The capital Argostoli is home to one-third of the islands inhabitants and Lixouri is the second largest settlement. The most important natural sight might may be the mellisani and the Drogarati cave. The top of the mountain Ainos is covered with Abies cephalonica trees and is declared a natural park. Kefalonia is also well known for its endangered loggerhead turtle population which nest at Kaminia beach under the watchful protection of the of the Sea Turtle Protection society.

Archaeology

In late 2006 a Roman grave complex was uncovered as excavations took place for a new hotel in Fiscardo. The structures date to Roman times -- between the second century B.C. and the fourth century A.D. Archaeologists described it as the most important find of its kind ever made in the Ionian Islands.

Inside the tomb five burial sites were found, including a large vaulted grave and a stone coffin, along with gold earrings and rings, gold leaves that may have been attached to ceremonial clothing, glass and clay pots, bronze artefacts decorated with masks, a bronze lock and copper coins. The tomb had escaped the attentions of grave robbers and remained undisturbed for thousands of years.

In a tribute to Roman craftsmanship, when the tomb opened the stone door easily swung open on its stone hinges. Almost next to the tomb a Roman theatre was discovered, so well preserved that the metal joints between the seats were still intact.

Monasteries

Across the broader island two large monasteries are to be found: the first is that of Haghia Panagia, in Markopoulo to the southeast, and the other lies on the road between Argostoli and Michata, on a small plain surrounded by mountains. This second has an avenue of about 200 trees lined from NW to SE with a circle in the middle, and is the monastery of Agios Gerasimos, patron saint of the island whose relics is on show for veneration at the old church of the monastery.

Museums

• Korgialeneios Museum (under the Korgialeneios Library) in Argostoli
• Kosmetatos Foundation in Argostoli
• Archaeological Museum in Argostoli
• Iakovatios-Library in Lixouri
• Museum in Fiscardo