Fiskardo Trail to the Venetian Lighthouse

A walk to the Fiskardo lighthouse

Fiskardo is not only one of the most picturesque places of Kefalonia it is also located in a region of exceptional beauty. This part of Kefalonia’s North is characterized by forested cliffs, crystal clear water in small bays, and a stunning view over the sea to Ithaca. The Fiskardo trail to the Venetian lighthouse is one of several hiking options in the area.

There is a notice board in Fiskardo with a map showing three hiking trails. The lighthouse hike is the shortest of these trails and is actually more of a relaxed walk. This walking trail starts directly at the bay of Fiskardo and leads along the shore to the lighthouses (there are actually two).

Relaxed walk in the shade of pine trees

The circular walk starts on the left side of the bay, below Nicolas Restaurant. If you ignore the signpost to the Basilica ruin and just take the wooded path along the shore, it will lead you to the Venetian lighthouse. It was built in the 16th century during the Venetian rule on Kefalonia. Climb up a few steps inside the lighthouse. From the top, you will have a fantastic view of the channel between Kefalonia and Ithaca.

Nearby there is the Victorian lighthouse which was built in 1892 and still is in operation today. Between the two lighthouses, you can find the lighthouse keeper’s cottage which is now uninhabited.

If you continue on the track to the left from here you will find the ruins of a Basilica which probably dates back to the 6th century. In Venetian times (1500 to 1797) it was used as a defensive position. The ruins of the two towers were possibly built by the Venetians for defensive purposes. If you follow the path you come back to the start of the Fiskardo lighthouse trail below Nicolas Restaurant.

Duration of the walk: 30 minutes

Difficulty level: easy