We Rank Cephalonia’s 6 Top Tours

Cephalonia isn’t just about lounging on beaches or taking in panoramic views—though it’s hard to resist doing both. The island offers a surprisingly diverse selection of tours that reveal its natural beauty, charming villages, and intriguing caves. What makes these experiences stand out? For starters, many are tailored for those wanting more than just a quick visit; they include private, guided, and full-day options that let you explore at your own pace. One of our favorites is the Kefalonia Half Day Private Tour & Shore Excursion, which combines flexibility with personalized attention. It’s perfect if you’re arriving by cruise or just want a taste of the island without committing to a full day.

Among the many ways to experience Kefalonia, we particularly appreciate tours that emphasize authentic local sights, like traditional villages and fascinating caves. For example, visiting Drogarati Cave gives a chance to see 150-million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, while exploring Assos offers a chance to stroll through colorful seaside alleys. Whether you’re after a quick half-day trip or a comprehensive full-day adventure, these tours deliver memorable moments—and some even include wildlife encounters, like sea turtles at Argostoli Harbour. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of each tour, so you can find the one that matches your interests and schedule.

1. Kefalonia Half Day Private Tour & Shore Excursion

At number 1, this private, customizable experience is ideal for cruise passengers or visitors who want a flexible way to see Kefalonia’s highlights in about five hours. The tour covers breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and famous beaches like Myrtos. What sets it apart is the opportunity to tailor the itinerary; whether you want to visit caves, lakes, or charming villages, your guide adapts. The tour begins at Argostoli Harbour, where you can witness sea turtles gliding through turquoise waters—a magical wildlife moment that emphasizes responsible tourism. Next, visiting Drogarati Cave reveals a natural marvel with stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over 150 million years ago. The guide is knowledgeable, approachable, and skilled at balancing time between sites.

Guests consistently praise the personalized service and flexibility. One review highlights Dimitris’ calm driving and deep local knowledge, making the experience both smooth and engaging. With a price of just $74.91 per person for a 5-hour tour, it offers fantastic value, especially given the private, tailored nature. This tour suits travelers who want a quick yet meaningful introduction to Kefalonia, especially if they have limited time or arriving via cruise.

Bottom Line: A flexible, intimate tour perfect for cruise visitors or those seeking a personalized experience with wildlife encounters and scenic stops.

2. Full-Day Fiskardo Island Guided Tour

Number 2 on our list offers a longer, comprehensive look at Kefalonia’s northern highlights. For around $40.64, you get a full 8.5-hour excursion that takes you from the famous Myrtos Beach to the picturesque villages of Fiskardo and Assos. The tour is perfect if you want to explore without renting a car, thanks to the air-conditioned coach and an English-speaking guide who makes the scenery come alive. Visitors love the opportunity to take photos of Fiskardo’s well-preserved Venetian architecture and to relax at cafes along the waterfront.

Highlights include a quick stop at Myrtos Beach, a photoshoot at Assos, and ample free time in Fiskardo to wander, shop, and enjoy local cafes. The guide’s commentary is lively and informative, making each stop more meaningful. Some guests mention that the cave visits are slightly busy, but overall, the scenery and villages compensate beautifully. The price reflects excellent value—especially if you want a full day of exploring diverse sites.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a relaxed, guided tour that hits the main northern sights without the hassle of driving.

3. Assos and Fiscardo Island Tour

Number 3 offers a well-rounded experience focusing on Assos and Fiskardo, two of the most charming villages on Kefalonia. Starting with a visit to Melissani Cave, where sunlight dances on turquoise waters, the tour then moves to Assos, a postcard-perfect village with colorful houses and a Venetian castle. The final stop is Fiskardo, renowned for its sophisticated yachts and waterfront cafes.

This 8-hour tour costs $52.33 per person and is praised for its personal touch. Tour guides like Caterina bring history and local stories alive, and guests appreciate the chance to explore each village at their leisure. The visit to Melissani Cave is not included in the admission fee, but the experience of gliding through its illuminated waters creates a lasting memory. Guests who love picturesque villages and natural caves find this tour hits the right notes.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic, leisurely day exploring Assos, Fiskardo, and the mystical Melissani Cave with a friendly guide.

4. Full-Day Kefalonia Private Sightseeing Tour

Number 4 is for those who want a completely customizable, private day of sightseeing. For $115.53, you get the flexibility to pick what you see and do—from visiting the St. Gerasimos Monastery to exploring Melissani Lake and Antisamos Beach. The tour focuses on personalized experiences, with guides who are well-versed and eager to tailor the itinerary to your interests.

Guests rave about the professionalism of the guides like Dimitris, who combines local knowledge with a relaxed attitude. The tour includes highlights such as the Melissani Lake, a stunning underground lake, and the Antisamos Beach, perfect for swimming. It’s best suited for travelers with specific interests or those who want to see a mix of cultural and natural sights at their own pace. The tour offers excellent value, considering the private, flexible nature and the wide range of attractions covered.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an exclusive, tailored experience and are willing to pay a bit more for full control over their day.

5. Discover Ithaka (Ithaca) Cruise & Tour

Number 5 takes you beyond Kefalonia with a full-day cruise to the island of Ithaka. Priced at $65.28, this trip combines boat travel with land exploration. Starting from Sami Port, you cruise to Vathy, the island’s capital, and enjoy free time for shopping and sightseeing. A swim stop at Gidaki Beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxing or snorkeling. The day finishes with a visit to Kioni, where you can have a traditional Greek lunch and stroll through the village streets.

Many travelers love the combination of boat cruise and island exploration. The boat ride offers scenic views of the Ionian Sea, and the stops at secluded beaches and charming villages make the whole day memorable. The tour provides a relaxed pace, making it ideal for families or those who want to combine scenic travel with some culture.

Bottom Line: A fantastic way to see beyond Kefalonia, especially for travelers interested in island-hopping and enjoying a leisurely boat cruise.

6. Spectacular View of Kefalonia: A Private Tour

Number 6 offers a full-day private tour focused on showcasing Kefalonia’s most breathtaking viewpoints. For $149.81, this tour includes stops at Vassilakis Winery for tastings, the Drogarati Cave, and Melissani Lake. The guide customizes the route based on your interests, emphasizing panoramic vistas and natural beauty.

Guests often mention how the tour shows Kefalonia’s spectacular landscapes, with wide views that are perfect for photography. The guide’s local expertise and relaxed approach make for an engaging experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see the island’s scenic highlights in a personalized, relaxed manner, and enjoy wine tastings along the way.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a private, scenic tour that highlights Kefalonia’s most stunning vistas and includes optional wine tasting.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and what specifically interests you. If you’re short on time or arriving by cruise, the Kefalonia Half Day Private Tour & Shore Excursion is hard to beat for its flexibility and value. For those wanting a comprehensive day with multiple sites, the Full-Day Kefalonia Private Sightseeing Tour offers maximum customization and privacy.

Travelers seeking authentic experiences should prioritize tours that include villages, caves, and local food, like the Assos and Fiscardo Island Tour, whereas those intrigued by views and wine might prefer the Spectacular View of Kefalonia: A Private Tour.

Final Thoughts

Cephalonia’s tours range from short, intimate excursions to full-day adventures that reveal the island’s diverse charm. If you’re pressed for time, the private half-day tour is a great choice. For a deeper dive into villages, caves, and beaches, the full-day options deliver a more complete experience. Families and curious travelers should consider tours with flexible sightseeing and opportunities for swimming or tasting local wines.

Planning your trip early is advisable, especially in peak season, to ensure availability. Whichever tour you choose, Kefalonia’s stunning scenery and authentic villages are sure to leave a lasting impression. Happy exploring!