How one can Plan the Excellent Journey to Kefalonia, Greece

The Greek island of Kefalonia is house to a shocking mixture of dramatic landscapes, from its pristine seashores to its rolling hillsides — with loads of these famed white-washed houses sprinkled in between. It is a slice of island paradise that has someway remained comparatively underneath the radar (save for a well-known look within the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”) compared to extra fashionable spots like Santorini and Mykonos.

“Kefalonia is a spectacular vacation spot. The island is thought for its cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious greenery, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike,” Filippos Venetopoulos, the CEO of Selection Cruises, which operates an Ionian crusing that stops on the island, explains. And naturally, Venetopoulos says, you’ll be able to’t miss these “charming villages” both. 

Damaris Osorio, a relationship supervisor specializing in Greek journey at Black Tomato, additionally identified one in every of Kefalonia’s greatest qualities: Its exclusivity. 

“Whereas lots of the Greek Islands are located on the jap coast, Kefalonia is positioned on the western coast within the Ionian Sea. This inevitably creates an air of exclusivity and uniqueness in addition to quiet seashores,” Osorio shared. “Folks can get pleasure from a large number of outside experiences akin to caving, jeep safaris, coasteering, and sea kayaking whereas escaping the crowds. Far fewer individuals consider visiting Kefalonia whereas in Greece and sometimes go for the traditional spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, however it’s unfettered and equally lovely. Excellent for these in search of a mixture of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? Here is every thing that you must plot out the right journey to your new favourite Greek island. 

The place to Keep

Eliamos Villas Resort & Spa

Examine into five-star luxurious on the Eliamos Villas Resort & Spa. Situated on the southern shore of Kefalonia, the resort has simply 12 villas, every spacious and embellished with soothing impartial decor. The resort can also be devoted to your well-being, providing a prolonged menu of spa and wellness actions.  

F Zeen Retreat

Situated close to Lourdas Seaside, F Zeen Retreat is an adults-only escape the place you will discover true peace and quiet. This boutique resort blends into its lush inexperienced environment, set off by its chic views of the Ionian Sea. Swim in its two infinity swimming pools, spend time within the spa, work up a sweat with its in-house wellness packages, or just calm down within the minimalistic rooms that characteristic pure supplies to finish its natural really feel. 

Emelisse Nature Resort

Emelisse Nature Resort, tucked alongside the Fiskardo shoreline, is yet one more luxurious getaway with nature at its middle. The resort presents outsized rooms and suites that include terraces and sea views the place you’ll be able to sip espresso within the morning and wine within the night, sandwiching your day with swims within the sea, lounging by the pool, or spa therapies that may soften away all of your worries. Do not miss the resort’s breakfast, which options tasty pastries and native eggs. 

Issues to Do

Go to Melissani Cave.

One in all Kefalonia’s most well-known pure wonders, Melissani Cave is a must-see for all guests. The cave is house to a subterranean lake that’s completely lit all through the day due to a gap within the cave’s ceiling. E-book a tour for midday when the sunshine is at its greatest. 

Lounge on Myrtos Seaside.

There are various magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nonetheless, Myrtos Seaside would be the most lovely. The seashore is made up of small, white pebbles resulting in the turquoise waters, all framed by towering cliffs on both aspect. It is giant sufficient that you will discover your individual little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for lease and fundamental seashore facilities obtainable. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia presents one thing spectacular for nature fans: The one nationwide park on a Greek island. Vacationers can discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park, which stretches for almost 7,500 acres and is house to Megas Soros, its highest peak that reaches greater than 5,340 toes within the air. Hike to the highest, go by the Kefalonian fir bushes, and even spot some (semi) wild horses alongside the best way. Don’t fret in case you’re not in improbable climbing form, trails vary from simple to reasonable, however all provide completely dazzling views. 

Style the wine at native vineyards.

Get a style of the terroir at one in every of Kefalonia’s Robola vineyards. Within the scenic Omala Valley, the vineyards domesticate the island’s prized Robola grape, recognized for making mineral-rich wines with citrus and floral notes. Cease into Orealios Gaea to stroll the vineyards and get a style earlier than choosing up a number of bottles to deliver house. 

Finest Locations to Go to 

Fiskardo

Make your method to Kefalonia’s northern tip to go to the fishing village of Fiskardo. The neighborhood is well-known for its Venetian structure and bustling harbor scene, and whereas it is a moderately fashionable vacation spot now, the city nonetheless has a ton to supply historical past lovers, together with prehistoric graves that, in response to Greeka.com, present that the island has been inhabited for some 40,000 years. And naturally, as a harbor city, it is house to some severely improbable seafood spots, so whenever you’re prepared for a domestically caught meal, head this manner.

Argostoli

Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is one other nice cease in your journey to the island. Town feels moderately new because it was completely rebuilt following the island’s 1953 earthquake, nonetheless, it nonetheless has loads of Greek appeal with Venetian touches. Discover fishermen hauling of their catch and even a number of loggerhead sea turtles alongside the waterfront, then make your method to Lithostroto Avenue, the city’s fashionable buying and pedestrian strip, the place you can too discover cafes and pastry outlets for a fast snack. 

Assos

Assos is yet another must-see spot on the island with cheerful pastel houses constructed on an isthmus that measures simply 164 toes throughout. Take a stroll down the cobblestone paths and take a look at the Fort of Assos, a Sixteenth-century Venetian fort. Snag a chew at one of many city’s family-run eateries or cease for a fast dip within the water earlier than you proceed your island adventures. 

Finest Time to Go to

In response to Osorio, the very best time to go to Kefalonia is in the course of the shoulder season: “Late spring, late September, or early October proper earlier than the companies shut down for the winter are the very best instances to go to Kefalonia.” Nevertheless, the prime time to go to the island is between Could and August, when the climate is scorching and sunny, the crops are blooming, and the streets are crammed with throngs of vacationers all seeking to have a good time. August is a improbable time to see the island throughout The Robola Wine Competition, with two days of occasions that provide a glimpse into the island’s viniculture. 

How one can Get There

Air: Kefalonia Worldwide Airport (EFL) is the first gateway to the island and presents direct seasonal flights from main European cities. Alternatively, vacationers can take a fast one-hour flight from Athens (obtainable year-round).

Ferry: Vacationers also can take a ferry from the mainland or different islands to Kefalonia. Ferries function from Patras (a few three-hour trip) and Kyllini (a few 90-minute trip) on the mainland, and in the course of the excessive summer time season, there are additionally ferries to and from Zakynthos and Ithaca, making it simple to do some island hopping. It is vital to notice there aren’t any ferries to or from Athens, so be certain that to think about journey time between the capital and these ports as you intend. 

How one can Get Round

Automotive: Renting a automobile is probably one of the best ways to discover Kefalonia, because it lets you go at your individual tempo. There are various automobile rental firms obtainable on the island, together with Sixt, Kefalonia Gold Automobiles, and AutoKefalonia. Leases can be found on the airport and in Argostoli. 

Bus: Kefalonia’s KTEL bus service is one other dependable technique to get across the main cities and villages. Fares vary from €2-€5, relying on the route, and buses run ceaselessly in the summertime. Nevertheless, service might be much less common within the low season.

Taxi: Alternatively, vacationers can all the time hail a taxi within the island’s fundamental cities and from the airport, with choices to e-book upfront as nicely. Fares rely upon distance, and the cabs are often greatest for shorter journeys round city. 

Bike Leases: There are plentiful bike rental firms on the island, together with a number of that provide e-bikes, so you’ll be able to go a bit of additional with out having to pedal the day away.