On the Ionian Islands, in the sea of the same name off the western coast of mainland Greece, there are many beach resorts loved by both Europeans and Russian tourists. By purchasing a ticket to Kefalonia or Zakynthos, you can be sure that your vacation will leave a pleasant trace in your memory, and Greece will become your favorite destination for years to come.
Criterias of choice
There are no direct regular flights from Moscow to Kefalonia or Zakynthos in the schedules of airlines yet, but Russian tourists are not stopped by difficulties:
- The island of Zakynthos can be reached by charters, taking off on average once a week from both the capital and St. Petersburg. Travel time is about 3.5 hours, and the ticket will cost about 23,000 rubles.
- You will have to get to Kefalonia by plane via Athens, Corfu or Zakynthos, where you will change to the board of domestic airlines. On the east coast of the island there is a ferry service with the mainland and other Greek islands.
Hotels in Greece correspond to the European classification and a three-star hotel will definitely have a swimming pool, free wireless Internet, parking and even a playground on its territory:
- On the island of Kefalonia, it will be possible to rent a 3 * room at the height of the summer season for $ 65. In this case, the sea will be located 100 meters from the hotel.
- In Zakynthos, the order of prices is approximately the same, although it is better to book "treshki" in advance, because they are in great demand.
The weather on the islands is determined by the Mediterranean climate, and therefore it is distinguished by a large number of sunny days a year and low humidity during the summer season. The most seasoned ones start swimming in the Ionian Sea in April, and a comfortable time for a beach holiday in Kefalonia or Zakynthos begins in May. The temperature of water and air in the height of summer can reach + 26 ° C and + 35 ° C, respectively, but fresh sea breezes blowing in Greece from the north make it easy to endure the heat.
Kefalonia or Zakynthos beaches?
On the island of Kefalonia, you can choose both sandy and pebble beaches for relaxation. The most popular are Katelios with perfect white sand and Myrtos, covered with round smooth pebbles. The Blue Flag flies proudly on many of the island's beaches. This prestigious award is given for its exceptional cleanliness and environmental friendliness.
In Zakynthos, in addition to the world famous and beautiful Smuggler's Beach in Navayo Bay, tourists can also be found in Laganas, where sea turtles live, and in Alykes, where couples with children prefer to come.
All Greek beaches are municipal, and therefore you will not have to pay to enter them. The most popular ones are equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, available for rent for a few euros a day.
For the soul and photo album
In the capital of Zakynthos, attention is paid to the St. Mark's Square with the Cathedral, the Museum of the National Poet Solomos and the belfry of St. Dionysius, who served as a parish priest in Zakynthos.
Kefalonia is famous for its bottomless lakes and beautiful caves, ruins of medieval fortresses, floor mosaics of the 2nd century in a Roman villa in Skala and the monastery of St. Andrew in the village of Peratata, where frescoes of the 13th century have been preserved.
