Complete Guide To Charming Fiskardo

Fiskardo, with its colorful Venetian-style buildings lining the waterfront at the harbor, exudes an irresistible charm. It’s been called “posh”, maybe as celebrities are known to visit on their mega yachts, but to me this village has a classy, laid-back air. It offers beauty and charm, along with fantastic seaside dining, is relaxing, and great for people watching. Whether you’re stopping here for a day, just an evening, or more, this travel guide to Fiskardo will help you make the most of your visit.

About Fiskardo

Fiskardo is in the northern tip of Kefalonia, across from the island of Ithaka. Its most notable features are its natural beauty and vibrant maritime atmosphere. The harbor, which is a haven for yachts and fishing boats, is surrounded by a wide promenade filled with upscale restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and boutique shops.

By day, it’s filled with tourists exploring its many charms, while in the evening the restaurants overlooking the sea are filled as the sun sets and the sky transforms into a colorful canvas, casting a magical glow over the harbor.

The coast of Fiskardo is also sprinkled with some of the best beaches of Kefalonia. These pebbled beaches and their crystal-clear blue and turquoise waters are nestled in secluded coves surrounded by lush green cyprus trees.

There are also daily ferries to the islands of Ithaka and Lefkada in peak season, providing even more beautiful places to explore. And, of course, Fiskardo is a 40-minute drive north of famous Myrtos Beach, often noted on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and many other lovely places in Kefalonia like Assos Village, Melissani Cave Lake, Argostoli, and more.

Fiskardo is unique as it’s one of the few villages on the Ionian islands not heavily damaged by the 1953 earthquake. Because of this, the architecture here retains much of its original Venetian charm.

Most people stop in Fiskardo for a day, but it’s also lovely to stay longer to soak in the atmosphere of the harbor and explore its pretty little beaches and hiking trails.

Fiskardo Harbor

Fiskardo Harbor is the focal point of this charming village. It’s one of the most popular harbors in the Ionian Sea for yachts, super yachts, and cruisers, so it’s not unusual to see several here.

It’s lined with Venetian buildings painted in pretty pastel colors, has many upscale restaurants and taverns along its promenade, and beautiful, bougainvillea-filled backstreets.

For top dining, Elli’s Restaurant sits at a prime spot on the harbor and has over a 1,000 great reviews on Trip Advisor. Other great waterfront spots include Apagio Restaurant, Tassia’s, Nicholas Taverna, Captain’s Cabin, Irida’s, Le Passage and more. And when you get tired of Greek food and seafood, there’s also a Thai restaurant called Lord Falcon Thai.

There are also many boutique shops to explore near the harbor as well as a Dive Shop that offers dives to explore nearby wrecks, caves, and more.

Emblisi Beach

Emblisi Beach, or Emplisi Beach, is a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk north of Fiskardo Harbor. This is one of the loveliest little beaches in Kefalonia.

It has a deep bay with large, slab-like rocks on either side of its white pebbled beach and is lined with lush greenery. The crystal-clear water here is colored in tranquil shades of turquoise and blue.

This is a natural beach, with no sun beds or umbrellas for rent, so bring what you need. This includes water shoes for the pebbled beach.

There is a small canteen nearby, Canteen Emblysia, or head back to Fiskardo Port for more food options. Parking is available along the road or back in Fiscardo.

Foki Beach

Foki Beach, also known as Phoki Beach, is another peaceful little beach about a 5-minute drive south of Fiskardo Harbor. Its pebbled beach is few steps down the hill beyond the olive trees in the photo below.

This is another natural beach with no sun bed or umbrella rentals. Water shoes are also a good idea here.

Taverna Foki, a Greek family run taverna that gets great reviews, is on the road at the top of the hill. It’s not fancy, but is known for its great atmosphere and great food at a reasonable price. It gets busy in the summer so book in advance.

Fiskardo Lighthouse Trail

There are also several hiking trails in Fiskardo. One of the easiest and most accessible is the Fiskardo Lighthouse Trail. It’s less than a mile (1.45 km) long and offers great views of Fiskardo and the channel between Fiscardo and Ithaca.

It starts near Nicholas Taverna on the north side of Fiskardo Harbor and heads up and out onto the peninsula. You’ll walk past both the old and new Venetian lighthouses and the see the ruins of an old Byzantine basilica before looping back to the harbor.

The hike is well-signed and takes about 30 minutes. It’s mostly shaded, but can still be hot in the summer.

Fiscardo Loop Trail

Fiskardo Loop Trail is a longer trail and stops by three of the best beaches in Fiskardo. The trail circles the northern tip of Fiskardo starting at Fiskardo Harbor, and stops by Emblisi Beach, Kimilia Beach, and Dafnoudi Beach, before looping back to Fiskardo.

The trail is 8.5 miles (13.6 km) with 1,450’ of elevation gain. Because of the beaches, it’s perfect to wear your bathing suit (and water shoes) and stop for a swim or two along this trail.

I did not hike this hike, but they suggest to use your GPS as it’s not clearly marked. Google “All Trails Fiskardo Loop Trail” and download it in advance.

This loop can take 4 hours without beach stops, so make sure to bring water and wear sunscreen.

Visit The Roman Cemetery Of Fiskardo

You can also indulge in a little history in Fiskardo by visiting the well-preserved Roman Cemetery south of the harbor. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Elli’s.

This seaside site dates to the 2nd to 4th century when the port of Fiscardo played an important role in the exchange of goods and between Italy and Greece. It is free to explore on your own.

Take The Ferry To Vasiliki, Lefkada

There’s a daily 60-minute ferry from Fiskardo to Vasiliki, Ithaka (which is north of Fiscardo) in peak season. See the ferry schedule here.

Vasiliki is a small fishing village on the southern coast of Ithaka that’s known for its picturesque beaches. Due to its great winds, it’s also a popular spot for windsurfing.

Take The Ferry To Frikes, Ithaka

There’s also a ferry from Fiskardo to Frikes, Ithaka, which takes about 45 minutes. This ferry also only operates in peak season. See the ferry schedule here.

Frikes is a small coastal fishing village on the northeastern side of Ithaka. You can explore the beaches near Frikes, or more of the island.

Rent A Boat And Explore On Your Own

You can also rent a boat in Fiskardo and explore the beaches of Fiskardo by sea, or head over to Ithaka. Two rental places include Regina’s and Fiskardo Boat Hire.

Both offer a variety boats you can captain yourself, even if you’ve never captained before. They will even help you with directions on how to get to cool beaches and coves to explore.

Boats do book out in peak season, so make sure to book in advance.

Visit The Fishing Village Of Assos

The colorful little fishing village of Assos is about a 35-minute drive southwest of Fiskardo. It’s picturesquely nestled in a narrow part of a peninsula, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian.

At the far end of the peninsula, there are the ruins of a 16th century Venetian castle high on a hilltop that you can explore. There are also some beaches to enjoy, a few taverns to try, and the ruins of some old Venetian houses to admire.

Visit Myrtos Beach

Last but not least, visit stunning Myrtos Beach, just a 40-minute drive southwest of Fiskardo. This is the highlight and most visited site of Kefalonia, so can’t be missed. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and often makes lists of one of the most beautiful in the world (along with three other the Greek beaches of Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach, Balos Bay Beach, and Elafonisi Beach.

Its viewpoints along the road above it are gorgeous, the drive down its windy road to sea level is heart thumping, and it’s no less impressive on the actual beach.

There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, changing rooms and restrooms. There’s also a cantina serving sandwiches, spinach pie (of course), and beverages.

Where To Stay in Fiskardo

Affordable

• KAMINAKIA Apartments & Studios – Adults only offers breathtaking sea views at an affordable price. Each apartment has a terrace or balcony with sea views. It’s located between the harbor and Foki Beach.

Moderate

• Emelisse Nature Hotel is a 10-minute walk to Emblisi Beach and a 20-minute walk to the port. It offers a kitchenette, a pool, and a fitness center. Some rooms offer terraces with a view.

Splurge

• North Point Houses are luxe 2-story villas with kitchenettes and balconies with views of the sea and mountains. It’s located just a few steps away from the harbor.

Want More Of Greece?

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Kefalonia Island

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• How To Get To Melissani Cave & What To Expect
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Zakynthos Island

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• Spotting Turtles in Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island
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For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.