Find out how to 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 houses sprinkled in between. It is a slice of island paradise that has in some way 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 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 may’t miss these “charming villages” both. 

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

“Whereas most 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. “Folks can take pleasure in a mess of outside 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 basic spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, nevertheless it’s unfettered and equally stunning. Excellent for these looking for a mix of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? Here is all the pieces you might want to plot out the right 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 yow will discover true peace and quiet. This boutique resort blends into its lush inexperienced environment, set off by its elegant 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 loosen up 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 middle. The resort presents 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 remedies 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 due to a gap within the cave’s ceiling. E book a tour for midday when the sunshine is at its finest. 

Lounge on Myrtos Seaside.

There are a lot of magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nevertheless, Myrtos Seaside could be the most stunning. The seashore 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 yow will discover your personal little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for hire and fundamental seashore facilities out there. 

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 dwelling to Megas Soros, its highest peak that reaches greater than 5,340 toes within the air. Hike to the highest, move by the Kefalonian fir bushes, and even spot some (semi) wild horses alongside the way in which. Don’t be concerned in case you’re not in incredible mountain climbing form, trails vary from straightforward to reasonable, however all provide completely dazzling views. 

Style the wine at native vineyards.

Get a style of the terroir at one among 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 selecting up a number of bottles to carry dwelling. 

Greatest Locations to Go to 

Fiskardo

Make your solution 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 fashionable 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 critically 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. Town feels quite new because it was completely rebuilt following the island’s 1953 earthquake, nevertheless, 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 solution to Lithostroto Avenue, the city’s fashionable procuring and pedestrian strip, the place you can even 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 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. 

Greatest Time to Go to

In accordance with Osorio, the most effective 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 most effective occasions to go to Kefalonia.” Nevertheless, the prime time to go to the island is between Might and August, when the climate is sizzling and sunny, the crops are blooming, and the streets are full of throngs of vacationers all seeking to have a good time. August is a incredible time to see the island throughout The Robola Wine Pageant, 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 presents direct seasonal flights from main European cities. Alternatively, vacationers can take a fast one-hour flight from Athens (out there year-round).

Ferry: Vacationers can even 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 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 vital 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 propose. 

Find out how to Get Round

Automotive: Renting a automotive is maybe one of the simplest ways to discover Kefalonia, because it permits you to go at your personal tempo. There are a lot of automotive rental firms out there 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 ceaselessly 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 major cities and from the airport, with choices to e book prematurely as properly. Fares rely upon distance, and the cabs are normally 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 a little bit additional with out having to pedal the day away.