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Kefalonia: Hiking the island’s most beautiful trails
Between its mountains, fir forests and coastlines, Kefalonia is one of the best places in Greece for hiking. Whether you spend time out on the water or up in the mountains, there’s no shortage of other activities to try or scenery to explore. Add in the island’s well-maintained hiking trails, and it’s easy to see why hikers keep coming back for more, whether they’re after a short walk or a full day out. Away from the trails, there are plenty of other things to do, whether it’s climbing, paragliding or water sports you’re into.
While out on the trails, you’ll come face to face with the many different sides of the island, from dense fir forests and open mountain ridges to quiet coastal stretches with spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. Many routes are also well marked and lead you on a journey through sleepy villages, past ancient monasteries and with a few natural landmarks along the way. Whether you take it slow on a gentle coastal path or challenge yourself to a high-altitude route in the mountains, Kefalonia’s trails have something for everyone.
Discover the most beautiful hiking trails in Kefalonia and book your flight at discover-airlines.com.
What to know about hiking in Kefalonia
Lying west of the Greek mainland, Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands. Here you’ll find a landscape defined by high mountains, deeply cut valleys and seemingly endless coastlines. At the center of the island, Mount Ainos rises to 1,628 meters (5,341 feet) at its highest point, known as Megas Soros. Ainos is also Greece’s only national park made up of mainly Cephalonian fir, so don’t leave the island without setting foot in these dense forests that characterize the region.
Kefalonia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and plenty of sunshine. Spring and fall are great times to visit for longer hikes. In April and May, you’ll find nature in full bloom, and in October, the sea is still warm enough to go swimming in. If you’re planning to go hiking in the mountains, try to head out early in the morning, as temperatures can climb quickly once the sun is up. The summer months are still a good time to go hiking in Kefalonia, with a light breeze helping to keep you cool at higher altitudes.
Climbing and paragliding are also popular here. Head to the area around Argostoli if you’re into climbing, where you’ll find limestone crags and a handful of established routes. If you’d like to go paragliding in Kefalonia, head to Paliki Peninsula or Myrtos Bay for the most spectacular views. Many hiking routes on the island lead you to secluded bays or scenic coastal sections, allowing you to combine a day of exploring with time on the beach. There’s also plenty of chances to go kayaking and snorkeling here, too.
Many of Kefalonia’s hiking trails wind their way through the island’s historic sites and attractions, so you’ll pass smaller mountain chapels, restored monasteries or well-preserved fortress sections along the way, often right on the trail or just a few minutes’ walk from it. Be sure to stop at the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery above Lixouri or the Venetian fortress of Assos while you’re out hiking. There’s no better way to see the island’s scenery and history than from its various viewpoints. So make sure you add Myrtos Bay and the coastal path near Fiskardo to your itinerary.
The best hiking routes in Kefalonia
How to get the most out of your time hiking in Kefalonia
Hiking in Kefalonia will often take you to more remote areas, so a bit of planning goes a long way toward keeping things safe and enjoyable. Breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water are good starting points. Since many of the trails pass through dense vegetation, sunscreen, a hat and mosquito repellent are also worth packing. If you’ll be spending long hours out on the trails, pack snacks or small meals as not all routes have places to eat along the way.
Be aware that temperatures in the Ainos Mountains can vary significantly depending on the time of day. If you go hiking in the mountains, take a light jacket with you to protect you from the wind or to keep you warmer on cooler sections of the trail. Digital hiking maps are useful but remember to save an offline version as cell service can be limited in higher sections. Take hiking poles to make walking on rocky or steeper passages easier and keep you steady on your feet, especially on scree paths.
Rent a car for the most freedom for getting around Kefalonia, and especially if you want to get to some of the more remote hikes’ starting points. Many trails do not begin near larger towns, so having a car gives you more flexibility. Driving on the island is generally trouble-free, just keep in mind that the mountain roads are winding, so drive carefully. You can rent a car at one of the main providers at Argostoli Airport, though prices heavily depend on the season. If you prefer not to drive, regional bus lines connect larger towns on the island, but they are better suited for shorter days out or simple point-to-point hikes. Keep in mind that schedules depend on the season, with more frequent services in summer. You can also rent bikes or e-bikes, with plenty of places along the coast or in the valleys.
Be considerate when hiking in Kefalonia, whether you’re out in nature or visiting a cultural site. Cover up before entering monasteries or churches and stay on marked trails while out hiking to protect the local vegetation and the island’s wildlife. In summer especially, set out early to beat the midday heat.
Card payments are widely accepted in most restaurants, supermarkets and accommodations, but smaller tavernas or family-run shops in rural areas may still prefer cash. You’ll find ATMs in all large towns on the island.
Don’t shy away from sampling the island’s cuisine either. Along many hiking routes in Kefalonia, you’ll find small tavernas serving “kreatopita” (meat pie), grilled fish and regional cheeses, and wash it down with a glass of Robola wine, produced exclusively on the island. You can try some at one of the wineries around the Omala Valley, as well.
Book your flight to Kefalonia at discover-airlines.com and get ready to hit the trails on the island.
January
Avg. Temperature:
11°C/14°C
Rainy days per month:
100-200
February
Avg. Temperature:
11°C/14°C
Rainy days per month:
80-140
March
Avg. Temperature:
12°C/15°C
Rainy days per month:
60-120
April
Avg. Temperature:
14°C/17°C
Rainy days per month:
30-80
May
Avg. Temperature:
18°C/21°C
Rainy days per month:
20-50
June
Avg. Temperature:
22°C/25°C
Rainy days per month:
5-20
July
Avg. Temperature:
24°C/27°C
Rainy days per month:
0-5
August
Avg. Temperature:
25°C/28°C
Rainy days per month:
0-10
September
Avg. Temperature:
23°C/26°C
Rainy days per month:
10-40
October
Avg. Temperature:
20°C/22°C
Rainy days per month:
60-120
November
Avg. Temperature:
17°C/19°C
Rainy days per month:
100-170
December
Avg. Temperature:
13°C/16°C
Rainy days per month:
120-200