Kefallonia (Cephalonia) holiday villa: Lourdas Bay

It was our 6th trip to Kefalonia in 4 years and we had another lovely, relaxing break. It was the views that convinced us to book Villa Santolina & we were not disappointed! I am very scared of dogs, but Angela & Malcolm were very understanding & we were introduced gradually..... and by the end of the fortnight, even I wanted to take them home with us!
The villa & pool are immaculate and Angela does a fantastic job of keeping the inside spotless, while Malcolm looks after outside areas. The welcome pack was a nice gesture and they seem to have thought of everything that you might need while you are away. We felt that they couldn't do enough for us without being in our face, which was just how we like it. There was an issue with the front door lock on the first day and they got onto it straight away to get it fixed, and were so apologetic, even though it wasn't there fault - these things happen and the way they reacted just supported our view that we had come to the right place.
We had come for a relaxing break so spent most of our time by the pool, taking in the views. We loved sitting on the balcony upstairs at night to watch the stars and look out to sea! It was so peaceful and away from it all. It made a nice change to be able to sit by the pool and not hear kids screaming as they jumped in and out of their pool at a nearby villa, as the neightbours here are a good distance away.
We would strongly recommend a hire car to make the most of your stay at the villa.
If the weeks we wanted weren't already booked, we would have booked for next year as we enjoyed it that much! Book it - you won't be disappointed!!

Our great week was rounded off with thunder, lightning and torrential rain on Friday - quite spectacular to stand on your balcony and watch the lightning flashing round the bay.
Malcolm and Angela were the perfect hosts and more. It appeared nothing was too much trouble and no question was too stupid. The 3 dogs Tosca, Max and Hobo kept us entertained and provided a regular welcoming committee on return from trips out! When the 2 cats had a quiet moment from escaping the dogs they were more than happy to 'chill' with you.
The villa is absolutely wonderful with everything you are likely to need - the pictures don't say nearly enough really. You have to experience it to appreciate it - a perfect place to truly relax.
A trip round the local area with Malcolm on our first day was so helpful - providing us with the important local landmarks quickly- drinking, eating, swimming, shopping as was the welcome pack provided. Recommendations for eating places & day trips from both Malcolm and Angela were spot on and Malcolm's timings were frustratingly accurate!!
The pool was spotless and really inviting so most days I gave in even if I had been to the beach!
A car is an absolute must especially if you want to see other parts of the island and properly appreciate the physical aspects of the country - we did a lot but there's plenty more for another time. A week went so quickly. If you are picking your car up from the airport as we did, the directions that Angela and Malcolm provide for you are perfect, so no worries on that score.
We visited Argostoli, Assos, Fiskardo, Sami, Poros, Skala and Kortelios to name just a few with the Klimatis taverna down at the bay our favourite eating place. The greek night at the Andromeda was a truly lively experience as well.
We have already and will continue to recommend this property to friends,relatives and work colleagues. The combination of our hosts, the villa and the island itself gave us a wonderful week to remember, so Thank You.

Wonderful holiday. Sun, sun, sun and more sun for 2 weeks. Villa was immaculate. All facilities available, air con worked brilliantly (you need it in August as temperatures were 40C+ when we stayed) spotlessly clean and very comfortable. Angela, Malcolm and the dogs were brilliant. Collected us from the airport, excellent welcome pack in the villa on arrival. Malcolm showed us where to eat & visit on the island. His advice was invaluable and always accurate. The dogs were great, we miss them!
The pictures on this page do not do justice to how good this villa really is. You will need a car to make the most of this beautiful island - Ithaka is a must also. Tavernas and Greek food was high quality. Andromeda, Klematis and The Premier were our favourites.
We will definitely return.
Angela & Malcolm - Thanks for a lovely holiday