The best way to Plan the Excellent Journey to Kefalonia, Greece

The Greek island of Kefalonia is house 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 one way or the other remained comparatively beneath the radar (save for a well-known look within the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”) compared to extra in style 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’ll be able to’t miss these “charming villages” both. 

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

“Whereas lots 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 resembling 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, however it’s unfettered and equally lovely. Excellent for these looking for a mixture of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? This is every part it’s essential plot out the right journey to your new favourite Greek island. 

The place to Keep

Eliamos Villas Lodge & Spa

Test into five-star luxurious on the Eliamos Villas Lodge & Spa. Positioned on the southern shore of Kefalonia, the lodge has simply 12 villas, every spacious and embellished with soothing impartial decor. The lodge can also 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 you’ll find true peace and quiet. This boutique lodge 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 applications, or just calm down 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 lodge provides outsized rooms and suites that include terraces and sea views the place you’ll be able to 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 house 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 greatest. 

Lounge on Myrtos Seashore.

There are lots of magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nonetheless, Myrtos Seashore stands out as 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’ll find your individual little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for lease and primary seaside facilities accessible. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia provides one thing spectacular for nature lovers: The one nationwide park on a Greek island. Vacationers can discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park, which stretches for practically 7,500 acres and is house 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 best way. Don’t be concerned for those who’re not in unbelievable mountain climbing 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 one among 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 carry house. 

Greatest Locations to Go to 

Fiskardo

Make your option to Kefalonia’s northern tip to go to the fishing village of Fiskardo. The neighborhood is well-known for its Venetian structure and bustling harbor scene, and whereas it is a relatively fashionable vacation spot now, the city nonetheless has a ton to supply historical past lovers, together with prehistoric graves that, based on Greeka.com, present that the island has been inhabited for some 40,000 years. And naturally, as a harbor city, it is house to some critically unbelievable seafood spots, so if 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. The town feels relatively 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 option to Lithostroto Road, the city’s in style 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 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 line with 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.” Nevertheless, the prime time to go to the island is between Might 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 unbelievable time to see the island throughout The Robola Wine Competition, with two days of occasions that provide a glimpse into the island’s viniculture. 

The best way 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 also can 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 throughout the excessive summer season 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 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. 

The best way to Get Round

Automotive: Renting a automobile is probably one of the best ways to discover Kefalonia, because it permits you to go at your individual tempo. There are lots of automobile rental corporations accessible on the island, together with Sixt, Kefalonia Gold Vehicles, 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. Nevertheless, service may be much less common within the low season.

Taxi: Alternatively, vacationers can all the time hail a taxi within the island’s primary cities and from the airport, with choices to ebook prematurely as effectively. Fares rely on distance, and the cabs are normally 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’ll be able to go a little bit additional with out having to pedal the day away.