Although Kefalos is renowned today for its cultural events, such as the Agia Paraskevi festivities on July 26th and the Ai Giannis celebrations on August 29th, the area boasts a rich history worthy of exploration. The village, built on the site of the island’s ancient capital Astypalea, is divided into two main parts: the traditional hilltop settlement with its narrow alleys, central square, and mill, and the seaside area known as “Kamari,” which offers restaurants and accommodations. Notable archaeological finds in Kefalos include the impressive Castle of the Knights and the paleo-Christian churches in the Agios Stefanos area. Visitors can also explore the White Stone Cave, where the first traces of life on the island were discovered, as well as the natural cave known as Drakotrypa. The surrounding beaches feature crystal-clear turquoise waters, typically calm during the summer, and offer a variety of water sports. The area also serves as an excellent base for canoe or bicycle excursions to the nearby island of Kastri, home to the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos.
