That was the first time I travelled to Greece and the reason why we chose the Ionic island was this unbelievable clear blue water we have seen on pictures on the Internet and the guarantee for two weeks of sun. We knew it would be quite hot (40 C°) but we anyway wanted to spend the days on, at or in the water.
Hard facts
Destination: Zakynthos & Kefalonia, Ionic islands, Greece
Travel period: 2 weeks in August
Budget: 1.500 € each (everything, everything)
Airport: Zakynthos
Accommodation
We just booked the first three nights in advance as we wanted to decide where to stay by having a look at the rooms and the area beforehand. Even if we travelled at high season it wasn’t any difficulty to find a room. Most of the rooms are equipped with a small kitchenette and an air condition. The criteria we had additionally were a balcony or terrace with sea view and it had to be clean. For that we didn’t pay more than 55 Euros per night. Good deal. The apartments we would like to recommend:
Zakynthos: Four Seasons Studios & Apartments, Agios Sostis,, Lithakia 29092
Kefalonia: Ag. Gerasimos Studios, Lourdata, Kefalonia
Going around
We had a rental car during the whole stay (400 €) and there were a lot of moments we were quite happy about this decision. There are some busses on the island but there are not coming quite often and basically they come when they want. A few times we picked up people waiting desperately for the bus trying to hide from the sun. You can also rent a scooter or quad but only if you need to drive for short distances.
Budget
You might have been shocked reading the budget above but when I am saying everything I really mean everything. We paid 380 Euro for flying from Dusseldorf Airport within 3 hours to Zakynthos. 400 Euro we paid for a Skoda Fabia. At the island we used the comfort of an kitchen just three times when we couldn’t live any longer without a proper pasta or prepared our own Greek salad. The rest of the evenings we’ve spend in restaurants. For lunch we either had a snack (fruits or pita) or we went to a restaurant as well. Also included within the budget are all trips we booked, all entrance fees, sun beds, gasoline and of course all accommodations. Not less then two drinks per night and some presents for the ones stayed at home. We didn’t try to spent as less money as possible but if you like to travel a bit more budget friendly you could definitely do. But how much fun is it to sit at home cooking some food when the restaurants outside waiting with some grilled eggplants, the famous Moussaka, cold white wine and live music?
Eating in restaurants
I am used to eat dinner not before eight so I thought I am prepared for the Greeke dinner culture. But when we tried to find a lively restaurant at half past eight, filled with people chattering around we weren’t successful. But we were hungry after an action full day so we finally sat down. Two things we learnt that night. At half past eight it’s still too hot to eat a warm meal and this is why people entering the restaurant not before half past nine. And secondly we learned that eating fish is not that common and therefore (compared to the other plates) quite expensive, although you are sitting not even two meters away from the sea. Drinking water is often for free but definitely less than two Euros. Same is valid for bread, olive oil and olives. For a liter of wine you pay an average of 7 Euros, a Greek salad (which you can easily eat as a main) costs between 4 and 7 Euros.
Our favorite restaurant: Tavern “Aligerini”, Kiliomenos, Zakynthos
Best thing to do if you are “fresh” on the island and you will stay a bit longer: just walk around…or better drive around as it is too hot to walk. You will get a good impression of the island away from the real touristic spots and locals are really hospitable. By doing so we found our absolute favorite restaurant.
Swimming in the Blue caves
For your trip to the blue caves (if you do not have your own boat) drive up to the north of the island. Pass Agios Nikolaos where they are offering tours even by stopping your car. Drive ahead to the light house/wind mill of Skinari on the top of the island. Over there the Potamitis Brothers running a snack bar, a small wind mill which was rebuild and is used now as an apartment and they are offering tours to blue caves and ship wreck. (http://www.potamitisbros.gr/) Actually from this place you can also directly swim into one or two caves but you need to be a good swimmer as the waves are often quite strong and the stones are huge. We booked a boat tour and really enjoyed the trip. We went in the morning so our boat was the only one and we could swim in this really amazing blue water of the caves. Thumbs up.
Turtle spotting/Marathonisi island
Off the coast of Agios Sostis (south of Zakynthos) it is quite likely to spot some turtles (caretta caretta) between June and September. And these animals are amazing to watch. You can also book a lot of “Turtle spotting” trips with a glass bottom boat. We did so but the turtles we spotted were really close to the coast. Better book a boat yourself (you don`t need a glass bottom as the turtles anyway need to come up from time to time to breath) or just snorkel. Marathonisi Island is a breeding ground for the turtles so you are not allowed to enter the island. You can book a trip to go there and they let you off the boat to swim and to buy some snacks at the swimming snack bar. Not really worth…
Ship wreck
The pictures of the ship wreck are probably the first thing you have seen when you started to search for some Zakynthos impressions on the Internet and it is probably really nice to go there…when you are on the island in the off-season. We went there (also with Potamitis brothers) and we were quite happy when we had the possibility to disappear after one long hour. The bay is amazing but it was so crowded.
And every minute more people came. The only way to go there is by ship so what happened is that there were ships landing every minute, spitting out people and leaving to bring even more. It smelled horrible of diesel. Swimming in this really beautiful blue water was impossible because of the ships landing every second. I wouldn`t recommend to go there in high season.
Limnionas Bay
This bay is perfect for snorkeling or diving. You can sit on the steep rocks around this bay and there is a natural stage which makes it easy to enter the water. You can also find a “Bay bar” offering food, drinks and sun beds a bit above.
Keri Caves
Not that famous than the blue caves but definitely worth a trip as it isn`t that crowded over there.
Cameo Beach Club
This beach club is situated on a tiny little island which is connected with the Zakynthos by a wooden bridge. Relaxing music, absolute stunning view and a nice place to swim as well.
Kefalonia is the more relaxed island. Less party more green and a lot of nice beaches and beautiful scenery. I definitely prefer this island.
Antisamos Bay
Like a little oases. Surrounded by millions of trees the crystal clear water looks so inviting. At the beach bar it is too crowded but when you go a bit further to the right you are almost for your own. Of course there you will not find any sun beds, umbrellas or iced cappuccino.
Melissani Caves
We felt a bit like in a fun park when we waited for one of the fives boats. The cave lake is quite impressive and a good occasion for some pictures but after five minutes the fun is over again.
Drogarati caves
After the first shock when you have realized that you have to walk down into the cave, you will find out two things after the first steps. It`s getting colder with every step and the stairs aren`t that long. Once on the ground a beautiful stalactites scenery is waiting for you. In the huge hall some time ago Maria Callas gave a concert.
Myrtos Beach
Huge waves, the most turquoise water I have ever seen and a white stone beach. This place is stunning! So far this is the most beautiful beach I`ve ever seen.
Assos
The walk up to the castle isn`t worth (beside the fact that the view is nice)but the small village is lovely. It reminded me a bit on Italy and the tiny city beach is just cute.
