Most of the top attractions on the mountainous Kefalonia island are natural, like the legendary Melissani Cave or the highest peak, Mount Aenos. The coastline of Kefalonia is as rugged as the hinterland and this contributes to the majestic beauty of beaches like Myrtos and Petani. Both are coves at the bottom of majestic cliffs with tall green trees falling down the column by column down the rock surface. You may not find two better beaches in Greece than this pair. But in Kefalonia, they come with a multitude of other options, from the sandy bay where the tortoises spawn, to the idyllic cove in Assos Village, where the sea is as calm as a swimming pool. Let’s explore the Best Things to Do in Kefalonia (Greece) in the post below.
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Petani Beach
To get down to this beach on the eastern Paliki Peninsula you have to brave a white-knuckle ride of eight hairpin turns. But you’ll know you made the right choice as soon as you step onto the beach and witness the epic limestone cliffs encircling it. These are coated with dark green garrigue, which descends to the beach in columns creating a spectacular stripe effect. The surface of the beach is white sand and gravel, giving the sea a luminescent quality by the shore. When the surf is choppy it’s better to avoid the water as the sea drops off a few metres from the shore. But on calm days the sea is like a sparkling pool and you can go snorkelling around the rocks on the south end.
Agios Gerasimos Monastery
St Gerasimos is the patron saint of Kefalonia and lived during the 16th century. His mummified body is kept in a gleaming silver reliquary in this pink-brick church, and is occasionally displayed at services. On his feast days on 16 August and 20 October his sarcophagus is carried over ailing worshippers.
Gerasimos founded the monastery in the 16th century on the site of an older one dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In the courtyard is a venerable plane tree and a well, claimed to have been planted and sunk by the saint himself. The church’s walls have radiant frescoes depicting bible scenes, saints, prophets and the apostles.
To the rear of the church is a trap door leading down to a cave where Gerasimos is believed to have lived before the monastery was constructed.
Melissani Lake
Melissani Lake is probably one of the coolest and best things to do in Kefalonia, even if it is for only a short trip. You see, Melissani Lake has actually been hidden underground for many hundreds of years, then over time, the roof collapsed and created this incredible spot to see. Not too far from the town of Sami, it’s actually easy to get to Melissani Lake from any part of Kefalonia. Once here, buy a ticket (around 10€) and head on inside the cave area itself. Once inside, you’ll get to hop on one of the boats (with a few other people) and talk a ride across the lake itself. The water is so beautiful and crystal clear, it’s stunning to see.
Now, it does get busy at certain times, so try to avoid peak season. Though, don’t worry if you can’t as they always try to fill the little boats up anyway. It might be only a 10-15 minute experience, but it’s well worth it when on the island.
Sunset at Myrtos Beach
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and one of the best attractions of Kefalonia. The white sands and the turquoise blue waters create a splendid contrast. It is located between two mountains and the view from the cliff tops is absolutely stunning and surreal. Myrtos is also one of the most wild beaches with strong currents. It is located about 30 kms from Argostoli. Tourists describe the crimson sunsets in this beach to be extremely romantic. There aren’t many places to eat on the beach but there are several restaurants on the main road very close by.
A Romantic Walk on the De Bosset Bridge
De Bosset Bridge is the world’s longest stone bridge on the sea. It was built in the early 1800s and offers beautiful scenic views on both sides. It is located on the Koutavos Lagoon in Argostoli. The lagoon is home to many large turtles and sea creatures which attract visitors. Tourists like enjoying romantic walks here in the evening.
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