Everyone knows Greece for its famous blue & white streets. I am pretty sure that if I say Mykonos or Santorini, you know which island I’m talking about. Did you know that Greece has more than 2000 islands? However, it seems like it’s always the same ones that are standing out. That’s why I decided to visit Greece differently than most tourists.
When visiting Greece, it is classic to choose a duo: a city and an island. It is when choosing their duo that most travelers will choose one of these most popular islands. For the city, I chose to visit Athens. I could not miss this wonderful city whose name we often heard at school, in movies or in books. For the island I chose to visit Kefalonia. It was while doing some general research to find accommodation in Greece that I came across a pearl located on this island. I continued my research to come to the conclusion that it was a very little known island which therefore had much lower prices than the other islands in Greece. I decided to try it.
I do not regret my choice at all. I loved my experience in these two places and that is why I am telling you about it today. Here is a little more information about these two locations:
- Athens – the capital, a classic
- Kefalonia / Cephalonia – the 6th largest island in Greece
Athens
Athens is Greece’s capital and the largest city in the country. It’s a historic city and the birthplace of democracy. To know more, check out 7 Of the best things to do in Athens, Greece.
- You will most likely land at Athens airport because it’s the biggest airport in the country.
- You need to visit at least the Acropolis of Athens and the Ancient Agora.
- Athens has great beaches if you don’t have the time to visit an island.
- Great nightlife for all types of people: You want to party? Go to a club. You want to make new friends? Go to Monastikari. You want to enjoy the night with your family? Visit the Little Kook café.
- Monastiraki is a flea market that is worth a visit during day time as much as night time.
- Athens is Europe’s oldest capital city. This fact might give you a hint on how much history this city holds.
I went to Athens in January and in June. There are fewer tourists in the winter than in the summer, but it is still busy. Activities like the Acropolis of Athens are cheaper because it’s the low season. In the summer, there are a lot of tourists, and it’s the full price for activities like the Parthenon.
*This picture was taken in January*
You need at least 2 full days in Athens to visit the main activities.
Kefalonia / Cephalonia
This island has 2 different names, but it is the same one. Even if it’s the 6th largest island in Greece, Kefalonia is not very well known in the country. This island has so much to offer. To know more, check out 9 Of The Best Things To Do In Kefalonia, Greece.
- Being less known, there are fewer tourists. That means fewer people at the beach, in restaurants and on the streets of the town’s center.
- This may be surprising, but the best way to get around in Kefalonia is by scooter. You will experience the full Greek life by renting one. Some of my best memories are on a scooter.
- This island offers amazing landscapes from mountains to beaches.
- There are two ways to get to the island: by plane or by bus and boat.
By plane : There’s only one airport on the island, Kefalonia Airport (EFL).
By bus and boat: You can take the bus and the boat from Athens to Kefalonia. First, you will take a bus from Athens to Patras. Then, you will take a ferry from Patras to Sami, Kefalonia. The best way to book this option is through Kefalonian Buses S.A. website.
I went in June, and it wasn’t too busy with tourists. The temperature was perfect. I know for a fact that it’s always better to visit an island in Greece in the summer. In the winter, it’s colder and most stores are closed as it is the low season and very few people go to islands in this season.
You need at least 4 full days in Kefalonia to discover this amazing island and everything it has to offer.
