Kefalonia
Plan Kefalonia with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Drive the coast road north of Argostoli early in the morning and Myrtos appears far below, a perfect white crescent of pebbles between towering limestone cliffs, the sea shading from milky turquoise to deep blue. Goats graze on the slopes, cypress trees stand dark against the rock, and the only sounds are cicadas and the waves. Further on, the little village of Assos sits on a narrow isthmus beneath a Venetian fortress.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Widen your search or message us on WhatsApp.
Kefalonia Day Tours
View all
Kefalonia Airport Transfers
View all
Kefalonia Flight Tickets
View allKefalonia Ferry Tickets
View allKefalonia at first sight
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, a green, mountainous island of dramatic beaches, underground caves and quiet harbour villages. Mount Ainos, covered in rare black fir forest, rises at its heart, and loggerhead turtles live in the waters around it. A great earthquake in 1953 reshaped much of the island, but Fiskardo in the north survived, preserving its colourful Venetian-era houses.
Why include Kefalonia in your itinerary?
- Some of Greece's most beautiful beaches. Myrtos, Antisamos, Petani and the red sands of Xi offer dramatic cliffs, turquoise water and wide bays, from famous viewpoints to quiet coves on the south coast.
- Caves and underground lakes. The Melissani cave lake, lit by sunlight through a collapsed roof, and the Drogarati cave with its stalactites are unique natural wonders found close together near Sami.
- Green mountains and harbour villages. Mount Ainos National Park, the colourful harbour of Fiskardo, the peninsula village of Assos and easy boat trips to Ithaca make Kefalonia a varied, relaxed island for every traveller.
Signature experiences in Kefalonia
Melissani and Drogarati Caves
Near Sami, the Melissani cave is an underground lake where small rowing boats glide across water so clear that boats seem to float in the air, especially around midday when sunlight pours through the open roof. Nearby, the Drogarati cave has a great chamber of stalactites and stalagmites. Our island tours by vehicle include both caves, timed for the best light at Melissani.
Myrtos Beach and Assos
Myrtos is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, with dazzling white pebbles and turquoise water between steep cliffs; the viewpoint on the road above is spectacular. A short drive north, Assos is a tiny pastel village on a green isthmus, crowned by a ruined Venetian fortress. Our private tours with a guide by vehicle stop at both, with time to swim.
Fiskardo and the North
Fiskardo, at the island's northern tip, kept its colourful Venetian-era houses after the 1953 earthquake. Its harbour is lined with cafés and seafood restaurants, and boats leave from here for Ithaca and quiet coves. The road there passes pretty villages and sea views. A private car with driver arranged by our team makes this long, scenic drive comfortable.
Ithaca by Boat
Across a narrow channel from Kefalonia lies Ithaca, a green, quiet island of small harbours, olive groves and clear coves. Boat trips from Sami or Fiskardo cross in under an hour, stopping at the harbour town of Vathy and at beaches reachable only by sea, with soft drinks on board. We book shared and private boat trips and arrange your transfer to the port.
Argostoli, Turtles and Mount Ainos
Argostoli, the island's capital, has a lively square, a seafront promenade and a long stone bridge across the lagoon. Loggerhead turtles often surface by the harbour in the morning, and boat trips in the bay give a closer look. Inland, Mount Ainos rises to over 1,600 metres, covered in black fir forest with wide views. Our team can combine both in a private island tour.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Kefalonia
Argostoli
Argostoli is the island's capital, with shops, cafés, restaurants and the main square, all close to the waterfront. It is the most practical base for first-time visitors, with good roads to the airport, beaches and caves. Evenings are lively around the square and promenade, and the town feels safe and welcoming.
Lassi
Just south of Argostoli, Lassi has sandy beaches, clear water and many hotels within easy reach of the capital. It suits families and beach lovers who want a resort atmosphere without being far from town. The coastline has small coves and cliffs, and the airport is a short drive away.
Skala and the South-East
Skala is a relaxed resort on the south-east coast, with a long beach, pine-covered hills and tavernas along the shore. It suits families and travellers seeking calm and sea views toward the Peloponnese. Loggerhead turtles nest on nearby beaches. A car or private transfers help, as Argostoli is about an hour away.
Fiskardo and Assos
Staying in Fiskardo or Assos means picturesque harbours, Venetian-era houses and peaceful evenings by the water. Both suit couples and travellers who want charm and quiet rather than nightlife. They are far from the airport and the south, so a car or driver is useful for exploring the island.
How long to stay in Kefalonia and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend four nights in Kefalonia. Spend one day on Melissani and Drogarati caves and Antisamos beach, one on Myrtos, Assos and Fiskardo, one on a boat trip to Ithaca, and one in Argostoli and on Mount Ainos. With five or six nights, add more beach time in the south.
How to pair it
Kefalonia pairs naturally with Zakynthos, reached by a seasonal ferry from Pessada, and with Athens, about an hour by air. A seven-day trip combines Athens and Kefalonia. In ten days, add Zakynthos or a few nights on Ithaca. A fourteen-day journey can combine Athens, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Corfu for a full Ionian Islands experience.
Best time to visit Kefalonia and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Kefalonia is from May to June and in September and October, when the sea is warm and the island green and calm. July and August are hot and busy, especially at Myrtos and the caves. Winters are mild and rainy, and many hotels close from November to April.
The daily rhythm
Days in Kefalonia start with a morning swim or an early visit to the caves before tour groups arrive. Lunch is relaxed in a harbour taverna, and the afternoon suits the beach or a drive along the coast. Sunset is magical at Myrtos or Assos, and evenings end with dinner in Argostoli's square or Fiskardo's harbour.
On-the-ground logistics in Kefalonia
Arrival
Kefalonia Airport lies about ten kilometres south of Argostoli, near Lassi, with flights from Athens and seasonal flights from many European cities. Ferries arrive at Sami from Ithaca and at Poros from Kyllini on the mainland. We issue ferry and flight tickets, and our private airport transfers meet you on arrival and take you straight to your hotel.
Getting around
Kefalonia is large and mountainous, and distances are longer than they look on a map. Local buses link Argostoli with Sami, Skala and some villages, but services are limited. Taxis are available in towns. A private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable way to combine the caves, Myrtos, Assos and Fiskardo in one day.
Local etiquette tip
Kefalonia is relaxed and friendly, but churches and monasteries expect covered shoulders and knees. Keep swimwear for the beach, and respect quiet hours in the villages after lunch. A greeting of kalimera is always welcome. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, and keeping a respectful distance from turtles is essential.
Must-do things in Kefalonia
- Glide across the Melissani cave lake by rowing boat
- Admire Myrtos Beach from the viewpoint above
- Explore the stalactites of Drogarati cave
- Visit the harbour village of Assos and its fortress
- See the Venetian-era houses of Fiskardo
- Take a boat trip to Ithaca
- Spot loggerhead turtles in Argostoli harbour
- Drive through the black fir forest of Mount Ainos
- Swim at Antisamos beach near Sami
- Relax on the red sands of Xi beach
Do’s and don’ts in Kefalonia
Do
- Do visit Melissani around midday for the best light
- Do allow plenty of time for winding mountain roads
- Do carry water and sun protection everywhere
- Do cover shoulders when entering churches
- Do book boat trips ahead in July and August
Don’t
- Don't touch or feed the loggerhead turtles
- Don't climb down to Myrtos in flimsy shoes
- Don't try to see the whole island in one day
- Don't leave valuables in parked cars at beaches
- Don't swim far out on very windy days
Kefalonia at a glance
Plan Kefalonia with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
About Haqqi Tours: About us Contact us Legal NoticePrivacy PolicyCookies & Marketing PreferencesTerms & ConditionsBooking, Payment & Refunds
More services in Kefalonia
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Kefalonia.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Kefalonia?
First-time visitors usually stay in Argostoli or nearby Lassi, close to the airport, restaurants, beaches and main roads. For charm and quiet harbour views, Fiskardo and Assos are lovely, while Skala suits families. Our team can suggest a hotel in any area and arrange your private airport transfer.
Can Kefalonia be done as a day trip from Zakynthos, or does it need an overnight stay?
A day trip from Zakynthos is possible in summer by the seasonal ferry, but you will only see part of the south and perhaps the caves. Kefalonia is large and deserves at least three or four nights for its caves, beaches, villages and Ithaca. We arrange ferry tickets, private transfers and tours to fit your plans.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia is relaxed, but modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees is expected inside churches and monasteries. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Respect wildlife, especially the turtles, and keep beaches clean. A greeting in Greek is warmly received. Our guides explain local customs on the way.
Is Kefalonia tourist friendly, and is halal food available?
Yes. Kefalonia welcomes visitors from around the world, and English is widely spoken. Halal-certified food is very limited on the island, but fresh fish, seafood, vegetable dishes, salads and local cheeses are easy to find. There is no mosque on Kefalonia; the nearest official mosque is in Athens. Our team can advise you on restaurants.
Is it safe to travel to Kefalonia now?
Kefalonia is generally considered very safe, with low crime and a friendly local community. Take care on narrow mountain roads, steep beach paths and in rough seas. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Kefalonia?
The must-do things in Kefalonia include the Melissani cave lake, Drogarati cave, Myrtos Beach, Assos, Fiskardo, a boat trip to Ithaca, the turtles of Argostoli and Mount Ainos. Our tours and boat trips combine these in the best order, with comfortable transport between them.
How many days do you need in Kefalonia?
Four days is ideal for Kefalonia: one for the caves and Antisamos, one for Myrtos, Assos and Fiskardo, one for Ithaca and one for Argostoli and Mount Ainos. Three days cover the highlights at a quicker rhythm, while a week allows more beach time and a visit to Zakynthos.
What can I book in Kefalonia with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, private airport transfers, flight tickets and ferry tickets, including Argostoli Full-Day Traditional Boat Cruise with Lunch, Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave Tour from Argostoli and Kefalonia Island Tour with Myrtos Assos and Fiskardo. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia Airport (EFL) is on the south-west coast about 9 km south of Argostoli, 15 to 20 minutes by car; Lassi is about 6 km, Sami about 32 km and Fiskardo about 60 km by road. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Kefalonia?
Flights link Kefalonia Airport with Athens and many European cities in summer, ferries cross from Kyllini to Poros in about an hour and a half and from Sami to Ithaca in about half an hour. Buses are limited and distances on the island are long, so a private car is the easiest way to reach resorts and villages. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Kefalonia?
Among them: Argostoli Full-Day Traditional Boat Cruise with Lunch, Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave Tour from Argostoli, Kefalonia Island Tour with Myrtos Assos and Fiskardo and Ithaca Day Cruise with Swim Stops from Skala Kefalonia. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Kefalonia?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.