KEFALOS PART 2

Better late than never.....!!!

ANTHOULA HOTEL

IF you are looking for a family run quiet, beautifully clean hotel/B & B, up in the hills, spectacular views, perfect for those who enjoy walking, and close to the Kefalos village, with a mini bus service which will take you down to the beach, (for those that don't !!!...)and the bay....here's your hotel! 

Good rates & even better they have an adjoining family room, which I have struggled to find during my search of hotels......

The rooms are well equipped with a fridge, tv, and coffee/tea making facilities.....

The hotel is owned and run by friends of ours, and we have had the pleasure of staying here on several occasions, I would certainly recommend it! 

It was lovely also to catch up with them during our quick visit to Kefalos.

There is also a snack bar by the pool, for those wishing to soak up the sun, enjoy the scenery and peace and quiet, without having to move very far!

Contact details, KEFALOS/KOS 0030 22420 71339 for bookings.

The season is slowly coming to an end, a few more weeks only.  The weather has stayed glorious, and it is such a shame that direct flights from European countries are few and far between in the winter months.

Kos is a perfect place to come, it might not be hot, hot hot in the winter, but certainly warmer than many places.  Great for walking, cycling and adventure holidays.  Here's hoping that Kos with survive the economic crisis......and that it continues to be the beautiful island that many have fallen in love with, again and again.

XXX

30 HOUR VACATION IN KEFALOS-(STILL ON KOS ISLAND 45 KM FROM TOWN)

KEFALOS
PART 1 - MAIN BEACH & THE IONIKOS HOTEL
AGIOS STEPHANOS
PANTHEON HOTEL
LIMIONAS
A SMALL WINDMILL

What can I say?  Simply Greece, everything you would imagine, like a backdrop of a film.....A wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of life, quiet, beautiful scenery, golden beaches that either stretch out for miles, or hidden coves, down mountainous roads.  Rocky cliffs, and stony paths, crystal clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling.  The resort has everything you need, including a regular bus service which allows you to explore the other parts of the island.

Kefalos was once the capital of the island in ancient times, the main village is built on a small mountain, this is where most of the Kefalos folk live.  It has a real Greek feel of small winding streets, whitewashed houses and churches every where you turn.
Opps no pics though......this time...take a look at previous Blog of Kefalos......back in.....April also.

Most of the accommodation is on the main beach road leading through Kefalos, we actually stayed in a small basic, family run hotel on the beach.  However, there are some amazing hotels in Kefalos that offer spectacular views, not necessary on the beach, ideal if you really want to chillax, and if you wish to go out and about you may be driven around by the free courtesy bus services they have to offer, fantastic .

IONIKOS HOTEL http://www.ionikoshotel.gr/

Our 1 night stay!!!

A simple old fashioned,  family run hotel, exceptionally clean......pool, next to a beautiful sandy beach with it's own restaurant/bar. Wonderful gardens and in walking distance of a mini-market, and plenty of tavernas close at hand.....a short walk along the golden sands to the ruins of Agios Stephanos.

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The island of Kastri, which you can see opposite can be reached by boat, many people swim!  It has been very popular this year, in particular couples getting married in the little Monastery of Agios Nikolas that you can just about see with the blue roof in the pics.  Perfect for a simple Greek Wedding, and lunch on the beach in Kefalos afterwards, how romantic.

BELOW- the island of Kastri lit up at night!

If you are hiring a vehicle......
Before actually getting into Kefalos there is a sign post for Agios Stephanos and a wonderful taverna which specialises in Greek food, especially seafood and fresh fish from the bay.  There are also sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach to rent.

PANTHEON HOTEL-KEFALOS


Over looking Agios Stephanos on the hillside is a hotel run by a friend of mine from my Airtours days....

I finally made it to see her, and was blown away by the views, really, out of this world.....

A family run hotel, very well organised, modern with a wonderful Greek touch. Spacious, and rooms that are well equipped and designed, not forgetting a view from your balcony which makes your jaw drop....
Simply paradise.

Imagine sitting out and eating your breakfast.....or having an evening tipple and watching the sun go down ...

Perfect for real escapism and for those wishing and go out and about in Kefalos, you don't even have to worry about transport.  There is a courtesy bus that will take you down to the beach.....a few minutes away.  You can contact the hotel direct e-mail janets@otenet.gr or 22420 71900 Bookings can also be made with internet companies...DIRECT HOLIDAYS, LOW COST HOLIDAYS, EDEN VIAGGI & VIAMARE

If you are thinking of getting married, it is a perfect location for the wedding groups too, and Janet will be able to assist you with any details and arrangements!

SO HAVING GOT DIRECTIONS, AND MADE SURE IT WASN'T A TREACHEROUS MOUNTAIN PATH, JANET POINTED US IN THE DIRECTION OF THE BEACH/BAY...

LIMIONAS

OFF the beaten track, a quaint little safe haven for fishing boats during rough seas.....a tranquil cove, offering the rocky side ideal for snorkeling or a sandy beach with sunbeds (get there early in high season).

Or if you want a spot of lunch or see a sunset in Kefalos the Limiona Fish Taverna offers an extensive menu, and fresh fish too.

Popular also with the Jeep Safari's. 

If you've left room for dessert........heading back up the mountain......you could stop like us at the quaint little Windmill, run and lived in, by a lovely German couple.  Specialities are homemade cakes, such as the delicious Yogurt and Peach Pie I sampled (someone has too....., light and fluffy, not too sweet and very refreshing!).  Light lunch/early evening menu.....and a perfect spot for photo's....heavenly...

So light and fluffy actually that you could eat more.....and more.......!!!

PART 2 KEFALOS TO FOLLOW.........

ELMO-KO TRAIN TINGAKI

The red train, which boards at the Tigaki roundabout in the main square.  If you are not staying in this resort it is only a short distance from Kos Town, by taxi, and the local bus service runs regularly.  You could make it a sightseeing/beach day, if you go on one of the morning excursions.  You will then have your afternoon free in Tigaki to spend on the beautiful golden beach, and/ or in one of the many fantastic restaurants/snack bars in this resort.  The times are as on this sign/notice (BELOW)

It even runs in the evening, a little MOON-LIT sight-seeing and dinner afterwards, perfect!

It is a full 1hour 30 minute journey, allowing you 30 minutes in Pili to visit the springs/churches/traditional house/main square and hand made jewellery/ceramic/art shops(2)....





Finally, an excursion where it doesn't matter how many children you have with you......(under 10), you pay 10 EURO PER ADULT   well worth the money.  A pleasant way to see the open road, countryside, quaint villages and relax and enjoy the ride, at a holiday pace.  There are also leaflets available, which describes in detail, where the train takes you on its' tour, and gives you a little in sight to some of the remarkable  history of Kos.  Useful information about the resorts that you will be passing through and visiting.

Your stop in Pili, where you can walk to the natural spring with six water fountains, apparently if you drink from all of them it will help you conceive.  Well, I gave that a miss, 4 children are quite enough thank you!

There is also a traditional house which you can visit and take photo's of for a small entrance fee.

 

The small church was open during our visit, so we lit some candles....

There are many beautiful churches on the island of Kos, and quite a few of them are situated in Pili.

Half an hour is almost not enough time...(especially if you are with a hand ful of children!)  There is soo much to see.  You can of course relax in one of the traditional coffee houses or small tavernas in the central square, or by the fountains, OR......for us ladies especially (make sure you've brought some money with you), there are two handmade jewellery/ceramics.art gallery/ shops right in the centre.

Selling something a little different to the normal style tourist shops, one of  a kind pieces, paintings, sketches, statues......etc...etc......I needed at least half an hour in each shop.......!

My favourite, I am sure it's a woman holding a man up..................................................................................................


So whilst you are shopping the men can sit and have a beer, children can enjoy an ice-cream in the square.....

and then back on the train again, and let the gentle breeze caress your hair!


Generally in my experience any of the train rides in and around Kos, and the Island Tours are well worth it. 

WHY?   If you take a ride, trip during your first few days on the island, you are able to get a little taste of an area/resort/village, and then if you are thinking about car hire or wish to use the public transport you then have the opportunity to re-visit the places that you found interesting/enjoyed/ or simply fell in love with!

So would I recommend it YES..!..
Would I go again YES.....!
AND IS LISA,  (WHO TAKES YOUR MONEY AND GIVES YOU AN ELMO-KO MEDAL TO WEAR FOR YOUR ENTIRE  JOURNEY), A LOVELY GIRL.......YES!

MASTIHARI RESORT & A BEACH ALONG THE WAY- TAM TAM!!!

Yes, I know it's August and Greece is usually  hot at this time.....however, it's still toooo hot, as I find myself sweltering in the kitchen (no air-conditioning in here), I must be mad!

This week has seen us on the road (all the family) to Mastihari, (it was a National Holiday, to celebrate the Virgin Mary).  So off we went (15-20 mins in the car from Kos Town) to the  beautiful  fishing port in the centre of the island.  A long sandy beach, and plenty of snack bars and restaurants to choose from.  Many specialising in Fresh Fish.  The perfect resort for those of you wishing to experience the wonders of Greece.  Ideal if you also planning on island hopping too.


The beach in Mastihari, is long and sandy.....perfect for long walks, and there is a Water sports centre further along, for those wishing to windsurf, and a path which is lit at night for those that would like to enjoy a moonlit stroll!  I walked along it in temperatures of 40 degrees, didn't get very far, spent the rest of the time in the sea, trying to cool off!

Lunch at El Greco, (restaurant/taverna on the beach) a huge menu, catering for every ones tastes.  Wonderful Greek plates both small and large, if you would like to try a little of everything.  Specials of the day, delicious desserts, and ice cream galore.  You can't miss it with the colourful, artistic boards!

The port is directly opposite the main harbour of Kalymnos, (famous for it's sponge divers), a smaller island less than 30 minutes across the sea.  Small ferries/boats go on a regular basis, and a ticket office on the harbour itself.

There are some larger hotels close by (some new ones being developed), but if you are looking for traditional accommodation, there are plenty of rooms to let by the day/night.  Again if you are looking to stay in Mastihari,  I can contact of few friends in the area who will be able to recommend apartments for your stay.

Moving on, Tam Tam can be found (the turning), directly opposite the Water park, a little country road will lead you right to it.

 A perfect stopping place for a light snack, evening meal, drink......there is even a small shop selling all kinds of unusual jewellery, and interesting pieces, even clothes.

Open also through the evening, great music and atmosphere, overlooking the sea.

or relax in the deck chairs, there is a children's play area too.....

and there are sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach, for you to soak up the sun.  Everything you need for a perfect day out!

NEPTUNE HOTEL IN MASTIHARI - KOS ISLAND

BASICALLY ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEARCH NEPTUNE KOS & WOW!!!

Certainly one of my favourites on the island, I don't in fact know where to begin, it has everything.....from a beautiful setting, ideal for children, separate kiddies play area/swim area.....soooooo many pools, jacuzzi, spa, salons shops...and...and...AND I want to book myself in for the next month.....(just need to find the money to do so!)

Full board hotel accom available, half board and self catering apartments too.....

I think I must have taken at least fifty photographs, and that was just of the botanical gardens, flowers, and scenery.  Neptune Hotel is located in a  perfect position, situated by the sea, accommodation gently spread out around the vast pool areas, gardens, and some apartments overlooking the sea & spectacular views, and amongst the surrounding countryside. 

We loved the Cold Bath (which of course has a posh name, which I've forgotten), helps the circulation and all sorts of medical conditions, but for us, so nice to be cool!  As with temperatures well into the 100's, even the sea is like a hot bath at the moment!

I could go on and on, about this hotel, it is pretty amazing.  There is also a taverna and several restaurants and bars on site too, and when you've eaten in all of them, a gym, exercise programme everyday.  Entertainment....of course and Animation Teams/Kiddies Clubs.

OF COURSE if you are staying in this hotel (or wish to)...YOU STILL MUST HOP ON A BUS AND GO INTO KOS TOWN (and try one of the many wonderful bars/restaurants there too....for example 'The Fish House'...!.......to name one).  Or into the beautiful small port of Mastihari, which is a few minutes away.

We love the mythological 'art' featured in the grounds of Neptune........

The gardens are.............

Not to mention the wildlife reserve close to the main beach and the turtles....

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST MY DAUGHTER ON THE WAY HOME.....

having tried out every pool, park and walked around  the whole complex for a few hours....!!!

A PERFECT DAY....AN AMAZING HOTEL, CHECK IT OUT.....

http://www.neptune.gr/