Things to do in Kefalonia

Some of Kefalonia's most famous and picrutesque destinations include:

Monastery of Agios Gerasimos 

Born in 1503, Saint Gerasimos, the revered guardian of the island, journeyed through Jerusalem, Crete, and Zakynthos before settling in Kefalonia, where he passed away on August 15, 1579. 

In 1560, he established the 'New Jerusalem,' a convent in central Kefalonia. This monastery, along with its accompanying church, stands as a remarkable edifice, having been reconstructed over time. 

Beneath its halls, Saint Gerasimos resided in a cave, a place still open to visitors today. Located just a five-minute drive or a twenty-minute stroll from Valsamata, a quaint village with fewer than a thousand inhabitants in central Kefalonia.

Robola Winery

In 1982, seasoned winemakers from the Robola region came together to form the Robola Cooperative of Kefalonia, aiming to showcase the quality and promise of Kefalonian vineyards while securing a stable income for their craft. 

Just a year later, they released their inaugural bottled grape concentrate, heralding Robola's entry into commercial markets. Presently, the Cooperative boasts a membership of 300 individuals and operates its own winery facility, situated in the Omala community, adjacent to the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos.

The Venetian Castle of St. George 

Situated 7km southeast of Argostoli, the Castle of Saint George boasts a polygonal layout covering an impressive area of 16,000sqn. Originally constructed in the 12th century by the Byzantines, its current form owes much to the Venetians, who reinforced it significantly, notably erecting its external walls in 1504. 

Today, the castle stands in ruins, with only a handful of structures remaining intact. Its decline can be attributed not only to the passage of time and various conflicts but also to the devastating earthquake that struck Kefalonia in 1956. During its heyday, the castle housed a thriving community, complete with residences, public edifices, warehouses storing provisions and arms, churches, hospitals, prisons, and water cisterns, forming a well-organized township.

Indeed, the castle served as the capital of Kefalonia until 1757 when Argostoli assumed that role. Within the castle's vicinity, near a small square, visitors can also glimpse the remnants of the Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas, further enriching the historical tapestry of this once bustling stronghold.

Venetian Fortress 

Situated 20 miles from Argostoli on Kefalonia's north-west coast, the Venetian Fortress stands as one of Greece's largest castles. Its construction commenced in 1593, prompted by the inadequacy of Saint George’s castle for the island’s defence. The Venetian Senate envisioned establishing a city within the fortress to relocate the island's administration from Saint George’s castle. 

The Kastrini people were the last known residents of the castle, sustaining themselves on grapes and olives until the late 1960s. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the prison yard and cells, there is no admission fee and it’s open daily.

Mount Ainos 

Mount Ainos, the highest peak in the Ionian at an impressive five thousand feet, is designated as a national park adorned with its distinctive Greek fir trees, known as Abies Cephalonica. 

Over the years, numerous caves have been meticulously explored by speleologists, revealing the mountain's hidden wonders. It is home to a vibrant community, with over three thousand people residing on its slopes, adding to the mountain's rich tapestry of life. The mountain is also home to the iconic Ainos ponies, also known as wild ponies. 

These small horses, believed to be descendants of ancient breeds, roam freely in the mountainous terrain of Mount Ainos and its surrounding areas. The Ainos ponies are known for their hardiness, adaptability to rugged environments and distinctive appearance, often characterised by their sturdy build and shaggy coats. 

The presence of these wild ponies adds to the allure of Mount Ainos, offering visitors the chance to encounter these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat while exploring the mountain's trails and forests. Observing the Ainos ponies in their natural environment is a unique and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Drogarati Caves & Melissani Lake 

Kefalonia boasts a remarkable underground water network, adorned with subterranean lakes and caverns that have evolved over millions of years. 

Among these natural wonders, Drogarati Caves stand out as a popular destination on the island. Inside the caves, visitors are treated to a spectacle of illuminated stalagmites and stalactites, showcasing a mesmerizing array of colours and shapes. Just four miles from Sami lies another breathtaking attraction: the stunning underground lake beneath the Melissa Caves. 

Bathed in sunlight filtering through the caverns, the lake's waters sparkle against the backdrop of delicate stalactites, creating captivating colour combinations. This mesmerising sight is not to be missed, offering a glimpse into the enchanting beauty that Kefalonia has to offer.