Kefalonia or Corfu

[Gemi33]

Hi

Looking to go to away next year, just me and a good friend for an all inclusive break. Struggling to decide between these two places (never been to either) - would love to hear from people who have been to either or both - what did you think? Any particular hotel recommendations?

Thanks!

xx

I have been to Kefalonia more than once and love it there, but have never been to Corfu.

Kefalonia has some beautiful parts but is less typically "Greek" building-wise because so much of it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1953 and then rebuilt. Fiskardo in the north survived, and is very pretty. It's also close to the underground lake and caves, two of their top tourist spots. You can see Ithaca from Fiskardo, and it's easy to get a boat across to visit - Ithaca is lovely and very tranquil as it has no airport, etc.

I have never stayed at a hotel on Kefalonia as we tend to self-cater. We stay in Lassi, at one of their lovely low-rise apartment complexes based around a pool and pool bar. Our favourite is the San Lorenzo Village. Lassi is close to the capital, Argostoli, and it's very easy to get around the island if you hire a car. It also has beautiful beaches.

The thing we do love about Kefalonia is that it has no clubbing scene at all - so no equivalent to Laganas on Zakynthos, for example, or Ayia Napa on Cyprus. It gives the whole island this more tranquil air!

Thanks! That's really helpful - I've been to Zakynthos before (not the Laganas part) and loved it. We have been looking at Skala in Kefalonia which looks really nice.

xx

I’ve stayed in Skala lots, DH and I tend to stay B and B because there are so many lovely tavernas and restaurants, easy to walk to. The nightlife tends to centre around the bars and dining out.

At the present, the airport is being enlarged to cope with the increase in tourists so it might be better next year.

Ask if you want to know anything specific. We stay in Nine Muses hotel which is just across the road from the beach. Directly from the beach you can take a boat trip (captain Vangelis cruises) to Ithaca, well worth doing as a day trip.

Been to both but a while ago now. I preferred Kefalonia.

We often go to Corfu, it’s absolutely beautiful- green, pretty and spectacular scenery. You can go to the larger resorts and have a bit of nightlife (Sidari is lovely with some great restaurants) or smaller resorts.
The only thing I’d say is please try not to go AI, Greek food is cheap and really good, the economy needs people to visit, eat out etc. I can highly recommend Sidari, it’s so pretty and the locals are very friendly. Tui do very good deals SC and B&B try Sellas, Lagoon, Three Brothers is a great Hotel too.

Ugh very indecisive - we still haven't decided and now also considering Skiathos….

Sidari ... I took this photo in Sidari:

The rest of it was like that, too. Just depends what floats your boat.

We're on the bus back from the airport after 10 days in Sidari. There are the typical Brit bars but there are some amazing Greek ones too and the beaches are incredible.

We went half board, I hated it and we ate out whenever we could.

Thanks for the advice - we're looking at Barbati in Corfu at the moment but haven't done much research yet!

Barbati is lovely. We self catered so can't help with hotels sorry. But swimming in the bay there was one of the most peaceful lovely things I've ever done.

The main strip in Sidari is very ‘brits abroad’ but if you walk away from the strip about 10 minutes and go to Canal D’amour there are superb Greek restaurants. At least in Sidari there is a bit of nightlife if you want it - if you don’t just keep away from the strip. You really do get the best of both worlds.

I've been to all 3. Skiathos is stunningly beautiful but had gone very upmarket since Mama Mia and we found it very expensive compared to other Greek islands. Beaches were rammed and sun beds expensive on main beaches - €10-20 per umbrella and 2 beds. I do love it though!!

Kefalonia I've been to on day trips and it is quiet and beautiful. I agree that there weren't as many Greek traditional buildings due to the earthquake, but it was beautiful and laid back.

I found there was more to Corfu - again green and beautiful with quiet and traditional resorts. It's also the cheapest of the 3 for day to day expenses., yes you get busy British resorts like Sidari but these are easily avoided.

I went back to Skiathos this year and am really looking forward to returning to Corfu next year as I think it is actually my favourite!

Barbara is beautiful, stunning part of the island but not o e I have stayed in.