MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Kefalonia has much more to see beyond its gorgeous beaches. Just look up! There are beautiful mountains, with Ainos being the most impressive one. Climbing has grown to become one of the most loved activities of the island, along with hiking. For those who dare try scaling Kefalonia’s cliffs will be rewarded with unbeatable views.

HIKING

Those looking to discover their own corner of Kefalonia ought to head on a hike. Along designated paths you can explore previously untouched places, discovering waterfalls and wandering through landscape features unique to the island.

Kefalonia is known for the tree Kefalonian Elati (Abies cephalonica), which can be found along its slopes. In the framework of managing and protecting Mount Ainos, also known as Monte Nero (Black mountain), precautions and measures are taken to ensure every ascent is a chance to connect with nature. What Mount Ainos lacks in large mammals, gets made up for by the pack of semi-wild horses (Equus caballus) that inhabit its southeast side.

Horseback Riding:

Horseback riding is definitely a great way to explore some of Kefalonia’s scenic places while spending quality time close to nature.

Though not typical of the island, there is the possibility of taking strolls with horses while being guided through some of the most beautiful paths on the island.

BIKING

For those who prefer the slow pace of a bike ride, there is the chance to rent a bike with which they can explore parts of the island that very few know and enjoy! You will have the chance to ride next to Koutavos lake, in Argostoli all the way till the lighthouse of Saitn Theodore (Fanari area), which will definitely fill you with beautiful pictures as memories to carry back home.

TENNIS

Tennis is taking off in Kefalonia, with new tennis courts open for your next rally.

BEEKEEPING

Kefalonian honey has an incredible taste and surely the whole process of its production is a very interesting experience on its own that is definitely worth trying.

WINE TASTING

If you love good food, then you know that it should always be accompanied by an equally good wine. Visit the main winery of the island where the renowned Robola is produced and surrender to a beautiful wine trip!

On top of Robola, the island offers a selection of boutique wineries which can all be assembled into an unforgettable wine tour.

MANDOLAS and MANDOLATO

Mandola and mandolato are the traditional sweets of the island. Their production process is unique and very impressive. Having as a basis almonds, sugar and cinnamon, they are a delicious snack, which is met in specific events and cases. By visiting Kefalonia, you get the chance to get to know this too, through the knowledge and wisdom of one of the most traditional pastry shops known for their high quality and beautiful taste!

Beyond the museums, visits to the island’s churches are a must for both those who practice their faith and for architecture buffs.

• The church of Agia Varvara, part of which is built into a big rock, in a very scenic part of the island.
• The monastery of Saint Gerasimos, which honors the protector of the island. Celebrations in his name are held on the 16^th of August and the 20^th of October, in the village of Fragkata. The monastery is very impressive, with a small chapel and a larger, new church waiting for you to visit.
• Saint Gerasimos church in the Lassi region, which was built to mark the 5 years that Saint Gerasimos lived in a cave there.
• The churches of Markopoulo and Arginia: In the middle of August, you can visit either of these village churches of these to touch the ‘miraculous’ snakes of the Holy Mary. The snakes appear every year on the slopes of the mountain, a few days before the feast day of the Virgin Mary (15th of August).

There are many places in Kefalonia that that deserve to be paid a visit, just for existing, without any other reason! Among those, we would definitely include:

• Palia Vlachata Samis: This specific village, also known as a ghost village, is no longer inhabited but it is considered of particular beauty. A visit to the village is a trip back in time, with the ruins of buildings torn apart from the 1953 earthquake. If you visit Kefalonia over midsummer, make a point of attending the Sartistra Festival which fills Palia Vlachata Samis with life and music.
• Pessada: Pessada, on top of being the village people cross in order to get to Ammos Beach, is a particularly picturesque village, with its port offering connections to Zakynthos. On the way out of the village, a local canteen pairs delicious Greek food with one of the best views.
• Kourkoumelata: This noble Kefalonian village is best enjoyed on an evening stroll. The view from the central café of the village will surely steal your heart. Pull up a seat and take your time nursing a coffee or glass of wine.
• Assos: Considered the most charming of the island’s villages, Assos is a cocktail of bright colors, curious visitors and crystal waters. Once you visit, there is little left to wonder why this is one of the island’s most photographed spots.
• Sami: Sami is a very pretty village, with many restaurants offering particularly good food. It is the place where the movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ was shot, with Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz, offering one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, Antisamos.
• Fiskardo: The most cosmopolitan part of the island at its most north peak. Fiskardo’s alleys draw the attention of many tourists, celebrities as well, who get inevitably lost on a photo expedition.
• Argostoli: It is the capital of Kefalonia and its most central part. Here, you can easily find many stores, both touristic and local, restaurants, bars, and cafes, capable of satisfying every need and taste!
• Lassi: One of the most touristic parts of the island, very close to Argostoli. It offers undoubtedly a plethora of choices when it comes to food and drinks, high-quality services and of course magical beaches.
• Lixouri: The second biggest city of Kefalonia island, Lixouri has nothing to be jealous of Argostoli, as it has many places that one should not miss visiting. Moreover, it has many amazing beaches from where the visitors can enjoy the sun and clear waters.
• Skala: One of the most touristic places in the south part of Kefalonia, offering countless choices for food and fun, while also having beautiful beaches!

Due to its long history, as well as the geological interests it appears to have, the island of Kefalonia has many points of interest that are worth your detours.

• Saint Theodore Lighthouse (Fanari) in Lassi is worth some of the time of your evening stroll in that part of Argostoli. Some of the pictures taken there will keep the best of memories alive.
• A bit further, the Monument of the Italians can be found, a daily reminder of the island’s history.
• Katavothres, one of the finest spots of Argostoli, where one of the town’s best bars is found. Katavothres, complete with its watermill, is an idyllic corner to discover.
• Image of Melissani’s cave/lake may have made their way around the world, but seeing it in person is an experience in itself.
• A bit further from Melissani, you’ll find the cave of Drogkarati with its stalagmites and stalactites.
• A bit uphill from the village of Peratata, you can visit the castle of Saint George. Combine a visit here with a meal at Il Borgo for a romantic outing on the Lastly, another castle bringing back to life memories of the past is the castle of Assos, where each visitor can feel like going back in time! Prepare for your imagination to be lit up while wandering around this centuries-old castle.

24^th June: The Feast of St. Ioannis in the village of Tzannata
11^th June: The Feast of St. Euphemia in the village of Agia Efimia
17^th July: The Feast of Agia Marina, in the village of Vlachata
26^th July: The Feast of Agia Paraskevi in the villages of Troianata, Atheras, Metaxata, Mesovounia and Lepeda
15ηth August: Festivities for the Virgin in the largest of the island’s villages.
16^th October: Pilgrimage of Saint Gerasimos
20^th October: Procession of Saint Gerasimos