Family Island Hopping Holiday in the Ionian: Kefalonia and Zakynthos

The next three days are all about discovering Kefalonia, the largest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, and a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural gems. Despite its size, Kefalonia has managed to retain its authentic charm: there are no hordes of tourists, the natural landscapes feel wild and unspoilt and local traditions are still practiced. The island has a collection of idyllic sandy beaches across the entire island, and a couple of our favourites are the pebbly cove of Myrtos on the west coast, generally considered the most beautiful, and the east coast’s Antisamos. Other scenic delights include small coastal mountains and the Ainos massif to the east. The island also boasts plenty of cultural offerings and historic sites, from the seventh-century BC Krani Fortress near the village of Razata and the Saint George Castle, which offers beautiful views across the Venetian capital of Kefalonia, to the third-century Roman villa at Cape Mouda, which houses restored mosaics, and the Melissani Cave, an open-air karstic formation. During your time on Kefalonia, our team could also arrange for you to head out on a canyoning and caving adventure with an experienced local guide.

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast this morning as today you’ll be heading out for a private safari on board a jeep in the beautiful Ainos mountains. In the company of a friendly and knowledgeable local guide you’ll explore the region surrounding Kelafonia’s tallest mountain: Mount Ainos. The landscapes are filled with a rare species of fir tree called the Abies Cephalonica, found primarily on this particular Greek island. This tree, now protected within the national park, has a long history as the timber provider of shipwrights since at least the time of Odysseus. Other important flora species include orchids and the Cephalonia violet. In terms of fauna, wild ponies are the main attraction, however these nimble little creatures are not easy to get close to and can only be observed from a distance. Heading up high makes it possible to drink in breathtaking views across the large azure ocean that hugs the island. Round off your trip with a visit to the old abandoned village of Vlachata, which pays homage to life before the destructive 1953 earthquake.

The time has come to bid farewell to Kefalonia and hop across the Ionian Sea to your next destination: the beautiful island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante. After a delicious breakfast this morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the port of Pessada where you’ll board a ferry to Agios Nikolaos. On arrival, collect your new rental car and travel one hour to Marathias, a secluded beach on the south coast. Settle in for five nights in a beautiful estate bordering the sea. The rest of today is yours to spend at leisure. You could laze on the beach and swim in the ocean, or if your fancy a bit more hustle and bustle, the charming village of Keri is less than two miles away.

The next three days are all about soaking in the endless scenic and cultural delights of Zakynthos at your own pace. There is an efficient road network that makes it possible to reach every corner of the island: the Vasilikos peninsula to the southeast, Keri and the Myzithers to the south-west and Volimes and Agios Nikolaos to the north. Make sure to head out to Gerakas beach, a protected area where loggerhead turtles lay their nests. From the peaceful village of Keri, an easy hike leads to spectacular cliffs and the Myzithres, two large karst rocks protruding into the sea. At the foot of the rocks is an idyllic beach that rivals the west coast’s Navagio Beach as the island’s most beautiful. Navagio also goes by the name of ‘Shipwreck Beach’, in reference to the wreckage of a 1980 ship, most likely a cigarette-smuggling ship, that can be found here. To enjoy the beautiful bumpy countryside of Zakynthos, you can head cross-country to Volimes. This is a great way to admire the ancient olive trees, vines and pines that make the hinterland so picturesque. The northern part of the island is also home to the bustling town of Agios Nikolaos, where we can arrange for you to spend a few hours discovering the beautiful Blue Caves on a private boat.

Your final full day in Greece is dedicated to discovering one of its most iconic exports: olive oil. After breakfast this morning, head out to a nearby farm in the company of a private English-speaking guide. You’ll tour the beautiful olive groves while learning about the olive oil production process: the harvesting, crushing, pressing, centrifugation, decanting and bottling. Round off your visit with a tasting of the farm’s olive oils alongside a traditional meze (Greek-style tapas platter). Spend the rest of today enjoying the pleasures of Marathias: hiking, sun bathing, snorkelling and canoeing.