Myrtos Beach - (Beaches in Kefalonia)

David B           

A beautiful place to be sure. Should definitely be on anyone's itinerary BUT

1. This is an EXTREMELY dangerous beach for swimming. Ignore anyone who tells you it isn't. The locals avoid swimming there like the plague and every year there are horror stories of someone being dragged out and under by the fierce rip-tide. Be warned.
 
2. There is no shade - although the cafe is large enough to linger in.
 
3. The drive down is a b***ard when cars are coming the other way, and parking at the bottom is a nightmare. Forget walking down. Get there EARLY.
 
4. Petani Beach has all the same features and is safer, less crowded and easy to get to.
 
But oh, that view from the cliffs at Myrtos.......

Anti Samos Beach - (Beaches in Kefalonia)

David B           

Antisamos is gorgeous. The water is deep and cool and blue, the pebbles are white and smooth and the trees all around the bay are green. Pleasant little cafe, plenty of easy parking and some shade. Sunbeds not too intrusive and you can do your own thinhg easily.

 
Nice Corelli links if you like that sort of thing.
 
The wasps can be little buggers. Invest in some insect repellent waterproof sunscreen.
 
 

Lepada Beach - (Beaches in Kefalonia)

David B           

Fairly low key beach, popular with locals. Nice and shallow until a long way out, so great for kids. Red sand, looks a bit scruffy but ok. Loads of little fish nibbling at your ankles.

Platys Gialos Beach - (Beaches in Kefalonia)

David B           

This is a top, top beach. There is nothing it doesn't have. The water is brilliant turqouise. There are good showers. The cafe is well stocked and cheap. There are lovely rocks to sit on. The sand is clean. The sunbeds are cheap and comfy. There are loads of kids playing. The loos are ok. There is quite easy parking if you're early.

Grand.

La Cite Hotel - (Accommodation in Lixouri)

David B           

Have no worries, La Cite's great. It's basic, clean and cheerful. The rooms are airy and simple, with pleasant balconies. There is airconditioning for a (quite steep) supplement, but the hotel seems to catch the breeze so you probably won't need it. The area around the hotel is peaceful and Greek - you may not see many other Brits until you venture into the very pleasant market square, about a 10 minute walk. The hotel is run by a local family who are always around and very helpful and friendly.

The pool is big, quiet and very clean with the surrounding gardens being really well kept and pleasant.
 
Most guests are on a b and b basis; the breakfast is basic but ok and the bar sells decent lunches and snacks until very late into the night. Prices are very reasonable and the cocktail menu is a lot of fun. Maki and his wife have a great "slosh it and see" attitude to drinks mixing which can result in some serious head spinning.
 
The hotel's great for kids, although quiet for anyone wanting a more "buzzing" atmosphere. The bar rarely plays music and when it does it's local radio at a discreet volume.
 
The countryside behind the hotel, as everywhere on the Island, can get a little noisy with dogs, cockerels, donkeys, cicadas and assorted other fauna kicking off around 4am. But you get used to it and its better than mindless R & B til the small hours.
 
Oh and the hotel's very well built. It took the full on 5.9 'quake in Aug 2003 without so much as a tile coming loose. We were on the top floor.
 
An absolutely great place for a holiday. Pricey this year, though, I think.
 
 
 
 

Poseidon Hotel - (Accommodation in Lixouri)

David B           

Cheap and cheerful. Man made beach a bit grotty. Walk to Palatino pool a bit far, really. Quite nice rooms. OK bar.  Easy going staff.

Pefanis Studios - (Accommodation in Lassi)

David B           

Cheap, basic, slightly shabby but clean. Backs onto a pleasant citrus grove. Cool wind off the sea is nice, but not much view. Hill down to Lassi is steep but not too long. Big beaches within 20 mins walk. Mosquitos can be a bit of a problem at night. No air con in 2002; doubt its been fitted since. Nice quiet place - animal noises from countryside early am but no traffic.

Shower, fridge, cooker rings and (precious little) other equipment all working and clean.
 
Went with Golden Sun who were low key but ok for our needs. Pefanis staff (1 cleaner) were pleasant and efficient - no English.
 
Pleasant budget holiday.

Melissani Lake - (Places to Visit in Kefalonia)

David B           

Great  - really worth it. A beautiful place, well managed and reasonable. How often can you say that about a tourist attraction? Go.

Drogarati Cave - (Places to Visit in Kefalonia)

David B           

Well, it's a big cave....does exactly what it says on the tin. A few interesting rock formations, pleasantly cool, impressively spacious. Quite cheap to get in but you won't want to linger particularly long. Tacky gift shop best avoided really.

Assos - (Resorts in Kefalonia)

David B           

Only the suicidal contemplate driving up to the castle, but the views from there are superb and its an interesting place to pootle around. Assos Town is a must in the evening.

Fiskardo - (Resorts in Kefalonia)

David B           

Very pretty little town. Too rich for its own good and full of yachties showing off. But well worth a visit.

Irilena Hotel - (Accommodation in Lassi)

David B           

Iri-Elena are nice apartments. Just don't go expecting five star. Some of the apartments are a bit small.The accommodation is basic and clean, the views are amazing. The walk up the hill is fine unless you have SERIOUS fitness/mobility issues. Local shops grand, nearest beach Gradakia really pleasant and not too far.