How to Plan the Perfect Trip 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 properties 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 in style 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 Variety 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 one in every of Kefalonia’s greatest 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. “Folks can get pleasure from a mess of outside experiences equivalent to caving, jeep safaris, coasteering, and sea kayaking whereas escaping the crowds. Far fewer folks consider visiting Kefalonia whereas in Greece and usually go for the traditional spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, nevertheless it’s unfettered and equally lovely. Good for these searching for a mix of journey and tranquility, it’s Greece’s best-kept secret.”

Able to plan a visit? This is every part you have to 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 Hotel & 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 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 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 resort presents 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 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.

One among 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 various magnificent seashores on Kefalonia, nevertheless, Myrtos Seaside could be the most lovely. 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 you will discover your personal little patch to spend the day, and there are loungers for hire and fundamental seashore facilities obtainable. 

Discover Mount Ainos Nationwide Park.

Kefalonia presents one thing spectacular for nature fanatics: The one nationwide park on a Greek island. Vacationers can discover Mount Ainos National 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 fret should you’re not in implausible climbing form, trails vary from straightforward to average, however all provide completely dazzling views. 

Style the wine at native vineyards.

Get a style of the terroir at one in every of 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 choosing up a number of bottles to carry 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 slightly trendy vacation spot now, the city nonetheless has a ton to supply historical past lovers, together with prehistoric graves that, according to 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 implausible seafood spots, so once 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 slightly 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 approach to Lithostroto Avenue, the city’s in style procuring and pedestrian strip, the place you can even 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 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. 

Finest Time to Go to

In line 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 instances to go to Kefalonia.” Nonetheless, the prime time to go to the island is between Might and August, when the climate is scorching and sunny, the crops are blooming, and the streets are stuffed with throngs of vacationers all seeking to have a good time. August is a implausible time to see the island throughout The Robola Wine Festival, 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 presents 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 through 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 necessary to notice there are not any ferries to or from Athens, so be sure to contemplate journey time between the capital and these ports as you intend. 

The best way to Get Round

Automotive: Renting a automotive is probably the easiest way to discover Kefalonia, because it means that you can go at your personal tempo. There are various automotive rental firms obtainable 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 continuously 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 essential cities and from the airport, with choices to guide prematurely as nicely. Fares rely on distance, and the cabs are normally greatest for shorter journeys round city. 

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