I took a drive to Pylos, a typical small Greek village with cute tavernas. There are small cozy hotel located high up and paste themselves to the rock wall with a breathtaking view of the sea. Just as it should be in Greece!
Pylos!
Pylos has a cozy harbor where everyone gathers. There is also a small promenade facing the sea with several small taverns. Renting a car when you are on the Peloponnese is almost a must when there is so much to discover, the car rental office is located in Pylos.
Under the shade of a tree you will find the square. The village is situated about 20-30 minutes drive from The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino.
Boat trip!
Opa! It’s time to get on board and spend the day at sea!
The goal was to visit a small island and and eat some nice Greek Salad for lunch together with some nice local white wine. Of course, as you can see I had to dance a little Zorba with the skipper!
Sphacteria Island, is a small island at the entrance to the bay of Pylos!
In ancient times it was the site of the Battle of Sphacteria in the Peloponnesian war.
In 425BC, during the Peloponnesian War, the Athenians defeated the Spartans in a “commando” raid on Sphacteria Island. In modern times the bay was the site of the Battle of Navarino in the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire (the forerunner to modern-day Turkey).
In 1826 approximately 200 Greek fighters were blockaded there by Ibrahim Pasha’‘s fleet when captain Tsamados set out a daring plan to rescue them.
In August 1826 in a stormy night he slipped unnoticed with his ship “Ares” between the Turkish fleet and the castle of Navarino (controlled by Turkish forces then) to the island of Sphacteria and boarded the 200 fighters. While leaving he was noticed by the Turkish sailors and he was trapped between the fleet of 15 frigates and the castle cannons. The battle lasted for 2 hours but they managed to escape.
Take the ferry to Kefalonia!
It’s easy to take the ferry from Peloponnese from the small port city of Killini, on the western Peloponnese to Kefalonia. The Greek island of Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and is located above the island of Zakynthos and west of the Peloponnese peninsula in western Greece. It’s famous for the exotic beaches and the picturesque seaside villages, Kefalonia is an island ideal for romantic holidays. Due to its large size, tourism is spread and the island keeps its quiet, laid back style even in high season.
Myrtos is the most photographed beach in Kefalonia. Famous for its exotic waters with the different shades of blue, this is a fabulous place to spend a day at the sun.
Fiskardo!
Located on the northern side of Kefalonia, Fiskardo is a lovely port village surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous beaches. Its port receives many private yachts in summer.
Fiskardo, Argostoli and Assos are fine villages to walk around with traditional architecture, cosmopolitan style and delicious restaurants.
Interesting sightseeings on this Greek island include the cave of Drogarati with the interesting stalactites and stalagmites, the lake cave of Melissani, the Medieval Castles of Saint George and Assos and the lovely monasteries scattered in the inland. On the southern par is Mount Ainos with the distinctive dark fir forest that has been declared National Park.
Due to its location, holidays in Kefalonia can be combined with other Greek islands, including Lefkada, Corfu, Ithaca and Zante.
Emelisse Hotel Fiskardo!
This is one of my favorite places on earth! It’s called Emelisse Hotel Fiskardo! You can see the silhouette of Ithaca in the horizon. Second photo shows were you eat your breakfast with seaview and Corfu in the horizon.
About the hotel!
The Emelisse Hotel is situated along the rugged shoreline of the emerald Ionion Sea. It sits in a spot of supreme serenity amongst acres of native cypress and cedar trees. The pools and outdoor restaurants and bars provide front row seating for an unparalleled display of natures splendour.
The interiors are designed to reflect and not distract from the unspoilt beauty of the hotel’s setting. Natural materials and earth tones provide a simple, non-intrusive environment. Crisp white cotton sheets and plush, luxurious robes and bath towels enhance your sensory pleasure.
The hotel and its environs also provide a wealth of leisure pursuits. Two fully stocked bars, two restaurants, a fully equipped gymnasium and a tennis court. There are two main swimming pools as well as other separate pools shared by guests in the maisonettes and executive suites.
Emelisse is a boutique hotel that loves design and art like this trousers in the lobby!
For more information about my favorite hotel use this link http://www.emelissehotel.com/
The beaches!
The island of Kefalonia, in Greece, is one of the Greek islands of the Ionian Sea and it belongs to the Ionian islands group. The exotic beaches are probably the top reason to visit Kefalonia Greece, with the crystal blue water and the relaxing atmosphere. Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas and Skala are the nicest beaches, but my favorite are the white cliffs close to Emelisse and Fiscardo.
Giavola!
Back in the Peleponese and in a small village called Giavola!
This village is very close to The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino ca 10-15 min.
Giavola has a lovely beach walk were you can arrange a late outdoor lunch for yor event or fabilous dinner and on the beach you can sit under the shade of a tree.
Don’t you just love the fruit in Greece!
To visit the Greek mainland means a meeting with a magically beautiful Greece beyond the large tourist flows. From Costa Navarino and Giavola it takes about 50 minutes by drive to Kalamata which is kind of a big city with a perfect mix of beach life, city feel, trendy shopping and relaxing vacation. All in a completely simple, and it is so close to the classic sights gives the holiday an extra dimension. The hotels in the Peloponnese ranging from classy and trendy places to cozy apartment hotel for those who want the raw yourself.
In the Peloponnese you find the classic places Mistra, Sparta and Olympia and the outdoor theater of Epidaurus. The landscape is incredibly beautiful with high mountains and lush, green forest mixed with meadows and babbling brooks down in the deep valleys.
The next blog update from me will be about Athens and the wineyards in Argos! xoxo