Loved it, thanks!

I am not going to sell out until in another galaxy far out there there is an outfit that will buy me out LOL.

Yes, for some reason it’s not an easy island to leave at a convenient time. Many years ago they had a constant 7am flight w/ Olympic which was perfect to make a connection to the US (often on Olympic as well – that’s going back), but sadly no more.

Hear you on the ferry. A huge time suck w/ the driving as well. And yes, the island has some really nice hotels. Skala is a great destination and would be worth spending some time in if you can.

Your 3 month splits in retirement are a drive I envision often as well, then get a ping at work to wake me up. haha

https://www.afar.com/magazine/grand-canyon-fires-the-damage-and-whats-open-and-closed?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=071525GrandCanyonFiresx3&utm_term=Daily%20Wander%20Newsletter%20×3

Yep, getting them out of the island will be super tough without getting them to be way too tired arriving back in the US. Crazy times and likely overnighting. And risky connections if splitting it. And realizing the odd times on Aegean/Sky out of EFL. This is going to hurt!

Booked a car with Sixt at the island, we are flying in with Aegean from Thessaloniki via Athens. Not doing the Greek ferry rides, a bit too old for that and time is precious.

Almost pulled the trigger on 5 of the 8 hotel nights at the island at a very nice hotel paying way too much money than I am accustomed to. But amazing location and place but…you know, not all nights are available. Still may split the first 3 nights at Skala. #Developing

Learning more about the island along the way. Envisioned myself in retiring 3 months here, 3 months in Bangkok, 3 months in the US visiting kids/grandkids? and 3 months FT traveling….and then I woke up lol.

Are you sure? Not basic economy? 🙂

Glad to hear your trip is coming along well, and glad to help! I’m with you on the hotel points as I myself don’t know about Airbnb, booking, etc. I do know through my cousin that booking.com is much more popular than Airbnb and others in Greece, and in Sept you surely will find a good place at decent prices.

And yes, leaving the island w/out losing a day of work is not easy as the duopoly of Aegean and Sky both leave at terrible times for US connections in Athens. In the summer Aegean has an ~10:30pm that gets into ATH at like midnight (as it’s usually delayed), so spending a few hours there to get a 6am flight might work – not sure this flight is offered in Sept though.

I’ve also taken Condor and Ryanair to Frankfurt in the past, have also done a flight to Venice on Volotea and Austrian to Vienna, all which made connections to the US same day. You could do a morning flight to LGW on EasyJet and bus transfer to LHR for more US options or if you want or try to do the nonstop on British that goes to LHR that may work, usually w/ delays though you’re likely miss the connection, as I did in the past and spent a night there.

Flightconnections.com, which I assume you know, can show you what goes nonstop from EFL and maybe find something that will work.

One last thing is rent a car one-way and take the early morning ferry to Kyllini which with the 1.5 hour ferry and 3.5 hour drive would get you to Athens same day around noonish. Not ideal, but if flights fail you.

Good luck, and enjoy your time there!!

You are absolutely right about staying on or near Myrtos beach. Yesterday I realized I need to rethink my original plan. Thanks for mentioning the area around Argostoli is likely the best. Also, cousin confirms the same thing and that is where they are all going to be too so I am likely now going to get one place there for the duration and then drive on day trips to hit the beaches northwest and the caves. And try to squeeze in Antisamos and Skala hopefully before they all arrive…

I have been booking chain hotels with points for so long I am a complete newbie on Airbnb, booking.com, vrbo and these sites. So many choices it is overwhelming. And I want to make the best choice because, you know, lodging can enhance the experience 🙂

Thanks for the restaurant names, I am taking notes. Apparently the groom and my son are big foodies.

Slowly doing all the reservations one by one. Bringing wife and daughter back to the US without overnighting somewhere and losing a work day is going to be almost impossible. Car rentals are done at least.

And the only reservation missing on the Thailand trip is getting us two back to the US. 22 hotel nights on points/free night certs, 20 on Hyatt and 2 on Hilton #winning

Glad to help. If your want easy access to the beach you can’t go wrong with Skala. My aunt used to live there and it’s a great place. Lots to do and huge beach. Staying near Myrtos you may want to reconsider though. It’s a great beach, but from what I remember not much going on near there aside from traditional villages and you likely wouldn’t want to go more than once to that beach as it’s a trek to get down there vs Skala where it’s very easy. Staying near Argostoli wouldn’t be a bad idea as another more central spot. Forgot to mention last time, but Lassi may be worth it if you want quick beach access and things to do at night. Sami is another option that’s a bit lively also, but not as great with the port there.

Regarding fish restaurants I asked my cousin and he confirmed what I had thought – there aren’t many places that offer truly fresh fish. Most serve frozen fish, contrary to what they will tell you and popular belief given it would be an island and plenty of freshly caught fish. One he recommended was in Zola called Kalyva tou Psara. There is another in Fiskardo called Tassia, but that usually attracts a lot of celebrities coming in on their yachts so may be a bit overpriced for what you get. I’m sure you can find some more online as well.

If your party eats meat you will have plenty of grilled meat restaurants. There is one in Agkonas called Vista Mare, which is really good. On Saturdays only they serve suckling pig if you’re interested in that. Great views from there also and may be something to check out after you do Fteri as it’s close by. Pantheon tis Gefsis north of Argostoli is another good one. Plenty of options otherwise if your party is vegetarian or vegan, but meat is definitely more widely served than fish on the island.

Happy to answer anything else. Overall, you’ll definitely enjoy your time and smart move to leave out Lixouri on this trip, as IMHO it’s the least interesting part of Kefalonia.