For 7 days of sunshine, simplicity and stillness - the corner of Skala nestled on the island of Kefalonia was the perfect location.
Ammos Beach Bar, Skala Beach
When? 21st - 28th May 2024
Stayed at? Syriti Studios
Highlight? The two dreamy beach bars on the Skala beach front: Ammos & Calanga
Improvement? For us, nothing. But a heads up that this is down to the timing of visiting before peak season (from June 1st!)
Poros, Kefalonia
Greece captured my heart 6 years ago when I went Greek Island hopping as a part of my first solo adventure. I had always known it was going to be my place and back then it did not disappoint. Nor did it this time - and I can let you know for certain, that 6 years will never pass again without me leaving my footprints on at least one of the Greek islands! Its inviting waters, enchanting greenery and Mediterranean air truly warms me up from the inside. To write a love letter to one country, it would be Greece. There is a tingling sensation that can not be described. Its a feeling, it is a place of magic. Of home. Of exquisitely rustic beauty wrapped up in nearly 6,000 tiny islands (227 inhabited).
And Kefalonia falls into one of the top 10 largest of these islands.
If you know me well, you know I am not one to go to follow the flocks of crowds to the most popular destinations but Kefalonia subtly (just!) slides under that radar. So when all that was on the agenda for this holiday was serenity, simplicity and sunshine, Kefalonia came with highly regarded reviews for exactly that and its jaw dropping beauty by a one or two people - in fact the population of the island actually increases from 20,000 to 60,000 in the peak season from June until September according to our very friendly taxi driver - so maybe, quite a few people recommend the greenest Greek island there is! and I for one, can now be added onto this list of 'recommenders' for exactly the above reasons.
Poros, Kefalonia
Where To Stay
There are a few different towns you can stay in on the island of Kefalonia, from Sami, a quaint town or Fiskardo, the most popular & most expensive area, to Skala which we opted for as it is a combination of the above and a little less known. Accessible to so many beach bars, an extremely long beautiful stretch of coast and an endless choice of dining options. For everything on your doorstep but out of the confines of an all inclusive hotel, whilst also immersing yourself in the local ways - this is your place.
Syriti Studios in Skala ticks all of the following checklist for the perfect base to explore the island:
Close to the airport (45 mins taxi)
Under 5 minute walk to the beach front
All necessary amenities: Kitchen (with a bottle of local wine for when you arrive), sea view balcony, daily housekeeping.
Such a good price! Only £240 for 2 people for 7 nights!
What To Do
Other than beach day after beach day? Hmm...this is where my expertise do lend a hand to for this trip, proficiency in beach days!
2 days on the sun loungers of the luxurious Ammos beach bar - boho chic, Greek meets Moroccan design, meets Pan-Asian menu. The combination of all my favourite things which also (most importantly) included, a very tasty Piña Colada. These sun kissed days kicked the holiday off - followed by a beach day in the next local town along of Poros. Poros is a 20 minute beautiful coastal drive away from Skala past the Greek mythological 'Frog rocks'. Make sure to be dropped off along the main stretch of beach as there is not loads in this town but it is a nice change of beach scenery and a few very good restaurants (more on them later!)
There were also a couple of cloudy days so this had to of course equate to one beach bar hopping day and another of an excursion exploring the island. There are so many different excursions to choose from here and I can't speak for all of them as we were on a budget this trip and wanting to keep it quiet so only went for the one but you can explore to Zakynthos, Ithaka (one I will be coming back for) and many more nearby locations. The day trip we took, allowed us to take a pitstop & visit the Melissani Cave, the picturesque town of Assos inhabited by an enormous 10 people!, Fiskardo for a luxurious lunch and a brief photo stop at Myrtos beach. It was a great chance to see the highlights of the island rounded up in 8 hours whilst hearing all about the local culture & specialities of Kefalonia!
The last couple days of the holiday were rounded off with a few more beach days. This time at the other end of Skala beach at Calanga Beach Club, a slightly more modern feel, yet again with brilliant service, cocktails bought straight to the sunbeds & an acoustic music background.
Where To Eat
The most beautiful restaurant in Skala was most definitely: Mikelatos Restaurant. In food, decor, service and atmosphere, it is hard to fault. Who knew olives, bread and olive oil, mushroom tagliatelle and the classic chocolate ice cream could be so delicately delicious.
In Poros, the family ran, local atmosphere of To Korali did not disappoint. With 4 euro Gyros (vegan options available), water glasses of Rose and the sea lapping onto the shore only a meter in front of your authentically Greek table, the genuineness of this inviting and surreal tavern is a moment to experience like no other.
In Fiskardo, I am not saying this lightly when I tell you that I experienced the tastiest Bruschetta ever at Le Passage, a cocktail bar with tasteful decor and a classy atmosphere. The tomatoes, feta and capers on fresh sourdough was a Mediterranean combination that makes my mouth water just thinking about it...
And lastly, looping back to Ammos beach bar, the defining theme throughout this Kefalonia recommendations write up. Greek Salad, Sushi or Poke Bowl; all of the ingredients at Ammos were so fresh with enough of a selection to come back for lunch, dinner and lunch again!
From homemade foods made with local ingredients, the rarity of luxurious beach bars still making you feel like a local, and the overall inviting atmosphere flowing through the Kefalonian air - for the gloriousness of a 'doing nothing' holiday, I would recommend the above itinerary over and over again...enjoy!
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