24 hours in... Lourdas

It is late September and I am onboard one of our last flights to Kefalonia of the season. It is 26ºC, unusually warm for this time of year, the sun is shining brightly and there is a fragrance of the harvest on the sea air. Every destination in the world has a unique aroma and Kefalonia's is an overriding one of nature.

A quick trip across the tarmac, through passport control, bags collected, and it's time to meet the local representative, Amy. On Kefalonia, Amy is one of four representatives on the island; Anna-Maria and Maria cover the north, Amy the south and Cheryl is based in the capital, Argostoli, and helps to plan our guest services and efficient transfer programme.

Our destination for the night is Lourdas, or Lordata as it's also known, on the south coast, a short air-conditioned minibus journey from the airport.

I was immediately taken by the tranquility of the area. Lourdas has retained its traditional look and feel whilst still catering for guests with its tavernas and bars - you could say that it is a quintessential Sunvil destination.

Lourdas Beach Apartments:

The Lourdas Beach Apartments are set metres away from the beach. I stayed in Room No. 104 which was on the ground floor, a few steps up to the beautiful and dreamy infinity pool with a flourishing view towards Zakynthos and the Ionian Sea. The apartment itself has two very comfortable twin beds along with a shower room, sofa bed and a small kitchenette. The patio doors from the bedroom overlook the beach and beyond, whilst the patio wraps around the apartment offering further privacy. A pack of freshly baked bread, conserves, milk, fresh orange juice and a bottle of local Chardonnay was a touching welcome gift. 

Lourdas Beach Apartments - Swimming pool:

The swimming pool at the Lourdas Beach Apartments is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the property. The infinity design seamlessly merges the pool with the Ionian Sea beyond and the gentle cascade of water helps to eliminate any external noise. It would be easy to while-away the hours here, enjoy the view and listening to the waves lapping on the beach. Luckily the apartments enjoy the sun into the evening and so I make the most of it whilst I can.

The evening:

I watch the sun set from my balcony, turning a deep rouge as it disappeared below the horizon. Metres from the apartments are a stretch of family run tavernas and bars. I’d recommend the Klamatis Tavern, a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Even as the season nears its end, this taverna has few unoccupied tables - something that speaks volumes. Owned by Maria and run alongside her son, the menu is fresh and local: courgette fritters, saganaki cheese, tzazkiti, spanakopita, Greek Salad and not forgetting Lamb Souvlaki! In no time at all our carafe of wine and flatbreads have arrived. Moments later my freshly prepared food follows.

A short stroll back to the apartments and I meet another couple who are starting their second week here. A couple of drinks with them and I have finished my evening off nicely. Very quickly it’s midnight and I am off to lay my head. 

Day of departure:

Sunvil's local representative, Amy hosts her welcome meeting at 10:30 on a Sunday. She is a mine of information and provides a great insight to the area and its hidden gems - I'd recommend that all our guests attend. There is so much to see including the red clay beach and turtle beach, and close to home a secluded cove frequented by locals... I should have planned to stay longer but duty calls at home. The real Greece is here and beauty is at every turn.

Before we leave Amy takes me up to Cafe Platanos, a short 10 minute stroll up the hillside. The cafe is run by a Welsh gentleman who settled in southern Kefalonia over 20 years ago. It is safe to say that he chose a good spot, the views down the valley and beyond into the Ionian really open the eyes and take you to heaven. The traditional village feel is perfect. A great way to start the day. 

Overview:

We really enjoyed our short time at the Lourdas Beach. I felt connected to the local area and very much at home. The locals welcome you with open arms and encourage you to relax to their slower pace of life. The area has enough shops and tavernas to cater for the summer season without it feeling too commercialised, and has enough on offer that you do not need to venture further afield unless you so desire. The area is great for couples and young children.

The Lourdas Beach Apartments are available from May to October. Find out more here.

About the author:

Brett Gerrett runs Isleworth Travel Management a division of the Sunvil Family. Having travelled to over 100 countries, Brett is now writing a series of “24 Hours In”.