Just like the Louis de Bernières novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which is set on the island, Kefalonia is a real classic.
The largest of the Ionian Islands, it’s undergone a transformation in recent years with the building of more villas and upmarket properties, yet it still manages to retain its charm.
Many operators are predicting Kefalonia will be a best seller for 2010, and are boosting their product range.
Cosmos Holidays, for example, has expanded its villa programme for 2010 and Olympic Holidays has added more hotel options in its second-edition Summer Sun brochure.
Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides says: “Kefalonia is a very laid-back island that appeals to people who want to chill out – mainly families and couples, many of them retired. These are people who want to enjoy good weather, nice food and the scenic ambience of a surprisingly green island at their own pace, combining relaxation with sightseeing.
“Sales are up on this time last year and are justifying the expansion of our offering in Kefalonia.”
Sunvil Holidays director Dudley der Parthog describes Kefalonia as “classic Sunvil territory”.
“There are no ‘youth’ resorts: the island mainly attracts couples and families,” he says. “Families generally prefer the south due to the sandy beaches, while the north is popular with couples as it has pretty white-pebble beaches and wonderful countryside, ideal for walking.”
The south is the main tourist area, but the north is also selling well, according to Andrew Lee, owner-manager of Ionian specialist Exclusive Escapes.
He says: “The north of Kefalonia appeals to guests seeking an authentic, yet exclusive experience, far from any concept of mainstream tourism. Our 2010 programme is 30% sold already, well up on the same time last year.”
Where to stay
For romantic views, Sunvil Holidays recommends the recently refurbished, self-catering Residence Poseidon in unspoiled countryside in Spartia, overlooking Kefalonia’s south coast.
Facilities include a large pool, tennis court and free wi-fi. New to the Olympic Holidays 2010 programme is the five-star Regina Dell Acqua Resort, ideally situated opposite Scala’s main beach.
A self-catering option from the operator includes the four-star Dionysos Village Resort, which opened in 2008 near Lassi. It is less than a mile from Makris Gialos beach, one of the best on the island.
Exclusive Escapes recommends the Vigli Retreat, which was created from the remains of a two hundred-year-old village house. It is now a two-bedroom cottage located in the sleepy hamlet of Vigli. It’s spacious, with a pool and wild garden, near the beaches and tavernas of the Erissos peninsula.
Cosmos has added the three-star family-run Hotel Lorenzo in Lassi for 2010. It is ideal for those who like water sports, or clients who simply want to sunbathe on its sandy beach during the day but want the option of a lively night out in the island’s capital, Argostoli.
Also new from Cosmos for 2010 is the four-star White Rocks Hotel and Bungalows, right on Platis Yialos, one of the island’s award-winning Blue Flag beaches. The hotel restaurant comes highly recommended, serving authentic Mediterranean and Greek favourites.
By day
Kefalonia’s big draw is its beaches, particularly in the south, where the main resorts are. Lassi is the most popular resort, with quiet coves and long stretches of sand, as well as a few gift shops for souvenirs.
Myrtos, a bay beneath the cliffs, is commonly considered to be one of the best beaches in Greece. However, the sand is quiet coarse and the sea can be a bit rough, so is not the best option for families.
The island’s capital, Argostoli, has a big market every day on the seafront, where you can while away the hours in a bar watching the fisherman sail in with their catches.
Between June and August, you may be able to spot loggerhead turtles at Mounda Beach, near Katelios.
Day trip options include glass-bottomed boat tours; viewing the stalagmites at Drogarati Cave; taking a rowing boat to the under-ground Melissani lake; or visiting the Robola winery.
Alternatively, hire a car and take a scenic drive, particularly on the coastal roads, or up Mount Ainos.
It’s also possible to take a ferry to visit neighbouring islands of Ithaca and Lefkado.
By night
Nightlife on Kefalonia is pretty low-key, which is why it appeals to older couples and families, rather than the young, party crowd.
For most people, a good night out involves watching the sun go down over a pre-dinner cocktail, followed by a leisurely dinner in a traditional taverna.
The resorts of Lassi and Scala are the liveliest, with plenty of restaurants and music bars.
The capital, Argostoli has bars and clubs around Valliano Square. Fiskado, in the north, is a pretty little village with lovely Venetian architecture set around a harbour.
It has been revamped over the past few years and is now like a mini St Tropez. That means prices have gone up, but it is still very charming, with fabulous fish restaurants and a few nightclubs.
Sample product
Olympic Holidays offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star-plus Mareblue Apostolata Resort in Scala for £789 per person in May, including flights and transfers. olympicholidays.com, 0800 093 3322
Sunvil Holidays has a seven-night stay at the Residence Poseidon in Spartia from £543 per person for departures from May 1-21. The price, based on two sharing a self-catering studio, includes return flights from Gatwick and transfers. sunvil.co.uk, 020 8758 4758
