Exploring Kefalonia, Greek Island

Nico:For a mere €7 entry you venture underground a short walk to a boat ride into the pristine clear blue waters. It’s has to be one of the most spectacular sites on the island. Make sure you make time in your relaxing to see this.

Nico:Fiskardo is one area of the island that has original buildings that were unaffected by the big earthquake in 1953 that destroyed most of the island. It’s cute and quaint and has eating options galore. Swimming is also an option here if you are all shopped out. It’s a playground of the rich and famous with beautiful yachts lining the bay. The drive up to here is definitely worth trip with lots of places and lookouts to stop at along the way.

Nico:This is rated in the top 10 beaches in Greece. I personally would rate it as number 1. The pictures do not do this beach justice. The water is so clear and warm, the beach is pebbles, however in the middle of a heat wave the pebbles don’t even feel hot. And are actually a lot easier than sand, not leaving any mess in your hire car. As an Australian I thought sand was the best and that I had swam at the best beaches in the world but I have to say this one takes the number one spot on my list. Greece had organised beaches, which means for €3 you can rent a banana lounge and umbrella for the day, and purchase very reasonably priced food and drinks from the beach bar. Although you don’t have to do this option, it is definitely a good deal, to linger and enjoy this fantastic view. A hire car is a must for a visit here, and parking is free.

Nico:This is a beautiful village to stop at for lunch on the drive up to Fiskardo. It is a British tourist favourite, with cafes lining the little bay. If you are feeling adventurous you can walk up to the old castle ruins on the hill opposite.

Nico:Yes Kefalonia even has an international airport, for my next trip to Greece I think I will just fly directly into here. Very convenient, easy to use and your hire car attendant can meet you at the baggage carousel. I flew internally from Athens using Olympic Air, which were very good, even had a good service on the short hour flight.

Nico:This is where I choose to stay in Kefalonia, it’s a short few minute drive from the airport. The appartments are small with only 4 to choose from, but the owner lives on site and was just fantastic. Speaks English and gave us so many helpful island recommendations from favourite beaches to best Tavernas to eat at. And best of all you are only a 100m walk to an organised beach. In Greece an organised beach means for €3-7 you can stay all day on a wooden banana lounge under an umbrella, all set up for you. The beach bar is open until 9pm and had really good food and drinks. After 7pm the deck chairs are free to use for the amazing sunset. And unlike Santorini you are often the only ones watching your personal sunset spectacular! And a short stroll back to your unit. Very convenient and very clean, recommend this one for the best value on the island.

Nico:Spyros was fantastic, English speaking so communication thru emails and on the phone was easy. Meet us at the baggage carousel when we arrived. Gave us loads of travel tips and must see locations to explore. Returning the car was as easy as making a time to meet them right out the front of airport. And if you like them on Facebook you can even score a discount. Was by far the most economical car hire on the island.

Nico:This is the capital of the island. It has loads of shops and places to eat. But the best thing about it is the turtles Kefalonia is famous for, come up to eat off the scraps the fishing boats throw over side in the harbour, make sure you are here around 11am to see them. Great free activity.

Nico:From Kefalonia you can catch a ferry or chartered boat across to Zakinthos island. Rated best beach in Greece is ship wrecked beach or Navagio beach as it’s technically known. It has amazing white cliffs and crystal clear blue waters. Be aware though the amazing shots you see on the guide books is from the road above not from on the beach itself. Zakinthos has its own beauty but is not as tourist friendly as Kefalonia. A good option is definitely to do a day trip as it’s less than an hour on the ferry to visit. Check first with your hire car that you are ok to take your vehicle over and make a day of it.

Nico:This beach is a locals favourite. If you want to escape the tourists and experience the real island life this one is for you. A great spot if you have kids. And yes it’s organised with rentable deck chairs and umbrellas and a happening beach side bar/cafe. Even has public toilets.