If you are lucky enough to be heading off to Kefalonia this year then check out three great activities on Kefalonia, the ‘island of dreams.’

Kayaking

Kefalonia was simply made for kayaking, as Pavlos and Yvonne Georgilas, who run Monte Nero Activites on the island, certainly know! Offering an extensive range of excursions around Kefalonia that can be tailored to cater for all levels of ability and fitness, kayaking is one of the best activities on Kefalonia and a great way to explore this magical island.

One of the most popular kayaking excursions Monte Nero Activities offers is a trip that starts at Agios Kiriaki Bay on the Lixouri peninsula. During this seven-hour seaborne voyage, kayakers explore sea caves, deserted coves, breath-taking views of the open sea and shoreline in the distance, and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of one of the six most endangered mammals in the world, the Mediterranean monk seals.

Join in the ‘Volta’

Asides being ablaze with a lively nightlife scene and a copious amount of water sports, there’s one more ‘subdued’ and ‘relaxed’ pastime that is a favourite in the busy working town of Argostoli – the capital of Kefalonia. In the summer months especially, the extensive esplanade of King George II Avenue is a favourite spot for taking a ‘volta’, which is essentially an evening stroll.

This traditional social occasion is immensely popular on Kefalonia, where locals of all ages stroll about and chatter with those they encounter on route! If you want to experience a touch of Kefalonian culture then be sure to join in the ‘volta’ at sunset.

The Mazarakata Tombs

Dedicating a day visiting the eerie Mazarakata Tombs located between the villages of Metaxata and Lakythra is one of our highly recommended activities on Kefalonia. These ancient graves were excavated in 1908 and remain a remarkably tranquil and pensive place to spend a few hours musing over the island’s ancient history.

Lourdas Beach is situated on the south coast of Kefalonia, 12 miles to the south-east of the island’s capital, Argostoni, and just seven miles from the airport.

This two-mile stretch of pale sand and pebbles is renowned for its sensational sunsets, dramatic backdrop of fruitful vegetation, mesmerising waterfalls that run down the Taygetos Mountain range, high waves and terrifically clear turquoise water, lined by a contour of traditional Greek tavernas.

This secluded bay and the village of Lourda is positioned at the end of a steep, twisting road, which is well worth the winding drive, if not to just relax with an ice-cold drink in the village’s shady square or take a refreshing tip in the irresistible water.

Although if the winding drive to this fascinating spot doesn’t sound too appealing, you could stay at either one of two stunning villas Vintage Travel has introduced, positioned on the hillside within walking distance to Lourda Beach.

The first of our luxury villas in Kefalonia is nestled beside a beachside taverna is the magnificent Olivia Lourdas Beach Villa (pictured). This three bedroom, 2 bathroom villa sleeps six and is just 600m from the beach.

Being bright, modern and spacious, Olivia Lourdas just beckons you through her doors, with almost every room boasting a splendidly diverse view of the wooded hills, crystal-clear ocean and of the lovely Lourdas bay.

Although be warned, if you stay at Olivia Lourdas Beach Villa you will be faced with some difficult decisions – spend the day bathing in the stunning private pool or stroll down to the beach and idle the day away there?

Equally as taxing to the mind is whether to dine on some delicious Greek cuisine in one of the nearby seaside tavernas, or make use of the villa’s barbeque and prepare your own top-notch dinner in the comfort of this simply luxurious accommodation. Choices…

For more information, photos, pricing and availability at Olivia Lourdas Beach Villa, visit:

Similarly as stunning is Marina Lourdas Beach Villa, positioned on the slopes of Mountain Aenos guests can take a short 600m walk snaking down the winding paths to Lourdas Beach and all its amenities. This three bedroom, three bathroom villa also sleeps six and has been decorated to an extremely high standard with all bedrooms being en-suite and with their own balcony, providing superb views of the nearby mountains, bay and ocean.

An immaculate lawn, pristine pool, outdoor terrace and barbeque area, invites you to come outside and muse over the spectacular views this simply breath-taking region of Kefalonia provides.

Great news for lovers of the Greek islands, the low-cost airline EasyJet has recently announced its 93^rd route from London Gatwick airport, which will take passengers to the island of Kefalonia.

The new service will start on 28^th April 2012, linking London to the stunning island of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands. The service will run three times a week and will be available until October 2012. Travellers will be able to fly direct from London Gatwick to Kefalonia from £35.99 one-way including all taxes. Tickets are now available to purchase from the EasyJet website.

Talking about how the new EasyJet route will enable passengers to reach one of the most popular European tourist destinations conveniently and economically, Paul Simons the UK director for EasyJet said:

“Our new route to Kefalonia from Gatwick adds even more choice for passengers seeking an easy and affordable getaway next year. Greece has long been a favourite for sun worshippers and Kefalonia is among the pick of the Mediterranean’s most desirable getaways.”

Kefalonia, with its mild year-round climate, beautiful long stretches of sandy beaches, diverse landscapes of mountains reaching 1640 feet, forests, meadows, and a vast underground water network of stalactite encrusted caverns and subterranean lakes, has long been considered to be a traveller’s paradise.

Despite its magnitude of natural charms, Kefalonia has always seemed to escape the concrete intrusion mass tourism usually brings. Although this said, since the island was used in the blockbuster film Captain Corelli’s Mandarin, which stars Nicholas Cage and was set in war-time Kefalonia, the biggest and arguably the most beautiful of the Ionian islands has been put firmly on the map of Greek marvels.

Why not take advantage of EasyJet’s inexpensive new service from Gatwick, which takes you to the heart of the stunningly picturesque island that, despite its popularity, has managed to escape the less favourable effects of mass tourism.

With such good value for flights to Kefalonia, Vintage Travel’s luxury villas in Kefalonia are now even more appealing!

Since 1994 the Katelios Group has been dedicated to the research and protection of the natural environment of Kefalonia. Part of the Katelios Group’s efforts has included officially monitoring the local population of Loggerhead sea turtles on the shorelines of Kefalonia since 1999.

If you fancy seeing these fascinating creatures in their natural environment during your stay in Kefalonia, here are three of the island’s main sea turtle nesting beaches.

Lefkas Beach

Having no road that is either driveable or walk-able to it, Lefkas Beach is only accessible via the sea and as a consequence is the essence of tranquillity, beauty and solitude. Naturally such a quiet place attracts a host of marine and terrestrial life, including many Loggerhead sea turtles.

Without any permanent human existence on the beach, Lefkas provides a haven for those seeking solitude and some serious turtle watching.

Skala Beach

In complete contrast to Lefkas, Skala Beach, like the town of Skala itself, is one of Kefaloia’s main tourist attractions. Its long sandy beach well equipped with facilities and restaurants, ensures the beach is buzzing with life during the holiday season. Although on a narrower stretch of Skala Beach, at the point where it reaches Mouda and is significantly less developed, backed by cliffs and rocks instead of restaurants and hotels, several turtle nests have been recorded here, cosily nestled beneath the rocks and enjoying the peace and seclusion.

Koroni Beach

Known by the locals as ‘the turtle nesting beach’, the beach of Koroni has the highest density of turtles on the island. Being small in size and not easily accessible, Koroni Beach remains relatively unused and unspoilt, although, because of its beauty and seclusion, does have its regular visitors in the summer months. In 2006 there were six recorded turtle nests of Koroni Beach.

For more information on the Katelios Group and the work it achieves on Kefalonia visit www.kateliosgroup.org.

And how about the awesome 5 bedroom villa in Kefalonia, Christina? The beach is just 400 m away.

The Sunday Times also made the point that there are too many bogus holiday firms that are ready to take your money for non existent overseas properties.

ABTA / ATOL bonded tour operator Vintage Travel were named as a preferred solution by The Sunday Times in ensuring a safe holiday booking.

Here’s those 3 villa’s from the cool 50:

Cortijo Alcornucosa, Andalucia – Set in the Alcornocales National Park, this villa has the most amazing views.

Casa do Lagar,  Minho (Northern Portugal) – This former olive press has charm, impressive interior design and privacy.

Markandoni,  Kefalonia – One of the most impressive villas in Kefalonia, not least for the stunning views from the infinity pool.

Vintage Travel have more than just 3 cool villa’s! Have a look at the complete luxury villa portfolio, you will not be disappointed.

Check out our latest villas in Kefalonia

Looking for a villa holiday in Kefalonia? Look no further, these are the hottest properties on the island.

With an air of sweet smelling citrus fruits circling jagged and rocky peaks and floating across long, sandy beaches, it is hardly surprising that the Greek island of Kefalonia remains a popular holiday destination. Intent on finding you the highest-quality of properties off the beaten track, we’ve introduced a new portfolio of properties for Kefalonia 2011.

Surrounded by rolling verdure hillsides clad with pine trees, fir trees and olive groves, at the bottom of a private road, the house of Hlazeika, will guarantee to satisfy yearnings for breathtaking scenery, tranquillity, stunning sunsets and accommodation exuding quality and character. This stunning villa sleeps eight and is made out of locally hewn granite which enhances its charm, uniqueness and exquisiteness endlessly. The captivating views and mesmerizing sunsets can be enjoyed by the property’s impressive private pool, which can be heated in the ‘brisker’ months, or accompanied with a barbeque in the built-in barbeque area.

Hlazeika, a very family friendly villa in Kefalonia

Hlazeika is just four kilometres from the lively town of Scala, sheathed by a 3km Blue Flagged beautiful sandy beach.This magnificent property which perfectly blends tradition with modernity costs £950 a week in May rising to £2895 in peak season.

For travellers seeking a ‘cottage’ accommodation with a Greek twist, Katelios Bay View is the property you are looking for. This two bedroom, two bathroom country cottage has retained many traditional features, such as wood beamed ceilings and exposed brickwork and stone and oozes with character and charm. Step outside Katelios Bay View and sunbath next to the private infinity pool, dine on some of the delicious local produce in the built-in barbeque area, or simply breath in the fresh and sweet smelling Kefalonia air.

Katelios Bay View has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and some rather breathtaking views

This delightful property is located just one kilometre from the small and laid back fishing village of Katelios, which, with its heavenly seafood restaurants, intriguing mini markets, attractive little harbour and beautiful beach, is a highly pleasurable place to experience this truly magnificent Greek island.

A week’s rental at Katelios Bay View costs £750 in May rising to £1995 in peak season.

The famous Myrtos beach of Kefalonia

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Sites

Being the setting for Louis De Bernieres’s famous book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the island of Kefalonia witnessed a flood of renewed interest from Captain Corelli fans. It is of little surprise, with its splendid scenery and impressive historical buildings, that when a film was made of the book in 2001, John Madden, the producer, chose Kefalonia to shoot much of the movie. Most of the filming of the Captain Corelli’s Mandolin movie took place around the towns of Argostoli and Sami, making these particularly historical locations some of Kefalonia’s most sought-after tourist hotspots

Glass bottom boat cruises

Kefalonia is the largest island on the Ionian Sea and the stunning beaches which surround the island are all blessed by a unique beauty. But what aids Kefalonia’s stunningly attractive shoreline, is the crystal clear Ionian waters which gently laps the golden sand. With water this clear it is easy to glimpse the wondrous sea life which grace these waters with their presence. Why not dine with the dolphins and explore the magic of the deep Ionian ocean in style by taking a glass bottom boat cruise around the island?

Fiscardo

Being the only town on Kefalonia to be untouched by an earthquake in 1953, the village of Fiskardo is worthy of a visit if not just for its remarkable durability. Although with its ancient ruins, magnificent Venetian buildings and a harbour brimming with yachts, Vintage Travel urges visiting this historical village.  Fiskardo is situated on the northeast coastline of Kefalonia.

FisKardo

Melissani Cave, Cave of Nymphs

Being known as the Cave of Nymphs, mere intrigue alone is enough to make thousands flock to this tourist attraction. The cave was named after an excavation took place in the early 1960s and relics of a former Minoan culture were found including several nymphs. The entrance is located on the Lake Melissani, which has been described as having an absolute invisible speciality. Boat trips are available that explore the mysterious eeriness of both the lake and the cave.

Hole in the roof of the underground Melissani Lake

Click here f0r luxury villas to rent in Kefalonia?

Villa Demetra, Spartia

Situated  in a quiet cul-de-sac 5 minutes drive from the sleepy village of Spartia, Demetra is only 330 metres from the water’s edge with a nearby footpath leading directly down to the shoreline where a sandy cove beach as well as two naturally formed ‘swimming platforms’ of fossilized limestone can be found.

The house itself is comfortably furnished, well equipped and refreshingly open plan. The upstairs bedrooms enjoy ensuite bathrooms and a large balcony with views to die for.

Outside you’ll find your private pool surrounded by sun terrace and lawn and a substantial in built barbecue and a covered terrace.

Demetra's impressive views

Here’s a summary of what each contains (click on the ‘Discover xxxx’ links to see the full range on the website or alternatively please call us to request your own copy):

Discover Spain, the Balearics and Portugal covers Catalunya, Andalucia, Galicia, Mallorca, Menorca, Northern Portugal and the Algarve.

Discover Spain, the Balearics and Portugal

Discover France, Italy, Gozo and Croatia covers South West France, Provence, Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, Lazio, Gozo and Istria.

Discover France, Italy, Gozo and Croatia

Discover Greece and Turkey covers Corfu, Crete, Kefalonia, Rhodes, Skopelos, the Peloponnese and Turkey.

Discover Greece and Turkey

To order your copies or enquire about a paticullar destination please call to speak to one of our area experts.

The best beach has to arguably be Myrtos beach, which has been voted so by visitors consistently for the past few years. In fact, it has been voted within the top 5 beaches in the world.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

 Our other recommendations would be: 

PESSADA BEACH

Where? – Situated on the south coast of Kefalonia, 8 miles south-east of the capital Argostoli and just 5 miles from the airport.

Why? – An intimate stretch of sandy beach with rocks and steps leading down to the water. A good collection of secluded coves and crystal clear water provides excellent snorkelling.

Pessada Beach, Kefalonia

LEPEDA BEACH

Where? – Situated less than two kilometres south of Lixouri. It’s a red sandy beach about 100 metres long.

Why? – A truly unique environment with red sand and unusual rock formations. It offers the most incredible view of the gulf of Argostoli , St Theodori lighthouse and Mount Aenos. 

Lepeda Beach, Kefalonia

XI BEACH

Where? – Located in the area south of Fiskardo at the southern end of Paliki peninsula.

Why? – A stunning golden beach with shallow waters making it very child friendly. Look for pieces of argil which is very good for body and face masks. It’s a vast beach so plenty of room for all!

XI Beach, Kefalonia

AVITHOS BEACH

Where? – Situated at the southern part of Kefalonia.

Why? – A gorgeous, long beach with stunning views over to Zakynthos on a clear day. Not a hugely busy beach so plenty of room to relax.

Avithos Beach, Kefalonia

If you are thinking of taking yourself off to Kefalonia for a beach break then take a look at some of our luxury villas on offer situated around the island – click here.