After an extremely busy and hot summer, Kefalonia moves towards the end of the tourist season and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and laid back. Now the temperature is not so punishing and some tourist workers hours are decreasing you will find villagers having some time to swim, visit the coffee shops more often and have more time relax making this month a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.
For the first week or so you will find that most of the businesses are open, but as the month progresses things start to wind down, although as the season has lengthened this year some business may stay open until mid or even late October (please check directly with them).
The weather in October can be a little more unpredictable – check out my ideas for rainy days – but if you have dry warm days some of the best swimming is now available due to the beaches being refreshed from the summer by the rain and the winds, and it’s little cooler at night so I’d advise bringing a sweater and a waterproof jacket as well as your swimwear, snorkelling gear and shorts!
Here are a few recommendations for things to do in October in Kefalonia;
Beaches – The chances of finding seclusion and peace increase with everyday as the season winds down. Take your own provisions with you though just incase the bar/taverna/kiosk is closed!
Walking, Hiking & Cycling – an excellent time for taking to the trails and discovering nature. Some waterfalls and pools may appear, the vegetation reawakens and migratory birds pass over head, stopping off for short periods.
Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave (both open daily & scheduled to close on October 31st) are great places to visit now there are less crowds
Organised adventure tours and sports are a great way to discover Kefalonia both underground and above ground. Try diving or caving, a jeep safari or horse riding… Outdoor Kefalonia is offering activities until November, Aquatic Scuba Diving are exploring the sea until the 15th of October, and Kefalonian Horse Riding Stable and Bavarian Horse Riding are open for treks and riding all year. Boat tours will continue to run but will depend largely on the weather and demand; it is always worth checking ahead to see what’s available. Kefalonia Cruise with Enalios will run trips until 25th October, Fishing Tourism in Kefalonia-Michalis and Fishing Tourism Kefalonia “Dimitrios-Efthimia” and will run trips throughout October but do call ahead to check for which days.
There are many interesting and varied museums on the island – a great way to find out about our culture, history and natural phenomena, especially if the weather is bad! The archaeological museum of Sami, Casa-house museum in Karavomylos, Corgialenios Museum of Folklore and Cultural History and the Focas-Cosmetatos Foundation (both in Argostoli)
Don’t forget festivals and events that are taking place too – you can participate or observe!
So take advantage of cheaper flights, accommodation and car rental and visit us in October and explore our beautiful island!
4 comments
Where is best to stay on the island end of Oct with 2 tween girls. We would like to be able to walk around to local tavernas and we will have a car. What will the weather be like?
Thanks you
Hi, I always suggest the area of Sami is the easiest to explore the island from north to south and it is close to some of the best attractions and beaches, like Melissani and Drogarati Caves, Antisamos and Myrtos beaches, a couple of museums, nice walks and a lot of activities and daily cruises. The weather cannot be predicted, I can only say that it is beautiful but it can be rainy some years. At the end of October a few tavernas will be open and depending if there are still a lot of visitors some of the activities too.
Hello, thanks for this useful post. We are coming to Kafalonia on 25 -29 October 2025. I hear a lot of talk about the end of October things closing but what does the end of October mean? Will bars and restaurants still be open in Assos and Fiskardo and Sami at this time? Also, can you remember Thanks in advance.
Thank you for your message! October can be a wonderful month for swimming and hiking, depending on the weather most of the shops will be slowly closing. If the weather stays good some will stay till the end of the month if not they may close earlier. I am sorry i cannot give more specific information.