Alfrato Village Apartments - (Accommodation in Lourdas)

Drew K           

click to enlargeclick to enlargeclick to enlarge About to make our fourth vist to stay with Gerry and Christina. Well kept and fitted apartments with stunning views over Lourdas Bay, and to Zante. At the rear are equally impressive views of Mt. Enos (1627 metres). Own transport advisable to get best from beautiful island. Good tavernas within fifteen minutes walking. Well maintained pool. Quiet location. Superb hosts

Kosmar - (Tour Operators in Kefalonia)

Drew K           

First year excellence totally spoilt by following lack of service and rip-off trips. Reps failed to advise that trip to Olympus did not include either entrance or meals - until we arrived at venues. Ineffectual in resolving problems - even when presented with evidence. H/Q staff condescending and rude when inquiring about non-arrivl of tickets.

Claim accommodation full, when vacancies evident when staying elsewhere. Trying to squuze independant providers.
 
A Tour operator to avoid

Inopolis Restaurant - (Restaurants in Lourdas)

Drew K           

 Incredible views over bay to Zante from terrace. Excellent food, good service and prices. Quality house wine from owners vineyard. Recommend Spinach Pies and Calimari. Good fish dishes. Wide choice of greek food (don't like eating English dishes when in Kefalonia>.

Inopolis Restaurant - (Restaurants in Lourdas)

Drew K           

It is well worth the walk to the top of the village. Do not be put off by the "posh" appearance - the food and wine are very reasonably priced. The Mousaka is the cheapest in the resort. In addition it is freshly made with chunky vegetables and a very tasty bechemel sauce.

 
Also recommended main courses are the Lamb Kleftico (cooked in paper with lots of fresh lamb) and chicken gastros (in clay pot), For appetisers try wonderful spinach pies; fried zucchini (crunchy on outside and moist inside) and both mussel dishes. Si.Ro.Ke. approved house wine is best and cheapest.

Alfrato Village Apartments - (Accommodation in Lourdas)

Drew K           

These apartments are larger and better equipped than the norm in the resort. The kitchen includes a grill/oven as well as a hob, and a cordless kettle. The furnishings include a dressing table and table and chairs. The apartments have proper air conditioning (not just a fan on the ceiling).

The pool is clean and has plenty of area around it with full toilet/shower facilities. The views are unobstructed over the bay to Zante, and down to the long beach below.
 

Crystal Palace Restaurant - (Restaurants in Lourdas)

Drew K  (17 October 2005)         

We made mistake of arriving just before a party of eight. We were virtually ignored until they had been served, and even then our wine and bread were not received until after the mediocre meal.

Once was more than enough

Alfrato Village Apartments - (Accommodation in Lourdas)

Drew K           

No British operator uses Afrato, but it is possible to book flights and travel independently. Gerry will always pick someone up at Airport.

 
Accommodation continues to improve each year, and now has Satellite TV, as well as last years good Air conditioning.
 
May this year very hot (30 C ++)
 
Details and Booking form, as well as views, from www.Afratovillage.gr
 
Drew & Pat

Crystal Palace Restaurant - (Restaurants in Lourdas)

Drew K  (27 August 2006)         

 
I'll happily eat my words from last year.  Went several times in May - and will return several times in September.  Food each time very good, and service unrecognisably different from last year - we obviously just hit a bad night.
 
Enjoyed additional delight of Efthimios playing his bazooki - far better than taped music

Lourdas - (Exchange Rates in Kefalonia)

Drew K           

 
After several visits have worked out we get a better rate than in England. The car hire offices use the actual exchange rate not the deflated tourist rate offerd in England's travel agencies and Post Office. We got more euros to the pound even after the standard 2% commission.
 
Used Martin at CBR/ Olympic offices in May and like others have used the Ford/Kosmar office before
 
One other big advantage is the help and advice you get about the Island whilst changing money - Free tourist information ! !

Hyundai Atos - (Hire Cars in Kefalonia)

Drew K           

 
The Atos is our car of choice ( maybe because it is one of our cars at home)  The new model with the bigger engine is well capable of managing all the roads on the island - we average 750 kilometres twice ayear.
 
We book through Arguscarhire.com to get best rates, and usually pick up from the ever smiling Akis at Hertz in the Airport.  This May car was supplied by Auto Union/ Express, and was a disaster - (English) rep was extremely late and patronising - and left us a car to run on fumes only to nearest filling station.  Thank heavens we are back with Hertz in September

Crystal Palace Restaurant - (Restaurants in Lourdas)

Drew K  (15 October 2006)         

Second visit of year. Food again very good - even though menu limited at very end of season.  Excellent grilled Pork and Lamb (yes they are Greek !) but be warned you need to ask for a small portion if your appetite is less than huge.( 5 or 6 lamb chops)