Why Kefalonia Is Every Family’s Greek IslandDream

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 CaptainCorelli’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 toyour children. 

For one thing, the optimum time for visiting (weather-wise, it’s May-August) happilycoincides with school vacation. For another, getting there is a breeze – a mere 45 minutesby plane from Athens. Since it’s the largest Ionian island, your kids will have plenty ofspace to roam, even at the height of tourist season. Moreover, there’s no shortage ofvacation rentals that’ll comfortably and affordably fit your entire family.

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Best of all? Kefalonia has a warm, friendly, child-welcoming atmosphere. And it has awealth of places to see and things to do to keep everyone – from Mom and Dad totoddlers and teens – occupied and happy. Check out this great selection of family-friendlyattractions:

Cool escapes for your water babies

Traveling with your little ones? Kefalonia offers endless golden beaches for them to frolicin, whether on the sand, in paddle boats, or with flotation toys. Meanwhile, older kids candiscover 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 sea-kayaking 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 ofMelissani 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 thecave is awash with blue light! Your kids can tour the cave in one of many small boatsplying the lake. Another must-visit is the 150-million-year-old Drogarati Cave – with light-reflecting stalactites and stalagmites, a chamber with great acoustics that’s used as aspace 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 inKaminia Beach. Here, female turtles dig holes in the beach, lay their eggs and cover themwith the warm sand, and return to the water. When the baby turtles are ready, theyinstinctively dig their way out and move toward the sea. The sanctuary makes sure thatthis natural process is protected and the turtles survive unharmed as they make their wayto the sea.

Boat trips for your wee seafarers

You and your older kids can explore Kefalonia’s abundance of lovely bays, inlets, andcoastlines by hiring a boat. New to sailing? No worries – you’ll receive instructions in boathandling before being allowed to sail. Another option? Visit the southern resort of Skalaand get on the specially constructed glass-bottom boat Nautilus to cruise the Ionian Seawhile viewing the seabed, admiring the rocky coast, and enjoying the pleasant sea breezebrushing 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 islandhopping. Kefalonia is the perfect starting point to explore the Ionian island chain: Lefkasand Zante, Ithaca and Skorpios, Meganisi and Corfu, and so many more you’ll surely bespoilt for choice. Or, go on a jeep safari to the Mount Ainos and Mount Roudi nationalparks for their rare species of plant life, panoramic views of Kefalonia, glimpses of wildmountain 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 theancient Venetian castle of Assos and the castle of St. George in Kastro (Kefalonia’s capitalup to the mid-18th century. Both date back to 394 AD when the island was under Romanrule. Admire the 16th-century frescoes at the monastery of St. Andreas – masterpiecesuncovered by tremors of a 1953 earthquake. Find out about the rich Roman tombsunearthed in Fiscardo – full of jewelry and coins – as well as an ancient Roman theater andhints 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. FollowHollywood’s footsteps all the way to the sapphire waters and gleaming-white pebbles ofMyrtos Beach. Soak in the sun and the beauty of one of the most photographed spots inthe world and star of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Or, sunbathe in postcard-pretty AntisamosBeach – hidden amidst pine-covered hills and surrounded by a lovely countryside andatmospheric 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 watersthat curve into lush cliffs. Nearby are tavernas where you can get a drink as you wait forthe neon sun to sink into the sea.

There’s lots of space for your family when you book a Luxury Villa vacation rental. Ourpremium properties are full-service, tailored-to-your-needs deluxe getaways withincredible views and private pools, spacious interiors and state-of-the-art kitchens, luxeamenities, lush surroundings, and access to activities and local attractions. Learnmore: http://www.luxuryvilla.com/greece.html

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