Kefalonia Nature & Beach Tour: Turtles, Caves & Myrtos Beach

Loggerhead sea turtles swim near the fishing boats in Argostoli Harbor every morning.

A guided Kefalonia tour combining wildlife, caves and beaches, visiting Argostoli Harbor to spot loggerhead sea turtles, Melissani Cave Lake with its sunlit turquoise waters, Myrtos Beach for photos, and Vouti Beach for swimming. The tour runs 5 to 6 hours with private transport, a live English or Greek-speaking guide, bottled water and snacks included. Entry to Melissani Cave is an optional add-on at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kefalonia's nature and beaches

• Spot sea turtles at Argostoli Harbor
• Take boat tour in Melissani Cave
• Visit viewpoint at Myrtos Beach
• Swim and relax at Vouti Beach

The experience

The morning starts at Argostoli Harbor, where loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) gather near the fishing boats attracted by the morning fish market. This is not a tank or a sanctuary. The turtles are wild and in their natural habitat, and the harbor is one of the few places in Kefalonia where you can watch them swim close enough to photograph. The guide provides context about the species and the ecosystem that draws them here.

From there the tour moves to Melissani Cave Lake, located 2 km northwest of Sami. An earthquake thousands of years ago collapsed part of the cave roof, opening a hole that lets sunlight filter down onto the water. The result is a lake whose color shifts throughout the day depending on the angle of the sun: the water appears turquoise, then deeper blue, then pale again as the light moves. A boat carries you across the lake so you see the effect from inside the cave itself, and the guide explains the geology and history as you float through. The cave entry fee (10 euros) is optional and added at checkout if you choose it.

Myrtos Beach comes next, the most photographed beach on the island. The white pebble sand slopes into crystal-clear water, and the cliffs behind it rise green and steep. There is a famous photo-stop above the beach where the view frames the whole cove. This is where most visitors stop to capture the shot. After Myrtos, the tour ends at Vouti Beach, a smaller and quieter cove on the western coast with soft sand, shallow turquoise water, and a beach bar serving drinks and renting umbrellas and sunbeds. You have time to swim and rest here before the drive back. Private transport, a live guide in English or Greek, bottled water and snacks are included throughout. The remaining time is travel between stops.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport.
• a live guide in English or Greek.
• bottled water and snacks.
• WiFi on board.
• entry to Melissani Cave Lake is optional at 10 euros, added at checkout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 30 Nov

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Seven Islands Private Tours & Transfers

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a steady pace between four stops over 5 to 6 hours with private transport handling all the travel, so you spend your energy on the experiences (spotting turtles, floating through the cave, swimming at two beaches) rather than on logistics or navigation.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 years); Infant (under 2): free.

Can I actually see sea turtles in Argostoli Harbor, or is this more of a "you might spot one" situation?

Loggerhead sea turtles gather in Argostoli Harbor regularly, attracted by the morning fish market near the fishing boats. The harbor is one of the best places in Kefalonia to see them in their natural habitat, and the tour is timed to visit during the morning when they are most active.

What exactly happens inside Melissani Cave? Do we just look at it from the water, or can we walk around?

Melissani Cave is explored by boat. You travel across the lake by boat tour, which takes you through the cave and over the water so you experience the sunlight filtering through the collapsed roof and illuminating the turquoise lake from inside. The guide shares information about the geology and history as you float through.

How much time do we actually spend at Myrtos Beach and Vouti Beach for swimming?

The tour allocates time at both beaches, with Vouti Beach as the final stop where you have time to swim and relax. The exact duration at each beach depends on the overall pacing of the day and travel time between stops, which totals 5 to 6 hours for the full tour.

Is the Melissani Cave entry fee included, or do I pay extra?

Melissani Cave entry is optional and costs 10 euros. You can add it at checkout. If you choose it, the fee is separate from the tour price.

What's included in the tour price besides the guide and transport?

Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snacks, and WiFi on board are included. The tour is led by a live guide who speaks English or Greek.