📍 Greece

KEFALONIA AND ZAKYNTHOS: CAVES, TURTLES AND LEGENDS

Underground lakes with blue reflections, shores evoking the Odyssey, sea turtles basking. The Ionian Islands, between mythology and nature.

≈ 5
Days
159
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Enter Kefalonia's Melissani cave, unreal blue and underground lake, then set off for Ithaca and its Homeric echoes. Watch over Zakynthos and its Caretta-Caretta turtles, then let myth, nature and island gentleness blend on untouched shores.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Argostoli

port town where kefalonia meets ionian

Argostoli - Photo 1Argostoli - Photo 2Argostoli - Photo 3Argostoli - Photo 4Argostoli - Photo 5Argostoli - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Argostoli capital Kefalonia reconstruction 1953 earthquake Drapano bridge Koutavos lagoon.
2
Archaeological Museum Kefalonia Mycenaean Roman Byzantine ceramic collections.
3
Historical Museum Kefalonia 1953 earthquake reconstruction folklore costumes traditions.
4
Saint Theodore lighthouse Fanari 1829 British lagoon sunset emblematic.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Argostoli promenade seafront Lithostrato pedestrian activity shops taverns evenings.
→
Visit Katavothres unique phenomenon sea mills sinkholes geological mystery.
→
Exploration Koutavos lagoon Caretta turtles urban nature ornithological reserve.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 21.1 km
Travel time: 42min
2
Day

Sami

seaside gateway to melissani depths

Sami - Photo 1Sami - Photo 2Sami - Photo 3Sami - Photo 4Sami - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Melissani Cave underground lake blue light unique phenomenon boat visit magical.
2
Drogarati Cave stalactites stalagmites concert hall exceptional acoustics lighting.
3
Sami main port ferry Ithaca Patras beach entertainment exploration base.
4
Antisamos pebble beach turquoise waters pine forest Captain Corelli's Mandolin film.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Visit Melissani cave boat underground lake zenith light magical blue unforgettable.
→
Exploration Drogarati cave limestone formations acoustic hall concerts stalactites.
→
Swimming Antisamos beach film setting crystal waters preserved nature snorkeling.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18.5 km
Travel time: 37min
3
Day

Ithaque

mythic island where odysseus wandered

Ithaque - Photo 1Ithaque - Photo 2Ithaque - Photo 3Ithaque - Photo 4Ithaque - Photo 5Ithaque - Photo 6Ithaque - Photo 7Ithaque - Photo 8Ithaque - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Vathy capital Ithaca horseshoe bay amphitheater houses reconstruction architecture.
2
Archaeological Museum Ithaca Mycenaean collections Ulysses Odyssey ancient history.
3
Kathara Monastery summit 360-degree panorama island Ionian Sea churches.
4
Homeric sites Nymphs cave Arethusa fountain Ulysses Odyssey legend archaeology.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration Vathy picturesque port taverns animation alleys traditional authentic architecture.
→
Visit Homeric sites Ulysses legend Odyssey cave fountain history mythology.
→
Hiking mountain trails villages sea panoramas wild nature olive groves.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 86.4 km
Travel time: 1h26
4
Day

Zakynthos

turtle sanctuary golden beach

Zakynthos - Photo 1Zakynthos - Photo 2Zakynthos - Photo 3Zakynthos - Photo 4Zakynthos - Photo 5Zakynthos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Zakynthos capital city Venetian arcades reconstruction earthquake 1953 Solomos square.
2
Saint Dionysios church patron Zakynthos relics golden iconostasis Orthodox architecture.
3
Byzantine post-Byzantine museum icons frescoes Ionian paintings collections.
4
Bohali hill Venetian castle ruins panoramic view city bay port.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Zakynthos city walk Solomos square poet national anthem modern animation.
→
Byzantine museum visit icon collections religious art Ionian school painting.
→
Bohali climb castle panorama sunset town bay traditional tavernas.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 33.2 km
Travel time: 1h06
5
Day

Navagio

shipwreck beach blue grotto isolated

Navagio - Photo 1Navagio - Photo 2Navagio - Photo 3Navagio - Photo 4Navagio - Photo 5Navagio - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Navagio beach shipwreck smuggling boat 1980 white cliffs 200m turquoise waters.
2
Blue caves Kianoun limestone formations natural arches blue luminosity boat.
3
Cape Skinari lighthouse northern cliffs blue caves excursion departure panorama.
4
Mountain villages Volimes Anafonitria monastery traditions carpet weaving crafts.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat excursion Navagio shipwreck legend paradise beach cliffs spectacular photographic.
→
Exploration blue caves swimming waters magical luminosity snorkeling formations.
→
Visit mountain villages Volimes traditions weaving crafts honey local products.
+3 Optional activities

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - Greece

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.

Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Greece?

Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.