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Panoramic view of a turquoise bay in Kefalonia surrounded by steep rocky mountains with sparse vegetation and winding coastal roads.

Kefalonia & Ithaca

Island Magic in the Ionian Sea

8 Days / 7 Nights
Walking
Panoramic view of a turquoise bay in Kefalonia surrounded by steep rocky mountains with sparse vegetation and winding coastal roads.

The essentials at a glance

Self-guided walking tour exploring the Ionian Islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca. Hilly terrain with moderate daily distances of 9-15 km requires good fitness. Highlights include Melissani Caves, Byzantine monastery ruins at Agios Fanentes, Mycenaean acropolis of Sami, hidden Gidaki Beach, and sea turtles in Argostoli harbor. Accommodation in 3*** and 4**** hotels with breakfast, luggage transfer, and airport transfers included. Ferry crossings between islands.

Between Kefalonia and Ithaca, a journey unfolds that seamlessly weaves together natural beauty, cultural heritage, and Mediterranean ease. Begin at picturesque harbors, wander through tranquil valleys, and explore abandoned villages whose weathered ruins still echo stories of the past. Follow ancient paths to Byzantine monasteries, Mycenaean walls, and hidden churches tucked among olive groves and cypress forests. Time and again, your gaze drifts to the deep blue Ionian Sea, where beaches range from lively Filiatro to secluded Gidaki. In Vathi and Argostoli, soak up the islands’ laid-back rhythm, meet warm-hearted locals, and savor the flavors of regional cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to leisurely strolls, breathtaking panoramic hikes, or peaceful hours by the water, the Ionian Islands reveal their full diversity here.

On this tour, you will explore Kefalonia and Ithaca step by step along varied hiking routes that offer new perspectives every day. From the ruins of Venetian villages around Agia Efimia, you’ll ascend scenic high paths and Mycenaean walls near Sami before taking a ferry to tranquil Ithaca. The trails there lead to hidden bays like Gidaki, through cypress forests to Perachori, and onward to small cave churches and Byzantine chapels. A rest day provides time for beaches, boat trips, or relaxing moments in the harbor of Vathi. Back on Kefalonia, you’ll discover quiet landscapes around Argostoli with old eucalyptus trees and impressive stone walls – a memorable finale that harmoniously combines nature, culture, and island life.

  • Melissani Cave: An underground lagoon with sparkling water, whose mystical atmosphere fascinates at every change of light
  • Gidaki and Filiatro: Dream beaches with fine pebbles, turquoise waters, and secluded tranquility
  • Mycenaean Acropolis of Sami: Historic walls high above the sea with fantastic panoramic views
  • Vathi: Small capital with colorful boats, winding streets, and lively tavernas right on the water
  • Olive and Cypress Landscapes: Fragrant nature trails through traditional villages, with views of vineyards and mountain backdrops

The hikes are moderate, sometimes hilly, with stages ranging from 5 to 15 km. Transfers make longer or more demanding sections easier. Accommodations are located in harbors or small villages and offer comfort, good cuisine, and short distances to the starting points. Swimming breaks, panoramic views, and culinary discoveries make this trip a well-rounded experience of activity, culture, and enjoyment.

  • Learn more about the difficulty level walking!

Itinerary at a glance

Experience the Ionian Islands actively: Kefalonia and Ithaca offer scenic hikes, quiet villages and impressive evidence of past cultures. Charming harbour towns, secluded beaches and encounters with hospitable people provide variety – a journey full of nature, history and Mediterranean joie de vivre.

Welcome to Kefalonia! The drive to your hotel offers your first panoramic views of the island. Those who wish can visit the mysterious Melissani Caves before enjoying Greek cuisine by the sea in the evening.

After a short transfer, your first stage begins at the port of Agia Efimia. You’ll wander through a quiet valley, passing abandoned villages with Venetian ruins. Ancient paths and gorges guide you until, at the end of the stage, the sparkling sea opens up before you – perfect for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.

From Sami, you’ll make your way up to the summit of Agios Fanentes, where the ruins of a Byzantine monastery gaze out over the sea. You’ll wind through olive groves and discover the Acropolis of Sami, crowned by its striking Mycenaan gate. You’ll descend through fragrant pine forests back to the shore. Along the seaside promenade, you’ll return, while more adventurous travelers continue on toward Antisamos and the Agrilion Monastery.

The day begins leisurely with a ferry ride to Ithaca. Vathi, the small capital, enchants with its maritime charm and winding streets. From here, you’ll set out on a walk to Gidaki Beach, a hidden paradise with white pebbles, turquoise waters, and the fragrant aromas of herbs along the path. In the evening, you’ll return to Vathi’s lively waterfront, where cozy tavernas by the harbor tempt you with fresh fish.

By transfer, you’ll arrive in the tranquil southern part of Ithaca, where paths wind through untouched nature. You can take a peaceful detour to the cave church of Spiliotissa, if you wish. Along the mountainsides, you’ll wander amid cypress forests, with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, and pause in the mountain village of Perachori to enjoy homemade walnut cake. Before returning to Vathi, you might also visit the Byzantine church of Theotokou, its walls adorned with stunning frescoes.

Today is all about relaxation and indulgence: you’ll lounge on the beaches of Filiatro, Dexia, or Loutsa, meander through the streets of Vathi and soak up island life, or take a boat to secluded coves – the choice is yours. For those seeking a bit of adventure, you’ll discover Ithaca’s dramatic coastline from an entirely new perspective by kayak.

After breakfast, you’ll take the ferry from Ithaca back to Kefalonia. In Argostoli, you’ll begin by exploring the charming capital before a narrow path leads you into tranquil landscapes, past towering eucalyptus trees. Among olive groves, Mycenaean walls of massive stones emerge – echoes of a long-lost civilization. As a memorable finale to your journey, you’ll have the chance to watch majestic sea turtles in Argostoli’s harbor at dusk.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Mountain Hiking

Although the daily distances are moderate, the hilly terrain calls for good physical fitness. In some sections, you can choose between various loop trails to adjust the length and difficulty of each stage.

Prices & Dates

You can book an extra night for any day of your tour. All prices given in Euros per person in double room.

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Transfer from/to Kefalonia airport

 

  • Transfers according to program
  • Travel documents package incl. GPS-data and route book, 1x per room
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Departure

  • Kefalonia airport
  • Organised transfer from the airport to the arrival hotel and return transfer to the airport, included in the tour price

Things to note

  • Minimum of participants: 2 persons
  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • Ferry crossings, costs approx. EUR 12 per person
  • Bus ride Kalami – Kassiopi, approx. EUR 2 per person
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour
Sophia Altenberger

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Sophia Altenberger
Travel Specialist
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