firmgirl

I am planning a trip for a large group of adults (15-20) for June of 2007.

Right now we have it narrowed down to Crete (renting all 4 villas here: http://www.alpha-omegaonline.co.uk/C...%20Villa/e.htm) or Kefalonia (renting 3 villas here: http://www.villabrio.gr/)

We want to relax on the beach and see interesting sites during this vacation. It seems like both of these islands look beautiful and are equally difficult to get to.

If you had to choose between Crete and Kefalonia, which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

Carolina

I like both islands but if I were you I would choose Crete. There is much more to do on Crete and the roads are better. There are nice old towns (particularly Hania in the west), lots of historical sites, beautibul beaches, a gorge if anyone wants a serious walk, beautiful villages and much more. Crete should also be pretty easy to get to as there are lots of flights and ferries. As I don't know where you are travelling from, I can't advise on the easiest way to get there although the ferry journey is long.

Kefallonia is beautiful but has little to see other than the countryside and beaches. The village of Fiscardo in the north is the only part that wasn't destroyed by an earthquake in 1950s. The town of Argostoli, although new, is pleasant in an evening with a large plaza.

To get to Kefallonia, you can fly from Athens (the easiest way) or take a train or bus to Patras and a ferry from there.

Carolena

sheila

Why are they hard to get to?

I'm with Caroline. Crete for variety and depth.

firmgirl

I guess hard to get to was the wrong phrase to use.

The folks I am traveling with are very budget conscious, and always want to find the cheapest way to get anywhere. Some are worried that having to get to an island will add cost. But, from all of my research it seems as far as Crete v. Kefalonia is concerned, they are probably equally expensive.

GeoffHamer

To get to Crete, there are overnight ships from Pireas, the port of Athens; there is the extra cost of a cabin on the ship, but you save a night in a hotel and don't waste any time travelling.
To Kefalonia, there are direct buses from Athens which go on the ferry from Patra or Kilini; the bus goes on the ferry, so you don't have to take luggage on and off the bus. More information on the island and transport links are on www.kefalonia.net.gr . For 20 people, it might be cheaper to hire a bus, but the schedule would be the same as for the public bus.