The Very Best Things to do in Fiskardo, Kefalonia
Fiskardo is a small town in the norther portion of the Greek Island of Kefalonia. The village is quaint, colourful and surprisingly lively in the summer months! As well as beautiful beaches, roman ruins and delicious eateries, there are many fascinating things to do in Fiskardo.
Where is Fiskardo
Fiskardo is located in the north of the Greek Island of Kefalonia. This island sits in the Ionian Sea making it perfect for visiting by boat. Many people arrive at Fiskardo by sea and there are plenty of opportunities to visit the nearby islands from the village harbour.
How to Get There
As mentioned, many people arrive in Fiskardo’s port by boat. Island hopping is a popular summer pursuit for Greeks and visitors alike.
However, if you are based on the island of Kefalonia and looking to get to Fiskardo, we have you covered! Here are the best was to get from Argostoli, where the islands international airport is located, to Fiskardo
Drive
Many visitors to the island rent a car. The drive from Argostoli to Fiskardo will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes to cover the 50km distance. There are plenty of beautiful places to stop off on the way and the roads are generally in good condition. They are, however, very windy as they work up and down the mountains and snake along the coastline, so do take care when driving.
Take the Bus from Argostoli/Sami to Fiskardo
Taking the bus from Argostoli to Fiskardo is a great idea if you don’t have access to a car. This is how we travelled. The buses depart from Argostoli bus station and take just under 2 hours to get to Fiskardo. Tickets cost €5.80 each way. The departure times vary depending on the time of year. During the summer there was one bus from Argostoli in the morning on every second day so it’s useful to plan ahead. Check Kefalonia bus timetables HERE.
If you are staying in Sami, the drive to Fiskardo is about the same distance or the Argostoli bus will pick you up en route.
Taxi
If the bus times aren’t working out for you, or you are travelling in a group, a taxi might be a good option. Expect to pay around €40-€50 each way for a 70 minute journey. As usual in this part of the world, make sure you agree a price before travelling.
Things to Do in Fiskardo
Fiskardo is full of charming venetian architecture, so even just taking a stroll along the old streets is a joy. However, there really are loads of awesome things to do in Fiskardo. Here are a few of the best.
Relax on the Beaches of Fiskardo
Fiskardo has been gifted with some incredible coastline and beautiful beaches. A visit to the beach should certainly be on your list of things to do in Fiskardo. Here are a few of the beaches that are worth a visit –
Visit the Venetian Lighthouse
Take a climb up to the Venetian light house for a great view over Fiskardo. The lighthouse was built in the 16th century when the island was under Venetian rule. A little further along there is another, less ornate, lighthouse to visit.
Discover the Byzantine Basilica
Walking amongst the ruins of this ancient Basilica is one of the most fascinating things to do in Fiskardo. The basilica dates back to the 6th century and the site is really a treat for anyone interested in history.
Take a boat Trip from Fiskardo to Ithaca
With such a beautiful harbour in the village, it would be rude not to take a boat trip. The beautiful island of Ithaca is nearby and most boat trips will stop in many scenic locations on the way.
Explore the Roman Cemetery
This ancient cemetery wasn’t discovered until 1993 but the site can be dated back to the 2nd to 4th centuries! 47 Roman graves were found as well as many artefacts and personal items.
Hiking in the Area
There is plenty of hiking along this costal area. We definitely recommend hiking as one of the best things to do in Fiskardo. The route we followed took us passed both the Basilica and the lighthouse. It was only a mini one – around 2km. Perfect for a hot afternoon! You can also jump in the water at Emblisi beach if you need to cool off.
The route begins on the road in front of Nicholas Taverna. You will see a sign directing you to the lighthouse of the Basilica so you can chose your route.
Where to Eat in Fiskardo
You won’t want to miss the amazing traditional Greek food when visiting the village. We stopped in Mylo’s Cafe for some coffee and brunch. The location was beautiful and the the food was pretty well priced.
For a few drinks in a nice bar, try Theodora’s Café. It has a beautiful view and a good choice of drinks.
Don’t miss the ice cream parlous dotted across the village. The traditional bakery – Tselenti – is also full of delicious treats!
Is Fiskardo Worth Visiting?
Before we visited Fiskardo we had read that it was a town designed for rich tourists. This is true to an extent. It does have its fair share of super yachts, wine bars and polo shirts. However, we found it to be clean, laid back and welcoming, if not a little bit hollow. There is plenty of history and nature to explore. The village is a really nice place to spend a day or a weekend and we would certainly recommend you visit if you’re in the area.
When to Visit Fiskardo
The summer months are ideal for visiting Fiskardo. The island of Kefalonia is not really too busy with tourists so it does not get as crowded as some of its neighbours. Everything in Fiskardo is open in the summer and there is a nice bustle about the town without it being overwhelmingly busy.
How is the Weather Here?
The climate in the Greek islands are temperate and comfortable. Fiskardo is warm and dry in the summer with a definite breeze to help keep cool. The winter is mild but it can get wet in December.
How Long to Stay in the Village
There are so many amazing things to see in Fiskardo. If you are visiting Kefalonia, Fiskardo is a great place to base yourself. There is enough to do to keep you busy for at least a long weekend. However, it is also really easy to visit Fiskardo on a day trip from Argostoli. Those staying on the islands capital can hop on a bus and be in the north of the island in around 2 hours. And there are some incredible views en route!
How expensive is Fiskardo
We were pleasantly surprised. Of course, as mentioned, there are tons of very up market eateries. So if you’re looking to blow some dough, there are plenty of options. We only stayed for the day and easily found some budget friendly options.
Most activities in the summer are free (our favourite price) and the bus from Argostoli was also inexpensive. It is certainly possible to visit Fiskardo on a budget.
What to Bring for a Day Trip to Fiskardo
We have put together a convenient packing list for your day trip to Fiskardo.
- Comfy but smart shoes (most visitors are well dressed)
- Practical/smart clothes
- Swimming costume and towel
- Water shoes (as some beaches are very rocky)
- Backpack
- Snacks for the bus
- Book/audiobook for the bus
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Phone
- Decent camera with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try exploring the Cyclopean Walls of Argostoli? These ancient ruins on the Greek island of Kefalonia are a real treat for history buffs and nature lovers!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Fiskardo or any other part of Kefalonia? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Sounds lovely! I’d love to do some hiking there, especially if I could finish by jumping in the water.
This TRULY looks like the dream euro destination spot!! From the landscape to the landscaping, the views and architechture <3 Definitely adding this stop to my Greece list. Thanks for sharing!!
Lovely read! Fortunately, island hopping in Greece is not as tricky as in the Maldives. I recently visited the island country, and realized that the travelers usually choose to stay only on one island.