How one can Plan the Excellent Journey to Kefalonia, Greece

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

“Kefalonia is a spectacular vacation spot. The island is understood 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 possibly can’t miss these “charming villages” both. 

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

“Whereas most of the Greek Islands are located on the japanese 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 take pleasure in a large number of out of doors experiences reminiscent of caving, jeep safaris, coasteering, and sea kayaking whereas escaping the crowds. Far fewer folks 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 stunning. Excellent for these searching for a mixture of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? This is all the things that you must plot out the proper 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 adorned 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 could find 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 applications, or just chill out within the minimalistic rooms that function 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 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.

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 due to 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 numerous magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nonetheless, Myrtos Seaside will be the most stunning. 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 could find your individual little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for hire and primary seaside facilities obtainable. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia provides one thing spectacular for nature fans: The one nationwide park on a Greek island. Vacationers can discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park, which stretches for practically 7,500 acres and is dwelling to Megas Soros, its highest peak that reaches greater than 5,340 ft within the air. Hike to the highest, cross by the Kefalonian fir bushes, and even spot some (semi) wild horses alongside the way in which. Don’t be concerned in the event you’re not in incredible mountaineering form, trails vary from straightforward to average, however all supply completely dazzling views. 

Style the wine at native vineyards.

Get a style of the terroir at considered one 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 choosing up just a few bottles to deliver dwelling. 

Finest Locations to Go to 

Fiskardo

Make your technique 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 quite trendy vacation spot now, the city nonetheless has a ton to supply historical past lovers, together with prehistoric graves that, in line 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 severely incredible seafood spots, so if you’re prepared for a regionally caught meal, head this manner.

Argostoli

Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is one other nice cease in your journey to the island. The town feels quite new because it was completely rebuilt following the island’s 1953 earthquake, nonetheless, it nonetheless has loads of Greek allure with Venetian touches. Discover fishermen hauling of their catch and even just a few loggerhead sea turtles alongside the waterfront, then make your technique to Lithostroto Road, the city’s common purchasing and pedestrian strip, the place you too can discover cafes and pastry outlets for a fast snack. 

Assos

Assos is yet one more must-see spot on the island with cheerful pastel properties constructed on an isthmus that measures simply 164 ft 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. 

Finest Time to Go to

In keeping with Osorio, the very best time to go to Kefalonia is through 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 Might and August, when the climate is scorching and sunny, the vegetation are blooming, and the streets are crammed with throngs of vacationers all seeking to have a good time. August is a incredible time to see the island throughout The Robola Wine Competition, with two days of occasions that supply 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 provides direct seasonal flights from main European cities. Alternatively, vacationers can take a fast one-hour flight from Athens (obtainable year-round).

Ferry: Vacationers may also take a ferry from the mainland or different islands to Kefalonia. Ferries function from Patras (a few three-hour experience) and Kyllini (a few 90-minute experience) on the mainland, and through the excessive summer time season, there are additionally ferries to and from Zakynthos and Ithaca, making it straightforward to do some island hopping. It is essential to notice there aren’t any ferries to or from Athens, so make sure that to contemplate 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 simplest ways to discover Kefalonia, because it means that you can go at your individual tempo. There are numerous 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 methodology to get across the main cities and villages. Fares vary from €2-€5, relying on the route, and buses run incessantly in the summertime. Nevertheless, service could 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 guide prematurely as properly. Fares depend 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 supply e-bikes, so you possibly can go slightly additional with out having to pedal the day away.