Brace yourself because I’m confident my 7-day Kefalonia road trip itinerary will make you fall in love with this heavenly Ionian island.
While I haven’t seen every possible nook and cranny in Kefalonia, I definitely made most of the week I had there, so let’s get started!
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Kefalonia Road Trip Itinerary Summary and Map
Although steeped in history as it was ruled by the Kingdom of Macedon, the Romans, and the Venetians, to name a few, the highlights for me were the coastline, lush scenery, food, and culture.
That’s what I focused on, so if you’re in need of utter peace and quiet, you’re in for a treat.
Suggested accommodation for the first day: Evita Studios near the airport and the southern beaches.
Day 1: Platia Gialos Beach + Makris Gialos Beach/Pool time.
Suggested accommodation for the other nights: Nerea in Agia Effimia in central Kefalonia.
Day 2: Honey farm + Old Valsamata + Sami + Agia Effimia.
Day 3: Assos village + Myrtos Beach.
Day 4: Melissani Cave + Zervati Cave + Antisamos Beach.
Day 5: Fteri Beach + Amidi/Vouti/Agia Kiriaki Beach.
Day 6: Fiscardo village + Emplisi Beach/Lithovatis Beach.
Day 7: Agia Paraskevi Beach + Poros.
Other options for day 7: Agia Paraskevi Beach + Drogarati Cave + Castle of Agios Georgios OR Ithaca Island day tour.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
Where to Stay for 7 Days in Kefalonia
Depending on your itinerary, you can stay in various areas. I spent one day in the south and the rest of the trip in central and northern Kefalonia, so I stayed in two different places.
In the south, I stayed at Evita Studios near the airport and the beaches I wanted to visit. This is a budget-friendly option with simple yet spacious comfy rooms, a lovely pool area I enjoyed very much, free parking, and extremely welcoming hosts.
In central Kefalonia, I stayed at Nerea in Agia Effimia (a convenient base to explore this part of the island), and I cannot recommend this house enough! It’s not surprising it’s rated 9.9!
The host is incredible – she met me there to show me around and even gifted me a bag of souvenirs before I left. The place is compact yet modern and fully equipped with everything you need – local wine, fruit, coffee, tea, jams, and eggs, as well as a dishwasher and a washing machine.
This super cozy house (actually two adjacent houses, but each has its privacy) is the perfect spot to enjoy a tranquil morning and evening with sea views while being a stone’s throw away from the town’s harbor, restaurants, and supermarket.
One thing to note is that it’s located a bit up the hill, but with the car, this ascent/descent only takes about 30 seconds, so that didn’t bother me at all.
Day 1
Platia Gialos Beach and Makris Gialos Beach
Adjacent to one another, these two sandy beaches are popular spots near the capital, Argostoli. Both offer free parking (although the lots aren’t big) and amenities like a kiosk/beach bar and sunbed & umbrella rentals.
I’m sure they’re more crowded in July and August, but I visited in September, so there weren’t too many people there, and I could enjoy their tranquility. Their gorgeous waters and pretty backdrop are all you need to kickstart this road trip.
Note #1: This day was all about relaxation, so I also opted for some pool time at my accommodation, Evita Studios.
Note #2: A stone’s throw away from Platis Gialos is the infamous White Rocks Beach, which is only reachable by boat. I wanted to visit so bad, but I couldn’t find any water taxi services.
You need to either rent a boat (no license necessary) or book a full-day boat tour in the area (neither option was right for me, but maybe it will be for you).
Day 2
Honey Farm
I wanted to immerse myself in the local culture and traditions, and I knew that one of the best ways to do so was to visit a honey farm.
Greek honey is generally considered one of the best in the world, and Kefalonia, with its unique terroir, deserves the spotlight for its own local produce.
Offering a short free tour with no reservation needed, I headed to Kefalonian Honey Michalatos in Vlachata (closed in the off-season). The roads here are narrow and sometimes steep, but it’ll be worth it.
The welcoming owner not only showcases his hives and explains the production process, but he also guides you through his beautiful garden.
Additionally, you can enjoy three honey tastings in his cozy on-site shop, where you can purchase his honey and other local products.
If you’re seeking a more comprehensive experience, Dias Beekeeping (listed as Dias Apiary Bijen Boerderij on Google Maps) has a paid tour lasting 2-3 hours, which should be booked in advance.
Kefalonia is also known for its olive oil and wine (and you can tour an olive oil mill and plenty of wineries or book a wine tour).
Old Valsamata
Not-so-fun fact: Kefalonia had a devastating earthquake in 1953 that destroyed most of the settlements on the island.
Some of them were abandoned and not reconstructed, so today, you can see their remains.
One of them, which features quite well-preserved ruins, is Old Valsamata, situated a short drive from the colorful Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos (which you can also visit).
The road in this location isn’t in the best condition, so it’s best to park your car near the pink church.
From there, you can continue on foot to explore the stone remains and the beautiful natural scenery around you, whether you have just a little time or an hour or more to spare.
Lunch in Sami
I only stopped in the port town of Sami to have lunch, but I also thought about booking my accommodation here because of the location and plethora of restaurants and amenities.
I’m glad I ended up choosing Agia Effimia because Sami is not at all as charming, but it’s still a good town to grab a bite on your way to another spot. I dined at Mediterrano with a stunning sea view in front of me, and the food was delicious.
What might be helpful to you in Sami is that you can take a ferry to Zakynthos, Ithaca, and even Brindisi in Puglia (southern Italy). It also has a couple of attractions like its nautical museum and acropolis ruins, which I haven’t visited.
Agia Effimia
After settling into my accommodation, Nerea, I took the time to soak in the laid-back vibe of Agia Effimia.
This charming port town may not have many attractions, but simply walking along its quaint promenade and harbor, watching people enjoy the restaurants and cafés, and savoring a cup of coffee or a delicious Greek meal is all you need to fall in love with the place.
Throughout my stay here, I tried and enjoyed a few spots – coffee and cake at Fior D’Amore, breakfast at Cielo, and dinner at Sea-Rock-ws and Amalia (the latter was my absolute favorite and felt the most authentic and unique).
Day 3
Assos
Many villages in Kefalonia are quite small and lack a traditional old town or a central area for leisurely strolls. Assos is, in fact, small, but despite its size, its beauty and points of interest will keep you busy for a few hours.
The first thing that will catch your eye is its unique location on and near an isthmus, which you can see from the road leading to it. I was won over by the few lookout points where I could stop the car and admire the scenery.
Next is the village itself, overlooked by the 16th-century Venetian Castle of Assos (to which you can walk via a lovely path), with its two little beaches, adorable pastel-colored houses, and magnificent sea views.
I could have ticked those items off very quickly, but enjoying Assos more slowly is the way to go. Take your time to appreciate this picturesque village.
As for food, I skipped out on the local restaurants and devoured savory Greek pastries from Rotsis Family Bakery instead. YUM.
Note: The village’s parking lot is tiny, so get here early or be patient.
Myrtos Beach
Undoubtedly the most famous beach in Kefalonia, Myrtos is probably already on your radar. I was slightly concerned it would be overrated, as many popular places can be, but I really did enjoy this beautiful coastal hotspot.
Some tips for visiting:
- Don’t miss the Myrtos Beach Viewpoint – it’s the perfect angle to admire this turquoise beach, and the views are beyond jaw-dropping!
- Drive carefully! The road to the beach and parking is winding and steep.
- A day or two before your visit, check if Myrtos will be closed, especially due to falling rocks, which is something to always be careful of there.
Day 4
Melissani Cave and Lake
Every self-respecting Kefalonia itinerary includes the Melissani Cave in Karavomylos, known as the Cave of the Nymphs.
This natural marvel boasts an underground lake, and its roof has partially collapsed, so the sunlight comes through and makes the water have a turquoise glow, especially between 11:30 am and 2 pm. I actually came at around 10 am and still got to admire these sensational hues.
The visit itself, which costs 10 euros (13 for a combined ticket with the Drogarati Cave), only includes a 10-minute boat ride on the lake.
It is absolutely beautiful and unique, but it is quite short, and personally, my “guide” ruined it a bit for me as he wouldn’t stop singing when I just wanted to enjoy it quietly.
You should also take into consideration the fact that you can’t book a ticket in advance, so you might have a long queue to wait. Overall, I’d say it’s worth it, but the experience isn’t perfect.
Zervati Cave
If you also want to discover Kefalonia off the beaten path, this free cave near Melissani is for you.
After passing through a small gate and carefully descending toward the cave, you will notice it alongside two tiny lakes with stunning waters.
Although small, this unique geological landmark deserves a few minutes of your time. Afterward, I also had a quick stop at the Karavomylos Lake right by the coastline.
Antisamos Beach
Now it’s time to head to one of the best beaches on this Greek island, Antisamos.
You’ll see the road starting to ascend, which will reward you with an incredible viewpoint, and then you can continue to the huge parking lot of the beach.
The surrounding forested scenery and the shade of the water honestly made me feel like I was in Brazil for a second, so the fact that this paradise is Greek is just amazing.
There’s a vast area packed with beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas in front of them, and you’ll see signs that they are free if you order something to drink. I found it worth it and convenient, but you can also continue to the part without amenities.
Day 5
*Check if the road connecting Myrtos and Zola is closed (as it was when I visited). If it is, note that you’ll have a much longer route to cover – you’ll need to drive south almost all the way to Argostoli and then back north to get to Zola.
Fteri Beach
Not to be overly dramatic, but I’m ready to pack my bags and go live on Fteri Beach. That’s how much of a paradise it is.
Only reached by boat from the Zola harbor (or with a hike) and offering no facilities at all, this place is the definition of unspoiled.
The entire setting is gorgeous, and the color of the water is ridiculous in the most positive way, completely crystal clear yet unbelievably turquoise.
To get there, you can rent a boat or use a boat tour service. I bought my ticket at Fteri Water Taxi, which cost 20 euros.
They only operate from mid-May to the end of September, and it seems like the frequency depends on the number of people (I also had to tell them when I wanted to go back).
Amidi/Vouti/Agia Kiriaki Beach
The Fteri Water Taxi can also take you to Amidi Beach, but that’s another 30 euros. They also offer half-day tours that cover 4-5 beaches and lagoons in the area.
Instead, I decided to go to another beach nearby that didn’t require a boat ride, and out of Vouti and Agia Kiriaki, I chose the latter. After seeing Fteri, nothing compares to it, but it’s still a beautiful beach, extremely tranquil and lovely.
Day 6
Fiscardo
Fiscardo/Fiskardo is a renowned fishing village on this Mediterranean island, and although it’s a touristy place in Kefalonia, it’s a privilege to visit as it’s one of the few that haven’t been destroyed by the 1953 earthquake.
To see as much of its beauty as possible, I recommend walking all the way from Zavalata Beach to the starting point of the Lighthouse Trail, passing through the Roman Cemetery, harbor, and colorful promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Yes, the touristy vibe is there, but in this case, it hasn’t bothered me or prevented me from enjoying this delightful village.
Emplisi Beach or Lithovatis Beach
So, my initial plan was to head to the nearby Emplisi Beach, but I listened to my gut and changed things just because I felt like it.
I skipped out on the touristy restaurants of Fiscardo and had a delicious lunch at Alia’s Yard Restaurant & Bar instead (about 10 minutes away).
Then I went back to Agia Effimia to completely unwind at the hidden Lithovatis Beach, situated right below the Paradise Beach Restaurant and accessed by stairs. It’s tiny with no amenities, but that’s exactly what I loved about it. Just me and the sea.
Day 7
Agia Paraskevi Beach
Located between Agia Effimia and Karavomylos, Agia Paraskevi Beach is another hidden/lesser-known place.
It also doesn’t provide any amenities or services, and the parking is very limited (only a few unmarked spots are available on the side of the road).
That lack of facilities is why it is not famous and does not attract many visitors, which is a big reason to enjoy these types of beaches.
Poros
So here’s the thing – my last day in Kefalonia was confusing.
It was raining in the morning, but then the sun came out so I could enjoy that little beach. Soon after, it turned windy and grayish, and then it was sunny again, so I wasn’t sure how to spend my time and ended up deciding to drive to Poros.
Located in southeast Kefalonia, this port town is popular amongst tourists due to the nearby beaches. If the weather permitted it, I would have probably soaked up the sun somewhere, but instead, I was just in Poros itself, which didn’t seem interesting at all.
That said, the route from Agia Effimia to Poros and from there to the airport was absolutely stunning! On the one hand, there was so much green scenery (which I’ve seen throughout the trip, but this was something else), and on the other, there were majestic sea views.
Ideally, I would have enjoyed both the scenic drive and one of the beaches near Poros, but the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s up to you whether you want to take this suggestion and make the effort to get there or try one of these alternative options below that I also considered.
Other Options for Day 7
Agia Paraskevi Beach + Drogarati Cave + Castle of Agios Georgios: After being at the beach, visit the stalactite and stalagmite Drogarati Cave near Sami and continue south to the 320-meter-high Venetian Castle of Agios Georgios, which overlooks the surrounding villages.
Ithaca Island day tour: From my accommodation in Agia Effimia, I could actually see a fraction of the island of Ithaca, a popular day trip from Kefalonia, which seems to have some amazing beaches and a few adorable towns. In hindsight, I would have had time to take an Ithaca day tour from Agia Effimia or Sami, so I suggest at least considering it.
Essential Tips and Notes for Your 1-Week Kefalonia Itinerary
Car rental and driving: Greece is a great country to look for local car rental companies. I chose JoyRide, which provided wonderful service, including an amazing Kefalonia bucket list and a beach umbrella.
With all the winding roads and mountainous ascents, I’m glad I opted for an automatic medium-sized car. Drive carefully and slowly, even if it takes more time to get from one place to the other.
Closed roads: Some roads might be closed for renovation, something which is usually stated when you check your Google Maps app.
Water shoes: A must-have for the pebbly beaches of central and northern Kefalonia.
Sunbed & umbrella: You can rent them on many beaches, but it’s also good to have an umbrella of your own (either buy one or see if the car rental company provides it).
When to travel: Although Kefalonia is underrated, it doesn’t mean there are no crowds in July and August. I’m glad I visited in September when the weather was perfect 99% of the time, and there were few tourists.
I assume May and June would also be good options. Also, some accommodations and restaurants are closed from October to April.
How much time to spend there: Although you can make the most of a quick getaway, I think you need at least a week. 10 days seem ideal, especially if you don’t mind hopping from beach to beach.
Other activities you can check out: Hiking, snorkeling, sea turtle watching, wine tasting, and sailing.
Related Posts
Read more about Greece:
- Reasons to visit Kefalonia
- 4-day Crete itinerary
- Reasons to visit Crete
- Spinalonga island tour from Crete
- Novels set in Greece
- Greece travel quotes
- Greek themed gifts
Check out other European road trips:
- Best Italian road trips
- Northwest Italy road trip
- Italian lakes road trip
- Road trips from Milan
- Best road trips in Spain
- Andalusia road trip
- Northern Spain road trip
- Best road trips in Portugal
- Lisbon to Porto road trip
- Northern Portugal road trip
*Your emil address will not be published. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website