Kefalonia Island teems with engaging activities that offer a rich taste of local culture, history, and flavors. Immerse yourself in the buzzing world of beekeeping with Dias Beekeeping, sip the distinct local wines at Gentilini and Robola’s vineyards, and revel in the lively Sarista Festival. Delight in shopping for authentic Kefalonian souvenirs crafted by local artisans and make a visit to the scenic villasges and beaches of Lixouri. Each experience will unfolds a captivating facet of Kefalonia’s vibrant island life beyond the usual destinations.

16

01

Dias Beekeeping

Discover the secrets of beekeeping with Dias Beekeeping, a family business that has been working with bees since 1988. Their unique nomadic beekeeping approach involves moving the bees between different areas on Kefalonia that are abundant with endemic flora, such as black fir, thyme, heather, and the strawberry tree (Arbutus). During your visit, you can purchase high-quality beekeeping products, including honey, pollen from flowers and bees (bee bread), royal jelly, propolis, and wax. The Bee Tour, which lasts two to three hours, includes a walk to a honeybee hive with a local beekeeping expert, who will provide a protective beekeeping suit for you to wear. You’ll get to visit their apiary, witness an open hive, and even hold a frame of live bees. The tour concludes with a tasting of various organic bee products.

Website

02

Top Local Wineries

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Explore the distinct taste of Kefalonia’s wines with visits to two of the island’s top wineries. Gentilini is a small, family-run boutique winery that produces high-quality, unique wines while showcasing the unique flavors and aromas of local Kefalonian varieties. Their garden is open for tours and tastings from Easter to October, allowing visitors to indulge in their wine selection in a natural and relaxed setting. The friendly and informative staff, fluent in English, will guide you through their wines and answer any questions you may have. Complimentary plates of their organic extra virgin olive oil, local cheese, grape tomatoes, and fresh bread are included with every tour, and light snacks are also available.

The Wine Growers of Robola’s vineyard in Omala is another excellent winery to visit. The cooperative, founded in 1982, consists of winemakers from Omala and the surrounding areas, who aim to protect and promote the potential of Kefalonian vineyards. Take an educational guided tour of their vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting of their traditional Robola wine, made exclusively from grapes grown in their organic vineyards. This wine boasts a crisp freshness and a well-structured body with a distinctive aroma.

02

Authentic Kefalonian Souvenir Studios

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The Harokopio Foundation in Argostoli was established over 100 years ago with the objective of teaching traditional Greek embroidery techniques to unemployed women and girls, providing them with a livelihood and an improved standard of living. Today, the foundation functions as a workshop where associated women with expertise in embroidery, lace, and needlework participate as hobbyists. Some of their embroidered pieces are replicas of 200-year-old works displayed at the Corgialenios Folklore Museum in Argostoli. The Harokopio Foundation also accepts customized orders, with each piece crafted by hand with exceptional skill.

Visit the IN Gallery in Sami, where you can purchase an extensive selection of paintings, handicrafts, jewellery, and ceramics. The shop is owned by Dana, a talented artist who creates unique religious iconography, original oils of Kefalonian landscapes, custom paintings, hand-painted ceramics, and more. All purchases are elegantly gift-wrapped and can be shipped internationally.

In Sami (Horofilakis), Annikas Greek Handicrafts store sells handmade items made primarily from local wood. The owner, Kostas, is an accomplished wood turner and artist who produces one-of-a-kind and stunning pieces. You can also find wire jewellery and other unique décor items and gifts here.

03

Lixouri

In the area of Lixouri, Explore the charming villages of Kontogennada, Damoulianata, Monopolata, Kaminarata, and Havdata. Each offers a nostalgic trip back in time.

For a feel-good twist, head to Xi Beach, which, apart from its other-worldly beauty, is famous for its gray clay stones and red sand that serve as a natural mud therapy. Nearby, visit Petani to admire its vibrant underwater colors.

Enter Porto Athera, a village built around a narrow bay, and you will feel like stepping back in time. It is here that the “Blue House”, once the home of the composer Linos Kokotos, stands as a historical landmark. After soaking in history, enjoy fresh seafood and jazz music at Drosos Taverna. The taverna is centrally located on the beach.

04

The Sarista Music Festival

Saristra Festival, established in 2012, is an annual event held in Old Vlachata, near Sami, on the island of Kefalonia. Inspired by local residents’ love for their village, which was destroyed by the 1953 earthquake, the festival aims to preserve its history and heritage. Saristra Festival combines modern music and contemporary cultural art, linking the past with the present through vibrant celebrations.

In their thousands, visitors get to attend great concerts by Greek and foreign artists as well as enjoying parallel events like art installations, film screenings, photography exhibitions, and lectures on Kefalonian music history. Sponsored by the non-profit organization SARISTRA, the festival is free to the public, thanks to the dedication of numerous volunteers. Don’t miss this unique event in early August, blending history and culture in a once-deserted village.

Website

05

The Villages Assos and Fiskardo

Argostoli may be the capital, and Fiskardo may be one of the most famous villages of the Ionian islands, but the true magic of the Kefalonian tradition is found in two small villages that seem to be out of a painting. Two villages, in the north part of Kefalonia, amphitheatrically built above crystal waters, with small boats tied at their piers, colourful traditional houses, narrow streets, and countless of options for food, coffee and/or drinks by the water.

The village Assos is a true jewel of Kefalonia, known for its Venetian castle, whose remains still stand today. Go up the hill to enjoy the sunset and swim at the beach before having a meal at one of the many seaside taverns.

However, many visitors choose to visit the equally cute Fiskardo that is covered in pines and boasts many great examples of Ionian architecture. Here you can swim at two small and quiet beaches Emplisi and Foki, ideal for those who want everything within reach and don’t want to cover great distance.

06

Ainos National Park

Kefalonia, like all the Ionian islands, is covered in green and has a very interesting mountainous part that’s worth exploring. Hiking aficionados will find many well marked trails in the Ainos National Park, while it’s also ideal for cycling. The view from above is unforgettable, while in the spring and the summer, the mountain is in full bloom filling the fresh air with beautiful scents. Look out for the proud wild horses roaming around at the foothills of mount Ainos, adding to the thrill of the park.