Why Kefalonia is Every Family’s Greek Island Dream

The Luxury Villa Travel Guide Y O U R GU I DE TO LU X UR I OU S ES C APES

MIA MI V AC A T ION R EN T A L S

S AN DIE G O V A C AT IO N RE N T A LS

JANUARY 18, 2015 SERENA

Why Kefalonia Is Every Family’s Greek Island Dream 7 awesome reasons Captain Corelli’s isle should be on your holiday itinerary! Its scenic beaches, pastel-hued villages, and the mystique lent by the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin easily make Kefalonia a popular grown-up getaway. But more and more, it’s becoming a family favorite as well, and a great way to introduce the Greek islands to your children. For one thing, the optimum time for visiting (weather-wise, it’s May-August) happily coincides with school vacation. For another, getting there is a breeze – a mere 45 minutes by plane from Athens. Since it’s the largest Ionian island, your kids will have plenty of space to roam, even at the height of tourist season. Moreover, there’s no shortage of vacation rentals that’ll comfortably and affordably fit your entire family.

Best of all? Kefalonia has a warm, friendly, child-welcoming atmosphere. And it has a wealth of places to see and things to do to keep everyone – from Mom and Dad to toddlers and teens – occupied and happy. Check out this great selection of family-friendly attractions: Cool escapes for your water babies Traveling with your little ones? Kefalonia offers endless golden beaches for them to frolic in, whether on the sand, in paddle boats, or with flotation toys. Meanwhile, older kids can discover a world filled with colorful sea life as they learn to scuba-dive or snorkel (snorkeling is especially good in pretty Atheras beach). And the whole family can go seakayaking in the smooth Ionian waters. Amazing jaunts for your mini-explorers Visit two of Kefalonia’s top tourist attractions. The subterranean cave in the village of Melissani features stalactites hanging down over an underground lake. But that’s not all. An opening at the top lets sunlight filter in and hit the water – creating an illusion that the cave is awash with blue light! Your kids can tour the cave in one of many small boats plying the lake. Another must-visit is the 150-million-year-old Drogarati Cave – with lightreflecting stalactites and stalagmites, a chamber with great acoustics that’s used as a space for concerts, and a constantly evolving geological masterpiece. Eye-opening excursions for turtle lovers Treat your little turtle lover to the Loggerhead Turtle Sanctuary, a protected nesting site in Kaminia Beach. Here, female turtles dig holes in the beach, lay their eggs and cover them with the warm sand, and return to the water. When the baby turtles are ready, they instinctively dig their way out and move toward the sea. The sanctuary makes sure that this natural process is protected and the turtles survive unharmed as they make their way to the sea. Boat trips for your wee seafarers You and your older kids can explore Kefalonia’s abundance of lovely bays, inlets, and coastlines by hiring a boat. New to sailing? No worries – you’ll receive instructions in boat handling before being allowed to sail. Another option? Visit the southern resort of Skala and get on the specially constructed glass-bottom boat Nautilus to cruise the Ionian Sea while viewing the seabed, admiring the rocky coast, and enjoying the pleasant sea breeze brushing against your face. Thrilling treks for junior adventurers If your kids want more excitement than a day at the beach, why not let them go island hopping. Kefalonia is the perfect starting point to explore the Ionian island chain: Lefkas and Zante, Ithaca and Skorpios, Meganisi and Corfu, and so many more you’ll surely be spoilt for choice. Or, go on a jeep safari to the Mount Ainos and Mount Roudi national parks for their rare species of plant life, panoramic views of Kefalonia, glimpses of wild mountain horses and other wildlife in their natural habitats, and other sense-filling sights.

History lessons that won’t put the kids to sleep Kefalonia is awash in ancient monasteries and forts, castles and churches. Check out the ancient Venetian castle of Assos and the castle of St. George in Kastro (Kefalonia’s capital up to the mid-18th century. Both date back to 394 AD when the island was under Roman rule. Admire the 16th-century frescoes at the monastery of St. Andreas – masterpieces uncovered by tremors of a 1953 earthquake. Find out about the rich Roman tombs unearthed in Fiscardo – full of jewelry and coins – as well as an ancient Roman theater and hints of naval routes between Greece and Italy. Beach breaks for Mom and Dad No Greek island family vacation is complete without sand, sea, and sunsets. Follow Hollywood’s footsteps all the way to the sapphire waters and gleaming-white pebbles of Myrtos Beach. Soak in the sun and the beauty of one of the most photographed spots in the world and star of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Or, sunbathe in postcard-pretty Antisamos Beach – hidden amidst pine-covered hills and surrounded by a lovely countryside and atmospheric tavernas. And what would a beach holiday be without a view of the sunset? Find some of the best ones at magnificent Petani Beach near Lixouri – clear blue waters that curve into lush cliffs. Nearby are tavernas where you can get a drink as you wait for the neon sun to sink into the sea. There’s lots of space for your family when you book a Luxury Villa vacation rental. Our premium properties are full-service, tailored-to-your-needs deluxe getaways with incredible views and private pools, spacious interiors and state-of-the-art kitchens, luxe amenities, lush surroundings, and access to activities and local attractions. Learn more: http://www.luxuryvilla.com/greece.html

3

1