My husband has always been a huge fan of Kefalonia – a small island just off Greece – but having an only child we’ve always opted for places with stacks of entertainment, discos and kids clubs.

However last year we booked two weeks in Lourdas a tiny resort with just a handful of shops and restaurants.

Fourteen nights with an 11-year-old boy and no water parks, kids clubs or entertainment felt like a holiday-disaster waiting to happen; but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

We arrived at the tiny Kefalonia Airport and were swiftly transported to our also tiny hotel with its 20 rooms. I was convinced I was going spent the whole holiday hearing ‘Mum I’m bored’!

Because the hotel was so small we got to know our fellow-holiday makers pretty quickly and in turn the pack of Brit kids, aged between five and 15, quickly bonded over football and swimming.

With a pool, somewhere to play football, a beach and a sprinkling of shops there was plenty to do for children.

For parents it really is a fantastic place; the scenery alone is breath-taking. White sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water; we could have been on a Caribbean island.

The Greek people were absolutely lovely where ever we went and welcomed children with open arms.

For the first time we tried self-catering and we’re so glad we did; while eating out the food was absolutely to die for. We didn’t have a bad meal in any restaurant.

If you like an authentic holiday experience it really is the place to go – we didn’t see any ‘Brits abroad’ type restaurants it was all Greek. Having said that they were also happy to cater for children with pizza and chips.

The only draw-back I would say was the cost – it was easily the most expensive holiday we have ever been. Opting for self-catering added on even more. A decent meal out with drinks and desserts typically cost us between forty and fifty euros for three of us.

Also with younger children you might want a bit more entertainment. Our hotel organised a Greek night once a week – enough for us, but others might want more.

I would heartily recommend Kefalonia; the food, scenery and people were all equally wonderful. We will definitely go back – we just need to start saving!

Things to do:
Visit the capital of Kefalonia – Argostoli and see the turtles. They are usually out at 10am around the lagoon

Take a trip to the Rabola Winery – it’s a small place so children won’t get bored but great for parents to look around and you can take some wine home.

The Melissoni Lake and Drogarati caves are great to look around but at the height of the season expect the queue for a while.

Where to eat:

Aphrodite’s, Lourdas
Stunning location overlooking the sea – the food was wonderful (huge prawns) and the staff were super-friendly.

Olive Lounge, Lourdas
Simply the nicest moussaka I’ve ever had – great place, lovely location.