Summary: Your Ionian journey begins in Argostoli, the lively capital of Kefalonia, set on the shores of a sheltered gulf. Settle into your hotel and get your first taste of island life over a traditional dinner in the heart of town.
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: A walk that blends history and nature just outside the capital. Cross the stone De Bosset Bridge to the church of Panagia Drapaniotissa and the cave-church of Agia Varvara, then continue through the settlement of Prokopata to Ancient Krani and its majestic “Cyclopean Walls”. After descending via the “Neromana” aqueduct, the day concludes with a scenic coastal walk around the Koutavos Lagoon.
Hike: Length: 9.7 km / 6.0 mi | Ascent | Descent: 210 m / 689 ft | 210 m / 689 ft | Duration: ~4h
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: A trek through the protected forest of the endemic Abies cephalonica (Kefalonian fir) in Mount Ainos National Park. Reaching the summit of Megas Soros at 1,628 m, you are rewarded with unparalleled views over the surrounding Ionian islands and across to the Peloponnese.
Hike: Length: 6.5 km / 4.0 mi | Ascent | Descent: 530 m / 1,739 ft | 230 m / 755 ft | Duration: ~3h30min
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: A journey through the archaeological grandeur of Ancient Sami. Climb to the ancient acropolis and its fortifications before descending through Mediterranean scrub to the world-famous turquoise waters of Antisamos Beach. In the afternoon, discover Kefalonia’s underground wonders: the Melissani Cave Lake and the Drogarati Cave.
Hike: Length: 5 km / 3.1 mi | Ascent | Descent: 250 m / 820 ft | 250 m / 820 ft | Duration: ~3h
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: Explore the northernmost tip of Kefalonia on the circular “Battery Trail”. The path winds through dense cypress forest and old stone trails, passing the historic Venetian Lighthouse and the WWII air-defence ruins known as “The Battery”, with stunning views over the Ithaca Strait and secluded coves.
Hike: Length: ~11 km / 6.8 mi | Ascent | Descent: 285 m / 935 ft | 300 m / 984 ft | Duration: ~4h
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: Starting from the valley of Tzanata, visit the impressive Mycenaean Vaulted Tomb before ascending through a serene pine forest to the ancient Acropolis of Pronnoi, with breathtaking views of the eastern coastline. Descend into the seaside town of Poros for a swim, then discover the secrets of the Ionian “liquid gold” at a local olive oil mill.
Hike: Length: 5 km / 3.1 mi | Ascent | Descent: 145 m / 476 ft | 210 m / 689 ft | Duration: ~2h
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: Cross the gulf to the Paliki Peninsula, the island’s wild western edge. Enjoy the red sands and white clay cliffs of Xi Beach, taste Mavrodaphne and Muscat at a local winery, and finish with a hike to the “Balcony of Kefalonia”: from the mountain village of Kaminarata through wild limestone landscapes to Kipouria Monastery, perched 100 m above the sea, just in time for sunset.
Hike: Length: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi | Ascent | Descent: 105 m / 344 ft | 415 m / 1,362 ft | Duration: ~2h
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Argostoli
Summary: Time to say goodbye to the Ionian. Enjoy a last coffee overlooking the Argostoli waterfront before your transfer to the airport.
Today’s Journey:
Overnight: Departure
Kefalonia is at its best for hiking from April to June and in September and October. In spring the island is green and full of wildflowers, while in autumn the sea is still warm for a swim after the hike. Mid-summer can be very hot, especially on the exposed trails of the north and the Paliki peninsula.
Learn more about the best time to visit Greece in our article “Best Time to Hike in Greece: A Seasonal Guide“.
A moderate tour suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. Daily hikes last 2 to 4 hours on well-defined paths, forest roads and old stone trails, with the longest climb (530 m) on Mount Ainos. Good hiking shoes are essential on the rocky limestone sections.
More about the difficulty levels of trails in Greece as well as about our grading system to be found on our dedicated article “Understanding Trail Difficulty in Greece: A Hiker’s Guide“.
From €1,320 per person, based on 2 people sharing a double room. The price includes domestic flights, 7 nights with breakfast in Argostoli, private airport transfers, a 5-day rental car, pre-booked taxi rides back to your car after the linear hikes, cave entrance fees, the olive oil and wine tastings, and full access to our self-guided app. Single rooms are available on request.
Your base for the whole week is a selected hotel in Argostoli, the lively capital of Kefalonia. No packing and unpacking every day: you return each evening to the same room, a short walk from the waterfront, the pedestrian Lithostroto street and the town’s best tavernas.
Learn more about the accommodation that we carefully select on our trips in our Journal article “Beyond the Buffet: Authentic & Boutique Hotels in Rural Greece“.
Make your journey even more comfortable or extend your stay with our bespoke add-ons. Contact us for a personalized quote.
✨ Full-Board Package: Pre-arranged lunches and dinners at hand-picked traditional taverns, so you can taste the very best of Kefalonian cuisine every day.
✨ Organized Picnic Lunches: Enjoy freshly prepared picnics with local products on every hiking day.
✨ Private Transfers: Prefer not to drive? We can replace the rental car with private transfers on every hiking day.
✨ Private English-Speaking Guide: Transform your self-guided tour into a fully guided experience with an expert local hiking leader.
✨ Extended Stays: Add extra nights in Argostoli, or start/end your trip with a few days in Athens to explore the Acropolis and the capital’s vibrant culture.
