You’ve decided on a self-guided yoga retreat in Kefalonia.
You’re drawn to its powerful mountains and serene shores. But how do you weave all those incredible locations into a journey that flows?
How do you create a trip that feels like a true retreat, rather than a rushed holiday?
Think of this itinerary as a gentle suggestion. It is a path you can follow, adapt, or draw inspiration from.
As we covered in our Ultimate Guide to a Self-Guided Yoga Retreat, the real magic happens when you listen to the island and your own intuition.
This five-day plan is designed to help you do just that. It balances exploration with stillness, and iconic sights with quiet moments of connection.
Day 1: Southern Serenity & Finding Your Feet
Your first day is all about arrival. It’s a time to shed the stress of travel and gently ground yourself in the island’s nurturing energy.
- The Plan: Settle into your accommodation, perhaps in the south near Skala or Lourdas. Then, in the late afternoon, head to a quiet southern beach. Kaminia Beach is a wonderful choice. It’s a long stretch of soft sand with a shallow, calm sea, perfect for easing into your holiday. This area is also a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, which lends a special, maternal energy to the air.
- The Practice: Find a quiet spot on the sand. Your first practice should be gentle and grounding. Focus on connecting your breath to the sound of the calm waves. A slow, restorative flow or a simple seated meditation is perfect. The goal isn’t exertion; it’s simply to arrive.
- The Vibe: Gentle, nurturing, and grounding.
Day 2: Mountain Majesty & A Shift in Perspective
After grounding by the sea, it’s time to shift your energy upwards. Today, you will journey to the island’s solemn heart: Mount Ainos National Park.
- The Plan: In the morning, drive into the mountains. The air will grow cooler and carry the scent of pine. For an accessible yet beautiful experience, take the easy circular trail from the Mount Ainos Environmental Centre. The path is well-marked and takes you on a 1.5 to 2.5-hour walk through a forest of endemic Kefalonian Fir trees—a species that grows nowhere else on Earth.
- The Practice: Along the trail, you will find designated recreation areas. These clearings are perfect, private spots to unroll your mat. Surrounded by the quiet dignity of the “Black Mountain,” this is the ideal place for a practice focused on strength and stability. Focus on your breath, inhaling the crisp, clean mountain air.
- The Vibe: Expansive, powerful, and deeply peaceful.
Day 3: Iconic Coasts & Embracing Natural Power
Today is about experiencing the raw, dramatic beauty for which Kefalonia is famous. You will greet the sun from one of the world’s most breathtaking viewpoints.
- The Plan: Start your day early. Drive to the scenic overlook above Myrtos Beach before the crowds arrive. The view of the sweeping white bay and its electric turquoise water is simply awe-inspiring. In the afternoon, travel to the east coast to experience a different kind of beauty at Antisamos Beach. Featured in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, its vibrant green hills tumble directly into emerald waters.
- The Practice: At the Myrtos viewpoint, your practice is one of pure awe. A dynamic series of Sun Salutations here feels like greeting the entire world. Later, at Antisamos, find a spot at the far end of the pebbly shore. The energy here is revitalising. A playful, heart-opening flow would be perfect.
- The Vibe: Awe-inspiring, dramatic, and revitalising.
Day 4: Historic Charm & A Meditative Walk
Now it’s time to blend natural beauty with Kefalonia’s timeless human history. You will use the island’s resilient architecture as a focus for your practice.
- The Plan: Make your way to the village of Assos, arguably one of the most beautiful in Greece. Instead of staying in the small harbour, take the picturesque trail that loops up the headland to the ruins of the 16th-century Venetian fortress. The walk itself is a moving meditation, with stunning views at every turn.
- The Practice: Find a quiet clearing along the castle trail. With the colorful village on one side and the open Ionian Sea on the other, you have the perfect backdrop. Use the “dreamy setting” of the village as your Drishti, or focal point, to steady your gaze and still your mind during balancing poses.
- The Vibe: Timeless, peaceful, and contemplative.
Day 5: Northern Seclusion & A Farewell Flow
For your final day, seek out the deep tranquility of the northern Erisos peninsula. This is a chance for a final, intimate practice before you depart.
- The Plan: Explore the coastline near the village of Fiskardo. You have a choice of true gems here. You could head to Foki Beach, a serene cove surrounded by olive and cypress trees that offer natural shade. Or, you could visit Emplisi Beach, where you can practice on the smooth, flat rock slabs at the water’s edge—nature’s perfect yoga platform.
- The Practice: This final session is for you alone. It’s a time to integrate the experiences of the past few days. Let the practice be intuitive. Move in a way that feels good for your body. A long, luxurious Savasana here, with only the sound of the sea, is the perfect way to close your retreat.
- The Vibe: Intimate, serene, and reflective.
Conclusion
This itinerary is just one of many paths you can take through Kefalonia. Let it be your guide, but don’t be afraid to wander. Perhaps you’ll discover a hidden cove that calls to you, or feel compelled to spend another day in the mountains. The most rewarding journey is the one you create for yourself.
To help you finalize your plans, the next and final article in our series will be “Finding Your Sanctuary: Choosing the Best Base for Your Kefalonia Yoga Holiday.” We’ll break down the island’s different regions to help you find the perfect home base for your personal retreat.

