Kefalonia and Ithaca are two of Greece’s most beautiful and tranquil islands – perfect for a fully guided week of walking. Join us to discover and enjoy this stunning twin-centre walking holiday with your fellow solo ramblers. A real Solos favourite.
Grade: Medium
Extras
Upon arrival in Kefalonia, we transfer to the Sunrise Inn Hotel in Pessada. We enjoy our welcome drink and information meeting before dinner at the hotel.
The area of Leivathos covers south Kefalonia. Our route today commences along narrow asphalt roads, from village to village. Along the way you will be surprised how lush and green Kefalonia is compared to many other Greek islands. Tall cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, old oak trees and fields of wild flowers dominate the landscape. The deep blue sea is never too far away, making a picture perfect background. In Avithos, we walk the trail back to our hotel after visiting the renowned winery of Sarres. Here we’ll taste their fine selection of wines and learn all about the local grape varieties and the viticulture of the island.
Breakfast & Dinner at Taverna Cavo Liakas
After breakfast we’ll check out of our hotel and hop on our private coach. First stop is the viewpoint over Mirtos beach. The sight over this famous bay is simply breathtaking – a white sandy cove which sharply contrasts against the azure blue sea and is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, so cameras at the ready! Before we start hiking, we’ll have another short stop in the small harbour of Agia Efimia, to visit the local bakery for a snack (at own cost) to be taken during our hike. We start in the village of Drakopoulata, where time has stood still since the earthquake of 1953, with the Venetian styled ruins, a silent witness to this event. The only signs of life are the ringing of goat bells from the mountainside.
Our walk today starts at the Katheron Monastery, as the narrow paths circle the flanks of the Neriton mountain and ends in the village of Anoghi. If you wish less of a challenge today, you have the option to join the hike at the halfway point in the village of Anoghi. The walk continues (or starts) via a pleasant trail, meandering through dense vegetation with immense views over the south Ionian Sea where we arrive into Kioni around lunchtime. After a spot of lunch (at own cost) a fast boat will take us to the intimate capital of the island, Vathi. However, before we arrive back at the hotel, we can stop for a swim at a secret cove and beach only accessible by boat.
Breakfast & Dinner at Taverna Kohilli
Our last walk on Ithaca takes us to the south part of the island with its stunning views. From Marathia, we walk up to the view point where we will be able to see the entire East coast of Ithaca. The trail meanders through dense forests of tall cypress trees and finishes in Vathi.
Breakfast & Dinner at Taverna Kohilli
After breakfast, we check-out of our hotel and transfer to the port to catch our ferry back to Kefalonia for today’s walk. Starting at the Byzantine Monastery of Agios Fanentes, with amazing views over Sami, our walk takes us past the Acropolis of Same – a unique archaeological site hidden between old olive trees. You are free to roam around and climb the old Mycenaen entrance, which is still quite intact. Our route descends through a dense pine tree wood with indigenous mastic trees and continues to Karavomilos. Here, we have the option to visit one of the island’s bucket list attractions -the Melissani Caves (€8 payable locally). The cave is partially collapsed, allowing sunlight to filter through and create mesmerizing reflections on the water’s surface – a true natural spectacle. After lunch along the waterfront (at own cost), our minibus will take us to Argostoli. We’ll have a break at the Gerasimos Monastery – home to the sacred patron saint of Kefalonia.
Breakfast & Dinner at Taverna Archrontiko
Argostoli is actually quite small and within half an hour, we’ll be walking through fields, listening to the rustling of tall eucalyptus trees. The path will become narrow and ascend in a shady valley. On the rocky path, ancient chariot tracks are clearly visible as it was once a supply route to a huge settlement on top of the hill. Hidden in an olive grove, we’ll stumble upon Mycenaean cyclops walls made of huge boulders. The route continues, descending and following goat tracks. Argostoli is visible in the distance. Finally, we reach the sea, and will spot sea turtles. These Caretta Caretta turtles are being fed by local fishermen and it’s guaranteed we’ll see a few. A fitting goodbye to the natural beauty Kefalonia has to offer. Tonight’s farewell dinner will be celebrated in one of the traditional tavernas where Kantades are sung. These local songs praise the beauty of the Ionian Islands
Breakfast & Dinner at Taverna Captains Table
After breakfast (depending on your departure time), you can enjoy the final few hours in town. Argostoli is a vibrant city with so much to do. The town has a pleasant shopping street and a lively vegetable market. Kefalonia suffered quite intensely during the Second World War. With an extra self-guided morning walk, you could visit the monument of the Italian 33rd Acqui Division commemorating the massacre by German forces as portrayed in the novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
We then transfer to the airport for our flight home.
We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar).
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer from Kefalonia Airport to the hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. This holiday is graded as Medium and the itinerary includes walk up to 15km per day and includes ascents and descents.If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter.
Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day when not walking. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening, with the emphasis throughout being informal but with no shorts or vests in the restaurants in the evenings. Early and late season evenings can be cool so do ensure that you take a cardigan or jacket and even some rainwear – particularly in May and June when you may experience some spring thunderstorms follow
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate percentage add on.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
First day on Kefalonia
Walking Distance +12km Circular approx
Ascent 140m approx
Descent 153m approx
Kefalonia to Ithaca
Transfer hotel – Agia Efimia 60 min
Hike Drakopoulata to Sami 15 km approx
Ascent 450m approx
Descent 450m approx
Ferry to Ithaca 45 min
Transfer Piso Aetos to hotel 15 min
North Ithaca
Hike Katheron – Kioni 14.5km (or 5.5 km from Anoghi)
Ascent 130m
Descent 650m
Transfer Piso Aetos – Katheron 30 min
Private boat transfer Kioni – hotel 30 min including swimstop on Nissaki Beach
South Ithaca
Hike Marathia – hotel 11 km approx
Ascent 170m
Descent 420m
Transfer hotel – Marathia 15 min
Ithaca to Kefalonia
Hike Agios Fanentes & Acropolis 13 km appox
Ascent 240m approx
Descent 240m approx
transfer hotel – Piso Aetos
ferry to Sami 45 min
transfer Sami-Argostoli 60 min
Visit Melissani lake/cave optional, entry € 8 pp payable locally
Last day on Kefalonia
Krani circular hike 12 km approx
Ascent 180m approx
Descent 180m approx
To enter Greece mainland or the Greek Islands your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Greece
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 2 °C | 5 °C |
| March | 14 °C | 6 °C |
| April | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| May | 22 °C | 12 °C |
| June | 26 °C | 16 °C |
| July - August | 29 °C | 18 °C |
| September | 26 °C | 16 °C |
| October | 21 °C | 13 °C |
| November | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| December | 13 °C | 7 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
