Cephalonia’s Sami area stands out for its stunning natural beauty and variety of activities. It’s a place where you can combine scenic boat rides, exploring mysterious caves, and visiting charming villages — all in one trip. Among the many offerings, we particularly like the opportunity to see the Melissani Cave, take a boat cruise, and sample local wines. These experiences showcase the island’s unique geology and relaxed vibe. Plus, the convenience of tours that include hotel pickups and local guides makes exploring Sami easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find options suited for different interests and budgets. Whether you want a quick shore excursion or a full-day private tour, Sami offers experiences that reveal its hidden corners and natural wonders. You’ll get to see the Drogarati Cave, the famous Myrtos Beach, and learn about the island’s geology and traditions—all while enjoying authentic Greek hospitality.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights five of the best tours in Sami Cephalonia, carefully chosen for their variety, quality, and value. From half-day shore excursions with wine tastings to full-day private adventures, each offers a unique way to experience the island’s landscapes and culture. You can explore caves, relax on iconic beaches, or walk through traditional villages. For a comprehensive look, check out the Kefalonia: Discover Full Day Private Tour. Now, let’s dive into the details.
1. Argostoli: Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting
Starting with a popular shore excursion, this half-day tour combines natural wonders with delicious local wine. It’s perfect if your cruise schedule is tight but you want a taste of what Kefalonia has to offer. The tour runs around 5 hours, with multiple pickup points in Sami and Argostoli, making it flexible for cruise passengers.
What makes this experience stand out is the boat ride through Melissani Cave Lake, where the sunlight hits the water just right, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. After exploring the caves’ rich tales and stunning formations, you’ll visit a seaside venue for a local wine tasting. The guide shares stories about the caves’ history, adding context and personality to the visit.
The tour also includes a photo stop at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, allowing you to capture some memorable shots. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the smooth logistics, highlighting how accessible and well-organized it is for cruise travelers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise passengers and those short on time, this tour offers a balanced mix of caves, scenery, and wine. It’s a great way to get a taste of Kefalonia without overstaying your shore time.
2. Kefalonia: Discover Full Day Private Tour
At number 2, this full-day private tour allows you to see Kefalonia’s highlights at your own pace. For around $440 per group (up to 2 people), you’ll enjoy a tailored experience exploring Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, Myrtos Beach, Assos, and Fiscardo.
The itinerary includes a boat ride across Melissani Lake, famous for its shimmering turquoise waters, and a visit to Drogarati Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The tour also takes you to Myrtos Beach, where you can relax after a scenic drive, and to Assos, a charming fishing village with colorful houses and a historic castle. Finally, Fiscardo’s lively harbor offers a relaxed setting for lunch or shopping.
What makes this tour unique is the personalized approach — your guide focuses on your interests and pace, making it ideal for couples or small groups craving a flexible day. The guide’s local knowledge enhances every stop, turning a sightseeing trip into a personalized adventure.
Reviewers mention the excellent communication and professionalism, noting that the driver was friendly and knowledgeable. The trip’s length allows enough time at each stop without feeling rushed, making it perfect for travelers who want a deep dive into Kefalonia’s most beautiful spots.
Bottom Line: For a private, flexible exploration of Kefalonia’s top sights, this tour offers excellent value and a highly personalized experience — great for couples or small groups.
3. Kefalonia: The Caves Tour, visiting Melissani & Drogarati
This 4-hour caves-focused tour is ideal if caves fascinate you. It kicks off with a boat trip across Melissani Lake, where the water’s turquoise hue and the surrounding cliffs make it a standout sight. Tickets for the caves are included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.
The tour also visits Drogarati Cave, famous for its acoustics and impressive stalactites, giving you a glimpse into the island’s geological wonders. The pickup points are flexible, with options in Argostoli, Sami, and nearby villages. The 45-minute cave visits are timed to avoid crowds, and the boat ride adds a peaceful dimension to the adventure.
What sets this tour apart is its focus. It’s perfect for travelers who want to concentrate on nature’s artistry — caves and lake scenery — without the larger sightseeing itinerary. The included transportation and efficient schedule make this a straightforward option for a quick but memorable experience.
Reviewers often mention how the caves are breathtaking, and that the guide shared interesting facts without overwhelming. It’s a good choice for those with limited time who still want a rich natural experience.
Bottom Line: If caves and lakes are your thing, this tour offers a focused, high-quality experience with smooth logistics and natural beauty.
4. Private Tour: The Ultimate Kefalonia Experience
Number 4 on our list is the comprehensive private tour designed for those wanting to cover Kefalonia’s highlights in one day. For $299 per person, the tour promises a full itinerary of cultural and natural sights.
Highlights include St. Gerasimos Monastery, where you’ll learn about the island’s spiritual center, and a visit to a distinctive winery to taste local Robola wine. The tour also visits Drogarati Cave and the stunning Melissani Cave, with plenty of time for photos and exploration. To add a relaxing touch, you’ll spend free time in Agia Efimia, a picturesque fishing village with charming tavernas. The day wraps up with a viewpoint at Myrtos Beach, capturing its famous cliffs and shimmering water.
What makes this tour stand out is its rich mix of cultural, geological, and scenic stops, all wrapped into a well-organized 5-hour itinerary. The guide’s detailed explanations and the flexibility to explore at your own pace make it suitable for travelers who want an immersive yet manageable day. Reviewers highlight the professionalism and knowledge of the guide, as well as how smoothly the schedule flows.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a well-rounded, personalized day exploring Kefalonia’s key sites with high-quality guidance.
5. Private Walking Tour- Sami’s Old Villages & Geological Park
Rounding out the list, this 5-hour walking tour focuses on Sami’s historic villages and unique geological formations. The tour features Karavomylos lake, famous for its natural phenomenon, and Zervati Cave-Lake, with stunning geological features. You’ll walk through Old Vlachata, exploring ruins of homes, churches, and squares that reveal the area’s past life, and finish with visits to impressive cave-lakes within the Geopark.
The tour offers a mix of natural exploration and cultural history, ideal if you enjoy walking and discovering authentic local life. The small group size (up to 6 people) ensures a more personal experience, and the guide shares insights into both the geology and local traditions. The itinerary includes a scenic walk and several stops for photos and exploration, making it a well-rounded day.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the quiet, scenic pace. This tour is best suited for travelers comfortable with walking and interested in geological and cultural curiosity.
Bottom Line: For those who want an active, detailed look at Sami’s old villages and geological features, this tour is an engaging choice.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour depends on your interest level, schedule, and budget. If you’re arriving on a cruise and want a quick taste of caves and wine, the Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting is perfect. For a private, flexible day, the Discover Full Day Private Tour offers a tailored experience.
If caves are your main focus, the Caves Tour provides concentrated exploration. For travelers wanting a rich, guided overview, the Ultimate Kefalonia Experience balances cultural and scenic highlights. And if you love walking and discovering hidden villages, the Sami Old Villages & Geological Park tour will satisfy your curiosity.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure availability and preferred times. Remember, Kefalonia’s diverse landscapes mean each tour will reveal different facets of this fascinating island.
Final Thoughts
Sami Cephalonia offers a wide variety of tours that suit different tastes and schedules. For those who enjoy a combination of natural beauty and local culture, the private and full-day tours stand out. If you’re short on time, the shore excursion provides a memorable snapshot of the caves and coastline. And for walkers and geology enthusiasts, Sami’s old villages and geological park promise an engaging day.
No matter which you choose, these experiences highlight Kefalonia’s unique geology, stunning beaches, and charming villages. Early booking is strongly recommended to secure your spot and enjoy a stress-free adventure on this beautiful island.