Kefalonia excursions fall into a few clear types: a day on the water, a crossing to Ithaca, a tour of the caves and the north, or a slower day of wine and villages. This page explains each one, links to our detailed guides and shows how to plan your trips in Kefalonia without a car.
A relaxed day at sea for travellers who prefer a traditional boat to a big ferry. The outing lasts about seven hours and includes lunch on the way.
from €65 per person
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A full island circuit for visitors who want variety: Robola winery tasting, Agios Gerasimos monastery, Drogarati and Melissani caves, time in Fiscardo and a photo stop at Myrtos.
from €40 per person
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A compact half-day for visitors who want the island's two best-known caves without planning the route. It starts in Argostoli and takes about four hours.
from €65 per person
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An evening boat trip for those who want swimming and snorkelling plus a sunset meal. It calls at the Vardiani islands, then Xi or Livadi beach depending on the weather.
from €45 per person
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A long day suited to first-time visitors who want a wide look at the island, from a cave lake to a famous beach and a harbour village, plus a wine tasting. Allow about nine hours.
from €48 per person
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Suits visitors who want to see the island's main villages and hilltop views without driving themselves. Five stops, including free time in Frikes for lunch by the sea.
from €45 per person
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Two caves and a long swim at Antisamos beach, about three hours there. Pickups from Lassi, Argostoli, Agia Efimia, Karavomilos and Sami; the Sami maritime museum entrance is included.
from €50 per person
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A scenic full day for families and all ages: a guided stroll in Assos, free time in Fiskardo with an optional swim nearby, and a final stop at the Myrtos viewpoint.
from €40 per person
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Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 17, 2026. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Much of the coast is cliff, so the sea is the easiest way to see it. Day cruises leave Argostoli for sea-only beaches, the Vardiani islet and the red sand of Xi; from Agia Efimia and Fiskardo, boats head for coves and the coast of Ithaca, and small motorboats can be hired without a licence. Our boat trips and boat hire guide compares the harbours, the rules and the afternoon wind.
The neighbouring island of Odysseus is the classic full-day outing, by sailing boat, by coach tour with a ferry crossing or on your own from Sami. The Ithaca day trip guide sets out the options.
The most booked tour on the island is a coach or minibus day that strings together the headline sights: the underground lake of Melissani Cave, the stalactites of Drogarati Cave, a photo stop above Myrtos, then Assos and lunch in Fiskardo. Many add the monastery of Agios Gerasimos and a tasting at the Robola winery on the Omala plateau. Expect a long day with short stops; private tours with a driver cover the same ground at your own pace.
Jeep safaris are not really a Kefalonia thing. For mountain scenery, a private tour or a small-group walk on Mount Ainos is the closer equivalent; see our planned guide to hiking in Kefalonia.
Gentler options include winery visits and tastings of Robola, the island's white wine, olive oil and honey tastings in the villages, and guided bike, e-bike or tuk-tuk tours of Argostoli and the coast nearby. More about the wineries in our guide to Kefalonian wine and Robola.
KTEL buses are timed for residents, so they rarely make a sightseeing day work. Without a car, choose excursions with hotel pick-up from your resort: most coach tours collect from Argostoli, Lassi and the south-east, and many boat trips leave from Argostoli's waterfront, within reach of a short taxi ride. Check the pick-up list before booking, as tours based in the north often start in Agia Efimia or Fiskardo. If you arrive on a cruise ship, Argostoli's quay is close to the centre, and shore excursions are timed to bring you back before the ship sails.
If you can drive for a few days, a hire car is often cheaper than several tours for a family; many visitors combine both.
For a first visit, the classic island tour covering Melissani Cave, Myrtos, Assos and Fiskardo shows the most in one day. A boat trip is the best way to see the coast.
Yes, with organised tours that include hotel pick-up from Argostoli, Lassi or the south-east. Local buses are infrequent and rarely suit sightseeing.
Less than many Greek islands. Lassi and Skala are busy resorts and the famous sights get crowded in July and August, but much of the coast and the mountain villages stay quiet.
Yes. Ferries from Sami take 20 to 30 minutes all year, and in season organised boat and coach trips leave from most resorts.
