The captivating Greek island of Kefalonia, offers thrilling adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking the majestic Mount Ainos to practicing SUP yoga and indulging in watersports at Skala beach, visitors can enjoy a range of activities while uncovering the island’s breathtaking beauty.
Go for a Hike
Nestled in the south of Kefalonia, Mount Ainos is a haven for hikers seeking breathtaking views of the island’s electric-blue bays and forested coastline. Standing tall at 1,600m (5,250ft), it is the highest mountain in Kefalonia and the entire Ionian Sea. As you make your way up the signposted dirt track to the summit from the transmitter station, breathe in the fragrant aromas of firs and admire the native orchids and wild ponies. The Ainos National Park, established in 1962, protects the mountain’s rich biodiversity, including the rare Abies Cephalonica fir trees and many wildlife species such as foxes, birds, ferrets, and wild horses. Discover the ancient temple ruins and monasteries on Mount Ainos, a true gem of Kefalonia.
Apart from Mount Ainos, Kefalonia offers a diverse range of hiking trails to explore. In the north, around Fiskardo, marked trails of varying lengths will lead you to discover stunning vistas. Hike up to the Venetian fortress in Assos to soak up breathtaking views of the sea and the village’s picturesque surroundings. In the south, between Skala and Poros, follow the creek through the wilderness until you discover the enchanting Potisti waterfalls. After your hike, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, but be mindful that the falls tend to dry up during the summer months, so the best time to visit is early spring or late autumn after some rainfall.
For a leisurely walk, explore the charming trail along the narrow river in Sami, where you can discover the ruins of old watermills. This walk is perfect for those who prefer to avoid uphill or downhill walking. Lastly, from Sami, head towards Antisamos beach, where a signposted path will lead you up to the hill above Sami for breathtaking views over the sea.
Try Sup Yoga
Situated in Kompothekrata, close to Argostoli, SUP Yoga Kefalonia ingeniously fuses Yoga with Stand Up Paddle Boarding to cultivate mindfulness in both aquatic and daily settings. By harmonising breath and movement on a buoyant platform, it promises an engaging fusion of concentration, amusement, and occasional hilarity. While their services are primarily available in the island’s southern parts like Makris Gialos and St. Thomas, SUP rentals can be arranged island-wide. Pre-booking is vital, with a minimum of three participants required and favourable wind conditions below 12 knots. Visit their website at www.supyogakefalonia.com for more details.
Watersports at Skala Beach
One of the most organised, comfortable and (inevitably) busy beaches of the island, Skala with is 35 kilometres from Argostoli and is known for its endless golden sandy beach and of course for its lovely pine forest that reaches the seafront. Especially in July and August, the beach gets very crowded, so it’s best to get there early in the morning. The beach is a paradise for water sports aficionados with small training centres, as well as rental shops to get gear so that both young and old alike can enjoy diving (with the guidance and help of skilled trainers), riding a jet ski, or being pulled on a doughnut behind a speedboat. Enjoy riding a pedalo boat with your friends, go on an inflated banana, or rent a small boat or sailboat to explore more beaches around the island that are not accessible by land.
Scuba Dive in the Blue Canyon
Discover a world beneath the waves that is truly remarkable with a visit to the Blue Canyon, just a short 10-minute boat ride from Lassi. This underwater paradise offers a unique experience for advanced divers, with a 150-metre sea wall to discover and an array of little caves filled with colourful coral and sea anemones. For those looking to add more excitement to their diving itinerary, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Temple Cave in Fiskardo or the HMS Perseus, a sunken WWII submarine resting between Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
Read also:
The top 6 beaches on Kefalonia
8 experiences you must have on the blue-green island of Kefalonia
