Uncover Kefalonia's Hidden Gem: Forestata Village Awaits!
Forestata Village: Kefalonia's Secret – Let's Dive In (Good and… Not So Good)
Alright, travel junkies! You want a real Kefalonia experience, not just the tourist traps, eh? Well, let's talk Forestata Village. I just finished my stay, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Strap in, because this review is going to be REAL. We're talking the good, the bad, and the… well, the utterly confusing.
The Good Stuff (Because There Is Good Stuff, I Swear!)
First of all, the location. Forestata is tucked away, off the beaten path, which is exactly what I wanted. It's a hidden gem alright. Getting there? Well, that’s where the adventure begins. Accessibility is…challenging. Let's just say those rolling suitcases might need some serious muscle. Car park [free of charge] is a blessing (because Greek parking… shudders).
Okay, so you've conquered the roads! The views! Holy Moly. Pool with view doesn’t even begin to describe it. Picture this: shimmering turquoise water, rolling hills fading into the horizon, and that perfect Kefalonian sun baking down. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely glorious. I spent a solid afternoon just… existing there. Bliss. They had a poolside bar, but the drinks… let's just say they were improving slowly as the week went on. More on that later.
Speaking of drinks, the village clearly cares about Cleanliness and safety. Tons of Hand sanitizer around, visible Hygiene certification - you know, the reassuring stuff in these Covid times. Rooms sanitized between stays - definitely a plus for peace of mind. And the staff? They seemed genuinely invested in safety and making everyone feel comfortable. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which always makes me breathe a little easier when traveling.
The rooms themselves? Pretty darn good. They’re not the Ritz, but the air-conditioning blasted icy air, the blackout curtains were a godsend for those afternoon siestas (essential!), and the Wi-Fi [free] actually worked – a minor miracle! The additional toilet in my room was a welcome luxury, and the complimentary tea and coffee was a lifesaver in the mornings. They even had bathrobes and slippers, which, come on, is total vacation vibes. I felt a right queen, I tell ya. The private balcony, complete with a window that opens, was perfect to take in that fresh, salty air. I also appreciated the on-demand movies for those lazy evenings.
Oh, and the Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, not all breakfast buffets are created equal. This one? Pretty solid. Asian breakfast with some great, homemade pastries. They had coffee/tea in restaurant, and you could get your mitts on some fresh juice. Breakfast takeaway service? Yes, indeed. You could fill up a box and bring it back to the room--genius, especially when you are super hungover.
The Mixed Bag (Where Things Get… Interesting)
Now, about that internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – yes! Internet access – wireless? Yes! But… and this is a big but… it’s not the fastest. I needed to upload a HUGE video file for work, and let's just say it took a while. You might need to pace yourself! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services were all available.
The dining. While the restaurants offered some decent options… well, let's be honest, it's a work in progress. The A la carte in restaurant was available, but the menu was a bit limited. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was an unexpected highlight. The Western cuisine in restaurant wasn't bad either. The salad in restaurant? Fresh and crisp. The desserts in restaurant were pretty basic. I could get a bottle of water, and they had a snack bar, I took advantage of the Happy hour.
The Poolside Bar had the potential, I will admit the bartender was a nice guy. The drinks? They… got better over the course of the week. The first couple of days were a bit… experimental. The cocktails either tasted like pure sugar or nothing at all. But honestly, the slow improvement became part of the charm. You were rooting for the guy!
The "Needs Improvement" Zone (Let's Be Honest Here)
Accessibility is not the strong suit. While the hotel does offer facilities for disabled guests, the overall layout is not ideal for those with mobility issues.
The Spa/sauna - didn't try it. They had a Sauna, Spa, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap.
For the kids. They advertised Family/child friendly and offered Babysitting service and Kids meal, I never saw children there.
Getting Around. While they offered airport transfer and Taxi service, the lack of public transport in the area is a real pain. Renting a car is pretty much essential.
Services and conveniences. They had a Cash withdrawal, pretty useful when you're broke like me!
Things to Do… in the village? Well, not a ton actually. The beauty is the quiet. The Fitness center? I peeked in, and it was small but functional. The Gym/fitness? Same deal. You’re definitely there for the relaxation – the ways to relax.
Let’s Talk About… My Most Memorable Moment
Ok, so I needed a meeting/banquet facilities. I was so incredibly jet-lagged and had a huge presentation to put together and present. The staff were amazing. They saw me looking totally frazzled and offered me a quiet corner in the lounge (complete with air conditioning in public area and Wi-Fi for special events) and even brought me a pot of hot tea. The meeting stationery was basic but workable, and the projector/LED display was thankfully available. The fact that they went that extra mile, that’s what sold me.
The Verdict? (Would I Go Back?)
Honestly? Yeah, I would. Forestata Village isn't perfect. But it has a certain je ne sais quoi. It's got soul and a feeling of authentic Kefalonian beauty that you won’t find in the sprawling resorts. And hey, the imperfections are part of the charm. It’s a place where you can genuinely disconnect, breathe, and soak up the Greek sun without the tourist crowds.
My "Getaway to Kefalonia's Secret Offer:
Book your own slice of paradise at Forestata Village and get:
- 15% off your stay!
- A complimentary cocktail from the bar!
- Free access to the sauna & steamroom !
- Free Car Park [on-site]!
- And a guaranteed unforgettable escape away from the crowds!
Here's the deal: Use code FORESTATAESCAPE when you book on the hotel website by [Date]. This offer is valid for stays between [Date] and [Date] – so don't delay!
Forestata Village. It's not perfect, but it's real. And trust me… it's worth it.
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Κεφαλονιά Chaos: Forestata & Beyond (A Very Real Itinerary)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect trip. This is MY trip to Forestata, Kefalonia, Greece, and it's probably going to be a glorious, slightly chaotic mess. Prepare yourselves. And maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol.
Day 1: Arrival & The Olive Oil Odyssey (aka, "I'm Pretty Sure I Sprayed Bug Spray in My Mouth")
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Kefalonia Airport. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage isn't chilling in Reykjavik. Immigration – sweaty palms, check. Passport stamp – SUCCESS!
- Side Note: Seriously, why do they ALWAYS make you take your shoes off at security when you're travelling with sandals? It's cruel.
- Mid-Morning (ish): Pick up the rental car. It's a terrifyingly tiny Fiat Panda, and I'm pretty sure it's seen better days. Named her "Athena" for good luck. (Probably should've named her "The Wrecking Ball").
- Late Morning: The "Olive Oil Odyssey" begins! (It sounds way more exciting than it is, trust me.) Found a charming little olive oil farm near Forestata. The family was lovely, but the tasting… well, let's just say my sinuses are still vibrating. The guide, bless his heart, was so passionate, he practically became an olive tree.
- Messy Moment: Accidentally sprayed bug spray near my mouth when trying to swat away some particularly aggressive Kefalonian mosquitoes. Taste? Not recommended.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy at sampling the olive oil, followed by a brief existential crisis when I realized I might not be cut out for the "farm life."
- Afternoon: Check into my (gorgeous) Airbnb in Forestata. The view from the balcony? Breathtaking. The fact that I can't seem to figure out the coffee machine? Less breathtaking, more "mildly irritating."
- Quirky Observation: The cats in Forestata have an air of sophisticated laziness. They judge you silently as you eat your souvlaki.
- Evening: Wander through the village, finding a taverna recommended by the Airbnb host, and eat a mountain of grilled octopus. (I'm pretty sure I'm secretly part octopus, anyway.)
- Rambling Time: The stars tonight! The way the village lights twinkle. It’s all so… magical. Okay, maybe the retsina is talking. Still, the air is warm, the food is delicious, and I haven’t sworn at Athena the Panda once today. Win!
Day 2: Assos & That Bloody Steep Drive (aka, "My Break Pads Should Have Been Called")
- Morning: Attempt to navigate the winding roads to Assos. Let's just say Athena and I had a "spirited discussion" about hairpin turns.
- Imperfection: Got horribly lost, ended up driving down a goat track. Athena, the brave little car I was, endured. Luckily, a very kind local old man pointed me in the right direction. A little bit late, but saved my life.
- Mid-Morning: Arrive in Assos. The harbour is undeniably picturesque. Took about a million photos. The Venetian castle ruins are also pretty epic, but the sheer vertical climb up to them nearly killed me.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated terror during those winding roads but relief and amazement once I arrived in Assos.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a taverna in Assos. Ate way too much grilled feta and felt immensely satisfied. Spent a while people-watching – the classic activity.
- Quirky Observation: The tourists dressed in designer clothes while also sweating like they are in the Amazon rainforest. I guess that's the point of traveling right?…
- Late Afternoon: The Drive of Death (back to Forestata). It was steeper and more terrifying than the way in. My brakes were screaming bloody murder.
- Messy Moment: Nearly drove off the side of a cliff. My heart rate is currently at 300 bpm.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated adrenaline rush. I'm surprisingly not entirely sure if that was a good or a bad thing…
- Evening: Collapse in my Airbnb. The coffee machine? Still undefeated. Might just resort to instant.
Day 3: Myrtos Beach & The Sunburn Incident (aka, "Redder Than a Tomato")
- Morning: Wake up. Assess the damage. (Mostly physical – the mental damage from the previous day will take a while.) Head to Myrtos Beach.
- Mid-Morning: Myrtos! The photo's do not do it justice! It is, quite possibly, the most gorgeous beach I've ever seen. The water is a dazzling turquoise. The pebbles, somehow, are perfectly smooth. Spent the morning swimming, sunbathing, and generally feeling smug about life.
- Side Note: This is where the itinerary starts to unravel.
- Afternoon: The Sunburn Incident. (AKA, the biggest mistake of the trip.) Blissful ignorance led to hours of unprotected sun exposure. Now? I'm a walking lobster.
- Rambling Time: The pain! The heat! The utter stupidity of it all! I swore at the sun. I swore at myself. I swore at my inability to properly apply sunscreen.
- Messy Moment: Tried to apply aloe vera, but ended up missing key spots. Now have multiple patches of burning skin.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Huddled inside, nursing a cold beer (that I couldn't taste because of the sunburn on my lips), and vowing to never leave the cool shadows again. Watched the sunset from my balcony, shivering slightly.
Day 4: The Melissani Cave & A Desperate Search for Hydration (aka, "Please, Someone, Give Me Water")
- Morning: The Melissani Cave. The underground lake is stunning. The lighting is surreal. Took a boat trip, and felt (slightly) less like a lobster.
- Quirky Observation: The colour of the water is unreal. It’s like something out of a fantasy movie.
- Mid-Morning: Trying to figure out the best way to moisturize my sunburn. (It's a struggle, folks.)
- Late-Morning: A desperate search for water, food and any form of relief from my sunburn.
- Afternoon: (Still in hiding from the sun.) Maybe a quiet afternoon for the soul?
- Side Note: I'm running out of ideas and energy…
- Evening: Dinner at a taverna in Forestata. Ate some more octopus. Still have not become one with the world.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling increasingly bewildered but also strangely content.
- Rambling Time: What is life? What is the meaning of a good greek salad? What's the best way to deal with severe sunburn? All questions for another time… for now, I am going to bed.
Day 5: Departure (aka, "Goodbye, Kefalonia! I'll Be Back…with More Sunscreen")
- Morning: Check out of the Airbnb. Say goodbye to Athena (who, miraculously, survived). Head to the airport.
- Mid-Morning: Airport shenanigans. Try to remember where I put my passport.
- Afternoon: Fly home.
- Emotional Reaction: A mixture of sadness, relief, and an overwhelming need for a very long shower.
- Messy Moment: Almost forgot my sunglasses at the airport.
Overall Assessment:
Kefalonia: Absolutely stunning. Forestata: charming. My sunburning skills: In need of serious improvement!
This trip was messy, chaotic, and imperfect. It was also, undeniably, one of the best experiences of my life. Now go forth, explore, and get your own sunburn!
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Uncover Kefalonia's Hidden Gem: Forestata Village Awaits! - (Or Does It Really?) - A Messy FAQ
So, Forestata. Worth the trek? You know, *really* worth it?
Okay, let's be honest. That question's a minefield, isn't it? "Worth it" is subjective. Like, I went. I saw. My ankles *still* ache from some of those cobblestone paths. And the drive up...well, let's just say my rental car, a lovely little Fiat, felt like it was auditioning for a demolition derby. Worth it for the Instagram shots? Maybe. Worth it for a soul reset? Potentially.
Here's the deal: Forestata *feels* remote. Beautifully, achingly, authentically remote. It's not like the beach resorts with their pristine pools and pre-fab sunsets. It's *real*. Think crumbling stone houses, cats lounging even more luxuriously than you are on your vacation, and a silence that hums with the energy of centuries.
But...and there's always a "but," isn't there? The last time I went, I got a bit lost – the signs are...rustic. And I swear, that mountain goat gave me the side-eye as if to say, "Another tourist lost? Predictable." Also, I’m not gonna lie, my first thought was "Is this village... haunted?" I mean, it's atmospheric. Very, very atmospheric. And the food... we'll get to the food. Let's just say, it's not always what the guidebooks rave about. But the view... oh, the view. That was the reason I went, the reason I stayed, and the reason I might go back. *Might*.
Okay, fine, the view. But what's there *to do* in Forestata? Besides, you know, contemplate your existence and the meaning of life?
Alright, practicalities. This is where you're going to get the cold, hard truth, or at least my version of it. Forestata isn’t a theme park. It's not a place you "do" things in the way you "do" things in Myrtos Beach.
You can:
- Wander: Just wander. Get lost in the alleyways and hope you don't stumble upon someone's prize-winning tomatoes. Watch out for the cats. They own the place.
- Hike (Sort Of): There are supposed to be trails, but honestly, I spent half my time trying to *find* them. Wear decent shoes. Trust me. And maybe pack a compass. Or a sense of humour, at least.
- Eat (and drink): *This is important*. There might be a family-run taverna. The food... as I said before... can be hit or miss. But the local wine? That's typically a winner. (Unless you're me and got absolutely hammered after a particularly dramatic conversation with a grumpy old man about the state of the world. Good times, I think?)
- Breathe: Seriously. Just breathe. The air is cleaner than anything you've probably inhaled in months. Close your eyes, listen to the bees buzzing, and try to forget your emails. It might seem impossible, but it's the best thing you can do.
And that's...pretty much it. Which, you know, is kind of the point, right? It's about *not* doing. Which is hard if, like me, you’re a hyperactive ball of anxiety. But maybe, just maybe, that’s what makes it so magical.
Speaking of food. What's the deal with eating in Forestata? Should I pack a picnic of, like, space food?
The food situation in Forestata is... an adventure. Let's leave it at that. I'm not going to say "bring your own snacks," but, well... maybe. It all depends on how ambitious you are or willing to take a chance on. Or how many gastrointestinal issues you're willing to risk.
The Good: In the best-case scenario, you'll find a small taverna. They might serve fresh, simple Greek dishes. The moussaka could be amazing. The salad will probably be fresh as anything. The local wine? Drink responsibly, even if it tastes like heaven in a bottle. (As someone who's learned the hard way, "responsibly" is key.)
The Not-So-Good: The taverna might be closed when you get there. (It's happened. More than once.) The menu might be limited. The service could be...leisurely. The food could be... well, let's just say it won't be Michelin-star quality. It's *rustic*. Which is a nice way of saying it might be a bit hit or miss. Especially if you're fussy. And some of us *are*.
My Personal Disaster Zone/Culinary Highlight: I went to a tavern there, and I ordered the 'special.' Thinking "Ooh, local secret! Must-try!" It was... goat. I'm not typically a goat-eater. And this goat... let’s just say it had a personality. Seriously. I swear, I could see the ghost of the goat glaring at me. It was tough. Chewy. I think the chef probably used it as a doorstop for a while before cooking it. BUT! The potatoes were incredible. Crispy, fluffy, seasoned to perfection. Best. Potatoes. Ever. I practically licked the plate clean. So, yeah...food roulette. But hey, you're in Greece, right? Embrace the chaos. And maybe pack some antacids. Just in case.
Is it kid-friendly? Or should I leave the little terrors at home?
Okay, this is tough. On the one hand, Forestata is refreshingly free of bouncy castles and screaming ice cream vendors. On the other hand, rocks, uneven stonework, and grumpy goats are a definite hazard for toddlers. And the kids... well, let’s say the entertainment options are limited. Unless your kids are fascinated by the sound of silence and the sight of crumbling walls, they might get bored. Very, very bored.
The Pros:
- It's safe (for the most part). No traffic (unless you count the occasional donkey).
- The cats are adorable (usually) and the local people are friendly (generally).
- It's a good lesson in appreciating the simple things.
- Fresh air!
The Cons:
- Limited amenities and restaurants.
- No playground or anything to burn off energy.
- Those darn rocks!
- Can be a challenge for strollers.
- Might have to deal with the toddler's inevitable boredom.
My Verdict: If you have kids who love exploring, are reasonably well-behaved, and can appreciate a bit of quiet, then it might be amazing. But if you have a tiny tornado who needs constant entertainment, maybe stick to the beach. Or, send the partner. And enjoy the peaceful moment.
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