If you want a really traditional Greek wedding out-of-season then how about coming for one of these popular holidays. Although there are no direct charter flights to the island in these periods, you can fly direct to Athens with Olympic Airlines, and board  a connecting flight to the island. If you prefer, you can take the coach from Athens to Patra and sail by ferry to Sami where a taxi will be waiting to take you to your villa or hotel.

You might take the opportunity to break your journey in Athens, staying at a central hotel (recommendation here) for one or two nights, and visit the famous landmarks and archaeological sites. After your break, you can continue the journey by plane of coach and ferry – the choice is yours.

In Kefalonia there are several hotels and villas which are open all year round; some have central heating, and others have open fireplaces, adding a certain magic to your wedding and honeymoon stay. Some winters are very mild (2006 was a prime example),  so you may not need to take advantage of these facilities, but what could be more romantic than cuddling up together in front of a blazing log fire with a good bottle of Kefalonian wine?

Christmas is like Christmas anywhere (though perhaps a little more relaxed, and a little less commercialised!), with decorated shops, streets and village houses. The main square in Argostoli is especially impressive with the palm trees festooned with fairy lights, and a general buzz in the air. Sometimes there is snow in the mountains, so hire a Jeep, take a flask of hot soup and off you go.

You probably already know that the Orthodox Church uses a different calculation from the other Christian Churches  in order to arrive at the date for Easter each year. In 2008 the non-Orthodox (i.e. UK) Easter Sunday falls on March 23rd,  whereas the Greek Orthodox Easter is on April 27th, so you could come either for the Western Easter holidays or the Orthodox holidays – or for both!

The festivals are fantastic, traditionally kites are flown and at the churches there are candlelit processions, decorating of the icons with flowers and, at midnight, the firework displays. Traditionally the Easter meal is a spit roast outside with everyone having a go at turning the meat. Plenty of wine is flowing and a very merry, relaxed atmosphere is all around.

The weather is generally good, with pleasantly warm days, great for strolling along the spring flowered pathways.