Accommodations The students will stay at the Ammes Hotel and Apartments. It’s a short walk from Ammes Beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its crystal clear waters. This highly rated hotel property has a pool, gardens, panoramic views, a restaurant, and a poolside eatery. The bedrooms have air conditioning and internet access. Accommodations will be split by gender.
Service Projects Each student will provide about 20 hours of community service while on the program. The students will do surveys to track sea turtles and their nests. They’ll do beach cleanups to protect nesting grounds and monitor current nests. They’ll also learn about other important factors in the environment, including seagrass and the local marine life.
Sea Turtle Basics Kefalonia Island is a stopping ground for endangered loggerhead turtles that migrate there every spring for food, mating and nesting. Hundreds of turtles come each year, and on the island, survey teams regularly walk along the beaches to protect nests and monitor those that are incubating or hatching. They also monitor vulnerable seagrass meadows and sand dunes that are important for the turtles. Sea turtles play a vital role in the ocean environment. Among their roles is to act as a sort of mobile reef. Their carapaces or shells are home to species that commonly are food for other marine life. Threats to Survival Sea turtles face many threats. These include fishing nets, boating traffic, and pollution from plastic and other debris and chemicals. There also have been issues with people feeding them fish, which is not good for their health. Their natural diet primarily consists of various crustaceans and mollusks. Every day was packed with amazing activities, whether it was service, exploring, eating delicious greek meals, or free time. Some of my favorite memories were made doing the service part. Snorkeling and walking along the beaches at sunrise was one of my favorites life experiences to date. The conservation work here in Kefalonia is so important and I’m glad to have been a part of it. – Sofia Lopez, Rustic Pathways Alumni
Food The students will have grab-and-go breakfast foods each morning at the hotel. This may include items such as bread, fruit and eggs. Lunches and dinner will vary depending on whether the students are on a boat or on land. During the program, they’ll have the chance to try some Greek specialties, such as Greek salads or skewed meat souvlaki. There will also be other familiar food options available. Students may sample local favorites such as freshly made pizza or pasta. Kefalonia Island is known for its locally caught fish, including tuna and red snapper, and meals often feature fresh local produce. If you have a dietary restriction, please let us know in advance so accommodations can be put in place. We strive to give all students the chance to explore culinary options while on the road.
Accommodation Students will stay in comfortable, gender-separated hotel rooms with 2–5 students per room. All accommodations include private bathrooms with hot water and Western-style toilets. Depending on the session, accommodations may include: Mirtia Studios in Minia – Quiet studios with garden space, located a short walk from the beach. Sunset Beach Apartments in Minia – Simple beachfront accommodations just steps from the water. Residents Ionian in Argostoli – A bed and breakfast near several beaches and local shops. All accommodations offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a safe, welcoming environment for students.
Kefalonia Island Kefalonia or Cephalonia Island is the sixth largest island in Greece and is in the Ionian Islands region west of the Greek mainland. It is said to be named after the mythological figure of Cephalus, son of Hermes. It’s had a number of rulers over the centuries, including the Romans and Venetians. It was transferred from a British protectorate to Greece in 1864. Today most of the island’s residents live in the towns of Argostoli and Lixouri. The island is rich in biodiversity. It has a number of endemic and rare species. More than 200 species of birds can be seen on the island. Plus, a small population of endangered Mediterranean monk seals also lives on the island’s coast.
Argostoli Harbor Over 300 adult and sub-adult sea turtles swim in the Bay of Argostoli and the Koutavos Lagoon throughout the summer, with some of them even staying over winter. Every morning, many of these turtles concentrate on the Argostoli harbor, where fishing boats return with the morning’s catch. This gives us the unique opportunity to study their feeding behavior and their social interactions. Most of Argostoli harbor front is lined with palm trees and laid with an attractive design of black and white pebbles. In the mornings, it is bustling with life as much of the town’s commercial activity is centered around the harbor, including picturesque fishing boats displaying their catch of the day.
What’s Included in Your Program Program Leaders & Guides English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders Airport Transportation Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport Comfortable Accommodations All nights of accommodation All Meals Included Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay Ground Transportation All transportation between program locations and activities All Activities Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary 24/7 Support On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind Emergency Coverage Included emergency evacuation assurance plan All Fees & Tips Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips What’s Not Included in Your Program International Flights Souvenirs Additional Snacks Visa Expenses Passport Fees