Destination Kefalonia

Kefalonia isn't small. Trying to see everything in a week is a mistake people make — better to pick your spots and actually spend time there. Here are ten places that come up again and again when locals are asked where to send visitors.

1. Myrtos Beach — The one on every postcard. White pebbles, that ridiculous blue water. The drive down is steep and the parking fills up by 11am in August. Go early or late.
2. Fiskardo — The only village that survived the 1953 earthquake intact. Venetian houses, a small harbour, good fish restaurants. Expensive by Kefalonia standards, but worth an evening.
3. Melissani Cave — An underground lake where sunlight comes through a collapsed roof section. The boat ride takes fifteen minutes. Midday light is best for the blue glow effect.
4. Assos — A tiny village on a peninsula with a Venetian fortress above it. The walk up to the fortress takes half an hour and most people skip it. Don't — the views are the best on the island.
5. Argostoli — The capital gets overlooked by beach-focused tourists. The waterfront promenade is pleasant, the Korgialenio Museum is genuinely interesting, and the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula is worth the drive.
6. Drogarati Cave — Stalactites, good acoustics. They hold concerts down there sometimes. Pair it with Melissani since they are close together.
7. Antisamos Beach — On the east coast near Sami. Pebble beach, pine trees right to the waterline. Less crowded than Myrtos, arguably just as pretty.
8. Petani Beach — West coast, dramatic cliffs, strong waves. Not for small children. The sunset from here is hard to beat.
9. Saint Gerasimos Monastery — In the Omala valley. The patron saint of the island. Even if you are not religious, the building and the underground cave are worth seeing.
10. Robola Winery — Also in Omala. Free tasting of the local white wine. It is dry, mineral, and goes perfectly with grilled fish. Buy a bottle or three.