Kefalonia Sights & Attractions

The Cave Lake of Melissani is located just 3 km away from Sami, close to Karavomilos village. Visitors enter the cave through an underground path and they can step into a boat to tour the cave. Archaeological excavations have found exhibits from the 4th and the 3rd century BC.

About 5 km south of Sami, there is this large stalagmitic cavern of rare beauty, estimated to be 150 million years old. It is also known as the Concert Cave, due to its large chamber found at 150 feet below ground level that has exceptionally good acoustics and room for 500 people.

This stone bridge was constructed in 1813 by the Swiss engineer Charles Philippe de Bosset, employed by the British, who ruled the island at that time. The bridge works until this day and connects the capital town, Argostoli, to the opposite mainland of Kefalonia.

This museum houses various findings from the prehistoric, the Hellenistic and the Roman period. The best part of the collection is from the Mycenaean period and consists of coins, swords, sculptures, ceramics, and tools.

The lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi stands on a peninsula about 3 km north of Argostoli. The lighthouse was constructed in 1828 by the British, who ruled the island at that time. This is a structural building of Doric architecture and its focal plane is 11m.

Mount Ainos is the only National Park situated on a Greek Island. The park stretches over 3,000 hectares and its highest peak is Megas Soros which reaches 1,628 m. What is so special about this Park is that a single species of fir called Abies Cephalonica grows at altitudes of 600-1,600 meters and covers ⅔ of the park’s area.

This is a rare natural phenomenon, where the sea water gets into crannies and, following the underground route, they reach Melissani Cave, Sami and Agia Efimia, 15 km away.

The Castle of Assos stands on a peninsula right above the village. It used to be one of the strongest castles of Kefalonia but has suffered a lot of damage. Visitors can enjoy jaw-dropping views of Assos and the Ionian from there.

The Castle of Saint George stands on a hill above Peratata village, about 7 km from Argostoli. It was originally built by the Byzantines but the Venetians gave it its final form in 1504. The Castle is almost ruined today by invasions and the severe earthquake that hit Kefalonia in 1953.

The Monastery of Kipoureon has been built on the edge of a steep slope and offers a gorgeous view of the sea and the sunset. It hosts many rare post-Byzantine icons.

The monastery of Panagia Lagouvarda is located in Markopoulo village, above the area of Katelios. Every August, on the celebration day of the monastery, harmless snakes appear in the area. The snakes are small, have a black cross on their head and people believe they have miraculous skills.

Ancient Sami was a powerful fortified town whose ruins are found in Lapitha Mountain, over the port town of Sami Kefalonia. Excavations have brought to light ancient walls, Roman houses, tombs, and other sights.

The lake is of great geological and biological interest since it connects through an underground network of caves and is home to many endemic species.

The walls were named Cyclopean because, due to their large size, people during antiquity believed that they were constructed by Cyclops. They are considered a major point of historical interest, even though not well-preserved. 

The ancient graveyard was accidentally discovered in 1993 during works for public utilities. It dates back to the early Christian centuries (2nd - 4th century AD) and boasts 47 tombs.

The Monastery of Agios Gerasimos is located on a mountainside close to Valsamata village, in the center of the island. This is where the patron saint of the island lived as a monk and where his relics are kept. People believe that the saint has miraculous skills.

The Municipal Theatre of Kefalonia is one of the largest and oldest in Greece. It stands out for its Neoclassical architecture and the big yard in front. Inaugurated in 1858, this theatre is located just opposite the archaeological museum in Argostoli.

Korgialeneios Library was founded in 1924 and is the 3d biggest library in Greece. It is the Public Library of Argostoli, and you can find it at Ilia Zervou 12 Street.

The Iakovatios Museum and Library is housed in the remarkable Neoclassical house of Iakovatios-Typaldos in Lixouri. It houses many rare books and manuscripts. The decoration is very impressive, too.

It is a 800 meters long, paved street, full of people, shops, and cafes, located in the heart of Argostoli. It is actually the central street of Argostoli and a great place for a walk.

Above the beach of Skala and at the edge of the village, there is a Roman Villa. Built during the 3rd century AD, this villa stands out for the lovely mosaics on the floor.

This is a lovely monastery close to Platies village. Legend has it that is was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi and its name actually originates from the word Assisi. Since the 16th century, the monastery is reported as an Orthodox convent.

Partly destroyed by the strong earthquake of 1953, the Byzantine convent of Agios Andreas has been restored and turned into a fine museum housing a unique collection of wonderful Byzantine icons and ecclesiastical items.

The Monastery of Agrilion stands on the top of the hill of Sami and is dedicated to Virgin Mary Theotokos. It was built during the 18th century on the site where the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary was found, in 1722, by two shepherds who decided after the discovering to dedicate themselves to the monastic life.

The Monastery of Panagia Atros is the oldest monastery on the island. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it hosts a religious celebration every year on September 8th. 

In a distance of 9 km south of Agia Efimia lies the Monastery of Themata. It is located on a plateau of Mount Dinati and it is surrounded by lovely greenery.

The Nautical and Environmental Museum of Fiscardo is run by a non-profit organization and aims to promote public sensitivity to marine life and environmental protection. The museum is housed in the former primary school of Fiscardo.

On a hill above Lassi, there is a memorial to the 632 soldiers of the Italian Acqui Military Division that were executed by the Nazi troops on September 23rd, 1943, outside the village of Troianata Kefalonia.