A Perfect Tour of Zákynthos & Kefaloniá

Day 1

Zákynthos Town

In the morning visit the Byzantine and Solomos museums and soak up the atmosphere of central Platía Solomoú, before having a light lunch at nearby Varkarola. After a siesta, stroll along the seafront for a coffee or cocktail and enjoy a fish dinner at Komis, after viewing dazzling Ágios Dionysos church.

Day 2

Boat tour of the island

Choose from one of the many boat tours that circumnavigate the island, usually in an anti-clockwise direction. This is the best way to admire the stunning coastline of Zákynthos: the two main highlights are the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Bay but look out for the Keri caves too. In the evening, dine at Malanos taverna.

Day 3

Vasilikós Peninsula and Laganás Bay

Rent a car for the rest of the week, starting with a gentle drive down the Vasilikós Peninsula, stopping to visit the Sea Turtle Rescue and Information Centre at Gérakas and swim at the splendid beach. After lunch at To Triodi, head for another dip at Límni Kerioú, at the far end of Laganás Bay, before some bar action in Laganás.

Day 4

Rugged Zákynthos

Pack your bags and take a drive across the fertile plain to the rugged western mountains, visiting traditional villages, monasteries and the weaving centre at Volímes. Take a dip at the delightful little beach of Xýngi, before driving to the northern tip to Cape Skinári, to stay and eat at the unique Anemomilos converted windmills.

Day 5 am

Ferry to Kefaloniá

Put the car on the morning ferry from Ágios Nikólaos to Pesáda on Kefaloniá and settle into your Argostóli hotel.

Day 5 pm

Southwestern Kefaloniá

In the afternoon, tour the Palliki (Lixoúri) Peninsula, swimming at beautiful Petaní beach and taking a late lunch at Ksouras. Back in the capital by evening, eat at Kyaní Akti and round the night off at Bee’s Knees.

Day 6

Caves and coves

Tour along the southern coast, taking an early dip at Trapezáki, visiting the Roman mosaics at Skala and completing the loop via Póros to Sámi. After lunch at a seafront taverna, visit the famous caves of Drogaráti and Melissáni. After a late afternoon dip at the tiny cove of Agía Paraskeví, enjoy a seafood spaghetti at the eponymous taverna or drive back for a meal at To Arhontiko in Argostóli.

Day 7

The wild west coast

Set off early along the incredibly scenic west coast, so that you can enjoy Mýrtos beach while there is still some shade. Drop into Ássos to admire the harbour and castle, then continue north for a final swim and excellent organic meal at Odisseas in Agía Ierousalím. To avoid driving the twisting coast road at night, it’s best to stay at picturesque Fiskárdo.