Boat Excursions & Glass-Bottom Cruises

A number of highly recommended boat trips and excursions are extremely popular with tourists holidaying on Kefalonia.

The attractions on the neighboring island of Ithaci (Ithaca) are easily reached by boat, while others prefer a leisurely cruise onboard the glass-bottom boats run by Captain Makis, which allow you to not only see the coastline, but what lies beneath the surfaces of the beautifully clear water. As you cruise around the island, it is quite likely that you will encounter some rather inquisitive dolphins.

Horseback Riding

There are a number of stables around the island which offer horseback riding along the mountain trails, passing through the remains of past villages and allow you to reach attractions that you would likely otherwise miss. Horseback riding through the mountains comes highly recommended and is a great way to escape from the summer crowds. On the way, look out for vineyards, mountain goats and even the occasional eagle, soaring high overhead.

Captain Corelli`s Mandolin Sites

During the latter part of the 1990s, the island of Kefalonia gained a surge of new interest, since it was the setting for this now famous story, set during the Second World War. Due to the great success that the novel received, it was soon made into a blockbuster movie, and true to form, Kefalonia featured heavily in the film, with many scenic views, attractions and locations being chosen, particularly around Sami and Argostoli. In particular, Sami was used extensively, since its buildings are more historic. Fans of Captain Corelli`s Mandolin often come to Kefalonia to search out the film locations alone.

Day trips to nearby Island via Ferry

There are numerous ferry connections linking the island of Kefalonia with many nearby Ionian attractions. Although Kefalonia may not be a traditional location for island hopping, many islands are just a relatively short boat trip away, including the attractions of Ithaca, Lefkada, Paxos and Zakynthos.

Ithaca
Definitely a jewel in the Ionians, Ithaca is thought by many to have been the mythical home of Odysseus (Ulysses), a somewhat legendary Greek king. Ithaca comprises two large peninsulas, which are connected by an isthmus and contain a number of tiny fishing hamlets. Byzantine attractions are in good supply on Ithaca and come in the form of monasteries and churches. Vathy is the main town on the island and from here it is possible to catch a water taxi to Gidaki Beach.

Lefkada
Lefkada was actually once connected to mainland Greece by a narrow strip of land, until an 82-foot canal was dug, which today is spanned by a small causeway crossing. The capital town of Lefkada is located on a promontory, alongside a large lagoon, and features a very relaxed vibe, with a charming plaza, some stunning churches and a very impressive marina, which serves the eminent yachting crowd. Close by, the satellite islet of Meganisi may also be of interest.

Paxos
The neighboring island of Paxos may only be 6 miles by 4 miles in size, but it is certainly crammed packed with interesting attractions and sightseeing opportunities. Paxos is considered by many a tourist to be the most appealing of all the Ionian islands and its three harbor towns of Gaios, Loggos and Lakka are all particularly attractive and pleasantly intimate. Each of these harbor towns has something different to offer, with an imposing Venetian square in Gaios, a key lined with restaurants in Loggos, and superb yachting around Lakka.

Zakynthos
Many holiday makers from Kefalonia choose to venture to Zakynthos. Regular ferries depart from the southerly port of Pessada, reaching Skinari on the northerly coast of Zakynthos in just one hour. Zante Town is the capital of Zakynthos and here you will find numerous beautiful arcaded streets, large public squares and Neo-classical attractions, many of which have been reconstructed following the island`s serious earthquake in 1953. Particular highlights in Zante Town include the Byzantine Museum on the Plateia Solomou (Solomos Square), and the Museum of Solomos on the Plateia Agiou Markou.