Learn how 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 someway remained comparatively underneath 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 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 finest 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 take pleasure in a mess of out of doors experiences comparable to caving, jeep safaris, coasteering, and sea kayaking whereas escaping the crowds. Far fewer individuals consider visiting Kefalonia whereas in Greece and usually go for the basic spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, but it surely’s unfettered and equally stunning. Good 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 the whole lot it’s good to plot out the proper journey to your new favourite Greek island. 

The place to Keep

Eliamos Villas Resort & Spa

Verify into five-star luxurious on the Eliamos Villas Resort & Spa. Positioned on the southern shore of Kefalonia, the resort has simply 12 villas, every spacious and adorned 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

Positioned 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 packages, 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 heart. The resort gives 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.

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 various magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nevertheless, Myrtos Seashore 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 giant sufficient that yow will discover your personal little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for hire and primary seashore facilities accessible. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia gives 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 ft within the air. Hike to the highest, go by the Kefalonian fir bushes, and even spot some (semi) wild horses alongside the way in which. Don’t fret if you happen to’re not in implausible climbing form, trails vary from simple 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 a number of bottles to convey 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 fairly fashionable 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 critically implausible 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 fairly new because it was completely rebuilt following the island’s 1953 earthquake, nevertheless, it nonetheless has loads of Greek attraction with Venetian touches. Discover fishermen hauling of their catch and even a number of loggerhead sea turtles alongside the waterfront, then make your option to Lithostroto Road, the city’s widespread procuring and pedestrian strip, the place you can even 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 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. 

Greatest Time to Go to

In response to 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 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 crammed with throngs of vacationers all trying to have a good time. August is a implausible time to see the island throughout The Robola Wine Competition, with two days of occasions that supply a glimpse into the island’s viniculture. 

Learn 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 (accessible 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 experience) and Kyllini (a couple of 90-minute experience) on the mainland, and through the excessive summer season season, there are additionally ferries to and from Zakynthos and Ithaca, making it simple to perform a little island hopping. It is essential to notice there are not any ferries to or from Athens, so be sure to think about journey time between the capital and these ports as you intend. 

Learn how to Get Round

Automotive: Renting a automobile is probably one of the best ways to discover Kefalonia, because it lets you go at your personal tempo. There are various automobile 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 incessantly 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 major cities and from the airport, with choices to guide prematurely as effectively. Fares rely upon distance, and the cabs are normally finest for shorter journeys round city. 

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