Sami Cephalonia is a fantastic spot for travelers eager to experience Greece’s natural beauty, without the crowds often found in more famous islands. Its combination of dramatic caves, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages makes it an ideal launchpad for a variety of tours. We particularly love the shore excursions that combine boat rides with local wine tastings, and the cruises around Ithaca, which offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re into exploring caves, lounging on secluded beaches, or discovering traditional villages, Sami delivers options that suit all tastes. For example, the Argostoli: Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting provides a classic Kefalonia experience—crystal lakes, impressive caves, and tastings of local wines.
Sami’s diverse tour offerings include half-day cave visits, full-day private island explorations, and exclusive boat trips to Ithaca. Some tours focus on natural wonders like Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave, while others emphasize seaside relaxation or discovering quaint villages. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to the ten best options, each with its own unique appeal and practical details.
1. Argostoli: Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting
At number 1, this shore excursion combines the awe-inspiring Melissani Cave Lake with a leisurely local wine tasting. It’s perfect if you’re docked in Argostoli and want a half-day trip that balances natural beauty with an authentic taste of Kefalonia’s wines. The tour includes a boat ride through the lake, giving you a close-up view of the cave’s shimmering waters, alongside a visit to Drogarati Cave, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The highlight for many is the stop at one of Kefalonia’s best seaside venues, where you can sample local wines while soaking in views of the Ionian Sea.
The tour’s reviews are glowing, with a 4.5/5 rating from 82 travelers. People love the knowledgeable guide, the scenic boat ride, and the chance to snap photos of Myrtos Beach from a distance. The itinerary is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed. The tour is ideal for those interested in geology, local wine, and stunning landscapes. The only potential downside is some wish they could spend more time at the beach rather than in town.
Bottom Line: A scenic, well-organized half-day experience that combines Kefalonia’s caves with excellent wine tasting, perfect for cruise passengers or day-trippers.
2. Sami: East Kefalonia Beaches Cruise adventure
Number 2 on the list is a beach cruise from Sami that covers four secluded beaches. This 6-hour trip is ideal for travelers who want to spend their day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in Kefalonia’s less crowded spots. Departing from Sami, you’ll hop aboard a traditional boat and feel the warm sun on your skin as you cruise along the coast.
What makes this tour special is its focus on privacy and natural beauty. You’ll visit beaches like Koutsoupia and Antisamos Beach, where the waters are clear, and the surroundings peaceful. The boat allows you to access coves that are otherwise hard to reach, making it a favorite for snorkelers and swimmers alike. Many reviews mention the friendly crew and the relaxing pace, with travelers feeling like they’ve discovered their own secret bay. It’s a relatively short tour but packed with enough swimming and lounging to satisfy those craving a day at the beach.
This trip is best suited for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts, especially if you prefer a relaxed, intimate experience over a busy sightseeing schedule. The only caution is that it’s weather-dependent, so check the forecast before booking.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beach lovers wanting a laid-back day exploring Kefalonia’s best secluded bays.
3. Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Trip with Swimming and Snacks
Number 3 features a boat trip to Ithaca, famed for its charming villages and scenic views. This 7-hour tour is perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with swimming in crystal waters. The boat departs from Sami and cruises to the island’s highlights, including Filiatro Beach and Vathy Village, with plenty of opportunities to swim in secluded spots like Gidaki Beach.
The tour stands out for its balance of relaxation and exploration. The itinerary includes stops for swimming, sightseeing, and free time at Vathy, where you can stroll through the quaint streets or enjoy local snacks. The reviews praise the friendly crew, the quality of snacks, and the ability to see both the natural landscapes and traditional villages in a single day. Expect to spend quality time on the water, with multiple swim stops, and enjoy a casual, unhurried pace.
This experience is best suited for those who love swimming, snorkeling, and want a taste of Ithaca’s peaceful villages without a full-day commitment. It’s particularly appealing for travelers wanting an authentic, intimate boat experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day of swimming, sightseeing, and local flavor, ideal for water lovers and island explorers.
4. Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Snacks
Number 4 offers a comprehensive boat cruise around Ithaca, perfect for those wanting a full immersion in the island’s hidden corners. This 7-hour trip features multiple swim stops at Gidaki Beach and Filiatro Beach, combined with sightseeing at Vathy village and Lazaretto islet. The boat provides seasonal fruit, snacks, and drinks to keep you refreshed as you cruise.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on discovering secluded beaches and quiet spots away from the crowds. The reviews highlight the friendly staff, the good value for money, and the chance to swim in some of the clearest waters in the Ionian. The itinerary’s pacing allows plenty of time for swimming, exploring Vathy, and relaxing onboard, making it a hit with those who want both adventure and downtime.
This experience is best suited for families or couples who enjoy beach time and scenic cruising. The only potential downside is that it’s not a quick trip, so travelers should be prepared for a full day at sea.
Bottom Line: For a full day exploring Ithaca’s best beaches and villages with plenty of swimming and snacks, this cruise is hard to beat.
5. Kefalonia: Full Day Private Island Tour from Skala
Number 5 features a full-day private tour that takes you to some of Kefalonia’s most iconic sights, including Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, and Myrtos Beach. This customized experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a more intimate, flexible itinerary. The tour includes a boat ride at Melissani Lake and visits to traditional villages like Assos and Fiskardo.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized approach. You’ll explore at your own pace, with plenty of time for photos and relaxing. The highlight for many is the opportunity to see Myrtos Beach from a scenic viewpoint, which is stunning at sunset. For around $220 per person, it offers a good value for those seeking a comprehensive, private experience.
The reviews mention the attentive driver, the beautiful photo stops, and the chance to explore Kefalonia beyond the usual. It’s suited for couples, families, or small groups wanting a tailored day without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private option ideal for travelers wanting a personalized, scenic tour with time to explore and relax.
6. Kefalonia: Discover Full Day Private Tour
Number 6 offers an 8-hour private tour that covers the island’s highlights, including Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, Myrtos Beach, Assos, and Fiskardo. This is a great choice for those who want a comprehensive look at Kefalonia’s diverse landscapes and charming villages. The itinerary includes photo stops at key scenic points and free time in the villages for shopping or a coffee.
What makes this tour special is its balance of cultural sights and natural beauty, all tailored to your preferences. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable driver, the flexible schedule, and the chance to see famous spots like Fiscardo and the stunning Myrtos Beach. It’s an excellent value for a private tour, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or small group.
This tour is ideal if you want a full day of sightseeing with personalized attention, but it might be less suitable for travelers on a tight budget or those with limited mobility.
Bottom Line: For a private, customizable day exploring Kefalonia’s top sights, this tour offers a balance of flexibility and highlights.
7. Kefalonia: Discover the Island Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Number 7 is a full-day sightseeing trip that covers Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, Agia Efimia, and Myrtos Beach. This tour is designed for travelers eager to see multiple attractions in one day, with a comfortable bus ride through Kefalonia’s best scenery.
Highlights include exploring caves, visiting a quiet seaside village, and top photo opportunities over Myrtos Beach. The itinerary is well-paced, with enough time at each stop for photos, brief walks, and soaking up the atmosphere. Travelers have praised the smooth logistics and the scenic drive through olive groves and vineyards.
Ideal for those wanting the classic Kefalonia experience without the hassle of planning, this tour suits first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule. The only downside is that it may feel a bit rushed for some, given the number of stops.
Bottom Line: A solid, all-in-one day tour for visitors wanting to tick the main sights off their list, with a comfortable and scenic route.
8. Kefalonia: Four Hours Private Tour with Guide
Number 8 offers a 4-hour private guided tour focusing on Kefalonia’s top highlights like Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, and Myrtos Beach. For travelers short on time but wanting a personalized experience, this is a great option.
The tour is customizable within its limited duration, and the guide’s local knowledge helps you get the most from each stop. With just four hours, it’s perfect for cruise passengers or those with a brief window. The guide will ensure you see the key sights without feeling hurried, and the tour ends back at your pickup point.
This is best suited for those wanting a quick yet personalized overview of Kefalonia’s main attractions. The main drawback is the limited time to explore in-depth, but for a snapshot of the island, it’s excellent value.
Bottom Line: If you’re pressed for time but still want a tailored, guided experience, this short tour delivers.
9. Kefalonia: Half-Day Tour to Melissani Lake & Drogarati Cave
Number 9 provides a half-day trip focusing on Kefalonia’s renowned caves and lake. It’s a straightforward way to see some of the island’s most impressive geological features, including Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave.
The tour is perfect if you’re limited on time but want a taste of Kefalonia’s natural wonders. The guides generally are knowledgeable, and reviews note that it offers a relaxing, comfortable experience. It’s an efficient option for travelers who are mainly interested in caves and lakes without extra stops.
Ideal for cruise visitors or those with a morning or afternoon free, this tour balances sightseeing with convenience. The main challenge is that it doesn’t include the seaside villages or other attractions but focuses on what makes Kefalonia unique.
Bottom Line: A quick, focused tour for those eager to explore Kefalonia’s caves and lake in a half-day.
10. Kefalonia: Melissani Lake Fast-Track Entry Ticket
Number 10 is a fast-track entry ticket to Melissani Lake, perfect for travelers who want to skip the lines and get straight to the stunning water-filled cave. This ticket grants you a quick boat ride and a chance to witness the famous natural light reflections inside the cave.
This option is excellent if Kefalonia’s top natural attraction is your priority and you’re on a tight schedule. The ticket includes a short boat ride that captures the essence of the cave’s beauty, with plenty of photo opportunities. Many reviews mention how smoothly and efficiently the process was, saving time and hassle.
It’s best suited for independent travelers or those who prefer a self-guided experience and want to avoid long queues. Keep in mind, it doesn’t include guided commentary or other sights, so it’s more of a practical skip-the-line ticket.
Bottom Line: The best choice for visiting Melissani Lake quickly and comfortably, especially during busy times.
How to Choose Your Perfect Kefalonia Tour
Picking the right tour boils down to your time availability, interests, and budget. If you love geology and wine, the Argostoli Cave and wine tour offers a compact, enjoyable experience. For beach lovers, the beach cruise from Sami provides a relaxing day, while those wanting a private, customizable experience might prefer the full-day private tour from Skala.
Travelers short on time should consider the half-day cave and lake tour, while those wanting to skip lines can go for the Melissani Lake fast-track ticket. For a full immersion, the discover full-day private tour covers all bases with flexibility and comfort.
Timing is key—most tours operate from spring to fall, with the summer months offering the best weather for boat trips and outdoor exploration. Booking early, especially for private tours or popular boat trips, ensures you get your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Sami Cephalonia offers a wide spectrum of tour options, whether you’re interested in natural caves, secluded beaches, or charming villages. For a well-rounded experience, the full-day private tours and private half-day options are excellent. For those craving specific sights like Melissani Lake, the fast-track ticket is a time-saver.
If you love adventure on the water, the cruises around Ithaca and beach trips offer unforgettable days at sea.
No matter your style or schedule, Sami’s diverse tours promise authentic experiences that showcase Kefalonia’s stunning landscape and culture. Be sure to book early, especially for highly-rated options, and prepare for a memorable Greek island adventure.
