Kefalonia 2020 - a must see guide to an unforgettable holiday

Looking for an experience to remember on the biggest greek island of the Ionian Sea? Look no further. Here are the best places to visit on this corner of paradise.

Myrtos beach

6 summers on the island, 2 years of working and travelling, discovering beautiful hidden gems, being amazed by the breathtaking views and making memories to last a lifetime; this is how I can summarize my experiences on Kefalonia.

Here are couple of "must see" gems that the island has to offer.

1. Myrtos and Assos

Assos

The most instagrammable places on the island must be these ones. The view from the top of Myrtos beach is to die for, turquoise waters and white pebbles. Doing paragliding above Myrtos is a must do activity. Assos is a small fishing village with colorful houses. The venetian ruins offer an unforgettable view.

2. Fiskardo and the beaches near by

Fiskardo

The northest village on the island is one of the few that remained intact after the 1953 earthquake. Hundreds of boats and yachts, colorful houses and roman vestiges are awaiting you in this corner of paradise. You might even bump into a movie star on the narrow streets. The beaches near by are some of the most beautiful on the island. All are surrounded by green, lush vegetation, with white pebbles and clear blue water. Emplisi, Foki, Kimilia and Dafnoudi are perfect for snorkeling and sun bathing.

3. Agia Efimia and Ithaka

Agia Efimia & Ithaka

In Agia Efimia are so many cozy restaurants with delicious greek cuisine and not only. Rent a boat and explore the small beaches on the north of the village for a piece of tranquility. Book a trip to the island of Ulysses, Itaka. Explore Kouni and Vathi and follow the steps of the greek mythology. 

4. The caves

Melissani Cave

Melissani is probably the most well known with its boat ride on the underground lake. Few know that close by are another 2 small caves worth visiting, Zervati, free of charge. Drogarati has great acoustics, Maria Callas was so impressed that she had to have a concert there. 

5. Antisamos and the ruins of the Old Same

Antisamos

Another beautiful beach surrounded by lush vegetation, this time more commercial, is Antisamos. Cool down the summer heat with a mojito at one of the newest restaurants, while swinging in a hammock. Go up and discover the ruins of the old city of Same with fortifications, massive stone walls and churches. Explore the green hills through the olive groves.

6. Mount Ainos and St. George's Castle

View over Zkynthos from Ainos Mt.

Drive all the way up to the peak of the highest mountain of the Ionian Islands for a 360 view of Zakynthos, Lefkada and the mainland. Go hiking through the pine forest and, if you are lucky, you will spot the wild horses. Take a walk on the history lane while exploring the old capital city of the island, St George's Castle offers beautiful views over the Lassi area and Ainos Mt..

7. Lassi and Pessada

Makri Gialos beach

Feeling sociable, go to Lassi, probably the most commercial part of the island. It combines crowded, sandy beaches, Makri Gialos, and a diverse palette of bars and restaurants with more calm places, ideal for a relaxing swim, Gradakia. Walk to Saint Theodore Lighthouse for a beautiful sunset. Drive to the small harbor of Pessada and discover the beach where you can walk on only barefoot. Continue your adventure by taking the ferry to Zakynthos.

8. Poros and Skala

Skala Beach

Commercial areas where nature has plenty of secrets to unfold. Have your lunch between rocks at Remetzo restaurant in Poros and explore the bottomless lake close by. Suntan on the wide and long beach of Skala and grab dinner at one of the fancy restaurants near by. Book a one day boat trip to Koutsopia beach to recharge your batteries.

8. Argostoli and Lixouri

Saint Theodore Lighthouse, near Argostoli

Visit the capital city, Argostoli, to see the Caretta Caretta turtles in the harbor and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many tavernas. Enjoy a frappe on the recently renovated main square. Explore the city center with so many souvenir shops and architectural gems. Take the 30 minutes ride with the ferry to Lixouri. Walk the colorful streets and lay in the sun on Lepeda beach.

9. Petani and Agia Eleni

Sunset seen from Petani Bay Hotel

Feeling adventurous? A 20 minutes drive from Lixouri and couple of steep curbs, there is Petani beach. A gem with both sand and pebbles, Petani is well known for the resemblance it has with Myrtos. Watch the sunset from Petani Bay Hotel. Agia Eleni is not so popular because is a bit harder to find, especially if you are on the island for the first time, but believe me, the locals know why they don't want the tourists to find it. It is absolutely stunning, a retreat for couples and those who just want to be in the middle of nature, away from civilization.

10. South of Paliki

Platia Ammos view point

The southern part of the western peninsula is sprinkled with so many small gems. Watch the sunset on Vrachinari beach and enjoy fresh sea food on Vatsa. Go for a swim on Lagadakia beach and explore Chavdata and Chavriata villages. Visit Kipoureon Monastery and walk to Platia Ammos view point for an incredible picture perfect shot. Choose a mud bath on Kounopetra and do water sports on the red sand beach Xi. Book a sea taxi from Zola to Fteri beach or hike in the mountains. Find the perfect spot for relaxation on Atheras or enjoy the sound of waves on Vouti beach.

Vouti beach

There are so many other amazing places on the island and so many experiences a tourist can have. Personally I love it because of the kindness of the locals, the fresh food and the fact that the island is not so touristic. 

Pessada

The views are spectacular and yes, the roads can be sometimes dangerous, but nothing I've seen in my 11 summers on Greece can equal the memories I've made on Kefalonia. 

I would like to add the monasteries, the wineries, the crazy lovely goats that are everywhere, climbing trees and rocks, the sunsets on the sea side and so many more; but for that you can also check out the articles below.

My 5th summer on Kefalonia

Best places to see the sunset on Kefalonia

10 Reasons why to visit Kefalonia

Check out more pictures in my recent interview with Kefalonia Press.

What is your favorite greek island and why? Would you consider having your 2020 holiday on Kefalonia?

Be sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

Have a great day, travelers! 

Traveling to Kefalonia. First days: Lixouri and Petani

Hello travelers.

Today I'm going to share with you details about my journey back to Kefalonia. It was 29th of May when I flew to Athens and then to the island. I was going back for the 5th time. As always I had a mix of excitement - about the new summer season, new colleagues and new experiences, happiness - thinking about seeing old friends, and a bit of nostalgia thinking that I'll be in the same place where I had so many memories with some of the people that I got attached to but which will not be there anymore.

The flights were smooth as always. I have never had a flight with great turbulences or any kind of trouble. As we started to descend towards Kefalonia I found myself smiling looking at the blue sea and the coast line. Very soon I will be on a beach, catching some sun. I grabbed a taxi from the airport to the harbor of Argostoli, I got on the ferry to Lixouri and I stopped for a beer and a pyta gyros in the main square.

I am lucky to have met amazing people from different countries and age groups. Working in hotels for the past 10 years allowed me to developed my social skills so I've became a flexible, easy adapting person.
The next couple of days I have met old friends and I have enjoyed their company - fresh food, sunny shores and plenty of laughs were the main attraction.
I've got a new haircut and I've walked on the streets of Lixouri village admiring the colorful houses and flowers.

If you're looking for a oasis of silence, good food and a pool to sunbathe next to, I recommend you Palatino hotel in Lixouri. When it comes to fresh, tasty dishes and a warm smile Marina is the best one.

When it comes to finding a quite close spot for a relaxation session, try Petani beach. It is less than 30 minutes away from Lixouri. The view is spectacular, the sunsets are a must see. The beach is long and quite wide, both with sand and pebbles. There are some restaurants and bars there and plenty of sunbeds. You can also explore the sides of the beach, on the far left there are plenty of rocks and hidden spots for nudists and on the right side, behind a big cliff there is another small beach with clear turquoise water.

Back to Ionian Sea Hotel, my work place for another season, it's getting pretty busy. Usually we started having a fully booked hotel after the 20th of June but this year it is absolutely crowded from the first day of the month. It is a clean, family hotel, situated on a remote location. It is the perfect spot for relaxation, leaving any kind of trace of the stressful city life behind.

Kids can enjoy the pools, the game fields, the water park and the shallow water beach in the hotel's vicinity. There are plenty of entertainment programmes for the entire family. The personal is the most kind I have ever met and the restaurant presents itself with a variety of dishes.

This is the place I will live and work for the next 4 months, on my 5th season on Kefalonia.

Next time we will talk about Vrahinari and Vatsa beaches, Kounopetra rock and the mistery behind it.

Have a great day, travelers.

Beldi

10 Reasons why to visit Kefalonia

Hello, travel addicts! Today I'm gonna write my 10 reasons why to visit the mesmerising island of Kefalonia, Greece. So if you're looking for a wild paradise where to make your next summer holiday then you are in the right place.

Kounopetra beach

I've travelled to many different places in Greece in the past 10 years while I was working there in the tourism domain. Sometimes I think that I've seen more in Greece than in my own country, Romania. I've been to Crete and Rhodes twice each, Santorini, Aegina, Athens, Thesaloniki, Meteora, Ioanina and many other places, but my heart is in Kefalonia. In 2013 I arrived there for a first 4 months season and I kept on going back for 4 summers.
Here are my 10 reasons why you should visit Kefalonia.

Platia Ammos beach

1. The beaches and the scenery

The most amazing thing about Kefalonia is that you have a wide range of beaches, from sandy ones to the ones covered with white pebbles, shallow water, deep water, green to blue, busy to secluded, surounded by rocks or green forests - take your pick.

Antisamos beach 

Emplisi beach

Petani and Antisamos are my favourite ones, amazing clear blue water and breath taking panoramas. I also enjoy Makri Gialos , it is a more lively beach with a bar, water sports, plenty of sunbeds and youngsters. I adore the less known beaches such as Emplisi or Avithos and also the secluded ones which you can reach only by boat such as Platia Ammos or White Rocks. I also have to mention the most advertised beach which is Myrtos; looking forward to do paragliding next summer.

Makri Gialos beach

Skala beach

2. Ainos Mountain

Ainos Mountain is the tallest mountain in Kefalonia, with an elevation of 1,628m. Most of the mountain range is designated as a National Park area and is covered with Greek fir and black pine. Semi wild ponies inhabit its forest. On clear days, the view includes the NW Peloponnese and Aetolia along with the islands of Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca. There are couple of hiking paths for the ones interested in that, also couple of little caves and plenty of protected species of flowers. The view is absolutely fantastic. In the winter the mountain is mostly covered in snow. It is a must see while on the island.

 Ainos Mt.

Myself on Ainos Mt.

3. Churches and monasteries

Greeks are christian ortodox and they are very traditional when it comes to religion. Churches and monasteries are to be found in every town, village, even in the smallest one. The protector of the island is Saint Gerasimos, the church of Saint Gerasimos is a well visited place, situated between Argostoli and Sami. Other beautiful churches you can find in the capital, Argostoli. Personally I prefer the secluded and private ones such as Kipoureon on Paliki peninsula or the small blue one on the left side of Atheras bay, which I was lucky enough to get a private tour 2 years ago.

Inside Kipoureon Monastery 

Church on the way to Skala

4. Picturesque villages and harbours

You can find the most colourful and wonderful villages on Kefalonia. Enjoy the hundreds of boats, a great meal and beautiful scenery in the amazing Fiskardo. Choose Assos for an italian atmosphere next to the ruins of the citadel. Have a tasty greek coffee in the morning in Lixouri at one of the many coffee shops in the main square. Get lost exploring even smaller villages and stop at the local fish tavernas for a fresh meal. Walk the streets to really feel the authentic life of the kefalonian people.

Assos

Assos

My favourite villages must be Assos and Fiskardo with their colourful rooftops, windows and doors, flowers everywhere and the blue water surrounding them.

Colourful Fiskardo

Fiskardo - the harbour

5. Caves and natural phenomenons

The most well known caves are Drogarati with its stalagmites and stalactites, a great place where sometimes are taking place small opera concerts. Maria Callas is known to sing there; Melissani is close to Drogarati and is well known for the cold blue water inside of it and the fallen ceiling. Have a short boat ride and refresh yourselves on the hot days of summer in the cave of the Pan's nymphes. An interesting phenomenon is Katavothres, a place close to Argostoli where the water enters under the surface just to get out two weeks later close to Sami. There are watermills in these two places, in the first one even a great restaurant/bar and a lighthouse, and near the other one a lake and a church.

Melissani Cave

 Drogarati Cave

St Theodore Lighthouse

6. Castles and citadels history

For the history lovers there are couple of places to visit such as the ruins of the Castle of St. George which was the old capital of the island before Argostoli, the view is beautiful having Aenos Mt. on one side, Lassi area, Argostoli and the Ionian Sea on the other. If you are into hiking I recommend you to go all the way up to the ruins of the citadel of Assos, the panorama is worthed. In Fiskardo you can find some ruins, such as the roman cemetery or in Skala, the remains of a roman villa.

Argostoli - seen from the Castle of St. George

Assos - seen from the citadel 

7. Food and drinks

Greek people love a great meal, especially dinner. The food is all the time fresh and tasty. Every summer I enjoy having calamari and octopus, greek salad or mousaka on Vatsa and Remezzo beach at the southern part of Paliki peninsula, because they are the closest to the hotel I'm working in, but overall I had amazing lunches and dinners everywhere on the island. Let me not forget about the tasty pyta gyros or souvlaki in Lixouri, late at night, greek style :)
The greek frappe is part of the locals' daily routine and it's the first thing to start the day with or to refresh yourselves during siesta.
I personally like their hospitality and let us not forget about a cold Mythos beer or some Ouzo after an incredible dessert such as greek yogurt with honey and nuts or baklava. Of course you can find some other specific restaurants on the island, especially in the bigger villages and Argostoli. Also I would like to mention that there are couple of wineries where you can buy local products. I recommend you Robola and Foivos for great souvenirs.

Sea food lunch on a taverna near Argostoli

Mythos beer on Vrahinari beach

8. Ways to spend your free time

If you are not the type to lie all day on the beach or to hike, well, there are plenty of other ways to spend your holiday on Kefalonia. There are plenty of water sports on Xi beach, Antisamos or Skala, a water park in Kounopetra, plenty of clubs and pubs in Argostoli, You could even go climbing on the mountain or riding a donkey on wild paths trying to spot the wild horses from the National Ainos Park or simply enjoying the scenery. Tavernas, coffee shops, souvenir shops are everywhere your eyes can see. Personally next year I gotta try paragliding over Myrtos beach and parasailing on Xi.

Argostoli

Water Park - Kounopetra

9. Boat rides

If you feel like changing the car with a boat you could either rent a boat from different spots on the island such as Vatsa, Skala or Agia Efimia and take a short tour discovering virgin beaches. If you are the type of person who prefers group tours I reccomend you a trip to Ithaca, the island of Ulysses, or Vardiani for a romantic sunset. Of course you can enjoy a one day trip to Lefkada or Zakynthos.

White Rocks Hotel in Lassi

Secluded "White Rocks" beach in Lassi

10. The people

Last but not least, most certainly I love kefalonians. This is the island where I've never been afraid to hitchhike, the place where I've met the most warm hearted people who invited me in their homes and at their tables. I feel at home, safe and sound, everytime I'm on Kefalonia and every tourist feels the same on their holiday. The island is not very touristic and there are no traffic jams or too much noise. Everyone is here to relax, have a great time and forget for couple of days their busy big city life routine.

Sunset close to Assos

These being said I hope I'll see you next summer on Kefalonia, my second home. This summer I had the amazing surprise to have two romanian couples staying in the hotel I was working in and they told me they came to visit Kefalonia because of my posts on this blog. That was absolutely wow. I wasn't expecting that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sunset from Petani Bay Hotel

Sunset on Myrtos beach

So, what are you waiting for? Book your holiday to Kefalonia and see you on the beach for a Mythos beer.

P.S.: Check out my "Kefalonian" adventures below:

 HERE,   THERE,    EVERYWHERE,   EVERYTIME,   and  EVERY PLACE!!!  

Or my thoughts about the summer of 2016 spent on the island!

Beldi