Methods to Plan the Good Journey to Kefalonia, Greece

The Greek island of Kefalonia is dwelling 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 by some means remained comparatively beneath the radar (save for a well-known look within the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”) compared to extra widespread spots like Santorini and Mykonos.

“Kefalonia is a spectacular vacation spot. The island is understood for its cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and plush 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 possibly can’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 most 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 mess of out of doors experiences reminiscent of 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, but it surely’s unfettered and equally lovely. Good for these in search of a mix of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? Here is every little thing you should plot out the proper journey to your new favourite Greek island. 

The place to Keep

Eliamos Villas Lodge & Spa

Examine into five-star luxurious on the Eliamos Villas Lodge & 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 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 chill out 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 one more luxurious getaway with nature at its heart. The resort provides outsized rooms and suites that include terraces and sea views the place you possibly can sip espresso within the morning and wine within the night, sandwiching your day with swims within the sea, lounging by the pool, or spa remedies 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.

Certainly one of Kefalonia’s most well-known pure wonders, Melissani Cave is a must-see for all guests. The cave is dwelling to a subterranean lake that’s completely lit all through the day because of a gap within the cave’s ceiling. Guide a tour for midday when the sunshine is at its greatest. 

Lounge on Myrtos Seaside.

There are lots of magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nonetheless, Myrtos Seaside could be the most lovely. The seaside is made up of small, white pebbles resulting in the turquoise waters, all framed by towering cliffs on both facet. It is massive sufficient that you will discover your personal little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for hire and fundamental seaside facilities accessible. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia provides one thing spectacular for nature fanatics: The one nationwide park on a Greek island. Vacationers can discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park, which stretches for almost 7,500 acres and is dwelling 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 timber, and even spot some (semi) wild horses alongside the best way. Don’t fret in the event you’re not in implausible climbing form, trails vary from simple to reasonable, however all supply 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, identified for making mineral-rich wines with citrus and floral notes. Cease into Orealios Gaea to stroll the vineyards and get a style earlier than selecting up a couple of bottles to deliver dwelling. 

Greatest Locations to Go to 

Fiskardo

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

Argostoli

Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is one other nice cease in your journey to the island. Town feels slightly new because it was completely rebuilt following the island’s 1953 earthquake, nonetheless, it nonetheless has loads of Greek attraction with Venetian touches. Discover fishermen hauling of their catch and even a couple of loggerhead sea turtles alongside the waterfront, then make your option to Lithostroto Avenue, the city’s widespread buying and pedestrian strip, the place you may as well discover cafes and pastry retailers 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 Citadel 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. 

Greatest Time to Go to

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

Methods to Get There

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

Ferry: Vacationers may also take a ferry from the mainland or different islands to Kefalonia. Ferries function from Patras (a couple of three-hour journey) and Kyllini (a couple of 90-minute journey) on the mainland, and throughout the excessive summer time season, there are additionally ferries to and from Zakynthos and Ithaca, making it simple to perform a little island hopping. It is necessary to notice there are not any ferries to or from Athens, so ensure to think about journey time between the capital and these ports as you propose. 

Methods to Get Round

Automobile: Renting a automotive is probably the easiest way to discover Kefalonia, because it means that you can go at your personal tempo. There are lots of automotive rental corporations accessible 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 regularly in the summertime. Nonetheless, service might be much less common within the low season.

Taxi: Alternatively, vacationers can at all times hail a taxi within the island’s predominant cities and from the airport, with choices to ebook prematurely as nicely. Fares depend upon distance, and the cabs are often greatest for shorter journeys round city. 

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