Joining my family on an economy flight from London Stansted Airport to Greece, we were pleasantly surprised by the VIP treatment we received at Jet2holidays’ check-in. The atmosphere was lively and almost like a party. It’s no wonder that Jet2holidays was voted as 2023’s top provider of beach and resort package holidays by Which? magazine, and named the Travel Brand of the Year in 2022.
In contrast, the Ryanair check-in area next door felt dull and functional. At the Jet2 bag drop, we were greeted by a cheerful pilot and cabin crew ‘face in hole’ photo board, fake palm trees, deck chairs, and a queue system marked by red-and-white balloon archways. Jet2holidays staff wearing bright-red T-shirts were stationed every 20 yards, ready to assist with travel inquiries, hand out stickers to children, and help with the bag drop machines.
Unfortunately, our 2.50pm flight to Kefalonia was delayed by about 90 minutes due to air traffic control restrictions and a fire alarm incident. Despite the delay, our spirits lifted once we were in the air. Even though our seats in row 11 were windowless, the flight was enjoyable. The crew were upbeat, the pilots sounded cheerful over the PA system, and the pre-ordered food surpassed what is typically offered by other budget airlines.
For the adults, we had Four Cheese Tortellini & Mediterranean Vegetables (£10) and Moroccan Vegetable Tagine (£10), while our six-year-old daughter enjoyed Macaroni Cheese (£7.50). Along with the meals, we were treated to delicious pots of chocolate mousse, crackers and cheese, and our daughter received extra treats like Cadbury Buttons, Bear Yoyo fruit snacks, and a smoothie. She even had an activity pack with crayons to keep her entertained.
Upon arrival at Kefalonia International Airport, we received a text message from our Jet2holidays customer helper, ‘Angie’, providing us with a contact number in case we needed assistance. Representatives were waiting outside the terminal to direct us to our hotel-transfer coach. The journey to our hotel, the Electra Kefalonia Hotel & Spa, took only around 10 minutes.
The Electra Kefalonia Hotel & Spa, while fairly nondescript, was modern, comfortable, and relaxing. The friendly and attentive staff, along with the lovely terrace-side swimming pool and views of the Ionian Sea, made our stay pleasant. The hotel offers 34 rooms and is rated as ‘four-star plus’ by Jet2holidays. From our executive room with a sea view and private plunge pool, to the consistently tasty food served in the restaurant and the excellent local white wine, we couldn’t complain.
Though some may find the proximity to the airport runway less appealing, we found it rather thrilling. Seeing the planes fly by while lounging by the pool and palm trees added an exotic touch to our stay. However, not everyone shared the same sentiment.
The Electra served as a great base for exploring the island. We rented a Toyota Aygo through Thrifty, which was arranged by Jet2holidays. Despite its small size and lack of power, we found it perfect for navigating the narrow village roads and crowded beach car parks. We received excellent service from the friendly staff at Thrifty, who didn’t try to sell us unnecessary insurance.
With the help of Georgios, a receptionist at the Electra, we discovered some of the most beautiful beaches and villages on the island. Armed with a tourist map and Georgios’s recommendations, we set off to explore the twisty Kefalonia roads. One of our favorite villages was Assos, with its picturesque harbor, small beach, and various taverna options. The service at Estiatorio Platanos, located slightly away from the water, was friendly, and the kid goat dish with lemon, yogurt, and rice was a standout.
We also had the chance to visit Antisamos beach, which was highly recommended by Georgios. While the location was stunning, the experience was marred by excessively loud dance music being played at one of the bars and a large number of wasps. However, our visit to Ai Helis beach was more enjoyable. It was just a short drive from the Electra and offered a small bay with golden sand, a lifeguard, and a convenient food and drink service. We couldn’t resist dining at Sea Salt, a restaurant located halfway up one of the cliffs overlooking the beach. The Greek salads were delightful, and we couldn’t help but appreciate the beachgoers frolicking in the azure waters.
As our trip came to an end, we made our way back to the airport.
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