A Duo of Greek Islands: Kefalonia and Ithaca

The next two days are all about discovering the wild nature and rich cultural heritage of Kefalonia, the largest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea. 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’s collection of idyllic sandy beaches are evenly distributed across the entire island. In terms of the must-visits, the pebbly cove of Myrtos, on the west coast, is generally considered the most beautiful, but the east coast’s Antisamos is a strong contender. Other scenic delights include small coastal mountains and the Ainos massif to the east. The island is also a treasure trove of cultural offerings and historic sites. There’s the seventh-century BC Krani Fortress near the village of Razata; the Saint George Castle, which offers beautiful views across the Venetian capital of Kefalonia; the Agios Andreas monastery, with its excellent collection of ancient icons; the third-century Roman villa at Cape Mouda, which houses restored mosaics; the charming Venetian port of Fiskardo, which was spared from the destructive earthquake that hit the island in 1953; and the Melissani Cave, an open-air karstic formation. During your time on Kefalonia, our team could also arrange for you to enjoy a spot of stargazing with a local astronomer either on Avithos beach or Mount Ainos.

Today you’ll be hopping across the Ionian Sea to the tiny nearby island of Ithaca. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning, drop off your hire car and hop onto a ferry. The journey can be as short as thirty minutes and is a great opportunity to gain a different perspective of both islands. On arrival, collect a new hire car and travel just twenty minutes to Vathy, a beautiful town with a strong Venetian influence. Your home for the next three nights is a charming hotel located inside a historic property. Spend the rest of today settling into your new surroundings. We recommend enjoying an afternoon relaxing on the beach before strolling through town to find a scenic spot for an aperitif.

Kefalonia’s little sister, Ithaca, has long enjoyed relative peace and quiet in the Greek archipelago. While the island welcomes a gentle flow of visitors keen to savour its endless scenic delights, the atmosphere hasn’t changed much over the years. Local life revolves around harvesting the fruits of the island: fishing, livestock, olive trees and vines. In terms of geography, the scalloped coastline is backed by pines and cypresses, as well as dramatic cliffs to the east. Today is yours to spend discovering the island at your own pace. You can kick back on the beach, enjoy a hike through the countryside or soak in Ithaca’s cultural gems. In Vathy you can visit military works, Venetian walls and a French fort, while in the Lazareto islet it is well worth touring the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, which, dating back to 1668, was once a place of quarantine for boats wishing to reach the port.

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast this morning, as today you’ll be heading out for a guided hike followed by a wine tasting. A clued-up friendly local guide will lead you on a beautiful winding path towards the village Perachori. Here you can admire breathtaking views across Vathy, as well as a host of scenic delights, including pretty floral houses, fragrant olive groves, small churches, a 17th-century monastery and the remains of two medieval villages, Paleochora and Kounouvato. After a spot of sightseeing, it’s time to discover the vineyards of Ithaca. The wines produced on the island have a long history that you’ll learn all about before settling in for a tasting of various local wines and cheese. If you’d rather spend today out at sea, we could instead arrange for you to embark on a sea cruise out to Afales Bay.

After a few days spent in the lap of nature, it’s time to switch things up. Hop back into your hire car and travel back to the port, where you’ll embark on the same ferry ride back to Sami, on Kefalonia. A private driver will be waiting on arrival to whisk you into the heart of Argostoli, a lively town perched on the waterfront. Check in for one night in an elegant hotel in the heart of the main square. Spend the rest of today soaking in the beauty of the Venetian-era town before enjoying an indulgent evening back at the hotel: spa treatments, spacious terraces and delicious food are all on offer.