An unusual blip in the weather has brought us some rain and cloudy skies! Not to worry there are plenty of activities to do until normal sunny weather resumes!
What to Do in Kefalonia When It Rains
Even though Kefalonia is blessed with sunshine most of the year, sometimes the skies turn grey and the rain comes down. But don’t worry – a rainy day doesn’t mean your holiday is ruined! The island still has plenty of charm to discover indoors or under cover. Here are some great ideas:
🏛 Explore History & Culture
Kefalonia is home to some wonderful museums, dotted throughout the island, covering many subjects. You can immerse yourself in our history and culture (a lost era of earthquake Kefalonia), or nature and sea life. Browse around my list of museums or try the following:
- Archaeological Collection of Sami – A small but fascinating museum that gives you a glimpse into Kefalonia’s ancient past.
- Corgialenio Historic and Folklore Museum and library – Step back in time and learn about local traditions, costumes, and the everyday life of the island or browse around a selection of rare books in the library.
- Eclesiastical Museum of St. Andreas Malapidia – A very special museum and Monastery that offers visitors a profound combination of spiritual heritage, Byzantine art, and historical depth.
🍷 Taste Kefalonia – contact us to organize the experience
- Winery tours – Rain is the perfect excuse to visit one of the island’s wineries. Taste the famous Robola wine while learning about Kefalonia’s unique grape-growing tradition.
- Olive oil tasting – Discover the secrets of local olive oil production and taste it in interesting combinations.
- Cooking lessons and food tours – Taste local recipes and products or a private chef can cook at your accommodation.
🛍 Wander Indoors
- Shopping – Browse through boutique stores, local crafts, or pick up traditional products like honey, olive oil, cheese, herbs, soaps, and handmade art.
🎭 Cultural Experiences
- Catch a show or event – Depending on the season, you may find concerts, plays, or cultural evenings at local venues, check our events calendar and public announcements and check posters on the streets.
- Visit monasteries & churches – Many are richly decorated and offer a peaceful shelter from the rain.
🍽 Indulge in Food & Coffee
- Settle into a seaside taverna or café and watch the rain while enjoying meze, fresh seafood, or a hot Greek coffee and discuss with locals.
💆 Relax & Recharge
- Hiking with a Raincoat: If the rain is light, don’t let it stop you from exploring Kefalonia’s wild side. Put on a good raincoat and sturdy shoes, and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of Mount Ainos National Park, lush forest paths, or quiet countryside trails. The scent of wet herbs and pine, the soft mist, and the shifting clouds over the sea make the landscape even more magical. However, always avoid hiking if there’s lightning or a storm, and check the weather forecast before setting out for safety.
🤸Book a spa day or massage, a pilates or yoga course.
- Join one of the local Spa services or a course of Pilates or Yoga or one of the local hairdressers or nail services.
⚠️ Stay Safe on Rainy Days
While Kefalonia is wonderful to explore in any weather, it’s good to keep safety in mind. Roads can become slippery when wet, especially the narrow mountain routes with sharp bends, so drive carefully and allow extra time. After heavy rain, you may also come across stones or rocks falling onto the roads, so stay alert.
If there’s a thunderstorm, avoid swimming in the sea, don’t shelter under trees, and stay away from open spaces or cliffs. Strong winds can also make coastal spots dangerous, with large waves crashing onto rocks and beaches.
It’s also worth noting that power cuts can be common during storms, so keep your phone charged and carry a flashlight or power bank if possible. When in doubt, the safest choice is to wait out the weather in a cozy café, taverna, or your accommodation until the skies clear again.
Check here my post about magical summer windy days!
🌦 Remember: rain in Kefalonia often passes quickly. As soon as the sun peeks out again, the island sparkles even brighter!
