WHERE TO NEXT? Kefalonia!
Welcome to ‘Where to Next,’ your new favourite blog for all of the best Beach Bum destinations! Each month we will hear from others traveling the world about their favourite Beach Bum destinations, what to do there, and why that beach should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Get ready to start packing your favourite Bequia Beach Bums swimsuit and jet off to the newest ‘Where to Next’ destination!
Destination: Kefalonia, Greece
Travel Buddy: Jennifer Wadsworth – Founder of Olive Sky and a proper yachtie!
I’m Jennifer - owner and creator of Olive Studios, which encompasses both Olive Sky Events and Olive Earth Interiors. Originally from Hertfordshire, I grew up in Cambridge and have been lucky enough to spend plenty of time travelling from a young age. Despite the wonderful places I’ve been all over the world, I’ve always felt drawn to the Ionian Islands in Greece.
Who is this destination best suited for? Honestly, I’d challenge anyone not to fall in love with the Greek charm of these gorgeous islands. If you’ve got eyes to see the far reaching crystal blue waters, salty skin to feel the balmy summer evenings and a heart that is ruled by genuine, honest kindness and warming smiles of the friendly locals, Greece is for you.
When is best to go? The summer kicks off in April and the weather is beautiful all the way through until October. Even though peak heat is August, my favourite months to go are June, when the season is still fresh, and October when the sea is deliciously warm.
What Beach Bums piece to pack? The best way to get around the Ionian Islands is by sailboat - so the Blue Bay Swimsuit with the White Sands Kaftan is the perfect combination for coming ashore after an afternoon exploring nearby caves at anchor. Tell us about an unforgettable experience? After two years living aboard a sailboat in Greece, as well as holidaying every summer since I was a child - there are too many to recount. Moments of stillness, hysterical laughter, mystical phosphorescent waters, dolphins dancing at the bow of the boat and lazy sunshine filed afternoons slipping into cheeky sundowners.. it’s all heaven.
Top hang outs: Sticking to Kefalonia for this as there are too many to mention across the Ionian:
For Sundowners : Panormos Restaurant - Fiskardo
For Exploring: Hire a little island jeep and head over to Assos on the West side of the island. It looks like a fairytale village set out on a little land spit surrounded by sparkling seas.
For a Daytrip: Jump aboard (or hire a water taxi) to head over to the neighbouring island of Ithaca - Kioni is a must see.
The best restaurant: Every restaurant in Fiskardo is incredible. They all have tables right up against the yachts and harbour views - but my favourite has to be Lagoudera II for the traditional Greek dishes.
The best beach: Without a doubt, Myrtos Beach - it has sugary white sands, and vibrant turquoise waters nestled in between majestic rocky caves. Also - Captain Correlli’s Mandolin was filmed here!
What souvenir to get? An evil eye to accompany you on your future journeys and keep you safe.
If you like Greece you’ll probably also like Croatia - especially taking a boat over to Palmizana from Hvar to spend the day sipping on a G&T in the rustic and incredibly cool tree houses overlooking the bay at Laganini.
Always in my luggage: Piz Buin, a chick lit book and my aviators.
Top 3 destinations:
I’d love to write Greece here three times, but otherwise - Fiji, Bequia and Italy.
Reading/listening to in your sun lounge? Bruce Springsteen, turned up loud!
Life hacks to feel confident in a swimsuit: Wear it with a smile and no one will notice your least favourite bits!
Morning dip or night swim? Both - any chance to hop in that sea and I’m there.
Life motto: Eyes up, phones down, hearts open.
Next on your bucket list? In terms of places to visit - I’d have to say Capri. It seems like my perfect combination of laid back coastal luxury, with endless pasta.
x
