Located in the area of Karavomilos near Sami, lies the Melissani cave which is undoubtedly among Kefalonia's most breathtaking attractions. Discovered in 1951 by speleologist Yiannis Petrohilos, Melissani cave also includes a beautiful lake with crystal blue waters which is 22 metres below ground level and its maximum depth is about 30 metres. Take a boat trip through this fabulous setting and you won't be disappointed.

Many of the sandy beaches of southern Kefalonia were untouched by human development until recently, which suited the Loggerhead Sea Turtles perfectly, giving them a safe place to nest, secluded from the outside world. Not far along the coast is Kaminia Beach, another haven for this increasingly rare creature. It has now been declared a conservation area.

The best way to fully appreciate this gorgeous coastline with its small secluded bays and beaches, coves and caves is from the water. Why not pack a picnic and be the skipper of your own boat? You can drop anchor and swim with the fishes in the wonderfully clear waters. Many of the hidden little beaches along the coast can only be reached from the sea. If you arrive by boat, you might have a secret beach all to yourself. You don’t need a driving licence, and will be given all the help you need even if you have no boating experience. This is a brilliant way to explore and escape the crowds.

Mount Ainos, which is higher than Ben Nevis, dominates the whole island. The Forest of Ainos has been a National Park since 1962 and is protected by the Greek state. The mountain is covered in a type of fir tree unique to Greece. In the days when the Venetians ruled, this place was called Monte Nero or the black mountain because the Kefalonian Fir trees were so thick and dark. You can actually get right to the top of Mount Ainos by car, although a 4-wheel drive is best. As you can imagine, the view from the top is amazing on a clear day. You can see the whole of Kefalonia, most of Ithaka, parts of Zante and the mainland too.

Antisamos Beach is one of the best beaches of Kefalonia and is located near to the village of Sami. It is a beautiful and attractive pebble beach with turquoise waters surrounded by impressive verdant hills. Thousands of visitors are attracted every summer by the natural beauty of the place. The beach also has 2 snack bars that offer light refreshments.

Off the beaten track, further South of Alaties, is a little bay of sand and shingle with a taverna which opens in high season. It is quite a long and winding road down to Aghia Jerusalem through lovely villages of crumbling Venetian houses which were not completely destroyed by the 1953 earthquake. This beach is not very well known and is a romantic spot to watch the sunset.

Agios Thomas is a small sandy beach near to the village of Karavados. You'll need to make your way down a fairly steep path to reach the bay. There are a few tavernas at the top of the path, perfect for recharging after sunbathing and snorkelling.

A secluded bay on the south coast, close to the village of Svoronata, Ai Helis has unusual soft grey sand and shallow waters. Sheltered by tall cliffs, it is safe for children and popular with families. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas and a cantina. A popular beach for sports, organised volley ball tournaments take place in high season. Access is via a long steep track or steps.

A short drive from the Manganos crossroads, this tiny sandy beach is surrounded by smooth rock platforms where you can sunbathe. There are also many rock pools that children love to splash in. The beach is reached by some steps below the taverna and you will find a couple of handy changing rooms.

Ammes is located in the south west part of the island, in the area of Svoronata, not far from Kefalonia's capital. The area is situated a few minutes from the airport but is peaceful and full of verdant vegetation. The village of Svoronata is located a mile away from here and offers tavernas and cafes. The nice sandy beach of Ammes is surrounded by plenty of accommodations and offers a snack bar.

A long sandy south facing beach, Avithos has fine golden sand and clear waters. A short drive from Svoronata, Avithos is popular with couples, families and turtles. There is a cantina, sunbeds, umbrellas and two tavernas nearby. Surrounded by impressive grassy cliffs, access is via a steep road and steps.

A secluded pebble beach, accessible by walking through a short gorge at the end of the village of Old Antipata and is also frequented by motor boats visiting from Fiskardo.

Emblisi is a pebbly beach set in a small bay very close to the fishing village of Fiskardo. There is plenty of parking and a snack bar making it a popular beach with families.

A deep inlet on the east coast, only a five minutes drive from Fiskardo towards Tselentata. A pretty bay surrounded by olive and pine trees, with a taverna on the opposite side of the road.

Lourdas has a long white coarse sand and pebble beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kefalonia due to its crystalline water. It offers sun beds, umbrellas, taverns and a few shops. The surroundings are wonderful and Mount Ainos can be seen towering in the background.

The bay at Mounda stretches for miles out towards Cape Mounda and it is here that the caretta caretta turtles return from great distances to lay their eggs. Learn the Turtle Code before visiting this beach and if you bring your own beach umbrella, make sure you use it as near to the shoreline as possible so as not to disturb any turtle's nests. The water is usually warm here and it is so shallow that it is quite a walk out to just get in past your knees. There is a small cantina with sun beds for hire.

Myrtos Beach is the trademark of Kefalonia Island and is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of the entire Ionian Islands. Located north of Argostoli (the island's capital), this impressive beach has a fine golden sand and wonderful turquoise waters, the whole place is surrounded by impressive and majestic vertical rocky cliffs. This pure paradise is one of the most photographed places in Greece and attracts thousands of visitors every summer. A snack-bar, sun beds and umbrella rentals are available on the beach.

Trapezaki Beach is clean, with a taverna serving lunches. It is divided into two sections, with sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent in the high season. As the sand shelves gently it is great for families with small children.

The sheltered bay of Spartia is situated at the bottom of a flowery hillside and is protected by large outcrops of rock. Spartia beach is made up of fine sand, coming from the limestone cliffs behind and is very popular in high season.

To the left of the beach is a small jetty and harbour where local fishermen moor their small boats. Above the beach are a couple of tavernas. Large turtles can often be seen swimming in the bay.

Skala beach is dramatic, with several kilometres of soft, white sand. The resort and village are well maintained and clean and the beach cleaned regularly during the summer. Skala beach is a busy resort with a wide range of tavernas, shops, swimming pools, fairly quiet bars and the usual range of tourist amenities.