First Timer October

[Pegasus]

Hi all, we have a family holiday booked starting on the 3rd of October staying at Villa Olivia in Lourdas. A few questions if anyone can help. Which would be best, hire a car from the airport and try and find the villa ! or get a taxi from the airport and get hire cars delivered to villa ? any recommendations on car hire companies ? Also I am a diver and would like to get a few days diving in if possible, are the dive operators still open at this time of year ? any advice and information gratefully received.
Many thanks in advance.

[bucephalus01]

Hi Pegasus

You always get a lot of conflicting answers when you ask about car hire on a Board like this. Everyone has their favourite.

If you're traveling through a package holiday you might be better using their transfer because they will definitely know the way.

Alternatively there will definitely be people on here who know Lourdas well enough to give you directions.

Shop around the various companiesand see which deal you fancy., just making sure that you are comparing like-with-like on Insurance cover, because some of them skimp to offer a seemingly low price.

I've managed to get a Kia picanto from Susan at cbr for 2 full weeks from 12th Sept for €275, picking up at the airport.

As regards diving, that's going to be tricky. The closest to Lourdas is Dive-In in Lassi. In July the proprietor, Steve said that he was having a bad season and it was unlikely he'd be open in September. I emailed him yesterday and not had a reply yet. so he could have closed up already. http://www.diveinkefalonia.com/index.html

Aquatic in Aghia Efemia is your best bet. They are definitely pen in september and as they do comercial diving as well could probably do something for you. The staff there are great, Makis (owner) Vassilis and Avra. Las year Aquaticy were also offering diving from one of the hotels in Skala, but I'm not sur if that's on this year. http://www.diveinkefalonia.com/index.html

Lastly there's FNEC in Fiskado. That's a bit of a trek from lourdas, but if you're new to the Island you'll probably want ot see it anyway. They do marine research, so could still be going in October. http://www.fnec.gr/scuba.htm

If you've done a Google search you've probably seen mention of Bubbles in Skala. This is no longer operating. When you're there you may see a van with "Bubbles" on it, but that a Laundrette!

I'll be back before you and will post an update on my return.

I hope you enjoy it. You can use the link to my webside to see details of various dives I've done in Kefalonia.

[Phil]

Hi Pegasus

Welcome to the board. You have come to the right place for good independant advice.

I agree with bucephalos, the dive centre at Aghia Efimia is probably the best on the island.

I'm sure daffyd will be along soon to recommend taxi transfers and/or car hire.

Are you in Lourdas for 1 or 2 weeks?

I will be there from 10-24 October.

Phil

[dafydd]

Pegasus,

If your package includes airport transfer, as bucephalus says, this may be the easiest way to get to your villa. The first time you drive from the airport to Lourdata the route may seem a little complicated.

If airport transfer is not included, then I recommend Makis, the taxi driver of the village. He will charge a total of €30.00 for up to four people and their luggage. He is very reliable. You can contact him on his mobile phone - (0030)6972336095. Alternatively, contact me with a PM or through my website and I can fax the information to Makis.

The nearest car-hire company is Neptune RentaCar in the square of Lourdata (about half a kilometre from your villa). Many people on this board have their favourites - mine is Neptune - I have used them for many years and found the service and the cars to be excellent. For more info: http//www.neptune-rentacar.com

Diving is not a subject I know about. Others are far more expert than I will ever be!!

If you require any more info, just ask. This message board is a mine of information.

regards,
dafydd

[Pegasus]

Wow , thanks a lot all, great info. We are there for a fortnight from the 3rd and there are 6 of us, looks like i need to sort out something with Makis as we do not have transfer included and it saves trying to find the villa on first drive. Dafydd sounds as though you may know the villa, can you give me a rough idea where it is in Lourdas ? Everyone is really looking forward to getting there.

Regards
Wyn

[dafydd]

Wow , thanks a lot all, great info. We are there for a fortnight from the 3rd and there are 6 of us, looks like i need to sort out something with Makis as we do not have transfer included and it saves trying to find the villa on first drive. Dafydd sounds as though you may know the villa, can you give me a rough idea where it is in Lourdas ? Everyone is really looking forward to getting there.

Regards
Wyn

Wyn,

If there are six of you I'm afraid you are going to need two taxis - that will cost you a total of €60.00! If you want me to fix it, just get in touch.

For car-hire it sounds as though you are going to need two cars if you all want to travel together - this is getting expensive!

Joking apart, if I can help, just ask.

If you look on my website you will find a map of the village.
From the road which goes from Vlachata, through the village of Lourdata and down to the beach, you take a left turn below the Lara Hotel (south side of the hotel) and, if my memory serves me correctly, the villa is about half a kilometre on the left.

regards,
dafydd.

[Pegasus]

Wow the time has flown been so busy looking forward to getting there on Sunday. Left it a bit late but going with your suggestion Dafydd and just emailed Neptune to see how much a chevrolet would be for 12 days. Could have the car dropped off at airport and get the taxi from Makis and follow him down to the villa and hire a second car after we have settled in.
Got an email from FNEC up in Fiskardo, they are open until the 20th of October so diving is still on. What's the weather like there at the moment.

[Bell]

Hi Pegasus, Today it was very cold this morning but now that the sun is up it is quite warm. It is getting quite cold at night now so suggest jackets and/or cardigans for the evenings. Have a safe journey.

[dafydd]

Pegasus,

Have a great holiday - give us a report when you get back.

regards,
dafydd.

[Phil]

Hi Wyn

I hope you all have a great holiday. I might see you there during your second week. The sea should still be warm, but as Bell suggests take something warm for cool evenings.

Cheers
Phil