7 Day Adventure/Mystery Itinerary
Combine activity and adrenaline with Kefalonia’s nature! This itinerary is especially created with fun, excitement, and above all, adventure in mind. It is ideal for active travellers that are looking for an alternative experience during their holidays but aren’t necessarily extra fit or that young! The itinerary is by no means exhaustive so check out other things to see and do from my pages.
Choose your accommodation, according to your budget and tastes from our menu.
Day 1 EAST.
Familiarise yourselves with the Sami region by starting your day in the underground magical world of Drogarati Cave. At the end of your visit to the cave, go horse riding in the mountains or in the sea with Bavarian Horse Riding Stables or Kefalonia Horse Riding Stable, or head off to the stunning Melissani Lake for a short boat tour – the best time of day to visit is around midday as the light comes through the open hole of the cave. Alternatively you can rent an e-bike or join a bike or hiking tour with Sami trekking and explore some of the more off-the-beaten track areas like the abandoned village of Old Vlachata , a special place where the facades of buildings, walls, streets, wells, old cisterns, stone ovens, and objects left by the settlers have survived amongst the trees and greenery that have established themselves between the ruins. Hike the trail from Antisamos beach to reach Koutsoupia beach which is only accessible on foot or by boat, but be aware the 2.5h (one way) trail is not suitable for children or the infirm and there is no mobile signal to use google maps so better join a group tour.
Another romantic hike or drive is the Ancient Sami Trail that includes St. Fanentes, the Acropolis, parts of the amazing cyclopean walls and the church fresco of St Nikolas. The location offers great views of Sami port and you can explore the ruins of Ancient Sami, or you can take the route which leads from Antisamos beach and get down for a swim or snack. You can extend your walk to Agrilia Monastery where you can walk around the ruins of the monastery and see the amazing views of Antisamos beach, Ithaka and Agia Efimia. Lunch in Antisamos or in Sami.
For swimming, snorkeling and watersports stay on Antisamos beach. There is a variety of adrenaline-fueled activities at Extreme Watersports, such as Jet Skiing, Wakeboard/Kneeboard, Water Skiing, Tubes/ Sliders, Banana Boat, Crazy sofa, S.U.P, Windsurfing, Canoeing, and Pedal Boats. There is also a submarine boat tour available here to explore the underwater world.
If you prefer to take an organised tour in the area take a look at Wild Nature Expeditions or Outdoor Kefalonia Activities who have run an excellent programme of activities – Caving, canyoning, jeep Safari is definitely a striking and exciting way to discover some of Sami’s hidden treasures.
Day 2 CENTRAL EAST
Today’s focus is on the region of Pylaros. Wake up early, take a jog along Agia Efimia’s beautiful harbour and admire the sunrise, a short dive at that time is perfect here as it is calm. Have a great coffee and breakfast at the cafes at the harbour and then arrange to go diving! Established in 1997 the Aquatic Scuba Diving Club in Agia Efimia provide a great selection of dive sites suiting everyone from complete beginners to qualified divers. If you prefer to explore the sea above water rent a boat from Boulevard Boats or Yellow Boats at the harbour and stop at the isolated beaches of Agia Sofia and Horgota beaches to swim, snorkel and explore the entire day!
Alternatively spend a few hours at the famous Myrtos beach (note that the sea can be dangerous when windy). You can hike there with an e-bike or walk down (steep to come back). Stop at one of the viewing points before going down – the views are breathtaking. If there is time spare before returning to Myrtos for the exceptional sunset, you can drive up to the Monastery of Themata to see the woodland and admire the stunning views of Agia Efimia bay. For hikers, there is a fairly strenuous walking trail from Agia Efimia to the Monastery through the beautiful old villages of Tarkassata and Drakopoulata. Mountain biking is ideal in these areas.
Have dinner at the traditional taverna at Divarata, Makriotika or return back to Agia Efimia village to enjoy some freshly cooked dishes by the sea, if there is a full moon the views from the back of the port is truly amazing! For a cocktail or beer, some music end your evening in one of the bars on the harbour side, or check our events calendar to see if there are any festivals or local feast taking place. Or continue your adventure and go star gazing with Wild Nature Expeditions or Outdoor Kefalonia Activities on Agia Dynati Mountain.
Horgota
Day 3 WEST
Explore the Paliki peninsula, visiting Xi beach made up of impressive grey clay rocky cliffs and red sand. There are various watersports on the beach so you can choose one according to the mood of the day, but the main attraction is that you can have a natural spa, as the grey clay, according to the ancient and modern scientists, has medicinal properties that can cure skin disorders, heal wounds; it is also used for detoxification and many other disorders and injuries.
Another option is to visit the wilder, more dramatic beach at Petani , at the north of the peninsula (either of the two ends of the beach offer more privacy and an interesting coast). If you feel adventurous stop at Kipouria Monastery for an amazing sunset and dramatic cliffs and get a long hiking trail to reach Platia Ammos where you can get a vertigo inducing glimpse of its wild beauty. You can arrange to climb down to the beach with the help of the Wild Nature Expeditions or Outdoor Kefalonia Activities, as it is accessible only by boat at the moment!
If you are looking for the best boat tour on the island, book a tour or a taxi from Agia Kyriaki, to explore the beautiful remote Fteri and Amidi beaches, or take the hiking route there. End your day at Porto Atheras, Vatsa or Lepeda beach for a dinner on the beach.
Day 4. Erissos is my favourite region of Kefalonia. You can spend the majority of the day at the stunning Assos village and the Venetian castle. Take the footpath and climb up to Assos Castle (early in the morning or late in the afternoon as it can be hot) and explore the old walls, the rocks and wild nature (this is one of the best walks on the island). It is a fabulous route where you can get amazing views of the castle and village as well as a breathtaking sunset. For a more strenuous way to explore the castle and village take the 10km walking route from the little village of Drapanitika. Return from your hike and take a cooling swim in the peaceful bay. From the harbour you can rent a self driven or skippered boat to explore the nearby beaches.
Moving further north visit Alaties Beach where there are some interesting rock formations you can climb to find the salt holes, and underwater there are some rock ‘tubes’ to explore. At the top of the beach relax at the beach restaurant and watch the sunset with a meal and cocktail.
Day 5 NORTH
Continue exploring Erissos today. Begin your day at the cosmopolitan, picturesque village of Fiskardo. Fiskardo has many signposted walking trails to choose from; an easy, beautiful route is the walk to the lighthouse that you can see on the opposite side of the bay, there are also longer and more active routes to choose. Explore the Roman Cemetery which was only discovered 2006. There are many beautiful beaches to take a cooling swim at, such as Foki beach, Emblissi, or take a 1km or so walk along a dreamy path to Dafnoudi or Kimilia beaches. You can get to these beaches from Fiskardo as well by the signposted hiking trails. An alternative way to explore the beaches and coastline is by renting a motor boat from Reginas Boats or hiring a kayak from Fiskardo Kayaking, who also run organised tours. Here is the base of the Ionian bike tours that rent e-bikes and organize group tours. They also rent sups and the area is ideal for such an activity. If you are interested in marine life book a tour with Ionian Discoveries Marine Experience for the day in their traditional wooden boat or take a diving course with Fiskardo divers. Fiscardo is great for a lazy evening stroll, which you could combine with some shopping, dinner or cocktail.
Day 6 SOUTH
Today is focused in the central region of Argostoli – including the capital of the island and the Omala Valley. If you want to visit the religious center of Kefalonia, stop at the Monastery of Saint Gerassimos. Here, at the right time, you can view his remains kept in a impressive glass and silver casket in the old church, or climb down the iron ladder into St Gerassimos hermitage hole / cave (not for the claustrophobic). The area is famous for its vineyards of local Robola wine, so take the opportunity to do some wine tasting and a tour of the factory at the Robola Cooperative or take a wine tour to several wineries with expert Julia.
On your way to the capital, if you want to climb the highest mountain of the Ionian islands, drive up or walk up to Mount Ainos, a protected natural park, covered with Abies Cephalonica trees. You can also choose a Jeep safari to explore it (if you are lucky you can see the wild horses). There are several walking trails to be explored here.
Don’t miss Saint George Castle and the area that offers great views and historic traces.
Once you reach the capital visit Katavothres (one of the strange phenomena of our island), and swim at one of the three nearby beaches. If you want to have a boat tour there are several options, the route mainly visits to White Rocks, Vardiani island and Manias beach (the extension of Xi beach on Paliki peninsula) and you could join a tour with a traditional boat Dreamy Cruises and Queen B or a modern one with Lady O! From Agia Pelagia Port you can take a fishing trip and you will cook and enjoy what you caught on board! The route passes from Dias islet. Another great activity is SUP Yoga which combines Yoga with the Stand Up Paddle Board. From the port of Argostoli, you can also get a skippered daily cruise or a self driven boat tour.
Day 7 SOUTH EAST.
Spend your day on the southeast coast and south coast of Kefalonia the villages of Poros and the famous resort of Skala. Start with a drive from Poros, a layed back village with beautiful nature and many archaeological sites. If you like diving, one of the most interesting dive sights is just outside of the port of Poros. You can dive with Blue Mantas Divers and explore the wreck of HMS Perseus. If you prefer to stay dry there is a memorial to the submarine located just outside of Poros on the road towards Skala (stop at a small lay-by and take the flat footpath to the end, there is also a bunker-like structure to explore).
Continuing to drive along the coastal road you will see some strange mushroom-shaped rocks in the sea called Limenia – this is a good time to stop for a swim, a climb and a snorkel. If you are here before the end of Spring, the Potisti and Gradou waterfalls are definitely worth walking to but bear in mind they are only active depending on rainfall, (you better get a guide for this option).
For an organised day trip join one of Captain Vangeli’s Special Cruises leaving from Skala, you can visit the shipwreck and Blue Caves at Zante with them, or go for a livelier beach BBQ cruise. At Skala beach, you can also find a variety of watersports activities and self-driven boats. Unexplored Unique travel offers also Jeep safaris and other activities in the area.
You can move along with the coastline with the car and explore more beaches at Ammes, Ai Helis, Trapezaki and Lourdas. These beaches are sandy and generally shallow, and usually the waters are very warm, if you are lucky you can see a turtle swimming or a little turtle coming out of its nest while there in late August and September.
Take the exhilarating walking trail at the beautiful and peaceful Zoodohos Pigi Monastery and experience breathtaking panoramic sea views and the flora and fauna of the area, or if you feel a little more daring go abseiling there with Wild Nature Expeditions or Outdoor Kefalonia. The way up to the monastery is by a rough dirt road (only 4×4 vehicles are recommended or arrange a jeep safari with the experts) starting from the village of Atsoupades on the main road which connects Argostoli to Poros passing through Agrinia.
By the end of your holidays, hope you have managed to do a few of the above options and you have enjoyed your stay! I have been living 12 years on the island and still have a lot more things to do, so if you missed some I am sure we will welcome you back sometime in the future!
Depending on your travel dates, it would be great for you to take part in one of the religious or local celebrations or festivals organised in different locations every summer! (check our list and check closer to the dates for upcoming events).
If you want me to create an authentic, imaginative, adventurous, tailor-made itinerary just for you and your loved ones, send me an e-mail.
The following services can be included in your plan, just contact us: grocery shopping, private chef, butler, massage, daily maid, yoga, wine tasting, delivery of organic products, taxi, water taxi and of course any activity from our site menu!
