There are many charters that every year bring thousands of tourists to Zante, Corfu and Kefalonia. Who hasn’t seen the famous photo from Navagio in Zante or Mirtos Beach in Kefalonia? But in the same geographical area, there are standing three small and hidden islands that none of a touristic package may include.
Meganisi, the largest of them, has an increasing development and is connected through Nidri, Lefkada. Its picturesque harbour is called Spilia and it is visited by many yachts and sailing boats every summer and you can visit the other two villages Katomeri and Spartochori.
The road network is good, but because of the size of the island, is fairly limited. It’s up to you if you decide to bring your car or not. Alternatively, there are many scooters and small boats that you can rent.
Beaches: Excellent is the Lantern beach in Cape Atherinos and in Katomeri, which overlooks the neighbouring island Kalamos, you will find the nice beach of Porto Elia. From Katomeri there is Limonari, a small beach with pebbles but also turquoise waters. Very interesting is the coastal route from Spartochori to Saint John that will reveal to you many small beaches.
Activities: SecretGreece as you probably already know, is interested in sports activities and in Meganisi you will find different choices! In the south, where the shape of the island is completely different from the rest, an extremely long and narrow peninsula forms a huge arc with a southeast orientation that leads to Head promontory. The place is suitable for hiking, but as it is steep you should be equipped with suitable shoes as well with a hat and a lot of water!
Just 350 meters towards the channel that separates Lefkada with Meganisiisi, dominates the tiny island loop that can not offer good beaches, but excellent fishing spots (if you scuba dive, then give attention to ocean currents!)
There are also many boats that go to the sea caves on the southern tip of the island. The most famous is that of “Papanikoli” but also beautiful is “Giovani”.
Source: Lefkada Slow Guide
Kalamos is the second smallest island and it’s the perfect choice for absolute calmness and serenity. Cars are not allowed on the islands and it has only two villages, Kalamos and Episkopi. Kalamos is the port that matches the boat from Mitika and from there begins the only road to Episkopi. Notable is the pine forest of Kalamos, considered one of the rarest of the Ionian Sea and the towering royal pines are home to dozens of different species of birds.
Kastos is the smallest and the wildest and undiscovered. It comes from the decades of the ’60s with delightful stone houses with large windows and wooden balconies. This island has no cars as well and it is an ideal place for campers! Around the island, you will find the beaches Sarakiniko Valley, Kamini.
Check our map below to find where these islands are!
If you want to know more about these hidden Greek islands, just leave us a comment below!
Hi Dimitris
Having come across your blog whilst looking into island hopping I wanted to ask some advice please if I may.
I’m planning a trip for next year from mid June for 21 days.
It’s my 60th birthday whilst there and that feels old to say but I’m young at heart!
My husband and I enjoy peaceful locations for a good base and would like to then explore the whole island, either by car or scooter.
I’m thinking of a trip that starts in Kefalonia and we stay for 10 days but within that time we visit maybe Ithaki. Then go on to Lefkada , visit from there Meganisi.
It’s not totally island hopping but equally I don’t want to feel like we are backpacking and lots of transfer travel!
Do you think Kefalonia and Lefkada are a good base to explore all they have to offer and cross to smaller islands whilst there ?
It all feels a bit daunting to be honest.
We are basically looking to explore but have lazy beach days, we love snorkeling. I want to visit the monasteries and experience Greek life without being right in the lively areas. We like self catering as we enjoy eating at local tavernas. We normally hire a boat to explore caves etc.
So I’d really appreciate your thoughts please.
Thank you & kindest regards
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your patience!
Initially note that 60 is just a number when you’re young at heart and curious about the world!
Now about your plan for a 21-day Greek island adventure it sounds very good to me!
Kefalonia is a large island and spending around 10 days in Kefalonia is I think ideal, as it’s a diverse island with plenty to see at a leisurely pace. You can base yourselves in a peaceful area like Assos, Fiscardo, or near Agia Efimia, all of which offer charm, quiet beaches, and access to great tavernas.
Of course, I believe renting a car or scooter is almsot a necessity and you can explore the island’s famous spots like Myrtos Beach, the Melissani Cave, and St. Gerasimos Monastery, while leaving room for spontaneous stops and lazy beach days.
From Kefalonia, a day trip or overnight to Ithaki is very doable — it’s serene, deeply traditional, and perfect for hiring a small boat to explore hidden coves and snorkel in crystal waters.
After Kefalonia, heading north to Lefkada for the second half of your trip makes perfect sense. You can travel by ferry from Fiskardo to Vasiliki in Lekfada or from Sami to Nidri.
Lefkada is also excellent for independent exploration and has breathtaking beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni, as well as quieter inland villages where you can get a real feel for local life. A great base could be Nidri, Vasiliki, or Nikiana, all peaceful but with easy access to tavernas and the rest of the island.
From Lefkada, you can easily visit Meganisi, either by ferry or by joining a small boat trip — it’s quiet, authentic, and great for snorkelling and lunch by the sea.
Hopefully you will have a great time!
Dimitris