Report Abuse

“30th Wedding Anniversay Holiday!! Why did we wait so...”

written by mercol on 13/08/2013

After long deliberations about where to spend our 2013 hols we decided on Kefalonia. Partly for its history and partly for its climate. We then had to decide on travel companies and found that our criteria for a great holiday were independance(within reason), good food, close to bars and restaurants and beaches, but also peaceful; washing machine!!! We dont hire cars on holiday as my husband drives a lot for his job so didnt want this included in the package and therefore needed to be walking distance to all amenities.

Simpsons holidays came up time after time on internet searches and after discussions with helpful and informed sales staff over the telephone and email we came up trumps. The holiday was more expensive than we usually budget for so our 30th wedding anniversary was a good excuse and it was worth every penny!!! I shall start saving now for next year!!!

Thea cottage is a perfect Greek cottage, with a beautiful bedroom and comfortable small sitting room. I must mention the bed linen which is fantastic and I am trying to source some for home!!! The kitchen is large and has all the essentials if you wish to bake or cook and the bathroom is spacious and houses the washing machine. The terrace to the front of the cottage has the most stunning views over the bay and is wonderfully shady for most of the day, if you want to catch the rays there is a small area at the back of the cottage which I found too hot but my husband loved. A small road runs in front of Thea cottage and a stroll down some steps leads you to a small rocky bathing area which is great for an early morning or late evening dip, floating in front of one of the many super yachts that anchor in the bay.

Simpsons local rep was brilliant and has a wealth of local knowledge re the history of Fiskardo and the local characters. She also left us a super welcome basket of all the essentials that you need on a self catering holiday. She cleaned twice a week and Adonis, lovely helpful chap, the cottage owner lives next door so is at hand if you need anything.

The beaches are pebbly or rocky so a 'must have' are 'jelly, or 'swim' shoes which can be bought locally for approx. 6-8euros and beach mats which are also inexpensive. Foki beach is about a 10 min walk from Thea cottage or Emplisy beach is about 35min walk.

We managed 2 walks but there are many more and if you holiday when it is a little cooler you will be spoilt for choice.

The bars and restauraunts in Fiskardo are a short 10-15min stroll away and would suit all budgets and are all very reasonable. The staff are friendly and helpful, our personal favourite was 'Tassia' but only by a small margin as all of the restaurants were great. We understand that Tassia is a Greek celebrity chef and she is on hand to take all of the orders.

My favourite things: Apart from the rep!! Thea cottage and its privacy but also its people/super yacht watching location. The cats - which are everywhere but are soon shooed away if you are not a fan.
Hubbys favourtie things: Binoculars!!! Part of the inventory at Thea cottage and the Greek people who are so friendly and helpful.

If there has to be a downside or and improvement that may be made:- it would be nice to have bicycles at the cottage to use or be able to hire them locally. Not to cycle far - the roads are hilly but so lovely and quiet.