Why we love the Kefalonia Flotilla

We’re about to start our 5th year of the Kefalonia Flotilla it is no accident that it keeps popping up on our brochure covers, the last 4 to be precise. Is this a coincidence or is it because this area is so incredibly picturesque with a wonderful variety of places to visit, all in one flotilla?

Kefalonia

Many of the highlights of the area are on the island that gives the flotilla its name, Kefalonia (alias Cephalonia). The most famous stop is almost definitely Fiskardo, a beautiful village wrapped around a natural harbour marked by an ancient Venetian lighthouse. The village is noted for its pastel Venetian buildings, winding streets and waterside tavernas and is known as the St Tropez of the Ionian with a star-studded cast. Further round to the west, under the shade of a Venetian castle, lies the small fishing village of Assos. It’s quite hard to describe just how beautiful is the colour combination of the turquoise sea, colourful houses and the dramatic wooded mountain scenery, so you’ll have to check it out yourself. Another must-see on the island is the famous Melissani Cave, with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites which you can visit from our base of Aghia Efymia.

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Ithaca

The island of Ithaca (Ithaki) lies off the North East coast of Kefalonia and is fabled to be the home of the legendary Odysseus. In the far north of the island is the village of Frikes and it’s hard to find a sailor in the Ionian who hasn’t had a night to remember in the famous Fiorendino’s. Just round the coast, you approach in the shadow of old windmills into the village of Kioni with its laid back atmosphere and crystal clear waters it always seems to leave its mark on any Seafarer. The capital of the island Vathi, named Big Vathi locally to avoid confusion, surrounds a large natural harbour with Venetian buildings set alongside the tiny winding streets.

Zante or Zakynthos

Zante or Zakynthos is the Southern aim of our route and is famous for good reason. In the North of the island is the harbour of Aghios Nikolaos with its clear water and amazing snorkelling. From here we organise a boat trip to swim in the blue caves and to visit the world-famous ‘Navagio’ beach or shipwreck cove, star of many an advert for Greece. Finally, the capital of Zante (of the same name) is a lively harbour town with a huge variety of restaurants and some excellent shopping. It’s also home to St. Dionysus and you can pay your respects at the historic cathedral dedicated to him.

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you will love it too

The entire route is picture-postcard perfect, a truly stunning area to sail your own Greek Odyssey over either one or two weeks with some great sailing and wonderful places to explore. In fact, my wife and I fell in love with it (and each other whilst working as flotilla crew here), so we chose to get married here. For us, it really feels like home and we are sure you will love it too.

John Connolly – Product Manager