Find out how to Plan the Good 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 houses sprinkled in between. It is a slice of island paradise that has someway remained comparatively beneath 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 may’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 finest qualities: Its exclusivity. 

“Whereas lots of the Greek Islands are located on the jap coast, Kefalonia is situated on the western coast within the Ionian Sea. This inevitably creates an air of exclusivity and uniqueness in addition to quiet seashores,” Osorio shared. “Individuals can take pleasure in a mess 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 basic spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, nevertheless it’s unfettered and equally lovely. Good for these searching for a mixture of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? This is the whole lot you could plot out the right journey to your new favourite Greek island. 

The place to Keep

Eliamos Villas Resort & Spa

Test 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 Seashore, F Zeen Retreat is an adults-only escape the place yow 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 applications, or just loosen up 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 middle. The resort gives outsized rooms and suites that include terraces and sea views the place you may 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 can 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 dwelling to a subterranean lake that’s completely lit all through the day because of a gap within the cave’s ceiling. E-book a tour for midday when the sunshine is at its finest. 

Lounge on Myrtos Seashore.

There are lots of magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nonetheless, Myrtos Seashore 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 giant sufficient that yow will discover your personal little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for hire and primary seaside facilities obtainable. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia gives 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 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 be concerned should you’re not in incredible mountain climbing form, trails vary from straightforward to reasonable, 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 a couple of bottles to deliver dwelling. 

Finest Locations to Go to 

Fiskardo

Make your approach 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 fairly trendy vacation spot now, the city nonetheless has a ton to supply historical past lovers, together with prehistoric graves that, in keeping 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 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. The town feels fairly 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 approach to Lithostroto Road, the city’s fashionable buying and pedestrian strip, the place you can even discover cafes and pastry outlets for a fast snack. 

Assos

Assos is 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 Fortress of Assos, a Sixteenth-century Venetian fort. Snag a chunk 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 line with Osorio, the most effective 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 most effective occasions 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 stuffed with throngs of vacationers all trying 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. 

Find out how to Get There

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

Ferry: Vacationers can even 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 straightforward to perform a little island hopping. It is necessary to notice there aren’t any ferries to or from Athens, so make sure that to think about journey time between the capital and these ports as you intend. 

Find out how to Get Round

Automobile: Renting a automotive is maybe one of the best ways to discover Kefalonia, because it permits you to go at your personal tempo. There are lots of automotive 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. Nonetheless, service may be much less common within the low season.

Taxi: Alternatively, vacationers can at all times hail a taxi within the island’s most important cities and from the airport, with choices to e-book prematurely as properly. Fares rely on distance, and the cabs are often finest 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 may go slightly additional with out having to pedal the day away.