Sami, Kefalonia cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: The tender lands at Sami harbour, beside the town's waterfront cafés and services.

Sources: Seabourn, Municipal Port Fund, KTEL Kefalonia.

Orientation, not a walking route

Seabourn uses tender transfers at Sami, according to its tender-port list. The last return tender remains ship-specific.

Your crew will identify the landing quay and transfer procedure. Sami's harbour is beside the town's waterfront; note the return point before arranging a driver.

Allow for the boat transfer when deciding how much time you have ashore. If boarding a tender presents a mobility difficulty, discuss the arrangements with the ship before committing to an independent excursion.

About this port

Sami is a port town on Kefalonia's eastern side, with waterfront places to eat and several nearby natural attractions. For a short cruise visit, the practical choice is between staying around town, visiting a cave, or spending time at Antisamos beach. This guide covers Sami specifically; an itinerary naming Argostoli involves a different arrival port.

Melissani's underground lake and Drogarati's limestone formations make a cave outing particularly appealing here. Choose one as your priority, then add a second stop only when the transport arrangements and time ashore allow it.

Getting Around

Walking suits a visit focused on Sami's waterfront. For caves or a beach outing, arrange a taxi or an excursion transfer and agree the return pickup in advance. Confirm whether waiting time is included in any quotation, particularly if you intend to visit both caves.

KTEL Kefalonia's local routes include services between Sami and Argostoli, and from Sami towards Karavomylos and Agia Efimia. Departures depend on the day and season. Use the current outward and return tables and the stop named for Sami; do not plan from an old summer timetable.

Things to Do

Visit Melissani for the underground lake. The Kefalonia–Ithaca Geopark places the cave near Karavomylos, around 2 km north-west of Sami. Visitors descend through an artificial tunnel to a small pier and continue by boat. An opening in the roof admits daylight, while part of the lake extends into a covered chamber. Consider the sloping approach and boat boarding when assessing suitability for your party.

Choose Drogarati for a cave explored on foot. About 5 km from Sami, this cave has stalactites, stalagmites and a large chamber. Steps descend towards the entrance, making it a different physical experience from Melissani's lake trip. Wear shoes with a good grip and keep to the visitor route.

The municipality operates both attractions. Its cave information and contacts carries the latest arrangements. The council's July 2026 notice documented heavy visitor demand at both caves. Leave room for a queue.

Make Antisamos a separate beach option. KTEL's destination guide places the beach around 4 km from Sami. Arrange transport back before settling in, and retain time to reach the tender landing. A cave visit followed by a long beach stop can consume more of the call than the short distances suggest.

Stay around Sami for a slower visit. The waterfront's cafés and restaurants offer a straightforward way to spend a few hours without a longer island journey. If you do go elsewhere first, return to town for your final break so that the last part of the outing stays close to your departure point.

Getting back to your ship

KTEL Kefalonia's local routes include services between Sami and Argostoli, and from Sami towards Karavomylos and Agia Efimia. Departures depend on the day and season. Use the current outward and return tables and the stop named for Sami; do not plan from an old summer timetable.

Practical Information

The currency is the euro (€), the official language is Greek, and 112 is the emergency number. Bring water, sun protection and your ship's local contact details. Carry the identification requested by the crew.

Keep your plans flexible if tender transfers or attraction queues take longer than expected.

Frequently asked

Can you walk around Sami from the cruise landing? Yes. The tender lands at Sami harbour, beside the town's waterfront cafés and services.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Sami? They tender on Seabourn calls. The cruise line lists Sami as a tender port.

How far is Melissani Cave from Sami? About 2 km north-west of Sami, near Karavomylos.

How far is Drogarati Cave from Sami? About 5 km from Sami; the visitor route includes steps down towards the entrance.