Kefalonia Island Day Trip from Zakynthos

Ferry crossing from Skinari to Pessada

Kefalonia lies just north of Zakynthos, and the shortest link between the two islands is the ferry from Skinari port near Agios Nikolaos, on the northern tip of Zakynthos, to Pessada on the south coast of Kefalonia. The crossing takes about an hour and a half, with open views of both coastlines; on a clear morning you can see the mountains of Kefalonia rising ahead.

Many visitors ask how to get to Kefalonia from Zakynthos: there is no bridge and no daily flight, and the ferry runs only in the warmer months, so this Kefalonia day trip from Zakynthos handles the ferry tickets, timing and road transport for you. From Pessada the road climbs past the green Omala valley with its much-visited monastery before heading north across the island.

Drogarati Cave

Drogarati Cave, near the town of Sami, is one of the finest show caves in Greece. A gentle staircase leads down about 60 metres into a vast chamber decorated with stalactites and stalagmites that have grown over millions of years. The cave was opened to visitors after an earthquake revealed its entrance, and the temperature inside stays cool all year at around 18°C, a welcome break on a hot day.

The visit takes about 20–30 minutes. The main hall has such good natural acoustics that it has hosted concerts. The steps can be damp and slightly slippery, so wear comfortable shoes. Drogarati Cave opening hours generally follow the summer season, from spring to autumn, and the entrance ticket is paid on the spot.

Melissani cave lake

Melissani is a cave whose roof collapsed thousands of years ago, leaving a lake open to the sky surrounded by trees and rock walls. Visitors board small rowing boats through a tunnel and glide across water so clear that the boats seem to float in the air. Around midday, sunlight falls straight through the opening and turns the lake a brilliant turquoise. Archaeologists found remains here of an ancient sanctuary of the god Pan.

The water is brackish: sea water disappears into sinkholes near Argostoli on the other side of the island and travels underground for about two weeks before emerging here and flowing into the sea at Karavomylos. The boat ride lasts about 15 minutes. Is Melissani worth visiting? It is the single most famous sight on Kefalonia, and the best time to visit Melissani is late morning to early afternoon, when this tour arrives.

Agia Efimia harbour village

Agia Efimia is a small fishing village on the north-east coast of Kefalonia, built around a sheltered harbour with fishing boats and yachts, waterfront tavernas and clear water along the quay. Green hills rise behind it, and the opposite shore looks across the channel towards Ithaca.

This is the lunch stop of the day, with time to sit by the water, swim from the rocks or stroll along the harbour. Lunch is not included, so you are free to choose. Halal options are limited on the Ionian islands, but grilled fish, seafood, salads and vegetarian Greek dishes are easy to find, and our host can point you to a suitable place.

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach on the north-west coast is the most photographed beach on Kefalonia and one of the most famous in Greece: a wide curve of brilliant white pebbles at the foot of steep cliffs, with water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue. The classic view is from the winding road above, where the whole bay opens below you.

Weather permitting, the tour goes down to the beach for photos and a swim. The sea deepens quickly and waves can be strong when the wind blows from the west, so follow the flags and our host's advice. The best time to visit Myrtos is the afternoon, when the sun lights the bay; after this stop the group returns to Pessada for the evening ferry back to Zakynthos.