Kefalonia Highlights: Full day cruise from Zakynthos

Explore Kefalonia on a Full-Day Cruise from Zakynthos at $99.55 per Person

This full-day tour from Zakynthos to Kefalonia offers an efficient way to see some of the most notable sights on the island. Priced at $99.55 per person, it includes pickup, roundtrip boat tickets, and a tour escort. With a duration of approximately 10 hours, this trip is ideal for travelers eager to experience Kefalonia’s landmarks without the hassle of organizing transportation themselves.

While the tour covers a broad range of attractions—such as monasteries, caves, lakes, beaches, and the capital—the lengthy transportation time might make some feel it’s more of a sightseeing journey than a leisurely exploration. It’s best suited for visitors who enjoy structured day trips and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Price: $99.55 per person, including boat tickets and pickup
• Duration: Around 10 hours from start to finish
• Highlights: Saint Gerassimos Monastery, Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake and Cave, Myrtos Bay, Argostoli
• Flexible: Includes pickup from Zakynthos hotels and drop-off at the end
• Limitations: Long transport time and no included meals or entry fees for caves

Visiting the Saint Gerassimos Monastery Under Mount Ainos

The tour begins with a visit to the Saint Gerassimos Monastery, considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites on Kefalonia. Located beneath the imposing Mount Ainos, this monastery is dedicated to the island’s patron saint. The stop lasts around 30 minutes, giving visitors a chance to explore the religious site and appreciate its spiritual significance.

This monastery attracts many visitors and serves as an important cultural landmark. It offers insight into the local faith and history, making it a meaningful first stop for those interested in Kefalonia’s spiritual traditions.

Exploring the 150-Million-Year-Old Drogarati Cave

Next, the tour takes you outside Sami to the Drogarati Cave, estimated by experts to be about 150 million years old. The 30-minute visit allows travelers to marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years. The cave’s impressive natural formations and cool interior provide a refreshing break from the summer heat.

Drogarati Cave is a highlight for those interested in geology and natural wonders. The guided experience helps explain the cave’s formation and significance, making it a memorable stop on this Kefalonia journey.

Discovering Melissani Lake and Cave by Boat

One of the most striking features of this tour is the visit to Melissani Lake and Cave, where visitors explore the underground lake by boat for about 40 minutes. This natural marvel is renowned for its crystalline waters and fascinating stalactites that are over 20,000 years old.

The boat ride offers a peaceful yet awe-inspiring experience amid the luminous cave, often highlighted as a must-see attraction on the island. The tour provides a good amount of time for exploration, but note that entrance fees are not included—costing 8 euro for adults and 4 euro for children.

Free Time in the Village of Agia Efimia

After the caves, the trip pauses in Agia Efimia for approximately 1 hour. Here, visitors have the opportunity to grab lunch, relax, or explore the charming village. The stop allows for a personalized experience, whether that means enjoying local tavernas or wandering through shops.

This village is a peaceful spot away from the busier tourist areas, making it a good place to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere before heading to the next key location.

Photos at the Famous Myrtos Bay

The tour makes a brief photo stop at Myrtos Bay, one of Kefalonia’s most photogenic beaches. While there is no beach time here, travelers can take pictures of the stunning landscape featuring crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs.

This stop is perfect for capturing memorable images, though it’s brief—so don’t expect time to relax on the sand. It’s a quick visual highlight before heading towards the capital.

Exploring Argostoli, the Island’s Capital

The final stop at Argostoli lasts about 1 hour, providing a chance to refresh, walk around, or visit local cafes. The capital city of Kefalonia offers a lively ambiance with its plenty of shops, square, and seafront promenade.

This stop provides an informal opportunity to absorb the local vibe, make last-minute souvenir purchases, or simply unwind before the coach begins the return journey.

Logistics and Group Size Considerations

The trip departs from specific points in Zakynthos at 9:30 am and involves a roundtrip boat ride. The group size is capped at 150 travelers, ensuring a somewhat crowded, yet organized experience.

Included in the package are pickup and drop-off services from Zakynthos hotels, though extra charges may apply if the pickup location is outside the tour’s designated route. The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations are accepted free of charge if made more than 24 hours in advance.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides roundtrip boat tickets and a tour escort, making logistics straightforward. However, food and drinks are not included, and visitors should budget for entrance fees to the caves—€5 for Drogarati and €8 for Melissani—if they wish to explore inside.

Personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional snacks, are not covered, so travelers should prepare accordingly.

Pacing and Overall Experience

While the trip offers a rundown of Kefalonia’s top sites, some reviews mention that the transportation time—approximately 11 hours on the road—can be long and challenging, especially in hot weather. The guide’s commentary is noted to be somewhat limited, with some wishing for more storytelling about the island’s history and culture.

Despite these criticisms, many appreciate the efficiency of visiting multiple highlights in one day, especially for those short on time or preferring guided excursions. The turtle sighting during the trip is a delightful bonus highlighted by some travelers.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits travelers looking for a structured, guided experience that covers key Kefalonia attractions without the need to plan transportation or transfers. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those who want a taste of the island’s highlights in a single day.

However, those sensitive to long travel hours or hot weather may want to consider the physical demands and pacing before booking. Remember, there are no included meals, so bringing snacks or planning to buy lunch in Agia Efimia is advisable.

Kefalonia Highlights: Full-Day Cruise from Zakynthos – A Practical Choice

This full-day excursion offers a well-rounded look at some of Kefalonia’s most iconic sights. The monastery, caves, lake, beach, and capital city each provide distinct experiences.

While the transport time can be lengthy and some feel the guides could share more about the island’s history, the overall package delivers convenience and variety. For travelers who value organized visits with included boat rides and hotel pickup, this tour remains a solid option.

It’s best suited for those who aren’t deterred by a packed schedule and want to make the most of a single day on Kefalonia, especially if they are shorter on time and prefer guided exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup from Zakynthos hotels, roundtrip boat tickets, and drop-off are included in the price of $99.55 per person.

Are meals included during the day?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is plenty of free time in Agia Efimia for lunch or snacks.

How long are the visits at each stop?
The monastery is approximately 30 minutes, Drogarati Cave about 30 minutes, Melissani Lake and Cave around 40 minutes, Agia Efimia about 1 hour, and Argostoli also about 1 hour.

What are the entrance fees I need to pay?
Entrance fees for Drogarati Cave are €5 for adults/€3 children, and for Melissani Cave are €8 for adults/€4 children; these are not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but long hours on transportation and hot weather may be challenging for some. The tour may require good mobility to enjoy each stop comfortably.