If you’re dreaming of a Greek holiday where epic mountain views meet a dead impressive, stylish beach, Lourdas is the one. This charming, hillside village is nestled right below the stunning Mount Ainos, delivering a true slice of Kefalonia.
Why do people love going on holidays to Lourdas?
Mount Ainos Backdrop: The village is dramatically set against the massive national park mountain, creating a gorge, unique visual contrast with the blue Ionian Sea below.
The Stunner Beach: Lourdas boasts a long, golden-sandy stretch set in a sweeping bay, offering plenty of space and incredibly clear, calm water for swimming.
Relaxed, Chilled Vibe: It avoids the bustling and hustling of larger resorts, keeping a tranquil, traditional feel that is perfect for a proper boujee escape.
Amazing Sunset Views: Due to its south-facing position, the bay lights up with incredible colours as the sun sets over the sea, offering breathtaking, romantic views every evening.
What is the best time to visit Lourdas?
Deciding when to book your Lourdas holidays means choosing your perfect temperature for relaxing on that mahoosive beach or hiking in the hills. Kefalonia enjoys long, sunny seasons, so the question is whether you want the scorching, sizzling heat perfect for swimming, or the milder, more comfortable conditions for exploring the stunning landscape.
Spring
Weather Vibe: The temperatures are building beautifully, sitting around a pleasant 18-22°C-absolutely ideal for comfortable sightseeing and enjoying the clear, fresh air.
Holiday Vibe: The island is covered in vibrant wildflowers; the atmosphere is calm, and you can enjoy the peaceful swanky tavernas before the summer crowds arrive.
Jolly Focus: Perfect for challenging yourself with a hike up Mount Ainos (the national park is a top-tier stunner) or exploring the nearby countryside trails.
Foodie Focus: Finding a quiet, delish restaurant terrace for an evening meal and sampling the famous local Robola wine at one of the vineyards.
Summer
Weather Vibe: Get ready for big-time sizzling heat, with temperatures easily reaching 28-30°C and higher; the sea is wonderfully warm, and the sun is on-job.
Holiday Vibe: This is peak beach season! The bay is buzzing with families; the water is warm, and the beachfront bars are popping off with great, relaxed energy.
Jolly Focus: Primarily dedicated to water activities, sunbathing on the whopping beach, and cooling off with a proper ice-cold drink, maybe a cheeky cocktail.
Foodie Focus: Enjoying late, well-deserved feasts right on the beachfront, focusing on fresh fish and local specialities after a long, sunny day.
Autumn
Weather Vibe: The peak heat subsides beautifully, settling into a comfortable 22-26°C; the sea remains wonderfully warm, making it 10/10 for swimming and boat trips.
Holiday Vibe: Just about the right time for a swanky getaway; the summer crowds have gone, but the weather is still on point.
Jolly Focus: Ideal for couples who want booming sun without the fuss of the tourist rush, allowing for easy breezy days and exploring a bunch of the island's many hidden gems.
Foodie Focus: Taking advantage of the beautiful evenings for relaxed, late dinners, and trying the local meat pie-a proper whopper of a traditional dish. (They were made here before the UK believe it or not)
Winter
Weather Vibe: Cooler and generally quiet, with average daily highs around 13-17°C; you'll need layers, but the days are often bright, offering a peaceful break.
Holiday Vibe: The quietest time to visit, offering a truly local feel; many resorts quieten down, but the capital of the island, Argostoli, still provides a cosy, authentic Greek atmosphere.
Jolly Focus: Perfect for quiet walks along the dramatic coastline and using the village as a calm base for exploring the historical parts of the island.
Foodie Focus: Finding a cosy, welcoming spot for a hot drink or one of the many tasty traditional meals to keep you warm after a day spent outside.
What are the best beaches/coves to visit on your Lourdas holidays?
The coastline is the main star of your Lourdas holidays, featuring its own stunning, long beach, but also offering easy access to some beautiful, smaller coves nearby. Get ready for on-point views and incredibly clear Ionian water on your top-notch break.
Lourdas Beach: The long, main beach of golden sand and shingle, backed by lush green cliffs-it's a proper stun setting with calm, clear water and plenty of sunbeds.
Trapezaki Beach: Just around the bay, a quieter, sheltered beach with soft sand and shallow water, making it perfect for the littluns and gentle swimming.
Kanali Beach: A beautiful, hidden-gem beach known for its sandy shore and serene atmosphere, offering a perfect, quiet escape from the main bay.
Agios Thomas Beach: A small, picturesque sandy cove with a large rock in the middle of the bay, making it a great spot for snorkelling and sunbathing.
Things to do on your Lourdas holidays?
While Lourdas is perfect for relaxation, your holidays here offer a whopping mix of natural exploration and proper local culture. Don't spend all day lounging about-get out and discover the beaut natural wonders nearby!
Drive Up Mount Ainos National Park: Take a drive or hike up the mahoosive mountain for spectacular 10/10 panoramic views across the entire island and out to Zakynthos.
Visit the Melissani and Drogarati Caves: Take a day trip to see these two major natural stunners-Melissani with its sunken lake and Drogarati with its enormous, stylish cavern.
Hire a Motorboat: Rent a small, snazzy motorboat from the beach to explore the secluded coves and clear blue water of the southern coastline at your own pace.
Explore the Capital, Argostoli: Take a short drive to the main town for a whopping day of shopping, browsing the market, and watching the Caretta turtles in the harbour.
Visit the Sissia Monastery: Walk up to the hillside monastery (or the ruins of the old one) for a peaceful afternoon and stunning, elevated views over the bay.
Enjoy a Local Greek Night: Find one of the many family-run tavernas that host traditional Greek nights with music and dancing-a proper fun, memorable evening out.
