In Greek mythology, the island of Kefalonia (or Cephallenia) was gifted to the beautiful Cephalus, son of Hermes and Princess Herse, after he helped the king of Tiryns defeat the Taphians.
Such a gift would have to be amazingly beautiful, rich in wildlife and mighty in stature. Kefalonia is indeed all of these things and more, and exploring its forests, mountains and beaches will have you feeling like a demi-god.
Just 11km from the Greek mainland, Kefalonia’s diverse landscapes are ripe with adventure, whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, paddleboard, dive, horse-ride or paraglide your way across the island.
If you time your trip right, you can even get involved with the Stay Active Kefalonia festival in September, where locals and tourists alike come together to hike, run, cycle and kayak through dedicated trails with guides who can tell you all about the island and its environments.
No matter if it’s kayaking with the kids or a full mountain marathon, it’s a great way to get active, meet new people and see the unbeatable beauty of Kefalonia.
Unbeatable Beauty
UNESCO World Geoparks are designated protected areas of great natural beauty and importance. To earn this status, the park has to be special, which is exactly what the Kefalonia-Ithaca Geopark is.
Within the park, the tallest mountain on the Ionian islands, Mount Ainos rises above the coast to provide stunning views, amazing trails, and unique nature spotting opportunities.
Spend time in the Abies cephalonica (Cephalonian Fir) forest, an endemic species to Greece, and keep an eye out for native small semi-wild horses (Equus caballus), which you’ll see mostly at the south-east side of the mountain.
You’ll also have the chance to spot holy snakes, Moria lizards, and golden eagles high above, and the best way to see the local wildlife is on one of the many hiking trails on Mount Ainos, with any of the ridge walks offering spectacular panoramas of the park. They range from 6-27km and all require a decent level of fitness.
To feel like a true explorer, the park also hides the Melissani and Drogarati caves, part of a system that transport water from one part of the island to the other.
Strange stalactites drip into the turquoise pool as sun beams shine through the cave’s opening, creating a magical atmosphere to paddle through or gaze upon.
If the sun sets and you can’t bear to leave the Ainos National Park, it is also an International Dark Sky Park, and the first one in Greece.
Head out on a guided “starry night” with the park’s experts and their telescopes, to learn about the cosmos gazing down on the island.
You will learn about the significance and history of stars visible from the park, how we can protect the environment from light pollution, and simply take the time to marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
Made for Exploration
Kefalonia’s coastline is famous for its beaches and coastline so both hiking and kayaking are absolute necessities when you visit, along with so much more.
Starting in the famed blue waters, kayaking is one of the most popular past-times on the island, which makes it very accessible.
There are plenty of tours departing from the island’s capital, Argostoli, as well as from the picturesque beaches of the east and cliffs of the west.
Paddle-boarding is an equally fun way to get to know the coast and relax in the crystal-clear waters under the Ionian sun.
But the best way to get a closer look at the diverse marine habitats is by diving straight into them. Kefalonia is one of the best islands in Greece for scuba diving, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
Near the village of Skala you’ll find Roman-era shipwrecks, and in Agia Efimia you can explore the eastern underwater coastline of Kefalonia.
Back on land, horse trekking is a wonderful way to see the island. Ride along the beaches with the wind in your hair or make a pilgrimage through the mountains and olive groves on the back of some of Kefalonia’s most popular locals.
For the indecisive adventurer, coasteering lets you combine your exploration of the land and sea into one. A thrilling mix of scrambling, cliff jumping, swimming, hiking and abseiling, there may not be a better coastline in the world for this up-and-coming excursion.
The beautiful blue water, dark caves, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs are the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Stunning Trails
Of course, some of the best adventures in Kefalonia can be had on foot. Five new trails have been sign posted around the island and they’re perfect for the whole family.
For an easy-going circular route, The Loop of Lassi is a gentle 6.6km journey through the capital of the island down onto the beach and along the quintessentially Ionian coast. It’s a great way to sample the culture and beauty of the island in a few short hours.
For a slightly longer trip into Greece’s ancient history, the Memories and Landscapes 9.1km circular route is the perfect way to experience the south of the island, starting and ending in the colourful seaside village of Skala and passing through the old settlement which was ruined in the 1953 earthquake.
There is a Roman-era cottage on the way and amazing views of the Ionian coast up the hillside.
If you have some decent walking experience, then the 11.6km Panorama of History loop is enticing in its mystery and challenge.
Like a journey back in time, the opportunity to see the 13th monastery of Atros – the oldest on the island – can’t be missed and the abandoned settlement of Afragias and the mystery of its vaulted tombs is well worth exploring.
Cycling is an equally wonderful way to experience Kefalonia, with the wind in your hair and the sea by your side. Between April and October the weather is perfect for a leisurely ride or thrilling MTB experience – you can even try and ride up and over Mount Ainos if your thighs are up for the challenge.
Other trails that you can find on Visit Kefalonia’s website will take you around the Cape of Argostoli or on a gravel route past the monastery of Agios Gerasimos or along the beaches of the north.
Discover Kefalonia
Would you like to visit the enchanting island of Kefalonia? With AEGEAN’s daily direct flights from Athens, you can reach this heavenly island in the Ionian Sea in just one hour. Book your seat here.
However you choose to spend your time there, you are guaranteed beauty, history and culture in abundance.
Start planning your trip at Visit Kefalonia’s website here or incorporate it into a greater exploration of wonderful Greece at discovergreece.com.