Kefalonia is a stunning Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its exotic beaches, picturesque villages, mysterious caves, and lush nature. It is the largest and most diverse of the Ionian islands, offering something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday by the sea, an adventurous exploration of the island’s natural wonders, or a cultural immersion in the local history and traditions, Kefalonia has it all!
But how do you get to this paradise island? And once you are there, how do you move around and discover its hidden gems? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips and tricks to make your trip to Kefalonia unforgettable!
How to get to Kefalonia by plane
The easiest and fastest way to get to Kefalonia is by plane. The island has an international airport (EFL) located near the capital, Argostoli. There are direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round, as well as from many European cities during the summer season. You can check the flight schedules and prices on
Skyscanner
or
Kayak
.
The flight from Athens takes about 45 minutes, while the flight from Thessaloniki takes about an hour. The airport is small and easy to navigate, and there are taxis and buses available outside to take you to your destination. You can also rent a car at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.
How to get to Kefalonia by ferry
If you are traveling from mainland Greece or from another Greek island, you can also take a ferry to Kefalonia. There are four main ports on the island: Sami, Poros, Argostoli, and Fiskardo. The most frequent ferry connections are from Killini and Patra in the Peloponnese region. You can check the ferry schedules and prices on
Ferryhopper
or
Direct Ferries
.
The ferry from Killini takes about 1.5 hours and arrives at either Poros or Argostoli. The ferry from Patra takes about 3 hours and arrives at Sami. Both Killini and Patra are easily accessible by bus or train from Athens or other major cities in Greece. You can also take your car on board the ferry if you want to explore the island by road.
If you are coming from another Ionian island, such as Corfu, Zakynthos, Ithaca, or Lefkada, you can also find direct or indirect ferry routes to Kefalonia. The ferry from Zakynthos takes about 1 hour and arrives at Pessada, a small port near Argostoli. The ferry from Ithaca takes about 30 minutes and arrives at Sami or Fiskardo. The ferry from Lefkada takes about 3 hours and arrives at Fiskardo. The ferry from Corfu takes about 6 hours and arrives at Sami.
How to get to Kefalonia by cruise ship
Another option to get to Kefalonia is by cruise ship. Many cruise lines include Kefalonia in their itineraries around the Mediterranean Sea, especially during the summer months. You can check the cruise options and prices on
Cruise Critic
or
Cruise Direct
.
The cruise ships usually dock at Argostoli or Sami, where you can disembark and explore the island for a few hours or a full day. You can join an organized shore excursion offered by your cruise company or arrange your own tour with a local guide or taxi driver. You can also rent a car or a scooter at the port if you want more freedom and flexibility.
How to get around Kefalonia
Once you are on the island, there are several ways to get around and see its beauty. Depending on your budget, preferences, and itinerary, you can choose one or more of the following options:
-
Car:
Renting a car is probably the best way to get around Kefalonia, as it gives you the most convenience and independence. You can find many car rental agencies at the airport, the ports, and the main towns. You can also book your car online in advance to get better deals and availability. The roads on the island are generally well-maintained and signposted, but some of them are narrow, winding, and steep, so drive carefully and follow the speed limits. You will need a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit if you are not from the EU. The average cost of renting a car is around 30 euros per day. -
Bus:
Taking the bus is a cheaper and more eco-friendly way to get around Kefalonia, but it is also less frequent and reliable. There is a public bus service (KTEL) that connects the main towns and villages on the island, as well as some of the popular beaches. You can check the bus timetables and fares on
KTEL Kefalonia
. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, but they can get crowded and delayed during peak season. You can buy your tickets at the bus stations or on board. The average cost of a bus ticket is around 2 euros. -
Taxi:
Taking a taxi is a convenient and fast way to get around Kefalonia, but it is also more expensive and less available. You can find taxis at the airport, the ports, and the main towns, or you can call one in advance. You can also book your taxi online or through an app, such as
Taxibeat
or
Taxiplon
. The taxis are metered and regulated, but they can charge extra for luggage, night fares, or waiting time. You can also negotiate a fixed price with the driver before you start your journey. The average cost of a taxi ride is around 1 euro per kilometer. -
Scooter:
Renting a scooter is a fun and adventurous way to get around Kefalonia, but it is also more risky and challenging. You can find many scooter rental agencies at the airport, the ports, and the main towns. You can also book your scooter online in advance to get better deals and availability. You will need a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit if you are not from the EU. You will also need to wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules. The roads on the island are not very suitable for scooters, as they are often narrow, winding, steep, and busy. The average cost of renting a scooter is around 15 euros per day. -
Bicycle:
Renting a bicycle is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around Kefalonia, but it is also more tiring and limited. You can find some bicycle rental agencies at the airport, the ports, and the main towns. You can also book your bicycle online in advance to get better deals and availability. You will need to wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules. The roads on the island are not very suitable for bicycles, as they are often narrow, winding, steep, busy, and without bike lanes. The average cost of renting a bicycle is around 10 euros per day. -
Boat:
Renting a boat is an exciting and scenic way to get around Kefalonia, but it is also more costly and weather-dependent. You can find many boat rental agencies at the ports and some of the beaches. You can also book your boat online in advance to get better deals and availability. You will need a valid boat license or hire a skipper if you are not experienced. You will also need to follow the maritime rules and regulations. The sea around the island is calm and clear, but it can get rough and windy at times. The average cost of renting a boat is around 100 euros per day.
We hope this blog post has helped you plan your trip to Kefalonia! This island is truly a gem in the Ionian Sea, with so much to offer to its visitors. Whether you choose to fly, sail, or cruise to Kefalonia, you will be amazed by its beauty and charm!
