While most families are booking budget airline seats and juggling carry-ons through busy terminals, Prince William and Princess Kate had something a little more polished in mind for their summer break.
Instead of queuing up for Ryanair scratch cards or sipping overpriced in-flight Jack and Cokes, the royal couple arrived in style — by private jet — on the stunning Greek island of Kefalonia.
And let’s be honest, if you were choosing the perfect island getaway with your family, Kefalonia would top a lot of lists.
It’s peaceful, full of charm, and the kind of place where life slows down — ideal for both royals and regular folks.
Kefalonia: More Than Just a Pretty Island
I recently took my own family trip to Kefalonia, and I can vouch for how special it really is.
The locals are warm and genuinely welcoming, the beaches are dazzling, and the atmosphere? Calm, quiet, and completely relaxing.
Compared to the flashy buzz of Mykonos or Santorini, Kefalonia feels like the Greek island that wants to give you a hug.
When the royals landed, they were whisked away in a discreet convoy of tinted SUVs.
In contrast, my arrival featured a one-man rental car company who gave me the keys for next to nothing and refused to accept a tip — a perfect example of the island’s famous filoxenia, or love for strangers.
Royal Company and Family Ties
William and Kate weren’t traveling solo. Alongside their three kids — George, Charlotte, and Louis — reports suggest that Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, joined them.
However, there was no sign of Charles or Camilla, and certainly no appearances from the Sussex side of the family.
The Waleses were reportedly seeking privacy and simplicity, and it seems they got just that.
Island Magic Without the Crowds
When I visited, it was during October’s half-term break — off-season and all the better for it.
Empty beaches, peaceful villages, and cozy tavernas with your pick of tables.
Waiters were more than happy to recommend hidden beaches, drawing maps on napkins and eagerly sharing local tips.
Even in peak summer, though, the laid-back charm remains.
Argostoli, the capital, offers relaxed dining, breezy waterfront cafés, and a welcome absence of tourist stampedes.
We stayed at the Kefalonia Grand, a boutique hotel that managed to be both affordable and incredibly stylish — not a bad combo at all.
Must-See Spots Fit for a Royal Itinerary
Rumor has it that the royal family visited Melissani Cave, a jaw-dropping underground lake where the midday sun filters in like a spotlight on a sapphire stage.
I visited with my kids too — and while we didn’t have it shut down for ourselves like the royals might have, a local couple did insist on sharing chocolates with my little ones the whole boat ride.
Now that’s hospitality.
Beach Days and Secret Coves
Kefalonia is all about the beaches. Sure, there’s the postcard-famous Myrtos and the cinematic Antisamos (which made a splash in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin), but my heart was stolen by Petani Beach.
The drive there — winding roads, Greek ballads on the radio, cliffs plunging into the sea — was its own kind of adventure.
Once there, we had the place almost to ourselves.
The water was a ridiculous shade of turquoise, and we ended the day with a turtle-spotting ferry ride back to town.
It felt like we were living in a storybook.
Royals on a Superyacht While We Soaked in the Villas
While the Wales family reportedly stayed aboard the $40 million luxury yacht Almax, we opted for something more down-to-earth — Eliamos, a quiet and elegant hotel made up of small villas, each with its own pool and sea view.
It’s tasteful, serene, and feels luxurious without being flashy.
Eliamos is the kind of place you should book before the influencers descend in droves.
In fact, just days after William and Kate left, Kylie Jenner arrived on the island.
Coincidence? Maybe. But Kefalonia’s secret might not stay quiet for much longer.
Plan Your Own Royal Escape
If you’re feeling inspired, it doesn’t have to cost a crown’s ransom.
Rooms at Kefalonia Grand start at £89 per night, and return Ryanair flights from Stansted can be found for around £109.
Sure, it’s not a private jet, but the beaches don’t care how you got there — once you arrive, the view’s the same.