Beach Day at Petani Beach, Kefalonia

Discover Kefalonia tour with Lake Melissani and Fiskardo

Natural wonders, impressive beaches and pretty villages – when it comes to sightseeing, Kefalonia is an A-lister. And on this full day bus tour, you'll see some of its best bits, both above and below ground. Lake Melissani, Drogarati Cave, Fiskardo and Agia Efimia are all on the menu, as well as a photo stop at Myrtos Bay. Georgios, one of our local guides, says, ‘With around 250km of coastline, Kefalonia is home to some of the very best beaches in Greece. But if you can tear yourself away from the pristine sands, there's tonnes more to see and do.'You'll kick off your adventure on Lake Melissani, for an underground boat trip to Melissani Cave. When sunlight shines in through the opening of this cave, it creates a glistening fluorescent hue on the water below – it's a sight to behold. Georgios says, ‘There are many myths and legends surrounding the history of the lake. Some say it was named after Melissanthi, whose spirit still haunts the cave to this day. Others say it was discovered by a shepherd, who chose to spend the rest of his days here.' You'll also stop by the nearby Drogarati Cave for a chance to see its stalactites and stalagmites.Next up is a short visit to the port of Agia Efimia, before we hit Fiskardo. Here, you'll have around two hours to explore the fashionable fishing village, do a spot of souvenir shopping or grab a bite to eat in one of its many pastel-coloured tavernas. You'll round off the day at a viewpoint overlooking Myrtos beach. Lapped by clear blue waters, it's one of the most photo-worthy spots in Greece.

Ithaca island tour with traditional villages and boat trip

Famed since ancient times as the home of Odysseus, the island of Ithaca lies off the northeast coast of Kefalonia. It may be just a short boat trip away but to visit is like stepping back in time. Its rugged and mountainous terrain seems straight out of an ancient classic. Dmitri, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The legend of Odysseus on the island of Ithaca is a classic tale of adventure, heroism and perseverance in the face of adversity. It's been told and retold throughout the centuries and remains a beloved part of ancient Greek mythology to this day.'You'll hear many mythical tales as you discover Ithaca. Explore the capital, Vathi, with its fabulous setting and horseshoe harbour under the island's highest mountain – Nirito. Next, go by boat to Kioni in the north, passing cliffs and secret beaches – there's a swim stop to cool off, too. Ithaca has largely been overlooked by mass tourism, so you'll see Greece at its purest when you visit Odysseus' Island.Jumping off the boat in Kioni, you'll find yourself in a very appealing little harbour. The main village is built like an amphitheatre on the slopes of the hillside above, flower-bedecked houses overlooking the port below. You'll then head to the even tinier port of Frikes – not much more than a cluster of tavernas at the waterside – where you'll have free time for lunch. And there's a stop in the inland hill village of Stavros with its leafy main square, before sailing back to Kefalonia.

Azure cruise in Kefalonia with hidden beaches and Greek lunch

As leisurely cruises go, this sunkissed trip along the Kefalonia coastline is hard to beat. Prepare yourself for a day of total relaxation as you take in the scenery, the Ionian breeze and a trio of the island's best beaches. Skipper Lucas says, ‘Kefalonia has beaches to suit every preference. And this cruise pulls out all the stops, calling at a secluded cove which is difficult to reach without a boat, and finishing at a bigger beach with lots of facilities.'During this exclusive boat trip, we'll head to some of Kefalonia's best strips of sand. White Rocks, the waters around Vardianos island and Xi beach are on the agenda. Our journey begins as we depart from Argostoli port, sailing along the picturesque west coast to White Rocks beach. This secluded strand is accessible only by boat and is known for its dazzling turquoise waters backed by white cliffs and a sandy beach. Next, we'll head to the nearby Vardianos island, where we'll anchor for a brief swim stop. Here, you can dive into the blue of the Ionian Sea with a snorkel to check out the rich marine life.Our final stop is the secluded beach of Mania, known for its tranquil environment. Settle in and relax, swim in the shallow waters and take in views of the surrounding greenery and rugged cliffs. During the cruise, you'll enjoy a traditional Greek lunch, including local specialities such as moussaka, tzatziki, Greek salad and fresh fruit. Wine and water will be provided to accompany your lunch. There'll be one final swim break nearby Vardiani island before we head back to base.

Premier Kefalonia tour with Lake Melissani, boat trip and taverna lunch

Kefalonia was just one of seven beautiful Ionian islands until Captain Corelli came along with his mandolin and sprinkled some Hollywood glamour on its shores. But there's more than silver screen glitz for you to uncover on this fun tour. Jane, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll hear all about the fascinating history, Greek mythology and love stories of Kefalonia.'Your adventure kicks off underground at Lake Melissani. The ancient Greeks called it the Cave of the Nymphs. It's quite the experience to glide over its glistening waters, piloted by a friendly local. We'll then pass Sami, the fishing village in which Nicolas Cage's Italian soldier fell in love with local doctor's daughter Penelope Cruz. Next up is a pit stop at Agia Efimia, where you'll have some time to poke around the shops before boarding a boat for a cruise.We'll sail along the northeastern coast of Kefalonia – all pine-clad hills punctured by hidden coves of pebbly beaches. There'll be a pit stop on Amoudi beach for a chance to swim, before docking in Fiskardo, where you'll drop into a family-run taverna for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. This tiny port of pastel-coloured houses and flower-filled stone streets is ‘proud of its Venetian architecture and Roman heritage', says Jane. In the afternoon, you'll visit the untouched perfection of the village of Assos and stop by Myrtos beach – one of the stars of Captain Corelli – for a photo. 'Many rate it as one of the world's most beautiful beaches', adds Jane.

Kefalonia flavours tour

Discover Kefalonia's beauty, flavours, and culture on this half-day guided adventure. You'll learn about the island's spiritual side during a stop at a monastery, before visiting a port where wild loggerhead turtles are known to unwind. You'll also head to a shop near here to sample some local goods. One of our local guides, Thaleia, says "loggerhead turtles migrate to parts all around Kefalonia's coastlines in spring to lay their eggs. At Argostoli Port, you've got a good chance of seeing them swimming between the docked boats. You'll start the tour with a stop at Argostoli Port, where you might see the turtles out and about if they're in the area. Then, you'll visit a local shop to taste olive oil, sweet mandola, honey, and Robola wine. From here, it's on to Agios Gerasimos Monastery.This place is regarded as one of the most sacred sites on the island, which isn't surprising since it's been around since 1560. You'll visit the monastery and your guide will tell you all about its history and the small community of monks that live there.

Kefalonia off-road adventure

Kefalonia's hidden beaches, pine-cloaked hills and timeless whitewashed villages serve up some of the best scenery in Greece. And there are few better ways to discover them than this six-hour off-road tour. Star turns include the National Park of Mt Ainos, Mt Roudhi and the Omala Valley.You'll climb into a 4x4 to see the places you wouldn't be able to reach by coach. Drive through rugged countryside, passing craggy, wind-whipped cliffs and meadows freckled with wild flowers – you might even see the island's famous wild horses. You'll pass through the National Park of Mt Ainos and by an eerie ghost town abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 1953. Plus, you'll visit Mt Roudhi, too.Your driver will take you along some of the island's best coastal routes, too, so fantastic views are par for the course. Last but not least, you'll drive to the Omala Valley and visit the Aghia Varvara church.

An Evening in Argostoli with Wine Tasting

The capital of Kefalonia is that rare thing in Greece. And that's because Argostoli is one of the liveliest spots in the Ionian islands. It's not about ancient ruins here but about the buzz of strolling around the squares and the harbour. And kicking off the trip at a winery, you can raise a glass to the night ahead.

Kefalonia Sunset Cruise

This sunset cruise has all the little things that make for a perfect holiday experience. Sailing off the south coast of Kefalonia, there's a deserted island, late evening swimming in the Ionian, beach time and snacks on the way back to port. All enjoyed to the sight of an ever-changing sky. Bliss.Sail from Argostoli harbour into the Ionian, dropping anchor near the uninhabited islet of Vardiani. Shielded from the waves by steep white cliffs, it's quite the sight. Dive off the boat for a swim or snorkel and catch a glimpse of the sea life.And it gets better. We'll sail to a beautiful bay, where you will have free time to relax on the beach or swim. Back on board, you'll enjoy a selection of finger food – washed down with a glass of local wine – all to the sounds of chilled music. And the romantic atmosphere continues as your skipper steers you leisurely back to the port.

Zante Boat Cruise Ticket

If exploring one beautiful Ionian island isn't enough for you, then this boat trip to Zante is the answer to your dreams. You'll glide to our near neighbour and cruise along its north coast, taking in the famous Smuggler's Cove and Blue Caves as well as visiting the costal hamlet of Agios Nikolaos. All in all, an amazing day at sea.Set sail down the coastline and you can admire every inch of Zante's beauty. The star attraction is the made-for-Instagram Smuggler's Cove – which can't be reached any other way than by sea. Here, the wrecked hull of a smuggler's ship rests on the strand.Your captain will stop by another hidden bay for a swim, before heading on to the Blue Caves. These huge natural archways in the rocks get their name from the colour of the water that laps them. We'll then dock at Agios Nikolaos, a small coastal community. You'll have free time to go to the beach or find a nice taverna for lunch before returning to Kefalonia.

Kefalonia Scuba Diving

Kefalonia is rightly famed for its amazing beaches – but the water that washes these beaches is also worthy of some exploration. With visibility exceeding 40 metres in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea, there's a rich world to discover around the giant rocks, caves, reefs and shipwrecks of the seabed.