Tailor made holidays to Kefalonia

JULES VISITED KEFALONIA IN JUNE 2018 - READ ABOUT HER TRIP IN THIS BLOG!

We have had many happy clients holiday on the magical Greek island of Kefalonia - take a look at our testimonials for just some of their reviews!

Contact us on 01728 748209, use the live chat or send an enquiry - we often have special discounts available especially last minute!

Flights to Kefalonia

Flights direct once a week usually on a Saturday are available from various departure airports and we can usually include car hire with your holiday for a very reasonable price.

Kefalonia Holidays

Kefalonia is often known as the 'green island' with it's tree covered hills and sparkling clear waters.  It has a long history = there were settlements here in 50,000 BC long before the modern Mediterranean had taken shape. Wood from the prized Kefalonian fir trees, named Abies Cephalonica after its native island, has even been found in the Minoan Palace at Knossos in Crete.

The spectacular caves of Melissani and Drogarati near Sami, the magnificent sea cliffs of the northwest coast near Assos and picturesque villages such as Fiskardo, it is easy to understand why so many visitors return year after year. The island has seen some commercial tourist development in areas around Lassi near Argostoli and Skala, further south. Here one can find some of the best beaches with the cleanest water in the Mediterranean, however they may be crowded in high and peak season.

Kefalonia Assos

Although most villas and apartments that we sell are situated in much quieter areas of the island, a visit to the beaches Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos near Lassi or the fine sandy beach at Skala can be great fun, especially if there are children in the party. Greeks in general and the Kefalonians in particular still believe in the principle of the extended family. This is the perfect island for a family holiday. Friendships quickly develop, especially when the common language is laughter.

Exploring Kefalonia

On the other hand Kefalonia has so much to offer those wishing for a quieter holiday away from it all. Some of the best walking in Greece can be found here, especially in the undeveloped Erissos peninsula in the north. Take a leisurely coastal stroll through forests of oak and strawberry trees to an empty cove, often with its own tiny chapel set amongst the olive groves. Venture through the old wheat fields and vineyards of Vari, now reclaimed by carpets of wild flowers in spring and autumn, or join a guided expedition from coast to coast with a knowledgeable local guide. Walking in parts of Kefalonia is as far removed from the crowded 'footways' of other parts of Europe as one could imagine. Kefalonia is an island for all seasons.

Anti-Samos-Beach

The surrounding sea has long been a mecca for yachtsmen, but nowadays the land-based visitor also has the opportunity to explore Kefalonia by water. It’s said that you can’t have your cake and eat it. Possibly not, but surely the next best thing must be to stay in a comfortable waterside villa or apartment with the use of a motor boat to reach any one of a dozen or more little coves only accessible by sea; return in the evening to a friendly taverna serving an island speciality such as Kefalonian meat pie!

This is a perfect destination for honeymoons or couples holidays - The island’s romantic associations go back long before a certain Italian soldier plucked his mandolin! (this is the site of Captain Corelli's Mandolin). Poros in the south and Agios Spiridion in the Lixouri peninsula both have strong claims to be the site of Odysseus’ palace. Lord Byron, perhaps the most romantic poet of a very romantic age, stayed on the island at Metaxata near Argostoli.  A week in a restored cottage surrounded by orange trees, wild rosemary on terrace walls with the moon rising above Ithaka might not be romantic enough, but a fortnight certainly would....

The northern part of Kefalonia is stunningly beautiful and Fiskardo and Assos are ideal locations for exploring the gorgeous sea and quiet coves with fishing harbours surrounded by tavernas - while away the hours watching the boats pass by and chat to the locals whilst enjoying great home cooked traditional food. 

Fiskardo-beach

Here are some of the most popular accommodation options we often book for our clients: 

CAVOS INN - ASSOS  

A fabulous adults only family run pension (B&B) with views to the Lixouri peninsula. There are just 9 rooms (all sleeping two people). Cavos Inn is on a narrow promontory below the Venetian fortress and most rooms sea views. The owner is originally from Crete and her husband is Kefalonian. Each room is furnished in a different style and all are en suite with private balcony or patio area. Five minutes down steps leads to the tree-lined seafront of Assos, surrounded by a cluster of traditional fishing cottages, tavernas, village shops and the harbour nestling beneath the caves, cliffs and old vine terraces of the headland. There is a town beach here, and even on those afternoons when the Meltemi wind sets the surf pounding against the rocks just a few yards away on the other side of the isthmus, barely a wave disturbs the fish queuing for crumbs from the taverna tables. The Cavos Inn reflects the unique aspect of Assos. The tranquillity of an unspoilt fishing village,guarded by an historic castle, all set on a majestic wild coastline. Dolphins and on rare occasions even turtles, can sometimes be seen in the surrounding sea, so a pair of binoculars are recommended. The breakfast terrace has spectacular views that takes in the whole sweep of this truly wild coast. For civilised living in an exquisite setting, the Cavos Inn is unbeatable.

COSI'S INN - ASSOS

Cosi’s Inn is situated just above the harbour of Assos with superb views Studio rooms all sleep 2 people. Cosi’s Inn is situated just above the harbour of Assos (see above) with superb views on both sides and has small but very welcoming apartments which are certainly one of the hallmarks of Kefalonia. It’s only a couple of minutes’ stroll from the Inn down to the harbour with its fishing boats, handy tavernas and mini-market. There’s even a lovely beach within the harbour a step or two away from the shady village square with its magnificent plane trees. Comfortably furnished, with modern fittings all the rooms have balconies one at the rear which looks out over the village and harbour, whilst ones at the front enjoy a breathtaking view across the wide bay framed by mountains and high cliffs. Each studio has a double bed, living area, shower room and kitchenette and air conditioning, although an evening breeze often arrives from sea and mountain, making the evening stroll down to the village for an alfresco supper on the quayside a pleasant prospect. 

EMELISSE ART HOTEL - FISKARDO

This is a 5 star boutique hotel with spa, restaurant and pool on a peninsula close to the cosmopolitan harbour of Fiskardo Rooms sleep between 2 and 5 people. In its blissfully tranquil waterside setting, the Emelisse Art Hotel stands out as a blend of simplicity and sophistication, comfort and true Greek hospitality. The Tsimaras family have carefully planned all aspects of the hotel so as not to detract from the stunning view of the rugged coastline and the Ithaka channel, with clear blue waters stretching unobstructed as far as Lefkada. Accommodation ranges from the stunningly placed executive rooms for two, to the more spacious junior suites. The two bedroom family suites or maisonettes for larger parties are ideal for those wishing to use the facilities of a hotel whilst still enjoying the independence offered by self catered accommodation. The hotel offers two restaurants, both with differing cuisine’s. Riza Mezedopoleio is based on very traditional Greek delicacies and a selection of meze dishes. The Votsalo restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Kefalonia, offers high quality cuisine, imaginative dishes and an innovative style. Votsalo offers a la carte menus with a mediterranean flavour, in a stunning atmospheric environment.

The fabulous Emblisi beach and the hotels’ large swimming pool are perfect for hours of lounging in the sunshine. However, we recommend hiring a car to enjoy the sights of the island. The hotel can also arrange mountain bike hire for the more active visitors with a desire to get out and about! With the bustling waterfront shops and tavernas of Fiskardo close by, this is a truly idyllic setting for a relaxing holiday in a perfect location. The Elemis Spa - Walk into a complete world of sensory heaven…. From the moment you enter you will be taken on a unique journey that has been created especially for you. The spa has been designed to subconsciously stimulate all your senses through a multitude of textures, gentle music and therapeutic lighting. Treatments range from simple manicures right through to a 75 minute hot stone massage. The Elemis Spa offers an exotic blend of therapies from around the world ranging from Bali, Tibet, Polynesia, Japan, Morocco and Thailand.

KALOKERI APARTMENTS 

One of the finest panoramas in Kefalonia with views over Ithaka and Lefkada There are 19 apartments with a shared swimming pool sleeping between 2 and 5. For our clients staying here we usually deliver a car for 3 days of the week so you can explore the island. This is a very popular property with families - see testimonial from a family who have stayed here.  

Fiskardo encapsulates everything that makes the Ionian Islands so special; history, architecture and above all an outstandingly beautiful location. The view of the waterfront with its colourful mix of fishing boats, yachts and the old Venetian lighthouse across the bay is justifiably famous. To appreciate the full grandeur of the setting, one should really walk up the hill and find a glade in the fir forest above the village as suddenly all is revealed in a wide sweep that encompasses the gleaming white peaks of Lefkada, the green hills of Epiros, mysterious Ithaka and the sparkling waters of the Ionian. It is quite simply breathtaking and inspirational.

The Kalokeri Apartments are a ten minute stroll from Fiskardo. The apartments are comfortable and designed to maximise the amazing views, a good size pool for all to enjoy with ample shade on those very warm days and a snack bar for drinks and light lunches. The two bedroom apartments have a twin bedroom at the rear and a double bedroom at the front which leads onto a private balcony. There are also two shower rooms and a balcony leading out from the living room. The one bedroom apartments have double or twin beds with a shower room, living room with a sofa bed leading onto the balcony (air conditioning is in the living area). Studios are extremely spacious and have double or twin beds, shower room and their own sizeable private balconies with those amazing views. Ground floor apartments each have their own terrace. Exploring the fascinating Erissos coast couldn’t be easier; the picturesque Emblisi Beach is less than ten minute walk. Motor boats are available for hire to discover the uninhabited east coast with its bays only accessible by sea, or across to the fascinating island of Ithaka. Kalokeri or ‘Summer’ translates literally as ‘fine weather’ and as northern Kefalonia experiences over 300 days of sunshine a year, the spirit of summer lasts a long time here!