Guidebook for Kefalonia

Foteini
Guidebook for Kefalonia

Food Scene

Contessina restaurant is near Sami's harbor. It offers Greek traditional and Italian dishes. I strongly recommend you to try the traditional meat pie.
Contessina Restaurant
Contessina restaurant is near Sami's harbor. It offers Greek traditional and Italian dishes. I strongly recommend you to try the traditional meat pie.
It is a pleasant tavern with beautiful decoration. The dish that you should definitely try is the mussels. If you are, however, meat lovers, Melissani Taverna offers delicious stew dishes.
Melissani Taverna
Agias Εifimias
It is a pleasant tavern with beautiful decoration. The dish that you should definitely try is the mussels. If you are, however, meat lovers, Melissani Taverna offers delicious stew dishes.
This restaurant, located at the edge of Agia Efimia village, has a magnificent view over the sea. It offers fresh seafood and other traditional Greek dishes, like moussaka.
10 locals recommend
Paradise Beach Restaurant
10 locals recommend
This restaurant, located at the edge of Agia Efimia village, has a magnificent view over the sea. It offers fresh seafood and other traditional Greek dishes, like moussaka.
The tavern offers delicious, homemade dishes, as the owners have their own farm. I highly recommend to taste the roast suckling pig and the Kefalonian cheese pie.
The Black Sheep, Grill House
The tavern offers delicious, homemade dishes, as the owners have their own farm. I highly recommend to taste the roast suckling pig and the Kefalonian cheese pie.

Drinks & Nightlife

It is located near the sea and has great atmosphere. Suitable for a relaxing drink at night.
Manifico Cafe
Μιαούλη
It is located near the sea and has great atmosphere. Suitable for a relaxing drink at night.
Probably the most lovely bar in Sami. I recommend you to sit on the front balcony as it has a great view of the harbor and the sea, whereas the terrace has a view of the mountains and the traditional houses around. You should taste the remarkable signature & classic cocktails.
Afrala
18 Akti Miaoili
Probably the most lovely bar in Sami. I recommend you to sit on the front balcony as it has a great view of the harbor and the sea, whereas the terrace has a view of the mountains and the traditional houses around. You should taste the remarkable signature & classic cocktails.
An ideal place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the open air garden.
12 locals recommend
My Way Club • Restaurant
2 Leof. Geor. Vergoti
12 locals recommend
An ideal place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the open air garden.

Parks & Nature

Myrtos is not only the most famous beach of Kefalonia, but it is one of the most famous of the country. The splendid waters, the white pebbles and the surrounding hills create a breathtaking natural scenery. A large part of the beach is unorganized, but if you are a fan of the sunbed, you will find it in your hands. It is worth staying up to the evening to enjoy the unique sunset and if you want to take some photos for the Instagram, make sure you can have a panoramic view from the road above.
168 locals recommend
Myrtos Cave
168 locals recommend
Myrtos is not only the most famous beach of Kefalonia, but it is one of the most famous of the country. The splendid waters, the white pebbles and the surrounding hills create a breathtaking natural scenery. A large part of the beach is unorganized, but if you are a fan of the sunbed, you will find it in your hands. It is worth staying up to the evening to enjoy the unique sunset and if you want to take some photos for the Instagram, make sure you can have a panoramic view from the road above.
Antisamos is an ideal beach for swimming and relaxation, only 10 minutes away from Sami. It offers wonderful, deep waters, bars and a kiosk with water sports. Several scenes were filmed on this beach from "Captain Corelli’s Mandolin" with Nicholas Cage.
68 locals recommend
Antisamos
68 locals recommend
Antisamos is an ideal beach for swimming and relaxation, only 10 minutes away from Sami. It offers wonderful, deep waters, bars and a kiosk with water sports. Several scenes were filmed on this beach from "Captain Corelli’s Mandolin" with Nicholas Cage.
Emplisi is a beautiful beach with clear blue water in the area of Fiskardo. The tropical landscape with dense vegetation and easy access is the biggest advantage of the beach.
50 locals recommend
Emplisi Beach
50 locals recommend
Emplisi is a beautiful beach with clear blue water in the area of Fiskardo. The tropical landscape with dense vegetation and easy access is the biggest advantage of the beach.
Xi is located in Lixouri district. Despite the fact that it is not one of Kefalonia's largest beaches, Xi beach is special for two reasons. Unlike most of the beaches of the island, it has no steep rocks and deep waters, being ideal for children. Xi is so special because of the reddish sand that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a natural spa therapy. The water sports fans can also do Jet Ski, water ski, parachute and more.
83 locals recommend
Xi Beach
83 locals recommend
Xi is located in Lixouri district. Despite the fact that it is not one of Kefalonia's largest beaches, Xi beach is special for two reasons. Unlike most of the beaches of the island, it has no steep rocks and deep waters, being ideal for children. Xi is so special because of the reddish sand that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a natural spa therapy. The water sports fans can also do Jet Ski, water ski, parachute and more.
Pessada is located 12 km east of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. A path leads you directly to the beach, which does not offer tourist facilities. The place is ideal for relaxation and peaceful moments. This small wonderfully undeveloped bay consists of soft sand, crystal light blue waters and rocks dotted around the bay. If you swim out to the right of the cove, there is a small sandy but perfectly clear beach.
29 locals recommend
Pessada Beach
29 locals recommend
Pessada is located 12 km east of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. A path leads you directly to the beach, which does not offer tourist facilities. The place is ideal for relaxation and peaceful moments. This small wonderfully undeveloped bay consists of soft sand, crystal light blue waters and rocks dotted around the bay. If you swim out to the right of the cove, there is a small sandy but perfectly clear beach.
For those who like quiet and not crowded beaches this one is not to be missed! The beach is accessible either by foot (around 40 minutes through a path on the mountain) or by taxi boat from Agia Kyriaki (15 euros per person and free for children). Fteri beach is like a paradise with crystal clear waters and white pebbles.
28 locals recommend
Fteri Beach DE MERS
28 locals recommend
For those who like quiet and not crowded beaches this one is not to be missed! The beach is accessible either by foot (around 40 minutes through a path on the mountain) or by taxi boat from Agia Kyriaki (15 euros per person and free for children). Fteri beach is like a paradise with crystal clear waters and white pebbles.
Makris Gialos (Long beach) is a family friendly sandy beach within walking distance from Argostoli. As the name states, it is truly a very long organized beach with no rocks or pebbles, but with crystal clear waters. The beach has a beach bar-restaurant, Costa-Costa, which organizes several beach parties during summer, and provides the opportunity for various water sport activities.
61 locals recommend
Makris Gialos Beach
61 locals recommend
Makris Gialos (Long beach) is a family friendly sandy beach within walking distance from Argostoli. As the name states, it is truly a very long organized beach with no rocks or pebbles, but with crystal clear waters. The beach has a beach bar-restaurant, Costa-Costa, which organizes several beach parties during summer, and provides the opportunity for various water sport activities.
Petani is a magnificent beach located in the beautiful peninsula of Paliki and 13 km away from Lixouri. The beach is covered mostly with sand and some pebbles scattered along the shore, but it is not always calm. If you are not a fan of crowds and sunbeds walk a bit further after the umbrellas, close to the end rocks offering beautiful colors and peacefulness. Close to the beach are a couple of taverns that I strongly recommend you to try.
50 locals recommend
Petani Beach
50 locals recommend
Petani is a magnificent beach located in the beautiful peninsula of Paliki and 13 km away from Lixouri. The beach is covered mostly with sand and some pebbles scattered along the shore, but it is not always calm. If you are not a fan of crowds and sunbeds walk a bit further after the umbrellas, close to the end rocks offering beautiful colors and peacefulness. Close to the beach are a couple of taverns that I strongly recommend you to try.
Dafnoudi Beach is a hidden beach, not reachable by car at the northernmost tip of Kefalonia. There is a road sign, just before Fiskardo, at Antypata village, where you will have to leave your car and walk for about 800m in a beautiful easy shaded trail, through a cypress forest, in order to discover the beach. The beach is a haven for the monk seals Monachus Monachus. If you are lucky you may come across one. The beach is pebbly, the waters calm and the colors vary from blue to green.
30 locals recommend
Dafnoudi Beach
30 locals recommend
Dafnoudi Beach is a hidden beach, not reachable by car at the northernmost tip of Kefalonia. There is a road sign, just before Fiskardo, at Antypata village, where you will have to leave your car and walk for about 800m in a beautiful easy shaded trail, through a cypress forest, in order to discover the beach. The beach is a haven for the monk seals Monachus Monachus. If you are lucky you may come across one. The beach is pebbly, the waters calm and the colors vary from blue to green.

Sightseeing

Fiscardo is a former fishing village in north Kefalonia that has transformed into a high status cosmopolitan resort, without losing its quintessence. The beautiful and picturesque Fiskardo is one of the few villages in Kefalonia, which was not destroyed by the earthquake of 1953 and still carries a unique charm and atmosphere. A stroll around the narrow alleys among the colorful houses will make you feel like a time traveler, rolling back a century. The restaurants near the harbor serve delicious dishes, both local and international cuisine.
6 locals recommend
Fiskardo port station
6 locals recommend
Fiscardo is a former fishing village in north Kefalonia that has transformed into a high status cosmopolitan resort, without losing its quintessence. The beautiful and picturesque Fiskardo is one of the few villages in Kefalonia, which was not destroyed by the earthquake of 1953 and still carries a unique charm and atmosphere. A stroll around the narrow alleys among the colorful houses will make you feel like a time traveler, rolling back a century. The restaurants near the harbor serve delicious dishes, both local and international cuisine.
Assos village is one of the most charming spots of Kefalonia, located on the northwestern coast of the island, a few km north from Myrtos beach. It is constructed amphitheatrically on a small peninsula, surrounded by cypresses and pine cone trees. Traditional architecture, peaceful landscapes and pebbled beaches make up the natural beauty of Assos. A path of 1.8 km leads to Venetian Assos Castle.
82 locals recommend
Assos
82 locals recommend
Assos village is one of the most charming spots of Kefalonia, located on the northwestern coast of the island, a few km north from Myrtos beach. It is constructed amphitheatrically on a small peninsula, surrounded by cypresses and pine cone trees. Traditional architecture, peaceful landscapes and pebbled beaches make up the natural beauty of Assos. A path of 1.8 km leads to Venetian Assos Castle.
This hidden heaven is located 2 km northwest of Sami and constitutes a unique geological phenomenon. You reach the lake by an underground tunnel and have the opportunity to explore it with a boat and a guide. Therefore, you can admire this unique natural work of sculpture created by the stalactites and the crystal blue-green color of the waters. I recommend you to visit Melissani at noon (between 11:30 and 14:00), when the sun shines through the ceiling gap and the water has a beautiful turquoise colour.
202 locals recommend
Melissani Cave
202 locals recommend
This hidden heaven is located 2 km northwest of Sami and constitutes a unique geological phenomenon. You reach the lake by an underground tunnel and have the opportunity to explore it with a boat and a guide. Therefore, you can admire this unique natural work of sculpture created by the stalactites and the crystal blue-green color of the waters. I recommend you to visit Melissani at noon (between 11:30 and 14:00), when the sun shines through the ceiling gap and the water has a beautiful turquoise colour.
Agia Efimia is a little fishing village about 15 minutes away from Sami. The village has a dozen little tavernas and cafeterias all of excellent quality. It also has many small beaches with crystal clear waters. I recommend you to spend some time walking through the village admiring the nice view. You can also hire a boat for an all-day trip and explore the pretty little beaches and tiny coves with pebbles and clear turquoise water on the south or east side of the village. One of my favourite restaurants in Agia Efimia is B&B Bakery Pastry, where you can find delicious Italian dishes and ice-cream.
40 locals recommend
Agia Effimia
40 locals recommend
Agia Efimia is a little fishing village about 15 minutes away from Sami. The village has a dozen little tavernas and cafeterias all of excellent quality. It also has many small beaches with crystal clear waters. I recommend you to spend some time walking through the village admiring the nice view. You can also hire a boat for an all-day trip and explore the pretty little beaches and tiny coves with pebbles and clear turquoise water on the south or east side of the village. One of my favourite restaurants in Agia Efimia is B&B Bakery Pastry, where you can find delicious Italian dishes and ice-cream.

Getting Around

CBR can be found in various locations on the island, including Argostoli, Skala, Lourdas, Lassi and the Airport. It is quite inexpensive and offers free delivery and collection to and from Kefalonia airport during the office hours. You can contact the company through the site: www.cbr-rentacar.com
CBR Car Rental
CBR can be found in various locations on the island, including Argostoli, Skala, Lourdas, Lassi and the Airport. It is quite inexpensive and offers free delivery and collection to and from Kefalonia airport during the office hours. You can contact the company through the site: www.cbr-rentacar.com
It is located on the central road of Sami. Contact phone: +30 2674023769
ΚARAVOMYLOS RENT A CAR
Leoforos Ioanni Metaxa
It is located on the central road of Sami. Contact phone: +30 2674023769

Local festivals

In the village Markopoulos of Kefalonia, in a hillside full of trees, is the Church of the Assumption. In this Church are presented every year from August 6 to 15, the small snakes of Virgin Mary, hanging from the church icons. The image of the Virgin Mary, according to tradition, was found in a tree, where unknown how, caught fire without damaging the image. It belongs to the Holy Metropolis of Kefalonia.
Church of Our Lady Fidousa
In the village Markopoulos of Kefalonia, in a hillside full of trees, is the Church of the Assumption. In this Church are presented every year from August 6 to 15, the small snakes of Virgin Mary, hanging from the church icons. The image of the Virgin Mary, according to tradition, was found in a tree, where unknown how, caught fire without damaging the image. It belongs to the Holy Metropolis of Kefalonia.
The Robola Feast is one of the most anticipated festivities on the island. It is held every August at two villages, Fragata and Valsamata, and the celebrations last two days. The theme of the feast is the Robola wine that is a well known traditional product of Kefalonia. Everyone can take part at the celebrations, where you can drink free of charge as much Robola wine as you can handle, dance to the traditional rhythms, sing and eat with your heart.
Fragata station
The Robola Feast is one of the most anticipated festivities on the island. It is held every August at two villages, Fragata and Valsamata, and the celebrations last two days. The theme of the feast is the Robola wine that is a well known traditional product of Kefalonia. Everyone can take part at the celebrations, where you can drink free of charge as much Robola wine as you can handle, dance to the traditional rhythms, sing and eat with your heart.