Cephalonia’s Sami region is a treasure trove for travelers eager to see stunning caves, pristine beaches, and charming villages. What makes Sami especially appealing is its compact size and the variety of tours that reveal both its natural wonders and local culture. Whether you’re cruising through dramatic caves or swimming in crystal waters, the tours here blend adventure with authentic experiences. We’re particularly fond of the shore excursion to caves with local wine tasting, which offers a memorable combination of natural beauty and flavors, all in just half a day.
For those who prefer a full day of sailing and swimming, the boat trips around Ithaca are excellent choices. These tours highlight secluded beaches like Gidaki and Filiatro, and they include local snacks that make the day feel special. Whatever your interests, Sami Cephalonia’s tours provide a range of options, all designed to showcase the island’s most captivating sights and experiences.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of tours suited to different tastes and schedules—from half-day private sightseeing excursions to full-day boat trips with swimming and snacks. For those who want a deep dive into Kefalonia’s caves and beaches, the The Caves & Myrtos Beach tour offers a combination of spectacular cave visits and a relaxing beach stop. If you’re pressed for time but want a taste of the island’s highlights, the Private Half-Day Sightseeing is perfect. For a more personalized experience, the Full Day Private Tour combines iconic sights with the chance to explore Kefalonia’s small villages. Below, we break down each tour in detail to help you pick the right adventure.
1. Argostoli: Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting
At number 1, this half-day shore excursion offers a well-balanced mix of natural sights and local flavors. Starting from Argostoli, you’ll ride a boat across Melissani Lake, renowned for its shimmering waters and dramatic rock formations. The highlight is exploring the Melissani Cave, which boasts stunning turquoise hues and a mysterious atmosphere. The tour continues with a visit to the Drogarati Cave, a 150-million-year-old wonder with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
What sets this tour apart is the local wine tasting at a seaside venue, giving you a taste of Kefalonia’s viticulture. Many travelers appreciate how smoothly everything is organized, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the close proximity to cruise ship terminals. The tour lasts about 5 hours, making it manageable for a quick shore visit but packed with highlights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise passengers or anyone wanting a quick, scenic overview with a delicious local touch.
2. Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Trip with Swimming and Snacks
Number 2 on our list is a 7-hour boat adventure that takes you around Ithaca, the tiny neighbor island of Kefalonia. This tour is perfect for water lovers who want to explore secluded beaches like Gidaki and Filiatro, both known for their crystal-clear waters. The boat cruise includes multiple swimming stops—one at Gidaki Beach, often called one of the best beaches in Greece, and another at Filiatro, which is great for snorkeling.
The trip also includes a visit to Vathy, a picturesque village in Ithaca, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy local snacks. The crew provides seasonal fruit and light refreshments, making the experience comfortable and authentic. With reviews highlighting how polite and helpful the staff are, and how much fun the swimming in untouched bays can be, this tour is a solid choice for those craving a full day on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, swimming, and a taste of island life—all in one relaxed cruise.
3. Kefalonia: The Caves & Myrtos beach
Number 3 combines cave exploration with one of Kefalonia’s most iconic beaches. This 5-hour tour includes visits to the Drogarati Cave and the Melissani Lake—two must-see natural wonders—and then a long, leisurely swim at Myrtos Beach, famous for its towering cliffs and stunning turquoise waters.
The tour’s uniqueness lies in its seamless combination of underground cave marvels and a spectacular beach break. Guests often comment on the quality of the boat ride and the beauty of Melissani, which is described as “a natural cathedral of water.” The trip is suitable for those who want a balanced mix of caves and beach, with the added bonus of seeing Kefalonia’s geological history.
Bottom Line: Excellent for visitors who want a snapshot of Kefalonia’s natural highlights, with a chance to relax on a world-famous beach.
4. Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Snacks
Close to the top, this 7-hour cruise from Sami offers an immersive day sailing around Ithaca. The itinerary is similar to the previous boat trip but emphasizes snacks and fresh fruit throughout the day, along with swimming in secluded bays. You’ll visit Gidaki Beach and Filiatro, with plenty of time to relax and snorkel.
The crew’s friendly service and the opportunity to explore the island’s hidden beaches make this a favorite. Reviewers mention how polite and attentive the staff are, and how the various swim stops allow you to beat the crowds. If you enjoy being on the water with plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy scenic views, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a relaxing, snack-filled day with plenty of swimming and exploration.
5. Kefalonia: Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour & Shore Excursion
Number 5 is a customizable private tour perfect for cruise guests or travelers seeking a flexible, personalized experience. Covering Kefalonia’s highlights like Myrtos Beach, Drogarati Cave, and Melissani Lake, it’s tailored to your pace and interests. The tour’s flexibility allows for stops at sea turtle spotting in Argostoli or visiting the charming Assos village.
This tour is rated very highly for its local guides and the ability to adapt the itinerary. It’s a good fit for those who want a more intimate experience with a guide who knows the island well. The price of $78 per person is competitive, especially considering the personalized attention and private transport.
Bottom Line: The best option for travelers who prefer a flexible, private experience with tailored stops.
6. Kefalonia: Full Day Private Island Tour from Skala
Our number 6 pick is a full-day private tour that explores Kefalonia’s top sights. Highlights include a boat ride at Melissani Lake, visiting the Drogarati Cave, and enjoying Myrtos Beach. The tour also takes you to traditional villages Fiskardo and Assos, with time for lunch and photographs.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience with the flexibility of private transport and guides. The itinerary includes astonishing views and the chance to walk through picturesque villages. Many reviews appreciate how friendly and knowledgeable the guide was in customizing their day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a full, curated day of Kefalonia’s best sights, with personalized service.
7. Kefalonia: Discover Full Day Private Tour
Number 7 is a full-day private exploration that covers Drogarati, Melissani, Myrtos, and the villages of Assos and Fiskardo. This tour emphasizes geological sites and charming coastal towns, with flexible stops and plenty of photo opportunities. It is especially well-reviewed for its informative guide and custom itinerary.
Suitable for travelers who enjoy learning about geology and local culture while enjoying scenic walks and boat rides, this tour balances education and leisure. The price of $440 for two makes it a good deal for a private experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a personalized and educational full-day trip.
$440 per group up to 2
8. Kefalonia: Four Hours Private Tour with Guide
This half-day private tour hits key highlights like Myrtos Beach, Drogarati Cave, and Melissani Lake. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want a guided overview of the main sights. The guide’s local knowledge helps you enjoy each site without the rush of large groups.
Reviewers mention how helpful and flexible the guide was, and how much they appreciated the personalized attention. The brief duration makes it suitable for travelers with tight schedules but still wanting an authentic Kefalonia experience.
Bottom Line: Best for time-conscious travelers who want a private, guided introduction.
$198 per person
9. Kefalonia: The Caves Tour, visiting Melissani & Drogarati
This 4-hour tour focuses entirely on the island’s famous caves. It includes tickets for Melissani and Drogarati, with guided visits that highlight their geological features. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss option for cave lovers.
Guests love the efficiency of the tour and the inclusion of cave tickets, which streamlines the experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want an in-depth cave experience without extra stops.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those with limited time who want a focused exploration of Kefalonia’s caves.
10. Private Tour: The Ultimate Kefalonia Experience
Number 10 offers an all-encompassing 5-hour private tour. It visits St. Gerasimos Monastery, a wine cellar for tasting, the Drogarati Cave, Melissani Lake, and the charming Agia Efimia village. This tour provides a deep dive into Kefalonia’s most iconic sites along with local cuisine.
Many reviews mention the friendly driver and the variety of sights packed into a manageable timeframe. It’s great for travelers who want a full flavor of Kefalonia’s culture, history, and scenic beauty in a comfortable, private setting.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting an intimate, curated experience with a mix of natural and cultural highlights.
$299 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Sami Cephalonia
Choosing the right tour depends on your schedule, budget, and what you want to see most. If you’re on a cruise and want a quick yet comprehensive taste, the Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting is perfect. For a longer, leisurely day on the water, the Ithaca Boat Trip offers unbeatable swimming and scenic views.
If your goal is maximizing sightseeing, the Full Day Private Tours or Private Half-Day provide flexibility and depth. Budget travelers should consider the small group tours or focused cave experiences, while those seeking an indulgent, full immersion might enjoy the Ultimate Kefalonia Experience.
Plan ahead and book early, especially in peak summer months, to ensure availability and the smoothest experience. Think about your interests—are you a cave fanatic? A beach lover? Or perhaps keen on local culture? Each tour offers something unique, so pick what fits your style best.
To sum it up, Sami Cephalonia offers a diverse array of tours to suit every traveler. Whether you want a quick shore excursion, a private full-day adventure, or a relaxing boat cruise, there’s a perfect fit waiting. For first-timers, the Caves & Myrtos Beach tour offers a classic Kefalonia experience, while the Ultimate Kefalonia Experience is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, private exploration. Booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences—so go ahead and secure your spot now!