7 Day Romantic/Relaxing Itinerary
Combine romance and relaxation and make some unforgettable memories together!
This itinerary is especially created with couples in mind. It is ideal for romantic travellers that are looking for a relaxing experience during their holidays but still want to explore a little. The itinerary is by no means exhaustive so check out other things to see and do from my pages. Special private dinners, activities or marriage proposal ideas can be discussed and arranged upon request. Send me a mail with a description of what you have in mind!
Choose your accommodation, according to your budget and tastes from our menu, or combine it with a few days on a crewed luxury yacht
________________________________________
Day 1 EAST.
Familiarise yourselves with the Sami region by starting your day in the underground magical world of Drogarati Cave. At the end of your visit to the cave go horse riding with Bavarian Horse Riding Stables or Kefalonia Horse Riding Stables in the mountains or in the sea, or head off to the stunning Melissani Lake for a short boat tour – the best time of day to visit is around midday as the light comes through the open hole of the cave. Another little cave named Zervati is great to visit with your partner, you just open the gate and go down to explore it (there is no entrance fee) and you will probably be alone there.
Alternatively, you can rent an e-bike or join a bike or hiking tour with Sami trekking and explore some of the more off-the-beaten-track areas like the abandoned village of Old Vlachata and wander through this special place, with its amazing melancholic atmosphere where the facades of buildings, walls, streets, wells, old cisterns, stone ovens, and objects left by the settlers have survived amongst the trees and greenery that have established themselves between the ruins. Back in Sami take a seaside table for two by the sea and try some homemade dishes.
For swimming, snorkelling drive to Antisamos beach. If you walk towards the furthest end the beach is often empty, there are some natural shady areas to sunbathe in, or you can relax on the sunbeds by the sea and enjoy a snack, or a drink at one of the bars or tavernas. If you enjoy nature, peace and totally unspoiled beaches you can rent a self-driven boat and visit Koutsoupia and other nearby beaches or take a sup or double canoe with your loved one to sail around the beautiful gulf of Antisamos and the small beaches around.
Another romantic hike or drive is the Ancient Sami Trail that includes St Fanentes, the Acropolis, parts of the amazing cyclopean walls and the church fresco of St Nikolas. The location offers great views of Sami port and if you get to the close by Agrilia Monastery you can walk around the ruins of the monastery and see the amazing views of Antisamos beach, Ithaka and Agia Efimia, the colors around sunset here are amazing, but the views are better seen during mid-day. Great spot for a picnic.
The area does not offer direct sunrise or sunset spots but Agia Efimia is just 7 min away for moon rise and Myrtos 16km for sunset.
If you prefer to take an organised tour in the area, a jeep safari take a look at Wild Nature Expeditions or Outdoor Kefalonia Activities they have run an excellent programme of activities – Caving, canyoning, jeep Safari is definitely a striking and exciting way to discover some of Sami’s hidden treasures.
Day 2 CENTRAL EAST
Wake up early, and take a stroll along Agia Efimia’s beautiful harbour to admire the sunrise. and watch the yachts come and go. You can arrange to get a diving lesson at Agia Efimia with Makis at Aquatic Scuba Diving Club, which offers activities for all levels of experience. If you want to explore the coast, you can rent a boat from Boulevard Boats. or the Yellow boats I suggest stopping at the isolated beaches of Kapsolimionas, Agia Sofia and Horgota and take a picnic there.
Alternatively, you can drive up to the Monastery of Themata to see the romantic woodland and admire the stunning views of Agia Efimia bay and Ithaka. For walking lovers, there is a walking trail to reach the Monastery through the beautiful old village of Tarkasata.
Have brunch at Myrtillo shop in the junction of Divarata and get down to stunning Myrtos Beach (note that the sea can be dangerous when windy). Stop at one of the viewing points before driving or walking down – the views are breathtaking. The furthest end is more secluded and private and the sunset from here is exceptional!
Return back to Agia Efimia village to enjoy some freshly cooked dishes at Sea Rock ws or Amalia Restaurants – both overlooking the sea, if there is a full moon the view is truly amazing! For great cocktails, beers, and huge selection of spirits, teas and coffees end your evening in Carena Bar-Restaurant, located on the harbour side, it’s a laid back relaxed place with a buzz. Or continue your adventure and go star gazing with Wild Nature Expeditions on Agia Dynati Mountain.
Day 3 WEST
Explore the Paliki peninsula, located at the west of the island thus offering the most magical sunsets!
Visiting Xi beach made up of impressive grey clay rocky cliffs and red sand. There are various watersports and beach bars too, but the main attraction is that you can have a natural spa, as the grey clay, according to the ancient and modern scientists, has medicinal properties that can cure skin disorders, heal wounds; it is also used for detoxification and many other disorders and injuries. You can walk by the beach towards Megas Lakos to be a little more private!
Another option at the south would be to swim and have your lunch or drink on the beach at the sandy, relatively quiet beaches of Lepeda (if you are around on a full moon day, enjoy it here!) or Vatsa beach (from here you can rent a bot to visit the isolated and very special beach of Platia Ammos.
Petani at the north of the peninsula is a beach similar to Myrtos but more busy and the parking is difficult in August (either of the two ends of the beach offer more privacy and an interesting coast). The sunset here is amazing and there are two nice restaurants on the beach from which you can enjoy the sunset. Agia Eleni is another beautiful beach near by as well as Porto Atheras at the far north of the peninsula of Paliki where you can enjoy the relaxing environment with views of the gulf and the picturesque fishing port and have dinner by the beach in one of the tavernas.
On the way down you can stop at Kipouria Monastery offering amazing sunset views and dramatic cliffs.
Lagadakia is another quiet beach (choose the one that you get on foot) and from here you can reach the isolated but romantic Gero Gobos lighthouse offering an amazing sunset.
If you are looking for the best boat tour on the island, book a group tour , a self driven boat or a taxi from Agia Kyriaki, to explore the amazing and remote Fteri and Amidi beaches, or take the hiking route there.
Day 4. NORTH
Erissos is my favourite region of Kefalonia. You can spend the majority of the day at the stunning Assos village and the Venetian castle. Take the footpath and climb up to Assos Castle and explore 2km of Venetian walls, cannons and churches. (this is one of the best walks on the island). On the way up you can get amazing views of the castle and village and if you reach the west end of the fortress or you are up on the junction that takes you to the village you will enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Return from your hike you can take a cooling swim in the peaceful bay or have a drink or lunch by the beach. A great idea to spend some time together, away from the crowds is by renting a boat from here and explore the nearby totally secluded beaches offering sunset views.
Moving further north visit Alaties Beach where there are some interesting rock formations where salt is collected and you can admire many fossils or just swim in the azure coloured bay. At the top of the beach relax at the bar restaurant and watch the sunset with a meal and cocktail.
Arrange a night in with a massage and a personal chef to prepare a delicious meal at your accommodation would be another option.
Day 5 NORTH
Continue exploring Erissos today. Begin your day at the cosmopolitan, picturesque village of Fiskardo. Fiscardo has many signposted walking trails to choose from; an easy, beautiful route is the walk to the lighthouse that you can see on the opposite side of the bay, there are also longer and more active routes to choose.
There north offers many beautiful beaches to take a cooling swim at, such as Foki beach, Emblissi, or take a 1km or so walk along a dreamy path to Dafnoudi beach or Kimilia.
An alternative way to explore the beaches and coastline is by renting a motor boat from Reginas Boats or hiring a kayak from Fiskardo Kayaking, which also runs organised tours. Here is the base of the Ionian bike tours that rent e-bikes and organize group tours. They also rent sups and the area is ideal for such activity or taking a diving course with Fiskardo divers. Fiscardo is great for a lazy evening stroll, which you could combine with some shopping, dinner or cocktail.
Day 6 CENTRAL SOUTH
Today is focused on the central region of Argostoli – including the capital of the island and the Omala Valley. If you want to visit the religious centre of Kefalonia, stop at the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, here, at the right time, you can view his remains kept in the main church. You could enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the factory at the Robola Cooperative or take a wine tour to several wineries with expert Julia.
If you want to climb the highest mountain of the Ionian islands, drive up or walk up to Mount Ainos, a protected natural park, covered with Abies Cephalonica trees, or choose a jeep safari to explore it (if you are lucky you can see the wild horses). There are several walking trails to be explored here. Afterwards might be a great opportunity for a relaxing massage at Morfeas Massage Salon or a Hamman or treatment at Oh My Spa! Hamman & Other Stories
Another option would be to explore Saint Georges Castle at Kastro and then have lunch at the restaurant or at the cafe. Visit Katavothres (one of the strange phenomena of our island), ideal in the afternoon with the sunset colours and pass from Fanari lighthouse also and swim at one of the three nearby beaches.
If you want to have a boat tour there are several options, the route is mainly a visit to White Rocks, Vardiani island and Manias beach (the extension of Xi beach on Paliki peninsula) and you could join a tour with a traditional boat Dreamy Cruises (their sunset cruise is amazing) and Queen B or if you want a more vibe atmosphere with music and dance, join the Lady O! Another great activity is SUP Yoga that combines Yoga with the Stand-Up Paddle Board. From the port of Argostoli you can also get a self-driven boat tour.
You can move along with the coastline with the car and explore more beaches of the south at Ammes, Ai Helis, Trapezaki and Lourdas. These beaches are sandy and the waters are very warm, if you are lucky you can see a turtle swimming or a little turtle coming out of its nest while there in late August and September.
If you want some panoramic views of the south, take the exhilarating walking trail at the beautiful and peaceful Zoodohos Pigi Monastery with diverse flora and fauna of the area, or if you feel a little more daring go abseiling there with Wild Nature Expeditions or Outdoor Kefalonia. The way up to the monastery is by a rough dirt road (only 4×4 vehicles are recommended or arrange a jeep safari with the experts) starting from the village of Atsoupades on the main road which connects Argostoli to Poros passing through Agrinia.
You can end your day at the special Koroni beach and the amazing Sesto Koroni bar for a cocktail and great relaxing music that has the most amazing sunset.
Day 7 SOUTH AND NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS
Take a day (or more) sailing with a crewed sailing yacht which combines the service and friendliness of an elegant hotel with complete freedom to explore amazing landscapes, beaches and villages without ever worrying about the crowds. If you want the exhilaration of being on the water with the wind in your hair, freedom to explore, privacy, service, pampering, great food and well-mixed drinks, then I highly recommend chartering a crewed luxury yacht. You can visit the neighbouring islands like Zante, Ithaca and Lefkas or just sail around Kefalonia. The Ionian sea has many beautiful places to visit such as Vathi and Frikes on the legendary island of Ithaca, the birthplace of Odysseus. Sami, Agia Efimia, and Fiskardo on Kefalonia. Meganisi with the ports of Little Vathi and Spartochori, and also Nidri, Sivota and Lefkas town on the island of Lefkas. You can also sail around the island of Scorpios, previously owned by the Onassis family and now owned by a Russian tycoon, or just moor in different secluded bays and dine aboard under the stars.
Depending on your travel dates, it would be great to take part in one of the religious or local celebrations or festivals organised in different locations every summer! (check our calendar and check closer to the dates for upcoming events)
If you want me to create an authentic, imaginative, romantic, tailor-made itinerary just for you and your loved one, send me an e-mail.
The following services can be included in your plan, just contact us: grocery shopping, private chef, butler, masseuse, daily maid, child minding, yoga, wine tasting, delivery of organic products, taxi, water taxi and of course any activity from our site menu!