Discover The Mythical, Magical Steps Of Odysseus In Kefalonia With Friendship Travel.

Marion Ainge traces the steps of Odysseus in Kefalonia on a Friendship Travel solo/singles adventure.

Mythical Greek hero Odysseus was desperate to get home to Ithaca, following the Trojan war. But his clash with the Cyclops, Poseidon’s angry seas and nymph Calypso’s charms plus other danger-filled obstacles, delayed his journey which ultimately took ten years.

Kefalonia to Ithica

From our hotel near Kefalonia’s capital Argostoli, it’s merely a short coach ride and an hour and a half’s boat trip from Skala in the south of the island to Ithaca. This small, magical island of natural beauty rests in the glittering emerald waters of the Ionian Sea. It’s lush green landscapes, golden sanded and pebble beaches, picturesque villages, archaeological sites and mythical links attract many visitors from both the UK and all over the world.

As we dock at the charming town of Vathy, our ferry master, Captain Vangelis, 74, surprises us with a well-practised, backward somersault into the sea. We cheer and applaud. I sit with new-found friends at a harbourside cafe, admiring the view and sipping an ice-cold watermelon crush through a straw. I imagine, after a challenging 10 years, as he waded ashore from his ship, Odysseus immediately would have looked forward to downing a glass or two of the local retsina.

Kefalonia

I’m on a week’s stay at The newly opened Coudour Boutique Hotel in Pessada, near Argostoli in the southwest of Kefalonia. Our genial host, Jean meets and greets everyone with a smile at the airport to accompany them to our beautiful, independently- owned hotel. Jean’s with us for the whole week, keeping us together and providing information and guidance.

Located in a quiet, residential area, this stylish hotel is the epitome of peaceful rest and relaxation. It’s adults only and there’s no loud music. I completely forget about the tv in my room and didn’t switch it on once. Each of the twenty nine spacious bedrooms has a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, fridge and double bed and rainfall shower room.

My room affords stunning mountain and garden views – so nice to wake up to. The lovely restaurant overlooks well-kept, mature borders of flowers, palms, shrubs and trees and the pool area has plenty of sunbeds and chairs around the surrounding paved area.

It’s very hot so we’re all glad of a splash around or a swim to cool off now and then. There’s a also a massage tent, pool table and small gym. Ever-smiling staff are friendly and always helpful.

Spartia

Within the tiny village of Spartia, following a gentle, 20-minute stroll away along country lanes, you’ll find a couple of cafe bars and mini markets with a local beach a bit further on. Car hire might well be a good idea as the hotel area isn’t near a bus route. Taxis are available. A few of us hire a minibus to spend a wonderful day at Lassi beach which has sunbed hire, a restaurant and other facilities. The temperature is still rising so we can hardly wait to paddle or swim in the sparkling, crystal clear Ionian Sea.

We’re a mixed group of fifteen with an average age of between 50 and 70 and we soon settle in. Quite a few had met each other on previous Friendship Travel holidays. First time solo travellers can sometimes find it a bit daunting to travel alone but the award-winning, long-established Friendship Travel’s wide choice of villa/hotel summer and winter holidays provides a safe environment where it’s easy to make friends, enjoy great company and feel comfortable. And there are no single supplements. This proven recipe for success prompts guests to return year after year.

Jenny, 76, from Ipswich, has been holidaying with Friendship Travel for 18 years. ‘I love Friendship Holidays,’ she says.’ I felt happy and comfortable from my first visit, and I’ve made so many friends. Some of us meet up every year’. Our group members bond quickly. In the evenings we meet al fresco on the bamboo-covered terrace for a pre-dinner drink and a chat. The scent of rosemary, mint, basil and thyme hangs in the hot, humid air. In the restaurant we sit at two long tables.

The three selections of starters include delicious crunchy, fresh salads. The home-made moussaka is truly the best I’ve ever tasted and there’s half a bottle of wine per person included with the meal every evening. On two nights we dine at local restaurants. The breakfast buffet provides a feast of baked eggs, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, cold meats, cheeses, croissants, crusty bread, honey and jams. Plus, of course, thick creamy Greek yoghurt – none of that low fat stuff here!

Known for its glorious beaches and backcloth of wooded mountains, Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island, was the setting for the Second World War romance-themed novel and film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. A selection of excursions (at additional cost,) is provided by local company KCG Excursions. Because I’m fascinated with Greek mythology, I choose the Fiscardo Island Tour (£75) which includes a visit to two caves.

The Drogerati Cave was discovered only 300 years ago when an earthquake destroyed part of the cave creating an entrance. It’s thought to be more than 100 million years old, contains numerous stalactites and stalagmites and the main chamber has incredible acoustics. When Maria Callas visited the cave she was so amazed at the acoustics that she burst into song.

In Melissani Cave, our boatman sings ‘O sole mio’ as he dips the paddles silently into the deep, underground lake through the two, dark echoing chambers. Sunlight streams though a huge opening at the top of the cave, sending shimmering rays to illuminate the turquoise underground lake which is connected to the sea. Legendary mythical water nymphs used to sing and dance in the cave. Beautiful nymph Melissani fell for god Pan.

He didn’t reciprocate. She jumped into the lake. Her life was over. The end. Silly girl!

But there’s always another willing victim.