A visit to Kefalonia is not just a vacation — it's an experience of a lifetime. Kefalonia, a stunning island in the Ionian Sea, is known for its dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Here are some of the highlights you should check out when visiting:

1. Myrtos Beach
Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Myrtos has clear turquoise waters and a backdrop of impressive white cliffs. It’s a must-see for any beach lover.

2. Melissani Cave
A magical underground lake, Melissani Cave offers boat tours through crystal-clear waters that reflect the sunlight in mesmerizing ways. It’s a natural wonder and one of the island's iconic sights.

3. Assos Village
A picturesque village with a Venetian castle overlooking the sea, Assos offers a quiet retreat with narrow streets, colorful houses, and excellent views. The nearby Assos Castle is worth the hike for panoramic views.

4. Fiscardo
A charming, traditional fishing village known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture, Fiscardo has a vibrant harbor with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's also a great base for exploring the island.

5. Argostoli
The capital of Kefalonia, Argostoli, is bustling with life, offering a mix of local culture, history, and great eateries. The Drapano Bridge and the nearby Koutavos Lagoon are highlights in the area.

6. Kefalonia’s Wine
Kefalonia has a long history of wine production, and the island's wineries offer tours and tastings. The Robola wine, a local variety, is especially popular and worth trying.

7. Mount Ainos
For hiking enthusiasts, Mount Ainos, the highest peak on the island, provides incredible views and a chance to explore Kefalonia’s lush pine forests. On a clear day, you can even see the neighboring islands.

8. Argostoli to Lixouri by Boat
A fun way to explore the coast is by taking the ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri. The short boat ride offers scenic views and gives you a chance to explore the other side of the island.

9. Xi Beach
Known for its red sandy shores and warm, shallow waters, Xi Beach is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. It also has some great facilities and is perfect for families.

10. St. George’s Castle
Located near the village of Peratata, this historic Venetian castle offers panoramic views of the island and is a great spot for history buffs.

11. Antisamos Beach
Featured in the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Antisamos is a pebbly beach with clear blue waters, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

These are just a few of the many gems Kefalonia has to offer. Whether you’re into beaches, hiking, history, or local culture, there’s something for everyone!

1. By Air (Direct Flights)
International Flights: Kefalonia has its own airport, Kefalonia International Airport (EFL), which serves both domestic and international flights, especially during the summer months. You can fly directly from major European cities such as London, Milan, or Athens.

Domestic Flights: If you're already in Greece, you can catch a flight from Athens or Thessaloniki to Kefalonia.

2. By Ferry
From the Mainland (Patras or Kyllini): Ferries from Patras or Kyllini (both on the mainland) to Poros or Sami in Kefalonia operate year-round. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

From Other Islands: Ferries also operate between Kefalonia and nearby islands such as Zakynthos, Ithaca, and Lefkada.

3. By Car and Ferry
If you're traveling by car, you can drive to the ferry port in Kyllini or Patras, then take the ferry to Kefalonia, and continue driving on the island. It's a scenic option if you want flexibility to explore the island by car.

4. Private Yacht or Boat
If you're looking for a more luxurious or adventurous route, you can also charter a private yacht or boat to arrive at Kefalonia from nearby islands or the mainland.

Each option depends on your starting point, but flights or ferries are the most common ways to reach Kefalonia!

From the Airport to Lixouri
After you land at Kefalonia's airport, Argostoli is the nearest town. From there, Lixouri is located on the opposite side of the island.

By Car: The drive from the airport (Argostoli) to Lixouri takes about 20 minutes (around 15 km). You can rent a car at the airport, or you can use a taxi or private transfer.

By Bus: There are buses that connect Argostoli to Lixouri. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Ferry (If Coming from the Mainland or Other Parts of Kefalonia)
Ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri: If you're in Argostoli, you can also take a ferry to Lixouri, which is a quick, scenic route. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes and operates regularly throughout the day. It’s a great way to see the coastline!

The ferry docks in Lixouri, and once you arrive, you're right in the heart of the town.

The trip from Argostoli to Lixouri takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. If you take the ferry across the Kefalonia strait, the ferry ride itself only takes about 10 minutes, but you’ll need to account for waiting times, especially during busy periods.

By car: Around 20-30 minutes.

By ferry: Around 10 minutes for the crossing, plus waiting time.

Both options are pretty quick and easy!

Whether it's better to stay in Lixouri or Argostoli depends on what you're looking for during your trip. Both towns offer different experiences, so here’s a comparison to help you decide:

Staying in Lixouri
Quieter Atmosphere: Lixouri is the second-largest town on the island but tends to be quieter and more relaxed compared to Argostoli. It's a great choice if you're looking for a peaceful, laid-back environment.

Authentic Greek Feel: Lixouri has a charming, traditional Greek vibe with its small-town feel. It’s less touristy than Argostoli, so it may offer a more authentic experience.

Beaches: Lixouri has several beautiful beaches nearby, like Lepeda Beach, Xi Beach, and Petani Beach. These beaches are great for swimming and sunbathing.

Access to Scenic Areas: Lixouri is close to some of the island's most picturesque natural sites, including the Paliostafida Beach and the Kounopetra area, which features a unique natural rock formation.

Ferry Access to Argostoli: Lixouri is only a short ferry ride away from Argostoli (about 10 minutes), so you can easily visit the island’s capital for shopping, dining, or sightseeing.

Staying in Argostoli
Bustling Town Center: Argostoli is Kefalonia's capital and offers a livelier atmosphere with a wider range of restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment options. If you enjoy being in a more active town, Argostoli might be better for you.

Cultural and Historical Sites: Argostoli has historical sites like the Archaeological Museum and Kefalonia’s Lighthouse. It's also where most of the island’s infrastructure is located, such as banks, offices, and larger markets.

More Services: Being the capital, Argostoli offers more conveniences, such as a greater variety of accommodations, medical services, and transport options (ferries, buses).

Proximity to Other Beaches: While Lixouri has some fantastic beaches, Argostoli is close to beaches like Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos, which are very popular with visitors. It’s also near the St. George's Castle and Mount Ainos for more adventurous outings.

Which is Better?
Stay in Lixouri if you want a quieter, more authentic Greek experience, with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds but still be close to Argostoli.

Stay in Argostoli if you prefer a bustling environment with more shops, restaurants, and activities. It’s the best option for those who want to be in the heart of the island’s action but still enjoy the nearby beaches.

If you want a bit of both, you could even split your stay between the two towns, as they’re close enough to visit each other easily.

A taxi from Kefalonia Airport (EFL) to Lixouri typically costs around €30 to €40 one way, depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic, and specific routes.

The distance from the airport to Lixouri is about 40 km (approximately 25 miles), and the journey generally takes around 40-50 minutes by car. You might want to confirm the price with the driver beforehand, as rates can fluctuate slightly.

For a more budget-friendly option, you could also consider taking a bus or renting a car!