Kefalonia - which town/village?
Discussion
Me and my partner are looking at a couples trip to Kefalonia in early Sept.
In terms of towns/villages, does anyone have any recommendations on where to stay?
We ideally want somewhere that:
- Is close to a beach (walking if possible, although we'll have a car for exploring)
- Has a few nice restaurants/bars (i.e. not completely dead). Again within walking distance of accommodation.
- Isn't insanely touristy (although I don't think the island is in general)
Bonus points if anyone has a nice hotel to recommend - we prefer boutiques to massive resorts.
As a reference point, we've been to Lindos on Rhodes before and stayed in Casita Casita and liked it - but fancy somewhere different this time.
Thank you.
In terms of towns/villages, does anyone have any recommendations on where to stay?
We ideally want somewhere that:
- Is close to a beach (walking if possible, although we'll have a car for exploring)
- Has a few nice restaurants/bars (i.e. not completely dead). Again within walking distance of accommodation.
- Isn't insanely touristy (although I don't think the island is in general)
Bonus points if anyone has a nice hotel to recommend - we prefer boutiques to massive resorts.
As a reference point, we've been to Lindos on Rhodes before and stayed in Casita Casita and liked it - but fancy somewhere different this time.
Thank you.
We went to Kefalonia many years ago so things may have changed since.
The north has old charm and is nice and interesting.
The south was rebuilt after a massive earthquake and is bland and soulless.
The coast roads are very winding and slow but there are newer roads though the middle which are excellent but they didn't appear on many maps (when we were there).
The north has old charm and is nice and interesting.
The south was rebuilt after a massive earthquake and is bland and soulless.
The coast roads are very winding and slow but there are newer roads though the middle which are excellent but they didn't appear on many maps (when we were there).
We stayed here and had a great time:
https://www.whiterocks.gr/?gad_source=1&gclid=...
There was a couple of decent restaurants & bars nearby and you can walk into Argostoli from there. There's a also a lovely little vineyard up the road going the other way called Gentilini.
If I was to go back, I think I'd stay in Fiskardo just for a change.
https://www.whiterocks.gr/?gad_source=1&gclid=...
There was a couple of decent restaurants & bars nearby and you can walk into Argostoli from there. There's a also a lovely little vineyard up the road going the other way called Gentilini.
If I was to go back, I think I'd stay in Fiskardo just for a change.
From what you have described you want, I'd say take a look at Lourdas, Katelios, Svoronata, Agia Effimia or perhaps Skala (second largest tourist resort). If you're renting a car, then you could venture up to the North - Fiskardo or Assos. Lassi is the largest tourist resort, so is quite a busy place but not insanely touristy as you say.
We found lassi to be a very good base if you have a hire car.
lassi itself is nice. one main road with various restaurants/bars but not overly touristy and is right on a beach. taxi's to argostolli are about 5/10 euro and you can meander around the port and more bars/restaurants. Can also walk the coast there instead.
driving wise you can reach anywhere from there easily with some fun roads north over/round the mountains.
our best experience during our trip was a sunset cruise from argostolli. would certainly reccomend:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/AttractionProductRev...
lassi itself is nice. one main road with various restaurants/bars but not overly touristy and is right on a beach. taxi's to argostolli are about 5/10 euro and you can meander around the port and more bars/restaurants. Can also walk the coast there instead.
driving wise you can reach anywhere from there easily with some fun roads north over/round the mountains.
our best experience during our trip was a sunset cruise from argostolli. would certainly reccomend:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/AttractionProductRev...
Been going to Kefalonia for past 7 years and always stayed in small family run appartment complex https://www.panorama-kefalonia.gr/
between Argostoli and Lassi, very relaxing and slow paced, find the Island and the people very welcoming.
As stated Lassi has plenty of restaurants, Argostoli is the largest town with usual shops, restaurants, paved area and harbour.
Skala is the resort where you're more likely to see the odd tourist in a football shirt but nothing like Benidorm!.
Fiskardo - Pretty but rather 'twee' and bit pricey.
Sami and Poros are small ports, Parents always stop around Svoranato area we find it a bit hilly and sleepy.
Definately worth hiring a car to explore the villages and many beaches, can recommend https://ioniancars.gr/
In conclusion would suggest Argostoli/Lassi area there is plenty of choices between apartments, complexes and hotels dependant on your budget and preferences, we normally go in September (June this year) weathers usually great occasional night lightning storm due to humidity and the sea is like a warm bath, sure you'll enjoy.
between Argostoli and Lassi, very relaxing and slow paced, find the Island and the people very welcoming.
As stated Lassi has plenty of restaurants, Argostoli is the largest town with usual shops, restaurants, paved area and harbour.
Skala is the resort where you're more likely to see the odd tourist in a football shirt but nothing like Benidorm!.
Fiskardo - Pretty but rather 'twee' and bit pricey.
Sami and Poros are small ports, Parents always stop around Svoranato area we find it a bit hilly and sleepy.
Definately worth hiring a car to explore the villages and many beaches, can recommend https://ioniancars.gr/
In conclusion would suggest Argostoli/Lassi area there is plenty of choices between apartments, complexes and hotels dependant on your budget and preferences, we normally go in September (June this year) weathers usually great occasional night lightning storm due to humidity and the sea is like a warm bath, sure you'll enjoy.
Emelisse Resort in the north near Fiscardo is lovely.
https://www.emelisseresort.com/?gad_source=1&g...
If you prefer something a bit different consider having a week on a skippered sailing boat in the Ionian :-) You will get to see all the lovely places in Kefalonia, Ithica, Meganissi, Kastos etc.
https://www.emelisseresort.com/?gad_source=1&g...
If you prefer something a bit different consider having a week on a skippered sailing boat in the Ionian :-) You will get to see all the lovely places in Kefalonia, Ithica, Meganissi, Kastos etc.
I was there a few years ago and enjoyed it - we stayed at Hotel Pelagos Bay near Skala; it has a stony little beach over the road but it was a lovely spot for snorkelling. The hotel would run us down into Skala when we wanted to eat down there, and we hired a car for 2-3 days and explored a bit. We went to a couple of beaches up the east coast which were stunning, and had a wander round Agastoli one day as well. It is a lovely spot and not too many 'fattooed' Brits on quad bikes, which was nice...
Stayed here twice
https://www.samibeachhotel.gr/rooms/
Have a look at the reviews. Sami is a 10 mins walk and it’s a nice Port/marina.
Stayed twice here
https://marinos-apartments-lassi.hotels-kefallonia...
Lovely people and very clean but Lassi is built along the main road and I probably would give it a miss as there are nicer places.
https://www.samibeachhotel.gr/rooms/
Have a look at the reviews. Sami is a 10 mins walk and it’s a nice Port/marina.
Stayed twice here
https://marinos-apartments-lassi.hotels-kefallonia...
Lovely people and very clean but Lassi is built along the main road and I probably would give it a miss as there are nicer places.
We've been to the island numerous occasions over the past 25 years and for my money nothing beats Fiskado. Yes, it can be busy but for spectacle (the harbour and boats), food, beaches (Emplisi is walkable and Jerusalem a few miles away) nothing touches it. Also most of the island's buildings were destroyed or badly damaged in the earthquake, but a lot of Fiskado survived, so it's much more original if you like that sort of thing.
Try www.ionianislandholidays.com - it's a local company and have some fab villas and hotels at good prices, usually including car rental.
Great drive to get there from the airport too.
Try www.ionianislandholidays.com - it's a local company and have some fab villas and hotels at good prices, usually including car rental.
Great drive to get there from the airport too.
Edited by CSNY on Tuesday 25th March 19:05
We stayed here just outside agia efimia
https://hotelodyssey.gr/suites
Was very nice, great location, short walk into the village.
Was about ten years ago tho.
https://hotelodyssey.gr/suites
Was very nice, great location, short walk into the village.
Was about ten years ago tho.
Another vote for Fiskardo although would suggest staying outside the town. We saw an amazing villa on the hill outside Fiskardo on the front of the Sunday Times travel section and checked - it was free and reasonably priced. I can’t recommend Fiskardo enough - it’s beautiful and a bit expensive but at the end of Aug the prices fall off a cliff and when we went it was dirt cheap. Tons of amazing tiny beaches and coves all around the area - the south of the island is a bit bucket and spade for me but the north is amazing imho.
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