The “island of Captain Corelli” may be famous for its popular photogenic beaches like Myrtos, Antisamos, and Petanoi, but it is also home to Mount Ainos, the tallest mountain in the Ionian, as well as unique geological landmarks such as the underground lake of Melissani and the Drogarati Cave. Beautiful villages, picturesque harbors, castles, lighthouses, a rich tradition in wine production and the local cuisine all contribute to the landscape, making the Ionian’s largest island an ideal destination for spring excursions.

While the barcarolle songs, festivals, and parties make for memorable evenings in the summer, Kefalonia is at its best this time of year. It is ideal for nature hikes, village strolls, and even the first swims of the year. If you enjoy beaches without umbrellas and sunbeds and aren’t afraid of the cool water, this is the perfect destination for a spring weekend.

What to see

Begin your exploration in the northwestern part of the island, which was virtually unaffected by the catastrophic earthquake of 1953. Here you will find the beautiful Fiskardo, a favorite harbor of Hollywood stars that has retained some of its 18th-century charm. A series of easy trails begin here, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Erisos area. Don’t forget to walk through the small pine forest to reach the Venetian Lighthouse, where you can enjoy the view of the village and Ithaca.

A little further south is the equally beautiful village of Assos and the isthmus that connects it to the Assos Castle peninsula. Some of the best sunsets in Kefalonia can be seen from here and from Myrtos Beach, which is 12 kilometers south. It’s worth going to Myrtos, the award-winning beach with white pebbles and azure waters surrounded by wild cliffs and lush scenery, if only to witness the island’s most famous beach from above. Petani, located on the west side, is another award-winning beach. You can get there by water taxi or by hiking for 40 minutes from the village of Zola on the Paliki Peninsula.

Mount Ainos’ alpine landscape, complete with black pines and Kefalonian firs, provides excellent hiking opportunities. The area’s rich biodiversity, which is part of the NATURA network and the Ithaca-Kefalonia Geopark, as well as the breathtaking views of the sea and the Ionian islands, make the mountain, also known as Monte Nero, an ideal hiking destination. Even driving up Mount Ainos to Megas Soros, the 1628-meter summit of this unique natural monument that has been designated a national park since 1962, is an unforgettable experience.

Kefalonia’s natural highlights continue on the eastern side, near Sami and Poros, where the ferries from Patras and Kyllini arrive. According to Greek mythology, nymphs used to bathe in the Melissani Cave. This underground lake, described as having some of the most breathtaking views in the world, is ideal for a short boat or canoe tour. It’s also worth visiting the Drogarati Cave, which is 95 meters deep and only 6 kilometers from Melissani. Music concerts are also held here, and you can see stalactites and stalagmites that date back millions of years. The famous Antisamos Beach, located about 5 kilometers from Sami, is ideal for relaxation in the lush landscape of eastern Kefalonia this time of year.