I would recommend Kefalonia for all the things you are looking for, it is a lovely island.

Hi Cathrynjamie,

Thanks for the recommendation, what time of year would you say to go to Kefalonia?

Thanks
Al and Em

I would also recommend Kefalonia - the resort of Skala - lots of nice hotels right on the beach front and the town is not 18-30 - just enough bars and excellent tavernas. But you need to hire a car to see this wondeful island.

Other than that, my most favourite island Skiathos. Over 60 beaches, beautiful stunning island and Skiathos Town is the centre of the island with wonderful tavernas, good bars (some very trendy) but no 18-30 or yob culture. Very safe island, small island. Again you need a car or jeep to get around.

As for time of the year to go - hard for me to say as I always go in July/August which is hot but even at the height of the season these islands are never packed to capacity. I am always amazed at how Greek islands never seem to have hordes of British families during August unlike places like Spain and Tenerife.

Have fun researching. Both islands are fantastic.

Hi Diamond,

Thanks for your advice, could you recommend any hotels in Skala, or resorts and hotels in Skiathos?

Thanks
Al and Em

Aeolos Beach Hotel in Kefalonia is somewhere highly recommended by a friend of mine but you do need a car or it is a good 15 walk into Skala town in the evening.

I stayed at the Tara Beach Hotel (literally right on the beach) and two mins walk from all the tavernas. Its a few years now since I went there so although I found it excellent, you may need to do a bit of recent research to get up-to-date opinions. The rooms are very basic but the location and staff are wonderful.

http://www.justkefalonia.co.uk is the best messageboard to get advice from people who holiday there every year and many who actually live on the island now.

Hi There,
We stayed in Kefalonia this year, from 22/08/06 to 05/09/06 staying in Lassi at the San Lorenzo Village, it was superb, the beaches are fab, and your next to Argostoli which has a lovely atmosphere.We hired a car and went to Skala for the day which was nice but the beaches arent a patch on Lassi, and also it is a trek to Argostoli, the scenery is beautiful. Also Cyprus is nice and has great beaches

Hi. We stayed in Skala this year (May Spring Bank). I love Kefalonia (this was our third visit) but I found Skala very 'British'. I think a young couple would find Lassi a better choice because of its nice beaches and close proximity to Argostoli, where there's a lovely square and some great bars/restaurants. One thing you must do is hire a car. Kefalonia is one of the most scenic Greek islands I have visited. Gx

It may be a little quiet for you (no clubs at all) and there's no scuba diving, but some of the resorts around the south west Peloponese may appeal to you - and they're easily reached DIY too.

Check out my website for detail. Consider Finikounda, Yialova and Methoni. All have hotels on the beach - but the hotels are all fewer than 40 rooms.

JimB
http://www.jimbaerselman/f2s.com

I also recommend Kefalonia. Mounda beach, just outside Skala, is beautiful, lovely golden sand, sea not too deep at first. We went in August, but it was a bit too hot for me, would love to go again in May or June.

I agree with everyone about the south side of Kefalonia - Skala on round to Poros and Ag Efimia. As for Lassi - very UK package tours. I think this is the most British of all the resorts and far more commercialised than Skala although I do admit Skala is becoming more built up but arent most places. But it is ideal for families - no 18-30. !

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your advice, its much appreciated. We are currently thinking of Sharm el sheikh, Egypt. But Kefalonia is still a option, as we quiet like the idea of exploring the by car or jeep, giving freedom that Sharm el Sheikh might not offer.

Cheers again for the advice,

Al and Em

We've again changed our minds again, looking back at the Greek Islands. Which island is the livelier without being to rowdy. What we would like is plenty of restaurants and bars to frequent at night and places to drive to in the day! Definitely no 18-30 resorts though.

Cheers,

Al and Em

I don't know how old you are - too polite to ask! - but I'm 27 and love Skala in Kefalonia. I'm slightly biased as my sister was a rep out there and so I was visiting her but it has just the right amount of nightlife I think.

There are plenty of tavernas for a week or two and three or four bars that are open until the last person leaves and one place for dancing - the nightlife is centered around the main street and it's all very relaxed.

There are a number of hotels facing the beach and for your budget it may be worth looking at the Makis hotel which I think Kosmar do - if you want more suggestions I can ask my sister.

I went to lassi 5 years ago and enjoyed it but it's a lot busier than Skala now - not 18-30's just bigger - the beaches are very good there but can get very busy.

I like it in late June/early July or September - the weathers not too hot and the kids are back at school!

vicky