it is:

1. Go paragliding over Myrtos beach. Of course swimming in the deep blue waters of this award winning beach is an experience within itself.  But if you want to take it a step further, flying over this stunning beach is breathtaking and an experience you will not want to miss out on.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Enjoy a beer on Antisamos beach. Something about this soft white pebble beach coupled with crystal clear water, all while surrounded by vast amounts of green makes you want to lay on the warm pebbles and savor the moment. The beach bars here make fantastic cocktails as well and there are many sun beds, restaurants, and water sports available. So much to do at Antisamos, no wonder it’s a favorite among the locals.  It’s a must see on your to do list.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Go hiking on Ainos mountain. Pack some refreshments and a snack to enjoy at the top of the tallest mountain on the island while absorbing the breathtaking views. Ainos has incredible scenery you won’t want to miss including the rare black pine, wild herbs and greek fir. You may even run into some wild life like goats and sheep, or if you are lucky, even some wild horses. So make sure to bring your cameras!   
   
   

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4. Visit St. Gerasimos, and the Robola winery. Make this a day trip and visit both, as they are so close together.  One of the most beautiful monastaries and treasured by the I slanders, St Gerasimos hosts a market every summer on the 15^th of August.  In the same area, look for dates when there are wine festivals.  Usually mid- August. You got it, local wine and Greek dancing.  Something to remember and a little taste of Kefalonian culture.
   
   
   
   

5. Rent a boat.  You can easily rent a boat from various spots on the island and adventure through majestic waters to get to private cove beaches around the island. With a quick 15 minute tutorial you can be the captain of your own boat. Boats are available to rent from Fiskardo, Sami, Agia Kuriaki and Agia Efumia.  With coolers available in the boats, you can bring food and drinks with you to have a picnic on a private beach with the cleanest, clearest waters you have ever seen! 
   
   
   
   
   

6. Spend a Day in picturesque Fiscardo.  This lovely beach front village, is one that you will surely fall in love with.  The traditional colors of the buildings in this village are exceptional and the town itself is extremely up kept.  This serene energy is something else, as its one of the few villages that survived the earthquake of 1953.  Some of the finest restaurants, cafes and boutiques are found on coastal road of Fiskardo.  Along the portside you’ll be able to see high class yachts and sailing boats as well as traditional fishing boats.
   
   
   
   
   

    

7. Visit Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave.  These two sites are located near each other and can easily be coupled for a perfect day trip. Melissani lake is one of the most breathtaking attractions in Kefalonia. The visit consists of a guided boat tour through the underground lake where you can learn all about the history of the cave and the mythical story behind it. The best time to visit is when the sun shines the brightest which will illuminate the bowels of Melissani. Drogarati cave is said to be a rare geological phenomenon with remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites. This cave was discovered 300 years ago and professionals say that cave is 150 million years old. These natural miracles are highly visited and recommended by all Kefalonian locals
   
   
   
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8. Take a walk on the Lithostroto in Argostoli.  This historic stone walkway starts from Kambana square and stretches all the way to the central square of Argostoli (Platia Valliano).  Along the walkway, you will find various coffee shops, ice cream parlors, boutiques and souvenir shops. A bit further down is the town square and the seaside dock which is filled with restaurants and bars, where you will be able to have drinks cocktails and dance the night away 
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. Watch the sunset from Petani Beach.  It is located on the west part of island, twenty minutes away from Lixouri.  This award winning white pebble beach is backed my white limestone cliffs.  The beach is given the greek name Petanous which means: the wandering mind.  You can only imagine the effect of the mesmerizing sunset you will be able to experience.
   
   
   
   

10. Visit Assos castle.  This late 16^th century castle which was built by the Venetians and is located on the peninsula of Assos.  Originally built to protect the village from pirate attacks, today not all of the castle remains.  However, the location of the castle allows you to get a stunning view of the bay.  The town of Assos itself is build around the peninsula and has colorful traditional Ionian architecture.  In the small square of Assos you can find cafes and restaurants where you can relax and look out into the beautiful blue-green rugged scenery of Assos bay.