Any Kefalonia experts?

[longlostauthor]

We’ve booked flights to kefalonia for family holiday in June. First time to Kefalonia but been to Greece lots and love the islands. Wasn’t expecting it to be so hard to find accommodation that ticks our boxes.

ideally we’d love:
2 bedrooms
access to a pool but not a private pool
access to a bar / cafe / restaurant or similar on foot
beach access

i don’t want an isolated villa with a private pool. I was hoping we’d find a complex of villas or maisonettes with a bar and pool etc but am coming up with very little after more than a couple of full on days researching.

anyone got any gems to share please? I’d be so grateful.

The Kefalonia travel forum boards on tripadvisor are also really helpful and friendly if you don't find the answer here. Lots of people who've been going for years and have good suggestions.

Fabulous!
Yes, we ate and enjoyed breakfast every day. It's a beautiful spread .... even fresh honey from the comb. Eggs and coffee/hot drinks are taken on order and cooked fresh. By the second day they will know and remember your coffee order .... we always had a couple of hot coffees followed by an iced coffee. Room service is free so you can order to enjoy on your balcony/terrace if you like.
The snack bar lunches are also excellent, with a special every day. It's an open kitchen and the chefs are lovely ... very proud of their work and always greet with a big smile.
It's a small boutique hotel ... you'll get to know them all in a few days and they will do their utmost to make you feel special.
The spa area, for such a small hotel, is just beautiful.
I would say it's very family friendly, depending on what you're looking for. There's no structured activity or animation team etc, but it's safe, friendly, beautiful pool with steps rather than ladder style entry) and a large lawned area. Everything there is very very chilled.

I've stayed at The San Giorgio in Skala.
Basic rooms but you can upgrade to the rooms that have there own pool.
20 minute walk into Skala and you can get a bus into Argostoli. We also went on a boat to Fiskardo. The beach I've attached a picture of is opposite the hotel. Very private as most people walk further up the road to the main beach.

Yes, family friendly, the staff are generally very friendly and accommodating, the restaurant food is cooked in a wood fired oven, gorgeous and Greek but no “children’s menu” type things if that’s something you need

Oops, only thing is beach not in walking distance 5-10mins by car to nearest one… if that makes a big difference to you

Just marking my place as we are going next year. Thanks for the thread OP

So is Skala a good place to be based?

Ah, our spiritual homeland. You will find 80% of those visiting are returning annual visitors. We have been going since 2006 every year as thousands do.

I never believed in going to the same place every year until we found our beloved Kefalonia.

Skala is probably best if you have a young family. Please don't go if you want kids' clubs and McDonald's. It's not a party island either.

The islanders have not allowed the island to be spoilt by mass tourism.

We stay in Katelios, a small ex fishing village just down from the mountains on the Ionian Sea.

It's a very safe, friendly island. My husband unexpectedly passed away 5 years ago. I still go back every year. I meet up with others who are in my situation, too. It is safe, I know everyone.

Don't worry whilst Kefalonia is "Far from the Madding Crowd" in a land time forgot it is not in the dark ages.

You still have access to WiFi and the like. You just get total Greek experience.

You can leave Kefalonia, but Kefalonia will never leave you

Enjoy. We will never know bur our paths may cross there next year.

PS: If you hire a car you will be given a lot of advice on where to go. Go and find Petini beach. It is magical

Hi, I’m aware this is an old thread but wondered if any of you experts could advise if a car is necessary if staying at Avithos? We are thinking of doing 5 nights there then 5 in an apartment.

Thanks!

A car is necessary on the island as the public transport there is very poor. Other than doing day trips with a tour operator, you really do need a car if you want the freedom to get about