6 Hours
Private Tour
English
Up to 12 Guests
Kefalonia Highlights Full Day Private tour
Got a Question?
Contact UsHighlights
Kefalonia Full Day Private tour
- Saint Gerasimos Monastery
- Food Tasting
- Melissani Cave
- Drogarati Cave
- Agia Effimia Village
- Myrtos Beach
Please note:
- For Pick up and Drop Off in the areas: Assos- Fiscardo – Agia Efimia – Skala – Poros – Lixouri there will be an additional cost of 110€ for the pick up- drop off
Itinerary
Embark on a captivating journey through Kefalonia, an island of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and fascinating history. Your adventure begins at the St. Gerasimos Monastery, one of the most revered religious sites on the island. Nestled in a peaceful valley, this monastery is dedicated to Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia, and is known for its spiritual significance and stunning Byzantine architecture. Visitors can explore the serene courtyard, admire the beautiful frescoes, and visit the saint’s relics, experiencing a deep sense of tranquility and devotion.
Next, indulge in a gastronomic experience that introduces you to the finest flavors of Kefalonia. Savor locally produced olive oil, wine, honey, and traditional sweets, each offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. This delightful tasting session not only highlights the exquisite local products but also provides insight into the island’s agricultural traditions, passed down through generations.
The journey then takes you to one of Kefalonia’s most magical natural wonders—the Melissani Lake. Hidden within a cave, this subterranean marvel is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. Enjoy a guided boat ride, gliding effortlessly over the lake’s serene surface as sunlight filters through the open ceiling, creating a mesmerizing play of colors. The atmosphere here is nothing short of enchanting, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Continuing the exploration, you will delve deep into the Drogarati Cave, an awe-inspiring underground cavern formed over millions of years. Marvel at its stalactites and stalagmites, which create an otherworldly atmosphere, and experience the cave’s remarkable acoustics, which have even hosted musical performances. Walking through its vast chambers, you’ll feel a sense of wonder at nature’s artistry, sculpted over countless centuries.
After exploring these underground wonders, unwind in the charming coastal village of Agia Efimia. Nestled along the Ionian coastline, this picturesque harbor town offers stunning seaside views, traditional Greek tavernas, and a laid-back ambiance. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the bobbing fishing boats, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals while enjoying authentic Greek cuisine.
The grand finale of the tour is a visit to the iconic Myrtos Beach, one of the most famous and breathtaking beaches in Greece. Prepare to be awestruck by the dazzling contrast between the white pebbles and the deep blue sea, a sight that has made Myrtos a symbol of Kefalonia’s natural beauty. Relax on the shore, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply soak in the stunning scenery that makes this beach a must-visit destination.
This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and relaxation, showcasing the best that Kefalonia has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual landmarks, underground marvels, charming villages, or spectacular beaches, this journey promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Ionian Sea.
Inclusions - Exclusions
Private Tours are personal and flexible just for you and your party.
Inclusions:
-
Professional Driver
-
Guided Boat ride inside the cave
-
Local products tsting
-
Entrance Fees
-
Hotel / Port pickup and drop-off
- Transport by private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
Exclusions:
- Personal Expenses
History
Kefalonia Island:
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece, boasts a fascinating history that dates back to antiquity. The island was home to the Mycenaeans (1600–1100 BC), who played a significant role in shaping early Greek civilization. References to Kefalonia appear in Homer’s epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, as it was believed to be part of Odysseus’s kingdom. Over the centuries, the island came under the control of the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and British before finally uniting with Greece in 1864.
Throughout its history, Kefalonia has been known for its strategic importance, flourishing trade, and rich cultural heritage. Despite suffering devastation from the catastrophic 1953 earthquake, the island has preserved its traditions, architecture, and gastronomy, making it a jewel of the Ionian Sea.
Melissani Cave:
Melissani Cave is not only a natural wonder but also steeped in Greek mythology and ancient history. According to legend, the cave was once a place of worship dedicated to the nymph Melissani, from whom it takes its name. Mythology tells the tale of Melissani, a heartbroken nymph who drowned in the lake after being rejected by the god Pan.
Archaeological discoveries within the cave provide evidence of its ancient religious significance. Excavations in the 1950s unearthed oil lamps, clay figurines, and plates depicting the god Pan and the nymphs, indicating that the site may have been a place of worship during the Mycenaean period (1400–1100 BC).
The partially collapsed roof of the cave allows sunlight to filter through, creating a stunning turquoise glow on the lake’s waters. The cave remained largely unknown until it was rediscovered in 1951 by speleologist Giannis Petrocheilos. Today, it is one of Kefalonia’s most iconic and mystical sites, blending geological beauty with ancient myth.
Drogarati Cave:
Drogarati Cave is believed to be over 150 million years old, formed through natural geological processes over millennia. The cave was discovered around 300 years ago after a strong earthquake opened an entrance to its vast underground chambers.
This majestic cavern is renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which have slowly developed through the dripping of mineral-rich water. The cave extends over 60 meters deep, with a main chamber known as the Royal Balcony, famous for its exceptional acoustics. Due to this unique feature, the chamber has hosted live musical performances, making it one of the world’s most remarkable natural concert halls.
Drogarati Cave is considered part of a larger underground network of caves, many of which remain unexplored. It serves as an extraordinary reminder of the prehistoric formations that shaped Kefalonia’s landscape over millions of years.
Agia Effimia Village:
Agia Efimia is a charming coastal village on the eastern side of Kefalonia, known for its picturesque harbor, scenic landscapes, and rich history. The village has played a significant role in Kefalonia’s past, from ancient times to modern history.
Agia Efimia’s location along the Ionian Sea made it an important hub for maritime activities. The area was historically inhabited by the Mycenaeans, who controlled Kefalonia during the Bronze Age (1600–1100 BC). Archaeological discoveries in nearby Sami (just a few kilometers away) suggest that the region was a center of trade and commerce in ancient Greece.
During the Roman period, Kefalonia, including Agia Efimia, came under Roman rule in 188 BC. The Romans valued the island for its strategic location in the Mediterranean trade routes.
From the 16th to 18th centuries, Agia Efimia, like the rest of Kefalonia, was under Venetian rule (1500–1797). The Venetians influenced local architecture, trade, and culture, fostering economic prosperity.
The Venetians built small ports and fortifications to protect the area from pirate attacks, which were common in the Ionian Sea during this period.
After the fall of Venice, Kefalonia briefly came under French control (1797-1799) and later the British (1809-1864), before finally joining Greece in 1864.
One of the most defining events in Agia Efimia’s modern history was the catastrophic earthquake of 1953, which destroyed most of the buildings on Kefalonia, including nearly all of Agia Efimia. The earthquake, which measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, led to the collapse of homes, churches, and infrastructure.
After the disaster, Agia Efimia was rebuilt with modern structures while retaining its traditional charm.
Today, Agia Efimia is a bustling harbor village, popular among visitors and sailors exploring the Ionian Sea.
The village continues to reflect its rich history through its traditional fishing port, Venetian-era ruins in the surrounding area, and its connection to the ancient Mycenaean settlements near Sami.
Agia Efimia’s transformation from an ancient maritime hub to a modern-day tourist and yachting destination showcases its resilience and historical significance in Kefalonia’s past.
Myrtos Beach:
Myrtos Beach is not only a natural masterpiece but also holds deep historical significance. This iconic beach, known for its stunning white pebbles and deep blue waters, is framed by steep cliffs that were once home to small ancient settlements. The surrounding region has been inhabited since the ancient Greek and Roman eras, with archaeological remains found nearby.
The modern significance of Myrtos Beach is tied to the events of World War II. During the Cephalonia Massacre of 1943, the beach and surrounding cliffs became a tragic site where Italian soldiers from the Acqui Division were executed by Nazi forces after Italy’s surrender. This tragic event was later depicted in the novel “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, which brought international recognition to Kefalonia.
Today, Myrtos Beach is celebrated as one of Greece’s most beautiful and photographed beaches, symbolizing both Kefalonia’s natural splendor and historical resilience.
Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be confirmed by Olive Sea Travel.
Regarding the Day Tours:
Cancellations up to 4 days before your service date are 100% refundable.
Cancellation Policy:
- Licensed Tour Guides and Hotels are external co-operators & they have their own cancellation policy.
- Apart from the above cancellation limits, NO refunds will be made. If though, you fail to make your appointment for reasons that are out of your hands, that would be, in connection with the operation of your airline or cruise ship or strikes, extreme weather conditions or mechanical failure, you will be refunded 100% of the paid amount.
- If your cancellation date is over TWO (2) months away from your reservation date, It has been known for third-party providers such as credit card companies, PayPal, etc. to charge a levy fee usually somewhere between 2-4%.
- Olive Sea Travel reserves the right to cancel your booking at any time, when reasons beyond our control arise, such as strikes, prevailing weather conditions, mechanical failures, etc. occur. In this unfortunate case, you shall be immediately notified via the email address you used when making your reservation and your payment WILL be refunded 100%.